BMW's flagship sedan in its most sensible powertrain configuration. The 740i pairs the proven B58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with the ZF 8HP automatic and standard air suspension, delivering strong performance with lower complexity than the V8-powered 750i. The pre-LCI (2015-2019) produces 326 hp, while the LCI facelift (2019-2022) gains a 48V mild hybrid system and 340 hp. Heavy depreciation makes these attainable for a fraction of their original price, but the combination of flagship electronics, air suspension, and premium-spec consumables keeps running costs firmly above mainstream territory.· more· less
Robust B58 engine, proven reliableExceptional comfort and refinement
Air suspension repair costsComplex electronics, expensive parts
Buy if: You want flagship luxury with a reliable inline-six engine and can budget for air suspension and premium maintenance costs.
Avoid if: You need predictable running costs or cannot absorb occasional repair bills in the €1,500-3,000 range for suspension or electronics.
Air springs develop cracks and lose pressure, causing the car to sag overnight or lean to one side · more· less
The G11 7 Series comes with air suspension as standard, and leaking air struts are one of the most commonly reported issues. The flexible rubber bellows of the air springs crack and degrade over time, particularly after exposure to road salt and temperature extremes. BMW acknowledged this by issuing a Technical Service Bulletin (SIB 01 05 22) extending the warranty on air suspension struts to 8 years or 130,000 km. Symptoms include the car sitting lower on one corner after being parked overnight, the air compressor running loudly and frequently, or uneven ride height. A single OEM air strut costs approximately €700-900 for parts alone, with labor adding €300-500 per strut. Replacing a pair (fronts or rears) typically runs €1,500-2,500 at an independent specialist, or €2,500-3,500 at a BMW dealer. Aftermarket struts from suppliers like Arnott or Aerosus can reduce parts costs to €400-600 per strut. The compressor itself can also fail from overwork if a leaking strut goes unaddressed, adding another €800-1,200 for replacement.
Coolant system component failure (water pump, hoses, thermostat)
€800 - 2,0002 of 7
B58 plastic coolant fittings and electric water pump are known to degrade, typically after 80,000-130,000 km · more· less
The B58 engine uses several plastic coolant connectors and an electric water pump that degrade with heat cycling. The most common failure point is the coolant vent hose behind the oil filter housing, where brittle plastic cracks from hydrolysis and repeated thermal expansion. The electric water pump has a weep hole at its base that shows white or green residue when the internal seal begins to fail, typically between 80,000-130,000 km. BMW has revised the water pump design, and proactive replacement at around 100,000 km is widely recommended by specialists. The water pump itself costs approximately €300-400 for parts, with labor around €400-600 due to accessibility in the 7 Series engine bay. Replacing the OFHG (oil filter housing gasket), coolant hose, and water pump together during a single service visit is cost-effective and commonly performed, running approximately €1,200-2,000 total at an independent specialist.
Active grille shutter failure
€300 - 8003 of 7
Upper and lower grille shutters stick or their actuator motors fail, triggering a check engine light · more· less
Active grille shutter failure is one of the most frequently reported issues on the G11 7 Series and many other modern BMWs. The shutter actuator motors seize from moisture ingress or mechanical wear, causing the shutters to stick open or closed. This triggers a check engine light and fault code (commonly P05AF). BMW has issued TSBs and extended warranty coverage to 15 years or 240,000 km on some models for this exact issue. A design revision was made in late 2018/early 2019 for the upper shutter assembly. The actuator motor itself costs approximately €100-200 for a genuine BMW part, but the entire shutter assembly may need replacing on pre-2019 cars. Total repair including labor runs €300-500 at an independent shop, or €500-800 at a BMW dealer. While not a safety concern (the car drives normally), the persistent check engine light can mask other diagnostic codes.
Valve cover gasket oil leak
€600 - 1,5004 of 7
Gasket hardens from heat cycling, causing oil seepage typically after 80,000-120,000 km · more· less
The B58 valve cover gasket gradually hardens from continuous exposure to engine heat, eventually allowing oil to seep past. This is a well-known aging characteristic of BMW inline-six engines rather than a design defect. Symptoms include a burning oil smell (from oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold), visible oil residue around the valve cover edges, and in some cases, oil dripping onto the serpentine belt. The gasket itself costs approximately €60-100, but labor is the main expense as the intake manifold and various components must be removed. Independent specialist repair typically costs €600-900, while BMW dealers quote €1,000-1,500. This repair is commonly combined with spark plug replacement as the access requirements overlap.
ZF 8HP transmission harsh shifting
€400 - 3,0005 of 7
Cold-start harsh 1-2 shift or delayed engagement, often due to degraded transmission fluid or worn mechatronic sleeves · more· less
The ZF 8HP transmission used in the G11 740i is generally reliable, but harsh shifting complaints are reported, particularly a firm 1-2 upshift when cold. BMW designates this transmission as sealed for life, but ZF themselves recommend fluid and filter changes every 80,000 km. Using the correct ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid and performing this service proactively resolves most shifting complaints. A fluid and filter change runs approximately €400-600 at an independent specialist. In rare cases where the mechatronic unit develops solenoid faults (causing persistent harsh shifts, warning lights, or limp mode), repair costs escalate significantly. A mechatronic unit repair or replacement ranges from €1,500-3,000 depending on whether a rebuild or new unit is fitted. This more serious failure is uncommon on well-maintained examples and typically occurs beyond 150,000 km.
Battery drain and 12V battery failure
€300 - 6006 of 7
Numerous electronic modules draw excessive standby current, draining the AGM battery within 1-2 weeks of sitting · more· less
The G11 7 Series has extensive electronic systems (comfort access, telematics, gesture control, remote parking) that continue drawing power when parked. A healthy 7 Series should draw under 50 mA in sleep mode, but faulty modules (commonly the Bluetooth/telematics unit or comfort access door handle sensors) can keep the draw above 80 mA, depleting the battery within 7-14 days. The AGM battery typically lasts 4-5 years in this application. Replacement requires battery registration via diagnostic software (mandatory to avoid overcharging or premature failure). An OEM BMW AGM battery costs approximately €250-350 installed at a dealer, or €200-300 at an independent shop. LCI models (2019+) with the 48V mild hybrid system add the secondary lithium-ion battery, which can cost €800-1,200 to replace if it fails, though this is not commonly reported within the first 5 years.
iDrive infotainment freezing and software glitches
€0 - 1,5007 of 7
iDrive system occasionally freezes, reboots, or becomes unresponsive, usually resolvable with software updates · more· less
The G11's iDrive 6 (pre-LCI) and iDrive 7 (LCI) systems can experience freezing, slow response, or spontaneous reboots. This is generally a software rather than hardware issue. BMW has released multiple software updates addressing stability. A software update at a BMW dealer costs approximately €100-200. In rare cases, the iDrive head unit itself needs replacement, which can cost €1,000-1,500 for parts and programming. Clearing the system cache and ensuring the latest software version is installed resolves most complaints. This issue is more of an annoyance than a functional problem, as core driving systems are unaffected.
Reliable engine, but flagship complexity adds cost
The 740i benefits from one of BMW's most reliable modern engines in the B58 inline-six, which is widely considered robust and capable of high mileages without major powertrain issues. The main ownership risks stem not from the engine but from the air suspension system, cooling system plastic components, and the extensive electronics package that comes with a flagship sedan. Air suspension strut leaks are the most significant potential expense. Regular maintenance of the transmission fluid (despite BMW's lifetime fill claim) and proactive replacement of cooling components around 100,000 km significantly reduce long-term risk. The 740i is a substantially lower-risk proposition than the V8-powered 750i.
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 12 months or 15,000 km and transmission fluid service at 80,000 km.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Staggered tire setup (wider rears) means fronts and rears wear at different rates.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. Listen for unusual noises and watch for warning messages on the dashboard.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds. Test all driving modes and pay attention to suspension behavior over bumps and undulations.
Specific for this vehicle
Inspect ride height on all four corners
Park on level ground and check that the car sits evenly. Any corner sitting lower indicates a leaking air strut. Leave the car parked for 30+ minutes and recheck.
Listen for air suspension compressor running
With the engine off and windows open, listen near the rear axle for the compressor cycling. Frequent or continuous running indicates a leak in the system.
Check coolant level and condition
Low coolant or any discoloration is a red flag. Look for white/green residue under the engine near the water pump area, indicating a slow leak.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Scan for active grille shutter fault codes
Use a BMW-compatible diagnostic tool to check for P05AF or similar codes. A cleared check engine light should raise suspicion.
Check for oil leaks around the valve cover
Look for oil residue on the valve cover edges and the exhaust manifold area. A burning oil smell after driving may indicate a valve cover gasket seep.
Test all electronic features thoroughly
Operate gesture control, comfort access, remote parking (if equipped), ambient lighting, powered seats, and iDrive system. Test Bluetooth connectivity and navigation.
Verify transmission fluid service has been performed
Despite BMW's lifetime fill claim, the ZF 8HP transmission needs fluid and filter service around 80,000 km. Ask for documentation.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Starter motor water ingress causing fire risk (2015-2021 production)Critical - verify completed
High-pressure fuel pump failure (2019-2020 models with B58 engine)Verify completed
Takata airbag inflator (various production dates through 2018)Verify completed
Air suspension strut warranty extension (SIB 01 05 22, 8 years / 130,000 km)Verify if applicable
Contact BMW with the VIN to verify all recalls and service actions have been completed. The starter motor recall is a safety-critical item. The air suspension warranty extension is a service bulletin, not a formal recall, but eligible vehicles should have struts replaced free of charge if within the extended coverage period.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years, 3 years from Nov 2016)Expired on most used examples
Air suspension extended warranty8 years / 130,000 km from first registration (SIB 01 05 22)
Active grille shutter extended coverageUp to 15 years / 240,000 km on some models
Rust perforation warranty12 years from first registration
All pre-2024 G11 740i models are outside their original factory warranty. Check whether the air suspension warranty extension still applies based on the vehicle's first registration date. BMW offers extended warranty packages through dealers, typically at €1,500-2,500 per year for a 7 Series.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
