1998 BMW 7 Series
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 13 of 55 complaints (24%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 35 in 1997 to 55 in 1998.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | vs. 1998 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,300–5,150 | 4,300–5,150 | 3,450–4,150 | 3,450–4,450 | 4,300–5,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 15–18 | 15–18 | 15–18 | 14–18 | 14–18 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–15 / 18–22 | 14–15 / 18–22 | 13–15 / 18–22 | 12–15 / 18–22 | 12–15 / 18–22 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 494–592 | 494–592 | 494–592 | 494–635 | 494–635 | |
| Complaints filed | 18 | 35 | 55 | 21 | 36 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 7 Series have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1998 BMW 7 Series?
Engine: 13 of 55 NHTSA complaints (24%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1998 BMW 7 Series get?
EPA rates it 15–18 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1998 BMW 7 Series?
EPA estimates $3,450–$4,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (3)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | 18 mpg (high) | $3,450 (low) | 494 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 5-spd | 8 | 4.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 15 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | 18 mpg (high) | $3,450 (low) | 494 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 12 | 5.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 13 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 10 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION · Campaign 10E021000 · May 27, 2010
Defect: FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT · Campaign 98V142000 · Jun 30, 1998
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DIFFERENTIAL PINION SHAFT WITHIN THE DIFFERENTIAL CASE ASSEMBLY WAS PRODUCED WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE SURFACE HARDENING. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE SHAFT EXPERIENCING PREMATURE WEAR.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE A NOISE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL AND, ULTIMATELY, FAILURE OF THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF DRIVE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY.