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2004 BMW 760Li

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2004 BMW 760Li is a luxury sedan boasting a powerful V12 engine and a wealth of features. The 760Li was offered with a 6.0L V12 engine rated at 438 hp and 444 lb-ft of torque paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. While praised for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious interior, the 2004 760Li is known to have issues typical of high-end European vehicles, especially as they age. Owners appreciate its comfortable interior and powerful performance but often complain about the high cost of maintenance and repairs. This guide focuses on common issues reported by owners, beyond typical wear and tear.

Engine

6.0L V12 (N73)

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the ground, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
    • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+, depending on the location of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from the expansion tank, radiator hoses, or water pump. Symptoms include low coolant level, overheating, and visible coolant leaks.
    • Solution: Replacing the affected components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Stem Seals
    • Description/Symptoms: Worn valve stem seals can cause excessive oil consumption, especially during startup. Symptoms include blue smoke from the exhaust.
    • Solution: Replacing the valve stem seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (ZF 6HP26)

  • Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic sleeve, which seals the electrical connector on the transmission, can leak over time. Symptoms include transmission fluid leaks and potential shifting issues.
    • Solution: Replacing the mechatronic sleeve and associated seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, leading to poor acceleration, shuddering, or complete loss of drive.
    • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The 760Li is equipped with an air suspension system, which is prone to failure over time. Components that may fail include the air struts, air compressor, and valve block. Symptoms include the car sitting low, uneven ride height, and error messages on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacing the affected components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per corner (strut replacement), $500 - $1000+ (compressor replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushings
    • Description/Symptoms: Control arm bushings wear out over time, leading to clunking noises, vibrations, and poor handling.
    • Solution: Replacing the control arm bushings or entire control arms.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per control arm.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • iDrive System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system, which controls many of the car’s functions, can experience software glitches, screen failures, and other issues.
    • Solution: Software updates, module replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The complex electrical system can cause excessive battery drain, leading to starting issues.
    • Solution: Identifying and resolving the source of the drain (faulty modules, etc.).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (diagnostic and repair)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Comfort Access Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Comfort Access allows for keyless entry and start, and the door handles and sensors can fail. Symptoms include not being able to open the doors without using the key fob.
    • Solution: Replacement of faulty door handles or sensors
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per door handle.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Headlight Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The Xenon headlights have issues with the auto-leveling system failing causing the headlights to point towards the ground. Headlights may also flicker and burnout frequently.
    • Solution: Headlight Replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000+ per headlight
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof motor failure or becoming misaligned leading to jamming and water leaks.
    • Solution: Sunroof motor replacement, realignment or repair
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Motor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: The seat motors that control seat adjustment frequently fail.
    • Solution: Seat motor replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 BMW 760Li, while offering a luxurious experience and powerful V12 engine, is prone to several issues as it ages. The air suspension and electrical systems are particularly problematic, and the V12 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission can develop costly leaks and mechanical failures. Owners should be prepared for potentially high maintenance and repair costs to keep the vehicle in good working condition. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major component failures, and the costs can vary widely depending on the specific problem and repair shop.

BMW, 760Li
BMW 760Li 2004
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