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2006 BMW 750Li

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2006 BMW 750Li is a full-size luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, advanced technology, and powerful engine. The 750Li is equipped with a 4.8-liter V8 engine producing 360 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While praised for its luxurious features and driving experience, the 2006 750Li is notorious for its complex electronics and potential for expensive repairs as it ages. Common dislikes include the high cost of maintenance, the complexity of the iDrive system, and the potential for electrical gremlins. Other engine options were not available for the 2006 BMW 750Li, but other models within the 7 Series line did offer different engines.

Engine

4.8L N62 V8

  • Valve Stem Seal Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles), blue smoke from the exhaust upon startup, especially after the car has been sitting for a while. Oil may foul spark plugs.
    • Solution: Replacement of the valve stem seals. This is a labor-intensive job that requires removal of the cylinder heads.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Transfer Pipe Leak (Valley Pan Leak)
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak often originating from the top center of the engine, under the intake manifold (the “valley” of the V). Coolant smell, low coolant level warnings, overheating.
    • Solution: Replacement of the coolant transfer pipe or the entire valley pan assembly with an updated version. Requires significant engine disassembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks (Various Locations)
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various locations on the engine, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, timing cover gaskets, and oil filter housing gasket. Visible oil drips, oil smell, low oil level warnings.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on location. Valve cover gaskets: $500 - $1,000. Oil pan gasket: $800 - $1,500. Oil filter housing gasket: $400 - $800.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery light illumination, dimming headlights, electrical malfunctions, difficulty starting, or a completely dead battery.
    • Solution: Replacement of the alternator with a new or remanufactured unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (ZF 6HP26)

  • Slipping or Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping between gears, harsh or delayed shifts, especially when cold. Can be accompanied by transmission fault codes.
    • Solution: Replacement of solenoids, valve body rebuild, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement. Fluid change may temporarily alleviate symptoms but is unlikely to be a permanent fix.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Solenoid replacement or valve body rebuild: $1,500 - $3,000. Transmission rebuild/replacement: $4,000 - $7,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak near the transmission pan. Can cause low fluid levels and lead to transmission slipping or failure.
    • Solution: Replacement of the mechatronic sealing sleeve. Transmission fluid change required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the car sitting low, suspension malfunction warnings, air suspension compressor running continuously or not at all.
    • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor and potentially the air struts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Compressor: $800 - $1,500. Air struts: $800 - $1,500 per strut.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Strut Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Car sitting unevenly, one corner lower than the others, suspension malfunction warnings. Hissing sound from the leaking strut.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaking air strut.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500 per strut.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • iDrive Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system freezing, rebooting, or displaying error messages. Loss of functionality for navigation, radio, climate control, and other vehicle settings.
    • Solution: Software update, replacement of the iDrive controller or central information display screen.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $200 - $400. Controller/screen replacement: $800 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery draining overnight or within a few days, even when the car is not in use. Can be caused by a faulty module not shutting down properly.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain. This can involve extensive electrical testing to isolate the faulty module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable, depends on the cause. $200 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Comfort Access Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The comfort access system failing to unlock or lock the doors automatically when approaching or leaving the vehicle. Can also prevent the car from starting.
    • Solution: Replacement of the door handle sensors or comfort access module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Door handle sensor: $300 - $600 per handle. Comfort access module: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door failing to lock or unlock with the key fob or interior switch.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per door.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, making grinding noises, or leaking.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 BMW 750Li, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, is prone to a number of expensive issues as it ages. Engine oil leaks, coolant leaks, valve stem seal failures, and transmission problems are common. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the iDrive system and comfort access, can also be problematic. The air suspension is another potential source of expensive repairs. Overall, the 2006 750Li presents a high risk of costly repairs and maintenance. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle and be prepared for significant expenses.

BMW, 750Li
BMW 750Li 2006
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