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1998
BMW 740

Starts at:
$61,500
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New 1998 BMW 740
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 740IA 4dr Sdn SWB
    Starts at
    $61,500
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 740IL 4dr Sdn LWB
    Starts at
    $65,500
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1998 BMW 740 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

If I ever hit the lottery, there will be a BMW 7-series car in my palatial driveway, along with a Jaguar XJR, a Range Rover and several motorcycles.

The 7-series is precisely the kind of car you want to put your family in. It feels as strong and safe as your average bank vault.

With six air bags – and 2 more as options – in addition to traction and stability control systems, it seems unthinkable that a driver or passengers could get seriously injured in anything short of a freak accident or natural disaster – such as an airplane crashing on the car or the ground disappearing from underneath it.

PERFORMANCE, HANDLING

The 7-series comes in 740 and 750 models.

The 740 sports BMW’s 4.4-liter four-cam 32-valve V-8 engine. Horsepower is rated a robust 282.

The 750is outfitted with a 5.4-liter twin-cam V-12, an engine that cranks out 322 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. Stretched models are given the “il” designation.

Our 740il test car’s V-8 engine purred when driven easily. And if BMW hadn’t done such a fine job making the car so quiet, it would have growled when accelerating quickly. Under hard acceleration, you could hear the engine’s lovely range of mechanical noises only with the radio off.

For those of you who love what goes on under the hood, there are few finer sounds in this world.

For those of you who care more about what goes on behind the wheel, rest assured that the 740il delivers ample power and performance, respectable fuel economy and a good mixture of refined luxury combined with BMW’s traditional sporty ride.

In other words, this big, handsome sedan does it all.

The 740il weighs a hefty 4,300 pounds, yet it doesn’t feel like a lead sled. The superbly tuned four-wheel independent suspension system and the car’s great weight iron out most bumps.

When you drive over a pothole or a speed bump, all you feel is a slight inconsistency in the road’s surface. And the ride is exceptionally quiet, with only the sound of the tires rolling over the pavement reaching the inside of the car.

Unlike an antiseptic Lexus LS 400, which deprives the driver of all sensations of piloting the vehicle, the 740il leaves something for the driver’s senses.

For instance, aim the 740il into the middle of a tight curve, and you’ll feel your pulse increase slightly. The car is so flat-footed and stable, you just know instinctively that it will see you through safely.

Though you won’t typically drive this way – one hopes – it’s reassuring to know that you can count on the 740il if you suddenly have to swerve to avoid an accident.

The 740’s standard Dynamic Stability Control system automatically receives information from the car’s steering, brakes, wheels, and speedometer and uses the brakes to ensure the car goes where the driver steers it.

Speaking of steering, the power-assisted system in the 740il did not feel as crisp and responsive as is typical for a BMW: I had to turn the wheel more than usual to execute a turn.

But the power-assisted four-wheel anti-lock brakes were superb. Nobody makes better brakes than BMW, and they’re the most confidence-inspiring thing about driving the car.

FIT AND FINISH

Not only is the 7-Series BMW’s flagship, it’s also the German automaker’s rolling technology showcase.

Our test car came with the optional ($2,900) built-in navigation system. In its current form, the system has limited use and, for most drivers, probably is not worth buying. But testing the system indicates where BMW is headed in terms of integrating sophisticated technology into its cars.

The navigation system, which uses the government’s system of Global Positioning Satellites, gives a driver turn-by-turn visual and audio directions to his or her destination. The information is displayed on a small screen in the center of the dash.

If you’re familiar with the city in which you live, you wouldn’t use this function very often. However, there are other tasks the automated system can be programmed to carry out that have little to do with navigation.

For instance, if you want the car’s interior to be cool when you leave for lunch or go home for the day, you can program the ventilation system to cool the car at two preset times each day.

Or you can enter a special code that will prevent the engine from being started. That function is in addition to BMW’s superb anti-theft systems.

The navigation system’s other functions allow you to listen to television programs, set an audible warning if you exceed the speed limit and fine-tune the radio electronically, instead of by turning knobs or pressing buttons or moving switches.

The navigation system is a bit clunky to use. You have to turn and press a knob to select the function and to enter addresses. It’s slow and cumbersome and not nearly as efficient as touch-screen systems. But the system does show that computers are likely to take over more and more of a car’s functions.

All models of the 740 come with BMW’s unique HPS, or Head Protection System. Two tube-shaped air bags are concealed in the windshield frame. In the event of a severe side impact crash, they deploy and protect the driver’s or passenger’s head from striking the car.

BMW also outfits the 740 with door-mounted side-impact air bags and driver and passenger front-mounted bags. Rear-door air bags are optional.

The leather seats are firm, comfortable and supportive. The 740il has plenty of room between the front and rear seat. In fact, riding in the rear is like being chauffeured in a limousine. The 740il comes with every power accessory available.

Though I sometimes find it difficult to define value in a luxury car, I can say that the 740il is as complete a car as I have ever driven. Its quality is beyond reproach. Its performance and handling leave nothing to be desired. And its safety systems are the best on the road.

Specifications: Base price: $66,070. Safety: Dual front and side air bags, plus BMW’s HPS head air-bag protection system, anti-lock brakes, side-impact protection and electronic traction control. Price as tested: $71,390. EPA rating: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway. Incentives: None.

Truett’s tip: The 740il, BMW’s biggest sports sedan, is a spacious, high-tech luxury cruiser loaded with safety items.

1998 BMW 740 review: Our expert's take
By

If I ever hit the lottery, there will be a BMW 7-series car in my palatial driveway, along with a Jaguar XJR, a Range Rover and several motorcycles.

The 7-series is precisely the kind of car you want to put your family in. It feels as strong and safe as your average bank vault.

With six air bags – and 2 more as options – in addition to traction and stability control systems, it seems unthinkable that a driver or passengers could get seriously injured in anything short of a freak accident or natural disaster – such as an airplane crashing on the car or the ground disappearing from underneath it.

PERFORMANCE, HANDLING

The 7-series comes in 740 and 750 models.

The 740 sports BMW’s 4.4-liter four-cam 32-valve V-8 engine. Horsepower is rated a robust 282.

The 750is outfitted with a 5.4-liter twin-cam V-12, an engine that cranks out 322 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. Stretched models are given the “il” designation.

Our 740il test car’s V-8 engine purred when driven easily. And if BMW hadn’t done such a fine job making the car so quiet, it would have growled when accelerating quickly. Under hard acceleration, you could hear the engine’s lovely range of mechanical noises only with the radio off.

For those of you who love what goes on under the hood, there are few finer sounds in this world.

For those of you who care more about what goes on behind the wheel, rest assured that the 740il delivers ample power and performance, respectable fuel economy and a good mixture of refined luxury combined with BMW’s traditional sporty ride.

In other words, this big, handsome sedan does it all.

The 740il weighs a hefty 4,300 pounds, yet it doesn’t feel like a lead sled. The superbly tuned four-wheel independent suspension system and the car’s great weight iron out most bumps.

When you drive over a pothole or a speed bump, all you feel is a slight inconsistency in the road’s surface. And the ride is exceptionally quiet, with only the sound of the tires rolling over the pavement reaching the inside of the car.

Unlike an antiseptic Lexus LS 400, which deprives the driver of all sensations of piloting the vehicle, the 740il leaves something for the driver’s senses.

For instance, aim the 740il into the middle of a tight curve, and you’ll feel your pulse increase slightly. The car is so flat-footed and stable, you just know instinctively that it will see you through safely.

Though you won’t typically drive this way – one hopes – it’s reassuring to know that you can count on the 740il if you suddenly have to swerve to avoid an accident.

The 740’s standard Dynamic Stability Control system automatically receives information from the car’s steering, brakes, wheels, and speedometer and uses the brakes to ensure the car goes where the driver steers it.

Speaking of steering, the power-assisted system in the 740il did not feel as crisp and responsive as is typical for a BMW: I had to turn the wheel more than usual to execute a turn.

But the power-assisted four-wheel anti-lock brakes were superb. Nobody makes better brakes than BMW, and they’re the most confidence-inspiring thing about driving the car.

FIT AND FINISH

Not only is the 7-Series BMW’s flagship, it’s also the German automaker’s rolling technology showcase.

Our test car came with the optional ($2,900) built-in navigation system. In its current form, the system has limited use and, for most drivers, probably is not worth buying. But testing the system indicates where BMW is headed in terms of integrating sophisticated technology into its cars.

The navigation system, which uses the government’s system of Global Positioning Satellites, gives a driver turn-by-turn visual and audio directions to his or her destination. The information is displayed on a small screen in the center of the dash.

If you’re familiar with the city in which you live, you wouldn’t use this function very often. However, there are other tasks the automated system can be programmed to carry out that have little to do with navigation.

For instance, if you want the car’s interior to be cool when you leave for lunch or go home for the day, you can program the ventilation system to cool the car at two preset times each day.

Or you can enter a special code that will prevent the engine from being started. That function is in addition to BMW’s superb anti-theft systems.

The navigation system’s other functions allow you to listen to television programs, set an audible warning if you exceed the speed limit and fine-tune the radio electronically, instead of by turning knobs or pressing buttons or moving switches.

The navigation system is a bit clunky to use. You have to turn and press a knob to select the function and to enter addresses. It’s slow and cumbersome and not nearly as efficient as touch-screen systems. But the system does show that computers are likely to take over more and more of a car’s functions.

All models of the 740 come with BMW’s unique HPS, or Head Protection System. Two tube-shaped air bags are concealed in the windshield frame. In the event of a severe side impact crash, they deploy and protect the driver’s or passenger’s head from striking the car.

BMW also outfits the 740 with door-mounted side-impact air bags and driver and passenger front-mounted bags. Rear-door air bags are optional.

The leather seats are firm, comfortable and supportive. The 740il has plenty of room between the front and rear seat. In fact, riding in the rear is like being chauffeured in a limousine. The 740il comes with every power accessory available.

Though I sometimes find it difficult to define value in a luxury car, I can say that the 740il is as complete a car as I have ever driven. Its quality is beyond reproach. Its performance and handling leave nothing to be desired. And its safety systems are the best on the road.

Specifications: Base price: $66,070. Safety: Dual front and side air bags, plus BMW’s HPS head air-bag protection system, anti-lock brakes, side-impact protection and electronic traction control. Price as tested: $71,390. EPA rating: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway. Incentives: None.

Truett’s tip: The 740il, BMW’s biggest sports sedan, is a spacious, high-tech luxury cruiser loaded with safety items.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.6 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 4.8
Performance 4.6
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.1

Most recent

  • I love my 1998 740i

    My first love was my 3 series. Then I got my 98 740i and holy cow!V8 has plenty of power and the car feels like it's on rails. Never disappointed driving her. It is a BMW however so don't neglect.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    13 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fabulous Road Car. Gorgeous

    Fabulous Ride. Head turner. Lots of Power. Luxurious interior. Room for five comfortably. This top of the line BMW is still the best car I ever owned!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Top luxury for the money

    Great power and performance from a late 90's vehicle. Ahead of its time when it comes to interior options as well. I enjoy walking to my car and driving it each and every day.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Good value for what it is

    Has saved my life. Apart from that let's write a review. First off all, if you own one you should spend a bit of money on getting g the 6th shift as it really needs it and doesn't come with it Second acceleration is really the worst part of the car, even in 0% inclination
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 275k miles . Drives great , go anywhere, anytime

    Most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned. 4.4 v8 very responsive and handling is by far greater than other vehicles on the market that are newer or even brand new that sell for 40k or less. My 740il is 20 yrs old and to go on a long trip would not consider taking anything else. I have 275k miles currently and plan on driving it to 500k. . I bought it used with 140k and have never been stranded. Would not trade even for a new car that are on the market that sell less than 30k. Love it
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great car in great shape! 265,000 miles

    Great car in great shape! This is a truly excellent car for high performance and for long commutes and travel.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great Car!!

    I purchased this car a year and a half ago with 97,000 miles on it. I have had to repair a couple of small items, nothing major, except I am told I need to replace the catalytic converters which are not cheap on this car because there are two of them. The car runs great and is just a great car to drive especially on the highway. The faster it goes the more comfortable the ride becomes. If our highways allowed speeds of 100 mph I think this car would love it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A Huge Bargain for a King of the Road.

    My 740iL 98 is now 15 years old, maybe 16. I bought it in 2005 for less than 10% of what it costs now. It had already 113k miles, and was not even a one or two owner car, I may be the 4th. But after asking around and test driving it twice ( I was not looking for this model but the smaller 540i with the 6 speed Manual, 1997-2003), I decided to take a risk, and was amply rewarded! The V8 purrs and at speed sounds like a turbine, Awesome sound, power, torque. The car handles as if TRULY it is on rails, utter confidence. No other peer vehicle, (flagship luxury sedan) German or not, comes close. Fuel efficiency as you would expect from a big heavy powerful car is low, but I still get 22-24 MPG HWY on long trips at high speeds. Reliability is the only area I did not give it 5 stars, but 4. There are no major problems with either the engine or transmission all these years. I spent $850 at the dealers fixing a small oil leak, in retrospect I should not have bothered. Other problems were few and very minor. In fact, in 2009 I actually MADE MONEY using this car, because I was reimbursed for 4 trips of over 1,000 miles each, and the total was far more than the full year's gas, insurance, license fees, service, repairs, and even the small depreciation! The dealers make their $ from the repairs and service, and much less from selling new cars. Therefore, if you arer wise, you will shop around and find an INDEPENDENT Mechanic that is a BMW Expert, and trust him with your repairs, if any. Dealers offer free clinics where they list all kinds of unnecessary repairs, take them (and enjoy the free food) but do not waste your $ on the repairs, just make sure the belts and hoses are OK and the car will do great.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 4 I BMW owner

    that is one great and reliable car to own. I purchased this car with the intent of reselling it for a profit and I decided to make it my second car!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Comfortable and Safe..

    740i Purchased used with a relatively low 66,000 miles; absolutely the most amazing sedan ever built. The drivetrain will take you a very long way, but as the assessories age they will fail, and replacement costs -maintenance will be high priced (as others I'm sure have commented here). I am fortunate to have a great, honest independent BMW mechanic. This car is impressive on the highway and extremely comfortable in annoying city traffic. In my opinion the seats were designed better than Mercedes from this vintage. You really can't go wrong with the 7's from '95 to '01 but watch for it's history and service records.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Terrific Value

    Based on price, performance, reliability and comfort, and service from the dealership the deal I got from Cars.com was outstanding.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • best vehicle for your money

    bought mine with 52,000 miles. best car i've owned. reliable, dependable, and comfortable for those long trips. gas mileage yealds me about 500+ per tank. awesome car, and wont disapoint. performance is awesome, handles like a car half its size. EDC suspension adds a nice performance increase for those trips up windy roads, little to no body roll. definiteley buy one if the miles are loe, other wise find one that has all of the service history cause maintaining these E38's can be a hastle. otherwise good car all around.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1998 BMW 740?

The 1998 BMW 740 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • 740iA (1 style)
  • 740il (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 1998 BMW 740?

The 1998 BMW 740 offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 1998 BMW 740?

The 1998 BMW 740 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 1998 BMW 740 reliable?

The 1998 BMW 740 has an average reliability rating of 4.1 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1998 BMW 740 owners.

Is the 1998 BMW 740 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1998 BMW 740. 94.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.8
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.1

BMW 740 history

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