2011 BMW 740i
The 2011 BMW 740i is a luxury sedan appreciated for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and advanced technology features. The 740i offers a blend of performance and comfort that appeals to many drivers. Some common complaints include higher than average maintenance costs and the complexity of the vehicle’s electronics. The 2011 BMW 740i came standard with a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 engine (N54) producing 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Engine
N54 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Long cranks, extended starting times, rough idle, or complete failure to start. The car might go into limp mode or stall.
- Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle
- Description/Symptoms: A rattling or buzzing sound coming from the engine, especially during acceleration or deceleration. This is caused by worn wastegate bushings in the turbochargers.
- Solution: Replacement or repair of the turbocharger(s). Some shops offer wastegate actuator arm adjustment as a temporary fix.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing Gasket)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks under the car or on the engine. Burning oil smell. Low oil level warnings.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaking gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gasket: $300 - $600. Oil filter housing gasket: $300 - $700.
- Recalls: None Found
- Direct Injector Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough running engine, misfires, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty direct injector(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per injector.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic (GA6HP26Z)
- Slipping or Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Delays in gear changes, jerking motions during shifting, or failure to shift properly.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement may help in early stages. More severe cases may require valve body repair/replacement or a full transmission rebuild/replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid flush: $200 - $400. Valve body repair/replacement: $800 - $2000. Transmission rebuild/replacement: $3000 - $6000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit controls the transmission’s shifting. Failure can lead to erratic shifting, limp mode, or complete transmission failure.
- Solution: Replacement of the mechatronic unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The vehicle sits lower than normal, especially on one side. The air suspension compressor may run constantly or not at all. “Selflevel Suspension Inactive” warning.
- 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 may also include hissing sounds from the leaking strut.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaking air strut(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- iDrive System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive screen freezes, reboots randomly, or becomes unresponsive. Certain functions may be unavailable.
- Solution: Software update, replacement of the iDrive control unit (CIC), or repair of wiring issues.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $100-$300. CIC replacement: $800 - $2500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Comfort Access Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The keyless entry and start system fails to recognize the key fob. Doors may not unlock or lock, and the car may not start.
- Solution: Replacement of key fob battery, replacement of the Comfort Access module, or repair of wiring issues.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Key fob battery replacement: $10-$20. Module replacement: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is parked for extended periods. The car may be difficult to start.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain (e.g., faulty module, aftermarket accessory). Battery replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Battery replacement: $300 - $600. Parasitic drain diagnosis and repair: Varies widely depending on the cause.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Headlights fail to adjust properly, error messages on the dashboard, or one or both headlights not working.
- Solution: Replacement of the headlight control module or the adaptive headlight motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof gets stuck, makes excessive noise, or fails to open or close completely.
- Solution: Lubrication of the sunroof tracks, replacement of the sunroof motor, or repair of the sunroof mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The power seats fail to adjust properly, or one or more of the seat motors stops working.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2011 BMW 740i, while a luxurious and comfortable vehicle, can be prone to several issues. Engine problems such as HPFP failure and turbocharger issues can be expensive to fix. Transmission problems may range from minor to severe. The air suspension is another area that commonly experiences issues leading to expensive repair bills. Electrical issues, particularly with the iDrive system and comfort access, can also be frustrating. Overall, owning a 2011 BMW 740i requires diligent maintenance and a willingness to address potential problems, which can be costly.