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2008 BMW 750i

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2008 BMW 750i is a luxury sedan known for its opulent features, powerful engine, and smooth ride. The 750i came equipped with a 4.8-liter V8 engine producing 360 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. Other than the 750i, the 7 Series was available with a 6.0-liter V12 in the 760i. All models used a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the 750i’s comfortable interior, advanced technology (for its time), and confident performance. Common complaints include high maintenance costs, electrical gremlins, and the car’s overall complexity, which can lead to expensive repairs.

Engine

4.8L N62B48 V8

  • Valve Stem Seal Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, especially after the car has been sitting for a while.
    • Solution: Replacing the valve stem seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant level decreasing, overheating, visible leaks around the engine. Often occurs at the plastic coolant pipe running under the intake manifold, or the coolant transfer pipe.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ depending on the leak’s location
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak locations include the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the leak’s location
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (GA6HP26Z)

  • Slipping/Rough Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when shifting, jerky movements, or the transmission slipping out of gear.
    • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change may help if the issue is minor and fluid is old. More severe cases require valve body replacement or complete transmission rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 for fluid flush; $1,500 - $4,000+ for valve body/rebuild.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak, difficulty shifting, transmission malfunction warning.
    • Solution: Replacing the mechatronic sleeve (also known as the transmission adapter seal).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Car sitting low on one or more corners, suspension malfunction warning, compressor running constantly.
    • Solution: Replacing the air struts, air compressor, or air lines. Leaks in the air lines are common.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut; $500 - $1,000+ for compressor; $100 - $500 for lines.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Thrust Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Vibration in the steering wheel at highway speeds, clunking noise from the front suspension.
    • Solution: Replacing the thrust arm bushings or the entire thrust arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • iDrive System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response, random reboots, failure to control certain functions.
    • Solution: Software update, replacement of the iDrive controller, or replacement of the entire iDrive unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Car battery frequently dead, difficulty starting the car. Caused by a parasitic drain from a faulty module or accessory.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the source of the drain and replacing the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the component
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Comfort Access Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Key fob not being recognized, difficulty locking/unlocking the doors using the touch sensors, starting issues.
    • Solution: Replacing the comfort access sensors, antenna amplifier, or key fob battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not leveling correctly, error messages on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacing the headlight leveling sensors or the adaptive headlight control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, excessive noise.
    • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, tracks, or cables.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking, making unusual noises.
    • Solution: Replacing the door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ per door.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 BMW 750i, while luxurious and powerful, is prone to several common issues that can be costly to repair. Engine issues, particularly oil leaks and valve stem seal failure, are prevalent. Suspension problems, especially those related to the air suspension, are also frequently reported. Electrical gremlins, including iDrive malfunctions and battery drains, are another common source of frustration for owners. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs costing several thousand dollars. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in the cost of repairs when considering purchasing this vehicle.

BMW, 750i
BMW 750i 2008
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