2007 BMW 750i
The 2007 BMW 750i is a full-size luxury sedan known for its blend of performance and comfort. The primary engine option is a 4.8-liter V8 engine producing 360 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciate the car’s smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious interior. Common complaints often revolve around the high cost of maintenance and repairs, the complexity of the electronics, and potential reliability issues. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the common problems reported by 2007 BMW 750i owners.
Engine
4.8L N62B48 V8
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common around the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and the front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, oil consumption, and a burning oil smell.
- Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ depending on the location of the leak and labor rates.
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks are frequently reported around the coolant transfer pipe (under the intake manifold, commonly called the coolant transfer pipe “of death” due to the labor needed to replace it), water pump, thermostat housing, and radiator hoses. Symptoms include low coolant level, overheating, and visible leaks.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+, depending on the part and location. The coolant transfer pipe is typically the most expensive due to the extensive labor.
- Recalls: None Found
- VANOS Solenoid Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Variable valve timing (VANOS) solenoid failures can cause rough idling, reduced power, and engine stalling.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty VANOS solenoids.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail prematurely, leading to a dead battery, warning lights, and eventually, the car not starting.
- Solution: Replacing the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6HP26 6-Speed Automatic
- Slipping or Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: The 6HP26 transmission can exhibit slipping between gears, harsh shifting, or delayed engagement. These issues often stem from low fluid levels, degraded fluid, or worn solenoids and valve body components.
- Solution: Fluid change, solenoid replacement, or valve body replacement. In severe cases, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 for fluid change to $2000+ for valve body/solenoid replacement or rebuild.
- Recalls: None Found
- Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Leaks can occur at the mechatronic sealing sleeve where the wiring harness enters the transmission. This can cause fluid loss and transmission malfunction.
- Solution: Replacing the mechatronic sealing sleeve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system is prone to leaks and compressor failures, leading to a sagging or uneven ride height, error messages, and a harsh ride.
- Solution: Replacing the air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per strut, $500 - $1000+ for the compressor, depending on the parts used and labor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Control Arm Bushing Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Worn control arm bushings can cause clunking noises, vibrations, and poor handling.
- Solution: Replacing the control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per control arm.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- iDrive System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system can suffer from software glitches, screen failures, and controller malfunctions, resulting in a loss of functionality for navigation, audio, and climate control.
- Solution: Software updates, screen replacement, or iDrive controller replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+, depending on the issue.
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to faulty modules, aftermarket accessories, or a failing voltage regulator. This can lead to a dead battery and difficulty starting the car.
- Solution: Identifying and addressing the source of the parasitic drain.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
- Recalls: None Found
- Comfort Access Problems
- Description/Symptoms: The comfort access system (keyless entry and start) can experience intermittent failures, leading to difficulties unlocking or starting the car.
- Solution: Replacing the door handle sensors or the comfort access module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Door lock actuators can fail, preventing the doors from locking or unlocking properly.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per door.
- Recalls: None Found
- Headlight Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The adaptive headlights or xenon bulbs can fail, leading to reduced visibility.
- Solution: Replacing the bulbs, ballasts, or headlight assemblies.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the component needing replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, causing the sunroof to become stuck or operate erratically.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor or mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Motor Problems
- Description/Symptoms: The electric seat motors can fail, preventing the seats from adjusting properly.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per motor.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2007 BMW 750i, while luxurious and powerful, is prone to several common issues that can lead to high maintenance costs. Engine oil and coolant leaks, transmission problems, air suspension failures, and electrical gremlins are frequently reported. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, and the cost to fix them can vary widely depending on the specific problem and the mechanic’s labor rates. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing decision. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.