BMW 7 Series problems, reliability and years to avoid
If you are considering buying a used BMW 7 Series, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 6 known faults for this model, 6 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Is the BMW 7 Series reliable?
The BMW 7 Series has 6 known faults in our database across 4 generations, 6 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (the archive warns that the 730d can suffer the same turbo failure as the 330d) and engine (valve stem seal degradation causing extreme oil consumption and smoking). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.
Which BMW 7 Series years should you avoid?
No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.
E38, 1994 to 20012 high severity
2 known faults, the serious ones in the engine
E65 / E66, 2002 to 20082 high severity
2 known faults, the serious ones in the engine, gearbox
F01 / F02, 2008 to 20151 high severity
1 known fault, the serious ones in the engine
G11 / G12, 2015 to 20221 high severity
1 known fault, the serious ones in the engine
Years and engines with a serious known fault
2002 to 2008, 730d 3.0 six-cylinder diesel (M57): the archive warns that the 730d can suffer the same turbo failure as the 330d
2008 to 2013, 4.4 V8 Twin-Turbo (N63): valve stem seal degradation causing extreme oil consumption and smoking
1998 to 2005, M47 320d (especially automatic) / M57 525d and 530d: inlet manifold swirl flaps can break off and be ingested by the engine
1994 to 1998, M60 3.0 and 4.0 V8 (730i and 740i until 1996) and the M52 2.8 six (728i): premature cylinder bore wear affects the early M60 V8s in the 730i
2002 to 2009, All engines (automatic gearbox): BMW automatic gearboxes of this era, the 2002 to 2009 7 Series included
2014 to 2018, 2.0d (B47 Engine) / 3.0d (N57): the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler cracks
Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.
Generation 1 of 42 known faults · 8 good notes
BMW 7 Series E38 (1994 to 2001) problems
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
Inlet manifold swirl flaps can break off and be ingested by the engine, causing catastrophic damage. On the 320d the swirl valve is the weak point, and automatics are the ones to be wary of because some manual cars were built without the flaps fitted. On the 525d and 530d the same actuators break off and wreck the engine.
Rough guide
£5000-10000+
Typical symptoms
Sudden loss of power
Loud metallic noises from engine
Engine seizure
Check engine light
Affected vehicles
Engines:
M47 320d (especially automatic) / M57 525d and 530d
Typical mileage:
80000-130000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
January 2012Inlet manifold swirl flaps on a 730D broke off, damaging the turbocharger and being ingested by the engine, though the engine was saved at significant expense.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
Premature cylinder bore wear affects the early M60 V8s in the 730i and 3,982cc 740i and the M52 2.8 six in the 728i, whose bore linings degrade; the V8s were dropped in 1996 but some unsold P-registration cars still had them, and the archive says be very wary of these. Chauffeured cars that spent long periods idling are the most likely to have worn bores; the cure was a replacement block with steel-lined bores, and UK cars from March 1998 were built with steel or Alusil-lined bores, though grey imports from other markets may not be. The same note warns that a ticking from the M52 2.8's hydraulic lifters can mean its plastic oil pump impeller has failed, an engine-out job.
Rough guide
£3000-6000 for a replacement engine, few are rebuilt
Typical symptoms
poor or lumpy idle when warm
misfire at idle that clears with revs
heavy oil consumption
low compression on several cylinders
Affected vehicles
Engines:
M60 3.0 and 4.0 V8 (730i and 740i until 1996) and the M52 2.8 six (728i)
Typical mileage:
60000-120000 miles
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What owners like about the E38
8 notes
The E32 7 Series is a large vehicle, measuring 16 feet 1 inch long and 6 feet 1 inch wide, with a weight between 1,570kg and 1,610kg.
Engine options included chain-cam M30 six-cylinder units of 2,986cc and 3,430cc, a 4,988cc V12, and later M60 V8s of 2,997cc and 3,982cc.
High-mileage six-cylinder 730i and 735iSE models can represent excellent value as used purchases.
The cost of replacement components for this model is generally considered to be quite reasonable.
This model offers a very luxurious cabin experience, with BMW demonstrating low breakdown rates and warranty costs in early 2000s surveys.
The E38 7 Series offers a more contemporary appearance and improved ride comfort, with the 728i achieving 28 to 30mpg.
V8 engines were updated in early 1996, with the 735i receiving a 3,498cc M62 and the 740i a 4,398cc M62, alongside a 5,379cc V12.
The 7 Series performed well in customer satisfaction surveys and showed below-average warranty repair costs in 2003, with a low accident death rate.
Generation 2 of 42 known faults · 1 owner report · 1 good note
BMW 7 Series E65 / E66 (2002 to 2008) problems
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
The archive warns that the 730d can suffer the same turbo failure as the 330d, and that its inlet manifold swirl flap actuators can break off and be swallowed by the engine, needing a new engine at enormous cost. A 2012 report describes a 730d whose swirl flaps broke off, damaged the turbo and went into the engine, which was saved at considerable cost; the later 2009-on 730d has had them fail too, one 2015 report describing an engine changed at 84,000 miles after the flaps were sucked in. The six-cylinder diesel also cokes up when used for short runs, reported on a 132,000-mile 2005 car. The live 3 and 5 Series swirl flap rows cover the same flaps on those models.
Rough guide
£300-600 to blank the flaps before failure, 1200-2000 for a turbo, 5000-8000 for an engine
Typical symptoms
rattle or metallic knock from the inlet side
sudden loss of power with heavy smoke
turbo whine or blue smoke
lumpy idle and poor economy from coking
Affected vehicles
Engines:
730d 3.0 six-cylinder diesel (M57)
Typical mileage:
60000-130000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity📝 Editorial
BMW automatic gearboxes of this era, the 2002 to 2009 7 Series included, are filled for life, so dealers do not renew the fluid even on cars with a full history. Many are noted as failing at around 120,000 to 150,000 miles, often long out of warranty, at about £3,500 plus VAT. The advice given is to change the fluid every 60,000 miles, or better at each major inspection.
Rough guide
£3500
Typical symptoms
harsh, delayed or slipping gear changes
gearbox warning or the car dropping into a limp mode
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All engines (automatic gearbox)
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
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What owners report on the E65 / E66
1 single report, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Engine · October 2012A 2005 730D with 132,000 miles experienced coking issues, which required attention.
What owners like about the E65 / E66
1 note
This generation of the 7 Series offers excellent driving dynamics and handling characteristics.
Generation 3 of 41 known fault · 4 owner reports · 15 good notes
BMW 7 Series F01 / F02 (2008 to 2015) problems
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
Valve stem seal degradation causing extreme oil consumption and smoking
Rough guide
£2500-5000
Typical symptoms
thick blue smoke from exhaust after idling for 5+ minutes
burning 1L of oil every 500 miles
misfires from oil-fouled spark plugs
Affected vehicles
Engines:
4.4 V8 Twin-Turbo (N63)
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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What owners report on the F01 / F02
4 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Electrics · July 2016The DAB radio in a 2014 BMW 740 MSport frequently lost its signal, possibly due to interference from a GPS screencam.
Fuel system · December 2015The high-pressure fuel pump on a 730d failed at 124,000 miles, after the engine had been replaced at 84,000 miles due to swirl flap ingestion.
Suspension and steering · April 2014A 2011 BMW 730D developed a muffled 'thump' from the rear, which persisted despite multiple component replacements by the dealer.
Electrics · September 2013The 'Mobile Application Preparation (6NR)' option is essential for the iPhone ‘BMW Connected Drive’ app, but retrofitting is not officially supported.
What owners like about the F01 / F02
15 notes
May 2012The 7 Series model range received a significant update and revamp for Spring 2012.
November 2011The Luxury Edition offers enhanced features including 19-inch wheels, powered bootlid, comfort seats, and exclusive Nappa Leather upholstery.
September 2011The BMW 730Ld Saloon was recognised as Car of the Year and Chauffeur Car of the Year at the 2011 Professional Driver Awards.
July 2011The BMW 7 Series, a flagship saloon, gained improved comfort, safety features, and entertainment technology from the 2012 model year.
August 2009The new BMW 740d features a 306hp 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine, achieving 0 to 62mph in 6.3 seconds and 40.9mpg combined.
June 2009The 7 Series range offered its most powerful diesel engine in the 740d, while the 730d received a revised powerplant with improved economy.
April 2009Launched in September 2009, the 760Li features a new 5,972cc twin-turbocharged V12 engine and BMW's first eight-speed automatic transmission.
January 2009The long-wheelbase BMW 730Ld provides an additional 14cm of rear legroom, with optional enhancements for a luxurious cabin environment.
The 2009 7 Series introduced Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, front side view camera, Integral Active Steering, and Lane Change Warning.
The BMW 730d produces 245PS and 540Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60mph in 6.9 seconds with a combined 39.2mpg.
The BMW 740i delivers 326PS and 450Nm of torque, achieving 0 to 60mph in 5.6 seconds with a combined 28.5mpg.
The BMW 740Li offers 326PS and 450Nm of torque, reaching 60mph in 5.7 seconds with a combined 28.2mpg.
The BMW 750i provides 407PS and 600Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60mph in 5.0 seconds with a combined 24.8mpg.
The BMW 750Li delivers 407PS and 600Nm of torque, achieving 0 to 60mph in 5.1 seconds with a combined 24.8mpg.
This model generation incorporates various advanced technological features for enhanced driving and safety.
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler cracks and leaks coolant into the hot exhaust gas stream, where the glycol deposits can ignite and set fire to the inlet manifold. DVSA recall R/2018/341 covers it in the plain words "The EGR cooler may leak presenting a fire risk", and it is one of the largest recalls in the UK, covering 225,449 vehicles. The recall work is free, but cars slip through: the fix has been revised more than once, and an unrepaired or early-repaired car is the risk. Outside the recall, a failed cooler plus manifold is a four-figure job
Rough guide
£0 (free safety recall)
Typical symptoms
loss of coolant with no obvious external leak
smell of burning from engine bay
engine bay fire
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.0d (B47 Engine) / 3.0d (N57)
Typical mileage:
40000-100000 miles
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What owners like about the G11 / G12
5 notes
The air ride suspension system provides an excellent ride quality, even when fitted with 20-inch wheels and 245/45 R20 tyres.
This model is remarkably refined and quiet, especially when travelling at high speeds.
The updated iDrive system now incorporates a convenient touchscreen interface for improved usability.
From 2019, the car includes a proximity key disabling system to prevent key signal boosting by thieves.
The cossetting ride comfort allows occupants to fully enjoy the spacious and luxurious cabin of the BMW.
Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: November 2026
BMW 7 Series buying questions
What are the most common BMW 7 Series problems?
Three stand out. Engine: the archive warns that the 730d can suffer the same turbo failure as the 330d (typically 60000 to 130000 miles). Engine: valve stem seal degradation causing extreme oil consumption and smoking (typically 60000 to 100000 miles). Engine: inlet manifold swirl flaps can break off and be ingested by the engine, causing catastrophic damage (typically 80000 to 130000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
Which BMW 7 Series years should I avoid?
No BMW 7 Series year is a write-off, but the E65 / E66 (2002 to 2008) carries the most serious faults: engine and gearbox. The F01 / F02 (2008 to 2015), E38 (1994 to 2001) and G11 / G12 (2015 to 2022) have high-severity faults on record too. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.
What should I check when viewing a used BMW 7 Series?
Ask the seller about the engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for rattle or metallic knock from the inlet side, thick blue smoke from exhaust after idling for 5+ minutes and sudden loss of power. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 6 known faults before you travel. Check a BMW 7 Series advert →
What is the real MPG of a BMW 7 Series?
Owners report 35.7 mpg on average across the BMW 7 Series engines with data, about 82% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 411 owner submissions. BMW 7 Series Real MPG by engine →
If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the BMW 7 Series owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.
Knowing what a BMW 7 Series goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.