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 1997 750IL.
Built on BMW's E38 platform, the 1997 750iL pairs a 5-speed automatic transmission with an 8.5-quart oil capacity specified for 15W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30 API SJ service, and posts EPA fuel economy figures of 14 city, 18 highway, and 15 combined mpg. The model year drew just two recorded owner complaints — with visibility as the most-cited area — alongside three recalls, a notably thin record set against the broader 1990–2001 range the lineup spans. That positions the 1997 well below the six-complaint peak logged in 1998 and well above the single-complaint low of 1991, making it one of the quieter data points in the model's reliability arc.
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 | 13721742201 alt 13721702908 |
| Fuel filter | 13321702632 |
| Spark plug | 12129070999 |
| Battery | 61217591085 |
| Front wiper blades | 61618361475 alt 61618203954 |
| Serpentine belt | 11287636368 alt 11288672072 |
| Thermostat | 11511704512 alt 11531704704 |
| Cabin air filter | 64312339888 alt 64118391385 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic 5-spd |
| Overall length | 201.6 in |
| Overall width | 73.2 in |
| Overall height | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in |
| Curb weight | 4553 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 59.4 / 60.2 in |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 14 / 18 / 15 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 107 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 13 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 8.5 qt of 15W-40 / 10W-40 / 10W-30 API SJ engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 88 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-7-5-11-3-9-6-12-2-8-4-10. 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 | 8.5 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | M6 bolts: 7.4 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | M6 bolts: 7.4 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 88 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | 221 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-7-5-11-3-9-6-12-2-8-4-10 |
| 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 |
| Injector Primary Resistance | 15-17 ohms |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 7.25 at idle, 59-65 regulated. psi |
| Intake Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 18-22 ft-lbs / 81 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 49 ft-lbs / 81-96 ft-lbs |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in |
| Rotor Minimum Machining | 0.031 in |
| Rotor Discard at or Under | 1.197 in / 0.724 in |
| Rotor Finish | 0.5 - 3.5 μin |
| 1 | 73 ft. lbs., step 2: 60 degrees, step 3: 60 | 73 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 22 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 60 degrees | 60 degrees |
| 3 | 60 | |
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 1997 model sits near the peak of the generation’s service‑bulletin activity, with 17 technical service bulletins (TSBs) – the highest count among the years shown – while complaints remain modest at two, matching the low complaint levels of 1990 and 1991. Recall frequency in 1997 (three recalls) is lower than the 1995 and 1996 spikes (four and three recalls respectively) but higher than the single‑recall years of 1998 and 1999, indicating a moderate recall burden. Investigations are absent throughout the span, and both crash‑related and fire‑related complaints are zero for 1997, suggesting no reported safety incidents in those categories. The dominant complaint area for 1997 is “Visibility,” with two reports, but the data do not specify a root cause. Overall, 1997 shows a high TSB count but limited complaints and no safety‑related reports, making it a reasonably safe year to buy provided the owner addresses the visibility‑related service bulletins.
All 2 complaints on record, top 1 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
US Specs is recalling one 2002 Porsche Carrera, one 1997 BMW 750IL, and two 1986 BMW 635 CSI vehicles for failing to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, "Rearview Mirrors." While performing… Remedy: US Specs will notify owners and correct the statement on the passenger mirror of the affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact US…
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…
Showing 5 of 17 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… |
| B122817 | 2017-12-01 | Electrical System | SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following… |
| 99EA03 | 2000-02-08 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A VOLUNTARY EMISSION RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN INITIATED REQUIRING INSTALLATION OF TWO… |
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.
8.5 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 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined mpg.