The 1990 BMW 735i has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 520,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING98V1780001998-08-04340,000 affected
Defect
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…
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.
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.
Consequence
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ON, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. FOLLOWING DRIVERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STOPPING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
Complaints by component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
1
Total complaints6
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“The coolant system failed. The vehicle over heated at any speed*nlm the hoses radiator and cap were replaced, however the vehicle continued to over heat. *ts *jb”
“This mustard colored module causes the computer to warn the driver of a failed parking light and/or tail light when the headlights are turned on. Every time these lights are turned on, this module sends a signal to the driver. Upon inspecting the lights when this warning occurs, the lights are…”
“When engine is running the fuel line leaks gas on the hot manifold. *ak”
“Recall 96v111000. Brake lights computer has a readout that shows a defect in this system which occurred intermittently. Dealer contacted many times and problem still exists. Also, recall 98v178000, cooling system. Radiator and water pump were replaced. Dealer contacted and did not remedy the…”
“Recall 96v111000. Brake lights computer has a readout that shows a defect in this system which occurred intermittently. Dealer contacted many times and problem still exists. Also, recall 98v178000, cooling system. Radiator and water pump were replaced. Dealer contacted and did not remedy the…”
“Recall 96v111000. Brake lights computer has a readout that shows a defect in this system which occurred intermittently. Dealer contacted many times and problem still exists. Also, recall 98v178000, cooling system. Radiator and water pump were replaced. Dealer contacted and did not remedy the…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1990 BMW 735i as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.