2010 BMW 740i

The 2010 BMW 740i marked the introduction of the F01 generation’s twin-turbocharged inline-six engine to the US market. This model aimed to offer a blend of luxury, performance, and efficiency. The 740i is equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 322 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While praised for its smooth ride, luxurious interior, and advanced technology features, the 2010 740i has also been subject to various owner complaints. Some common dislikes include the complexity of the iDrive system and the higher cost of maintenance compared to other luxury sedans.

Engine

N54 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-Six

• High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Long cranking times, rough idle, engine hesitation, and potential stalling. Can trigger a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the High-Pressure Fuel Pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, fuel smell, and potential catalytic converter damage if unburnt fuel enters the exhaust system.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty fuel injectors. It’s often recommended to replace all injectors on a bank to ensure balanced fuel delivery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per injector (parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing Gasket)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level warning.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gasket and/or the oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve Cover Gasket: $400 - $800, Oil Filter Housing Gasket: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• VANOS Solenoid Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, check engine light with VANOS-related codes.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the VANOS solenoids.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 6HP21 Six-Speed Automatic

• Mechatronic Sleeve Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaks, rough or delayed shifting, transmission malfunction warnings.
  • Solution: Replacement of the mechatronic sealing sleeve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Fluid Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Fluid leak on the floor below the vehicle, slipping transmission, transmission malfunction, inability to shift gears.
  • Solution: Change the transmission fluid and filter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Car sits unevenly, suspension malfunction warning, inability to raise or lower the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to compressor failure, but can be isolated to one corner of the vehicle sagging. Hissing sound from the strut.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking air strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• iDrive System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezes, reboots unexpectedly, navigation problems, unresponsive controls.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the iDrive controller or the entire iDrive unit (CIC unit).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update (dealer dependent, sometimes free or minimal cost), Controller replacement: $300 - $800, CIC Unit Replacement: $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Comfort Access System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Key fob not recognized, difficulty locking or unlocking doors, push-button start failure.
  • Solution: Replacing key fob batteries, diagnosing and replacing faulty door handle sensors or the Comfort Access control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Battery replacement (minor cost), Door handle sensor: $300 - $600 per handle, Control module: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery drains overnight or within a few days of being parked.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing parasitic drains caused by faulty modules or accessories.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable depending on the cause of the drain. $100 - $1000+ (diagnostic and repair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Adaptive headlights do not level or swivel, headlight malfunction warning.
  • Solution: Replace headlight control module or headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof jamming, not opening or closing properly, excessive wind noise.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks, repairing or replacing the sunroof motor or mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Motor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Seats not adjusting properly, clicking sounds when attempting to adjust.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ per motor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 BMW 740i presents a mix of luxury and potential ownership challenges. Engine issues, particularly with the HPFP, fuel injectors, and oil leaks, can be costly to address. Suspension and electrical problems, such as air suspension failure and iDrive malfunctions, also contribute to the overall maintenance expenses. While some issues are relatively minor, others can lead to significant repair bills, making pre-purchase inspection and a comprehensive service history essential. Owners should be prepared for potentially higher maintenance costs compared to other vehicles in its class.