1997 BMW 740IL Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 32%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 BMW 740IL, 32% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Steering and over all control of the vehicle is compromised for no reason feels like it is disconnecting and loose clanking noises form front suspension all the time on all surfaces also a squeaky old bed frame noise appears . Concerned about family safety the vehicle is well cared for. Feels like a sloppy messy fumbling interaction between car and steering wheel also veers randomly as if it was detached from the steering system.”
NHTSA complaint #10639599, filed 2014-09, 13,100 miles“Steering and over all control of the vehicle is compromised for no reason feels like it is disconnecting and loose clanking noises form front suspension all the time on all surfaces also a squeaky old bed frame noise appears . Concerned about family safety the vehicle is well cared for. Feels like a sloppy messy fumbling interaction between car and steering wheel also veers randomly as if it was detached from the steering system.”
NHTSA complaint #10639601, filed 2014-09, 131,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Bmw 740IL. While driving 40 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The brake lights continued to illuminate, but the brakes were not effective. Also, the coil spring made a loud clunking noise. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 97v140000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs), which was issued in the spring of 1997. The failure and current mileages were 115,000. Update 09/10/08 updated 09/19/08.”
NHTSA complaint #10238016, filed 2008-08, 72,000 miles“The consumer had the same problem as stated in NHTSA recall# 97v140000 : vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Road grit and gravel associated with winter road conditions can penetrate the rubber of the lower front spring mounts and accumulate in the mounts causing notches or pits to develop. These notches can develop cracks resulting in breakage of a bottom coil of the spring. The dealership and the manufacturer informed the consumer her vehicle identifications number was not included in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10089312, filed 2004-08Related recalls
- 97V140000Aug 22, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Road grit and gravel associated with winter road conditions can penetrate the rubber of the lower front spring mounts…Covers: BMW 740IL 1995–1997, 750IL 1995–1997, 740I 1995–1997
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 BMW 740IL
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 BMW 740IL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology