1998 BMW 740IL Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 27%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 BMW 740IL, 27% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles.
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.
“No warning other than a slight anit-freeze smell. Upon checking out the odor, upper radiator neck between hose clamp and radiator just broke off spewing scalding hot fluid everywhere. Luckily hood was not completely open at the time. Radiator needed to be replaced, not repairable. Old part tossed.”
NHTSA complaint #10120227, filed 2005-05, 97,000 miles“Low coolant message came on while driving. Within a few miles, radiator cap overpresured and steam burst out while on the highway. Pulled over and was towed to the dealer. Replaced coolant hoses. 4 months later, low coolant message came on again while traveling; stopped at a service station to check level; level was very low, and a slow leak was visible. Replaced coolant reservoir assembly. 6 mos later, check engine light came on. Dealer replaced sensor. One week later, the low coolant message came on again (3rd time). Coolant was low; took to dealer for repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10116384, filed 2005-04, 80,000 miles“While driving on a higway and taking a turn over a curved portion of the highway I found the power in the steering was not functioning and the steering wheel became extremely hard. Whe I tried to brake and pull to the side the brake was also quite hard. The car had then to be towed to a Bmw dealershi, and the problem was detected and fixed. I was informed that the water pump had failed which resulted in the belts to break, causing a loss of power in the steering and the brakes. This was quite a disturbing experience whiel driving this car on a higway and could have caused a major accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #762083, filed 2002-05“Radiator blew at 70mph on the freeway. This is a known problem with this model and Bmw noth america refuses to admit there is a problem. Luckily no injuries were caused, but easily could have as the entire engine bay was sprayed with hot coolant. Antifreeze also sprayed down side of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #761288, filed 2002-04“Windshield cracked, the weather stripping separated from the window, jets for windshield wiper fluid were not aligned correctly, window regulator was replaced, sunroof rattled, dealer lubed rails and tracks and removed and replaced sunroof seal, passenger side window would not close, dealer replaced window motor.”
NHTSA complaint #558180, filed 2000-11Related service bulletins
- 10142928Dec 1, 2017SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 BMW 740IL
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 BMW 740IL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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