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2008 BMW 760Li

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2008 BMW 760Li represents the pinnacle of luxury sedans from that era. It boasted a powerful V12 engine and was loaded with technology and comfort features. Other engine options included the 750i/Li with the N62 V8 engine, and 740i/Li with an N52 inline 6 engine. The 760Li specifically features a 6.0L N73 V12 engine producing 438 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally loved the car’s smooth ride, powerful engine, and opulent interior. Common complaints revolve around the high cost of maintenance and repairs, the complexity of the electronics leading to potential failures, and the car’s overall depreciation.

Engine

N73 6.0L V12

  • Valve Stem Seal Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Blue smoke from the exhaust upon startup, especially after the car has been sitting for a while. Oil consumption increases.
    • Solution: Replacing the valve stem seals. This is an extensive job requiring removal of the cylinder heads.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant level drops, overheating, visible coolant leaks around the engine. Common leak points include the water pump, thermostat housing, and radiator hoses.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking components. Requires draining the cooling system and replacing gaskets and seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ depending on the location and number of leaks.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak points include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets and seals. Can be labor-intensive depending on the location of the leak.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (ZF 6HP26)

  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at low speeds. Transmission slipping or jerking during gear changes.
    • Solution: Replacing the torque converter. Requires dropping the transmission and replacing the unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, transmission getting stuck in gear, transmission malfunction warnings.
    • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body. Requires dropping the transmission pan and accessing the valve body. Sometimes, solenoids can be replaced individually.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaks from the transmission pan area. Can lead to low fluid levels and transmission problems.
    • Solution: Replacing the mechatronic sleeve. Requires dropping the transmission pan.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The car sags on one or more corners, “Suspension Fault” warning on the iDrive screen. The compressor may be noisy or not running at all.
    • Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Strut Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The car sags on one or more corners, a rough or bouncy ride, visible damage to the air struts.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty air strut(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+ per strut
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps. Steering wheel vibrations.
    • Solution: Replacing the control arms or control arm bushings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,200+ per control arm.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • iDrive System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive screen freezes, reboots randomly, or stops working altogether. Navigation, audio, and other functions may be affected.
    • Solution: Requires software updates or replacing the iDrive control module (CCC unit).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Comfort Access System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Keyless entry and start stop working intermittently or not at all.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the faulty components (door handles, antenna amplifiers, control module) and replacing them.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not being used. Difficult to start the car after it has been sitting for a while.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the source of the parasitic drain (faulty modules, wiring issues) and repairing it.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the problem.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Xenon Headlight Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: One or both headlights stop working or flicker. “Check Headlight” warning on the iDrive screen.
    • Solution: Replacing the xenon bulb or the headlight ballast.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per headlight
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door locks fail to lock or unlock remotely, or manually using the key.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700 per door.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof fails to open or close properly, makes excessive noise, or leaks.
    • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: One or more seat adjustments stop working.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 BMW 760Li, while offering a luxurious and powerful driving experience, is prone to several issues, particularly related to its complex engine, transmission, air suspension, and electronics. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs that can be quite costly, especially concerning the V12 engine and the air suspension system. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in potential maintenance and repair costs when considering purchasing this vehicle.

BMW, 760Li
BMW 760Li 2008
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