2007 BMW Alpina B7

The 2007 BMW Alpina B7 is a high-performance luxury sedan based on the BMW 7 Series (E65/E66). It featured a supercharged 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 500 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It only came with a specially tuned 6-speed automatic transmission manufactured by ZF. Owners appreciate the B7’s blend of performance, luxury, and exclusivity. Common dislikes involve the higher maintenance costs associated with its unique and performance-oriented components compared to a standard 7 Series. Finding parts can sometimes be challenging, and repairs tend to be more expensive due to the Alpina-specific engineering.

Engine

Supercharged 4.4L V8

• Supercharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, whistling noise from the engine bay, boost loss. The supercharger’s internal bearings or rotors can fail.
  • Solution: Replace the supercharger unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $6,000 - $8,000+
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil drips under the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak points include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and timing cover gaskets.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on location and complexity.
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant drips, overheating, low coolant level. Common leak points include the water pump, thermostat housing, and radiator hoses.
  • Solution: Replace leaking components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+

Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (ZF 6HP26)

• Rough Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, transmission fault codes. This can be due to worn valve body components, solenoids, or low transmission fluid.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission service (fluid and filter change), replace the valve body, or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $400 (service), $1500 - $4000+ (valve body or rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, transmission fault codes.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Suspension sagging, inability to raise the vehicle, “SelflevelSusp” warning light.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Suspension sagging, uneven ride height, hissing sound from struts.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car not starting, dead battery after short periods of inactivity. This can be caused by a faulty module not going into sleep mode or a parasitic draw from an aftermarket accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the draw and repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
• iDrive Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, rebooting, or complete failure of the iDrive system.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the iDrive control unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not self-leveling, error messages on the dash.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight leveling motors or control modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+

Interior

• Seat Motor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Seats not adjusting properly or at all.
  • Solution: Replace the seat motor or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening/closing, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200+

Summary

The 2007 BMW Alpina B7 is a unique and powerful vehicle, but it’s essential to be aware of potential issues. The most significant concerns revolve around the supercharged engine, transmission, and air suspension, which can lead to costly repairs. Electrical issues and interior component failures are also relatively common. Overall, potential buyers should factor in higher-than-average maintenance costs and the potential for expensive repairs when considering this model. Severity of issues ranges from inconvenient (iDrive failures) to potentially immobilizing (transmission failure).