2001 BMW 750iL

The 2001 BMW 750iL is a luxurious and powerful sedan that boasts a smooth ride and a host of advanced features for its time. The 750iL comes equipped with a 5.4-liter V12 engine producing 322 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the car’s comfortable interior, refined driving experience, and distinctive styling. Criticisms frequently revolve around the high cost of maintenance and repairs, as well as the complexity of the car’s electronic systems. Also available in 2001 was the 740iL with a 4.4-liter V8 engine.

Engine

5.4L V12 (M73)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the ground, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the affected gaskets and seals. Thoroughly clean the engine to remove any residual oil.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the location and extent of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cooling System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The cooling system, including the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and hoses, is prone to leaks and failures. Overheating is a common symptom.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty components. Consider replacing the entire cooling system if multiple parts are failing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the component.
  • Recalls: None Found

4.4L V8 (M62)

No Issues Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (A5S 560Z)

• Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The 5-speed automatic transmission can experience slipping between gears or harsh/jerky shifts. This can be caused by worn clutch packs, valve body issues, or low transmission fluid.
  • Solution: A transmission flush and fluid change may resolve minor issues. In more severe cases, a valve body rebuild or transmission rebuild/replacement is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (flush), $500 - $1500 (valve body rebuild), $2500 - $5000+ (rebuild/replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, leading to shuddering, stalling, or a complete loss of drive.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Models equipped with air suspension can suffer from leaking air struts, a faulty air compressor, or a defective ride height sensor. This results in a sagging or uneven ride height, a noisy compressor, and a rough ride.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air struts, the faulty air compressor, or the defective ride height sensor. Some owners convert to traditional coil springs for a more reliable and less expensive solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per strut, $400 - $800+ for the compressor, $100 - $300+ for the sensor, $1000 - $3000+ for coil spring conversion.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The control arm bushings can wear and crack over time, leading to clunking noises, especially when going over bumps, and loose steering.
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings, or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per control arm.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Pixel Failure in Instrument Cluster/Radio Display
  • Description/Symptoms: The pixels in the instrument cluster display and radio display can fade or disappear over time, making it difficult to read the information.
  • Solution: Replace the display or send the instrument cluster/radio for repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ for repair, $500 - $1000+ for replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle may experience a parasitic battery drain, causing the battery to die overnight or after a few days of inactivity. This can be caused by a faulty module or wiring issue.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the battery drain and repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (especially in northern climates)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop on the rocker panels, door panels, wheel wells, and undercarriage, especially in areas where road salt is used.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the rusted panels. Apply rust prevention treatments.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ depending on the severity and location of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric can detach from the backing board and sag, particularly in hot climates.
  • Solution: Replace the headliner fabric.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power window regulators can fail, causing the windows to become stuck or operate erratically.
  • Solution: Replace the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2001 BMW 750iL, while a luxurious and enjoyable vehicle to drive, is prone to a number of issues, particularly related to its engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems. The V12 engine is known for oil leaks and cooling system problems, while the transmission can suffer from slipping and harsh shifting. The air suspension (if equipped) is a common source of trouble. Electrical issues, such as pixel failure and battery drain, are also prevalent. The cost to repair these issues can be significant, making it important to thoroughly inspect any potential purchase and budget for ongoing maintenance. Overall, the severity and cost of these potential problems suggest that ownership of a 2001 BMW 750iL requires a dedicated owner willing to invest in its upkeep.