2004 BMW 760i

The 2004 BMW 760i is a flagship luxury sedan known for its powerful V12 engine, advanced technology, and comfortable ride. It was also offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 760i boasts a 6.0L V12 engine producing 438 horsepower and 444 lb-ft of torque. Owners generally appreciate the car’s smooth and potent engine, luxurious interior, and advanced features for its time. However, they often dislike the high maintenance costs, complex electronics prone to failure, and the car’s overall weight and size.

Engine

N73B60 6.0L V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various engine seals and gaskets, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets and seals with updated versions.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the location and complexity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Stem Seal Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hardening and cracking of the valve stem seals lead to oil entering the combustion chamber. Symptoms include blue smoke upon startup, excessive oil consumption, and fouled spark plugs.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve stem seals, often requiring removal of the cylinder heads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $5000+
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Deterioration and cracking of coolant hoses and expansion tank cause coolant leaks. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible leaks.
  • Solution: Replace all coolant hoses and expansion tank.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 6HP26 6-Speed Automatic

  • Mechatronic Sleeve Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: The rubber sleeve connecting the transmission’s internal wiring harness (Mechatronic unit) to the external wiring degrades and leaks transmission fluid. This can cause slipping, harsh shifting, or complete transmission failure.
    • Solution: Replace the Mechatronic sleeve along with new fluid and filter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The valve body, which controls fluid flow within the transmission, can experience wear and clogging, leading to erratic shifting, slipping, or failure to shift.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the valve body, along with fluid flush and filter change.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the air struts, air compressor, or air lines in the air suspension system can cause the vehicle to sag, ride harshly, or display suspension malfunction warnings.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air struts, air compressor, or repair/replace leaking air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per strut, $500 - $1500+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Thrust Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn or cracked thrust arm bushings (also known as tension strut bushings) can cause vibrations at highway speeds, uneven tire wear, and clunking noises from the front suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the thrust arm bushings or the complete thrust arms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• iDrive System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system, which controls many of the car’s functions, can experience glitches, freezes, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the iDrive control module, or replacement of the display screen.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Comfort Access System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions with the Comfort Access system, including keyless entry and start, can occur due to faulty door handle sensors or a failing Comfort Access module.
  • Solution: Replace faulty door handle sensors or the Comfort Access module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per door handle, $500 - $1500+ for the module.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain due to parasitic draw from various electrical components can lead to a dead battery.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw, often involving module replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Carriers Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: The plastic door handle carriers break, causing the door handles to become loose or inoperable.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle carriers with updated metal versions.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per door handle.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, causing the sunroof to get stuck, make excessive noise, or leak.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation Screen Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation screen may fail, flicker, or display incorrect information.
  • Solution: Replacement of the navigation screen.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 BMW 760i, while offering a luxurious and powerful driving experience, is prone to a number of common issues, particularly related to its engine, transmission, suspension, and complex electronics. Many of these issues can be expensive to repair, making pre-purchase inspection and a thorough maintenance history crucial. The air suspension and electrical issues are particularly notorious for high repair costs. Potential buyers should be prepared for significant maintenance expenses associated with this vehicle.