Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 100,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1995 740I.
The 1995 BMW 740I, built on the E38 platform, channels its output through a 5-speed automatic transmission and requires 7.9 quarts of 15W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30 API SJ oil, while returning EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 22 highway, and 17 combined. Within the model’s complaint history from 1993 to 2016, this year’s 10 owner-reported issues—predominantly in the fuel system—and 5 recalls place it between the peak of 22 complaints in 1993 and the low of a single complaint in 1996, marking a transitional phase toward the improved reliability seen in later years.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 95R · 950 CCA battery, OE oil filter 11427510717. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11427510717 |
| Engine air filter | 13721736675 |
| Fuel filter | 13321740985 |
| Spark plug | 12129063428 alt 12129064619 |
| Battery | 61217591085 |
| Front wiper blades | 61618361475 alt 61618203954 |
| Serpentine belt | 11287636367 alt 11287833266 |
| Thermostat | 11531702279 alt 11511705408 |
| Cabin air filter | 64118391385 alt 64312339888 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic 5-spd |
| Overall length | 196.1 in |
| Overall width | 74 in |
| Overall height | 56.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 115.4 in |
| Curb weight | 4145 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 61 / 61 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 51/49 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 15 / 22 / 17 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 100 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 13 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the 740I of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 740 740iL Sedan 4.0L V8 | 7.90 sec | 16.00 sec | 282 hp | RWD |
| 1995 | 740 740i Sedan 4.0L V8 | 8.00 sec | 16.10 sec | 282 hp | RWD |
| 1995 | 740 740i Sedan 4.0L V8 | 8.40 sec | 16.60 sec | 282 hp | RWD |
| 1996 | 740 740iL Sedan 4.4L V8 | 6.90 sec | 15.20 sec | 282 hp | RWD |
| 1998 | 740 740iL 4.4L V8 | 6.80 sec | 15.20 sec | 282 hp | RWD |
| 2000 | 740 740i Sedan 4.4L V8 | 5.90 sec | 15.50 sec | 282 hp | RWD |
| 2000 | 740 740iL Protection Sedan 4.4L V8 | 7.70 sec | 16.00 sec | 282 hp | RWD |
| 2001 | 740 740iL Sedan 4.4L V8 | 6.60 sec | 15.00 sec | 282 hp | RWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 7.9 qt of 15W-40 / 10W-40 / 10W-30 API SJ engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 88 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 3 Pints |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | 15W-40 · API · 10W-40 · 10W-30 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 7.9 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
| Driveshaft Flange to Transmission | 179.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 88 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.148-3.00 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 95R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 950 cca |
| Pressure Test | 28-32 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 28-32 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | 185 °F |
| Engine Compression | 159 |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 7.25 at idle, 65.25 regulated. psi |
| Intake Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 18-22 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 81 ft-lbs / 49 ft-lbs |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in |
| Rotor Minimum Machining | 0.031 in |
| Rotor Discard at or Under | 1.118 in / 0.409 in |
| Rotor Finish | 0.5 - 3.5 μin |
| 1 | 30 ft. lbs. | 30 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 80 degrees | 80 degrees |
| 3 | 80 | |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 100,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 1995 BMW 740I sits at an inflection point in this generation's federal record. Consumer complaints fell sharply from the 22 filed in 1993 to just 7 in 1994, but ticked back up to 10 in 1995—still a fraction of the 1993 peak. However, recalls more than doubled from 2 in 1994 to 5 in 1995, matching the highest recall count across the entire 1993–2001 span, which suggests BMW addressed multiple manufacturing or design defects during this model year. TSBs also climbed from 3 in 1994 to 7 in 1995, indicating increased dealer-level service bulletins. The top complaint categories—fuel system, engine cooling, and electrical system—account for 8 of the 10 complaints, with zero crash or fire complaints on record. The recall surge appears to be an industry-wide correction rather than a model-specific epidemic, as 1996 and 1997 saw both complaints and recalls drop significantly. The data does not specify root causes for the 1995 recall spike. The 1995 model year represents the tail end of the generation's early-teething problems, with elevated recalls but manageable complaint volumes and no safety-related incidents on file—making it a defensible purchase if the vehicle has documented recall completion and thorough pre-purchase inspection.
All 10 complaints on record, top 5 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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… 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…
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ROAD GRIT AND GRAVEL ASSOCIATED WITH WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS CAN PENETRATE THE RUBBER OF THE LOWER FRONT SPRING MOUNTS AND ACCUMULATE IN THE MOUNTS CAUSING NOTCHES OR PITS TO… Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AND LOWER SPRING MOUNTS.
Showing 5 of 7 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B510819 | 2024-01-16 | Electrical System | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| B650916 | 2018-11-01 | Equipment | Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide |
| B122917 | 2017-12-01 | Equipment | SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1… |
| 12 01 98 | 1998-02-01 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON HEAT EXCHANGER OPERATION. E38 740IA/ILA WITH M62 ENGINE PRODUCED UP TO… |
| 34 01 98 | 1998-02-01 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT MOMENTARY EVENT WHERE THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT IMMEDIATLELY… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
7.9 qt of HIGH PERFORMANCE MINERAL OILS: ABOVE 5 degrees F: 15W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, -5 degreesF TO 68 degrees F: 10W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, 5 degreesF TO 50 degrees F: 10W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 50 degrees F: 5W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 32 degrees F:, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined mpg.