1988 BMW 735i recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
What could happen: IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 735I.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V178000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
Consequence: IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (5), Seats (3), Lights (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2), Steering (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
01/02/2009 · Engine
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BMW 735I. WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT SMELLED ANTIFREEZE FROM THE VENTS. THE ODOR WAS VERY STRONG AND FORCED HIM TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN. INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IS A FILM BUILD-UP OF ANTIFREEZE ON THE FRONT GLASS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE M…
03/29/2001 · Engine
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR RADIATOR CAP. TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY TOLD CONSUMER THAT RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
01/24/2001 · Engine
RECALL 98V178000/ RADIATOR RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED IN JUNE 1999, BUT VEHICLE OVERHEATED AGAIN. *AK
03/16/2000 · Engine
CONSUMERS VEHICLE RECALLED UNDER RECALL (98V-178) FOR COOLING SYSTEM, DEALER REFUSED REPAIR BECAUSE THE RADIATOR WAS MELTED DOWN DUE TO THE DEFECT. NLM
12/19/1999 · Lights
MUSTARD COLORED RELAY (TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY) 61 31 1 378 052 SOLDER POINTS FAILED (SAME AS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED LKM MOSULE)
10/26/1999 · Seats
DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE TILTING AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. MJS
10/26/1999 · Seats
DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE TILTING AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. MJS
10/26/1999 · Seats
DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE TILTING AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. MJS