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 1999 750IL.
The 1999 BMW 750IL rides on BMW's E38 platform, powered by an engine whose 8.5-quart oil requirement — filled with 15W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30 API SJ viscosity — reflects the substantial mechanical scale behind its 12/18/14 mpg EPA ratings and five-speed automatic transmission. With just three total owner complaints on record, focused primarily on visibility, and a single recall, the 1999 model year sits near the quieter end of the E38's 1990–2001 complaint history, which peaked at six complaints in 1998 and reached its low of one in 1991. That positions this model year as a comparatively stable point in the 750IL's reliability arc, suggesting the platform's most troublesome issues had largely subsided by this stage even as the car's oil and fuel appetites remained a reminder of its flagship complexity.
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 | 12129071003 |
| Battery | 61217591085 |
| Front wiper blades | 61618203954 alt 61618361475 |
| Serpentine belt | 11287636368 alt 11287512972 |
| Thermostat | 11511705408 alt 11531436852 |
| 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 | 4597 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 61 / 61.4 in |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 12 / 18 / 14 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 107 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 13 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Regular 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 |
| 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 |
| Optional BCI Group Number | 48 |
| Optional BCI Cranking Performance | 650 cca |
| Injector Primary Resistance | 15-17 ohms |
| Engine Compression | 142-171 psi |
| 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 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 60 degrees | 60 degrees |
| 3 | 60 degrees | 60 degrees |
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.
For the 1999 BMW 750IL, federal records show 3 complaints, 1 recall, and 6 technical service bulletins, with visibility and power train as the primary complaint areas, though the data does not specify the root causes. Within the generation's arc, 1999 represents a notable decline in reported issues from the 1997-1998 peak, where complaints spiked to 6 and TSBs reached 17. However, this relative calm is brief, as the 2000 and 2001 model years experience a resurgence in both complaints and recalls, climbing back up to 4 each. Positioned in a temporary trough between these higher-activity periods, the 1999 model implies a brief window of improved stability rather than a permanent resolution to the generation's underlying issues. Given its lower complaint and recall figures relative to the surrounding years, alongside an absence of crash or fire complaints, the 1999 750IL stands as a comparatively stronger year to buy within this generation, provided you closely monitor the noted visibility and power train systems.
All 3 complaints on record, top 2 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 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…
Showing 5 of 6 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… |
| 840100 | 2000-03-01 | Equipment | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO STANDARD CELLULAR TELEPHONE INSTALLATION. *TT |
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 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined mpg.