1999 BMW 7 Series: common problems and reliability
22 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1999 7 Series?The 1999 BMW 7 Series has 22 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and service brakes.
Safety record for the 1999 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1999 BMW 7 Series vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1999 a good year for the 7 Series?
Across the 30 7 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2022) to 317 (2006). With 22 complaints, the 1999 7 Series sits below the model's median of 35.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1999 7 Series
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 99V005000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5HP24 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PREMATURE WEAR OF THE RING GEAR CAN OCCUR, LEADING TO THE LOSS OF 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, AND REVERSE GEARS.
electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Campaign 99V004000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THICKNESS OF THE MAIN POSITIVE ELECTRICAL CABLE (GENERATOR TO STARTER) INSULATION IS LESS THAN SPECIFIED, MAKING IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO BEING ABRADED OR CUT BY THE CLIP THAT SECURES THE CABLE TO THE GENERATOR.
steering:linkages:drag:link:connection
Campaign 10E021000FCP 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and ownership phase.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 7 Series. See the full 7 Series owner picture and every model year.
Other 7 Series model years
Compare every 7 Series year side by side to see how 1999 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 7 Series against its rivals
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