BMW's flagship luxury sedan with the controversial N63 "hot-vee" V8 engine. The G11 generation uses the improved N63TU2 (2016-2019) and N63TU3 (2019+) variants, which are significantly more reliable than earlier N63 versions but still demand vigilant maintenance. Key concerns: air suspension failures (BMW extended warranty to 8 years/80,000 miles due to complaints), oil consumption requiring regular monitoring, turbo coolant line leaks, and high electronics complexity leading to random glitches. The ZF 8HP transmission is generally reliable. Independent specialist servicing is strongly recommended - dealer costs can be 2-3x higher.
Struts leak air causing car to drop or lean when parked · more· less
BMW extended the warranty on G11/G12 air suspension struts to 8 years/80,000 miles due to widespread complaints. The bellows can split, causing slow air leaks. Symptoms include the car sitting low on one corner after being parked overnight, or the compressor running constantly. OEM struts cost approximately €1,800-2,000 each at dealers. When replacing, BMW recommends doing both struts on the same axle. The compressor itself can also fail from overwork (€800-1,200). Aftermarket rebuilds from Arnott run €500-800 per strut. One technician noted "it's not a matter of if but when" for air suspension repairs.
Engine burns oil due to "hot-vee" design affecting seals · more· less
The N63's unique "hot-vee" layout (turbos between cylinder banks) causes excess heat near the valve stem seals, leading to premature wear and oil burning. BMW's own TSB states the N63 can consume up to 1 liter per 1,200 km. The N63TU2 in the G11 is improved but not immune. BMW's oil consumption test: if it burns 1 liter in 1,200 km twice, the engine qualifies for warranty work. Valve stem seal replacement at independent shops runs €2,500-5,000; dealers quote €7,000-12,000. Due to class action lawsuits, BMW offers partial coverage based on mileage (5-75% customer contribution depending on km). Check oil level every 1,000 km and use BMW LL-01 approved low-volatility oil.
Turbo coolant line leaks€2,500 - €3,500
Coolant lines to turbos crack from heat cycling, typically 60,000-100,000 km · more· less
The 2016+ G11 750i is known for turbo coolant line leaks. The hot-vee configuration puts significant thermal stress on these lines. Forum members report leaks appearing around 70,000-90,000 km. Symptoms include coolant loss without visible external leak, sweet smell from engine bay, and low coolant warnings. Dealer repair costs approximately €3,000-3,500 due to labor-intensive access. Independent specialists charge €2,000-2,800. These lines are a known wear item on N63 engines - some owners proactively replace them during other major service to avoid breakdown.
Timing chain / tensioner wear€5,000 - €8,500
Chain stretches over time, tensioner loses pressure causing cold start rattle · more· less
While less common on the N63TU2 than earlier N63 variants, timing chain issues can still occur, typically after 120,000+ km. Symptoms include rattling on cold start for 1-30 seconds. If ignored, the chain can skip teeth causing catastrophic valve damage. Important: some BMW dealers no longer replace timing chains due to "potential complications" and instead recommend full engine replacement (€20,000+). Independent BMW specialists can still perform chain replacement for €5,000-8,500. Regular oil changes with quality synthetic oil help minimize chain wear.
iDrive / electronics glitches€300 - €2,500
Screen freezing, random warnings, comfort access issues, gesture control bugs · more· less
The G11 is packed with technology, and every system can eventually malfunction. Common complaints include: iDrive screen freezing/rebooting, black screen on startup, phantom warning lights, comfort access not recognizing key, and gesture control being temperamental. Many issues resolve with software updates - always ensure latest firmware is installed. Simple fixes (CAN-BUS connection issues) cost €250-400. Display unit replacement runs €2,000-2,500 at dealers. Tip: before expensive repairs, try a soft reset (hold volume button 20 seconds) or disconnect battery for 15 minutes.
ZF 8HP mechatronic unit€2,500 - €5,000
Valve body seals and solenoids can fail, causing harsh shifts · more· less
The ZF 8HP automatic is generally considered reliable, but the mechatronic unit can develop issues after 100,000+ km. Symptoms include jerky shifts, delayed engagement, or transmission warning lights. Seal replacement alone can fix many issues (€800-1,500 at specialists). Full mechatronic replacement: €2,500-4,000 at independent shops, €5,000+ at BMW dealers. After 2007, BMW transmissions cannot be easily reprogrammed, so keep original valve body if possible. Regular transmission fluid changes every 60,000 km help longevity.
Steering rack / power steering€1,500 - €5,000
Electric power steering rack can fail, causing heavy steering feel · more· less
The G11 uses electric power steering which is generally reliable but expensive when it fails. Power steering control module replacement costs €1,500-1,700. Full rack and pinion replacement runs €3,500-5,000. Symptoms of impending failure include inconsistent steering weight, clicking noises when turning, or complete loss of assistance. Rebuilt steering racks are available for €1,500-2,500 and can significantly reduce costs.
Water pump / thermostat failure€800 - €1,400
Electric water pump typically fails between 80,000-120,000 km · more· less
BMW's electric water pumps have a finite lifespan. Failure causes overheating or poor cabin heating. The pump itself costs €400-500 (Pierburg is OEM manufacturer). Labor adds €300-600 depending on shop. Always replace thermostat at same time (€70-110) since it's accessible during pump replacement. Total job at independent specialists: €800-1,200. BMW dealers charge €1,300-1,500. Consider preventive replacement at 100,000 km during other major service.
High pressure fuel pump (HPFP)€1,500 - €2,500
Fuel pump can fail causing long cranking, hard starting, or stalling · more· less
The N63 uses a high-pressure direct injection fuel system. HPFP failures typically cause long cranking times (especially when cold) or rough running. Note: 2020 750i models had a recall for improperly attached fuel pumps that could crack and leak - verify this is completed. OEM pump costs €800-1,500. Independent shop installation: €1,500-2,000. Dealer quotes run €2,500-3,000. Quality fuel and regular fuel filter changes help maximize pump life.
Carbon buildup (intake valves)€400 - €800
Direct injection causes carbon deposits on valves every 60,000-80,000 km · more· less
Like all direct injection engines, the N63 builds carbon deposits on intake valves since fuel doesn't wash over them. This reduces airflow and causes rough idle, misfires, and power loss. Walnut shell blasting is the standard cleaning method, recommended every 60,000-80,000 km. Cost: €400-600 at specialists, €800-1,000 at BMW dealers. The N63's V8 configuration means more cylinders to clean than inline-6 engines. Using quality fuel and occasional Italian tune-ups (spirited driving) can slow buildup.
High complexity means high repair potential
The G11 750i is a technological tour de force, but that complexity translates to significant maintenance requirements. The N63TU2/TU3 engines are much improved over earlier N63 variants, but still demand respect: regular oil checks, quality service, and prompt attention to warning signs. Air suspension and electronics are the most common pain points. Budget for an extended warranty or maintain a substantial repair fund. Independent BMW specialists can cut costs by 40-60% compared to dealers.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at 10,000-15,000 km intervals with BMW LL-01 oil.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for any rattling in first 30 seconds (timing chain). Engine should idle smoothly.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch. Aluminum body panels are expensive to repair.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds. Get engine and transmission fully up to temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Check oil level and condition
Level should be at or near full. Dark/burnt smell indicates overdue service. Ask about consumption history - adding more than 0.5L between services is concerning.
Air suspension inspection
Park car overnight if possible and check for uneven ride height in morning. Listen for compressor running when car starts. Test all suspension modes.
Coolant level and condition
Check expansion tank level and color. Pink/red is correct. Brown or milky indicates problems. Low coolant may signal turbo line leaks.
Full diagnostic scan
Use BMW-specific scanner (ISTA or equivalent) to check all modules for fault codes. Many issues hide until scanned.
Test all electronics
iDrive responsiveness, gesture control, comfort access, all displays, parking sensors, cameras. Note any glitches or warning messages.
Transmission behavior when hot
Drive for 20+ minutes. Feel for harsh shifts, hesitation, or clunking. Transmission issues often only appear when warm.
Check service history for recalls
Verify fuel pump recall (2020 models), brake system recall (2020-2021), and any other applicable recalls completed. Use VIN with BMW.
Inspect for oil leaks underneath
Look at valve cover gaskets, oil pan, turbo area. Some seepage is normal on older cars, active dripping is not.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Air suspension struts (G11/G12) - Extended warranty8 years / 80,000 mi
High pressure fuel pump attachment (2020)Verify completed
Integrated brake system weld (2020-2021)Verify completed
Rearview camera display (2019-2021)Verify completed
N63 oil consumption - Class action settlementPartial coverage by mileage
Contact BMW with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The extended air suspension warranty is particularly valuable - confirm coverage status. The N63 oil consumption settlement offers partial engine coverage based on mileage (5-75% customer contribution). Ask dealer to check eligibility.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (4 years / unlimited km)Expired on 2020 and earlier
Air suspension extended warranty8 years / 80,000 mi from new
BMW Extended Warranty (purchasable)€2,000-4,000/year
Most G11 750i models are now outside factory warranty. Extended warranty is highly recommended given repair costs - a single air suspension failure can exceed annual premium cost. Check if previous owner's extended warranty is transferable. Note: extended warranties typically exclude "wear items" like brake pads and some exclude oil leaks.
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.