2011 BMW 750i xDrive

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2011 BMW 750i xDrive, organized as requested.

The 2011 BMW 750i xDrive is a luxury sedan known for its powerful performance, opulent interior, and advanced technology. This model year is part of the F01/F02 generation (2008-2015), which offered a significant step up in technology and luxury compared to its predecessors. For the 2011 750i xDrive, the primary engine was a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 producing 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options for the 2011 7-series included a naturally aspirated inline-6 cylinder in the 740i, and a 6.0L V12 in the 760Li. People generally appreciate the 750i xDrive for its comfortable ride, strong acceleration, and prestige. Common dislikes include high maintenance costs, complex electronics that can be prone to failure, and the car’s overall weight, which can sometimes impact handling.

Engine

4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8 (N63)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are a common issue, often originating from the valve cover gaskets, turbocharger oil lines, or the rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets or seals is necessary. For turbo oil lines, sometimes a redesigned line can help prevent recurrence.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+, depending on the location and severity of the leak. Valve cover gaskets are typically less expensive than a rear main seal replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from various points in the cooling system, including the coolant expansion tank, hoses, water pump, and radiator. Symptoms include low coolant level warnings, visible coolant leaks (often green or blue), and engine overheating.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking component is required. Inspecting all hoses and connections during the repair is advisable.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+, depending on the component needing replacement. The water pump replacement can be more involved.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Direct Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The N63 engine utilizes direct fuel injection, and the injectors can sometimes fail or become clogged. This can result in rough idling, misfires, reduced power, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Diagnose the faulty injector and replace it. It’s often recommended to replace injectors in pairs or as a complete set to ensure balanced performance.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per injector (including labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The N63 is a twin-turbocharged engine, and the turbochargers themselves can experience issues such as oil leaks, bearing failure, or wastegate malfunction. Symptoms include reduced power, whistling noises from the engine, and potentially turbocharger failure.
  • Solution: Depending on the severity, the turbocharger(s) may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ per turbocharger (including labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The 6-speed automatic transmission can experience issues with the valve body. Symptoms include harsh shifting, delayed engagement, slipping between gears, or complete failure to shift.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement or repair. Sometimes, a software update can alleviate the issue, but often the valve body itself needs attention.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mechatronic Sleeve Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic sleeve, which seals the electrical connector to the transmission, can leak over time. This can cause transmission malfunctions or fluid loss.
  • Solution: Replacement of the mechatronic sleeve and transmission fluid service.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues (Rear)
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear air suspension system can experience leaks in the air springs or failures of the air compressor. Symptoms include the rear of the car sitting low, uneven ride height, and an error message on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking air spring(s) or the faulty air compressor. It’s recommended to replace air springs in pairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per air spring or compressor, depending on the brand and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Control arm bushings can wear out, leading to clunking noises from the suspension, imprecise handling, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per control arm, including labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• iDrive System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system (BMW’s infotainment and control system) can experience various glitches, including freezing, slow response times, and component failures (screen, controller).
  • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve issues. In other cases, individual components or the entire iDrive unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (for software updates) - $2,000+ (for component replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can be a common issue, often caused by a faulty module not entering sleep mode or an aftermarket accessory drawing too much power.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the battery drain and repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable, depending on the cause. Can range from $100 (for a simple fuse issue) to $1,000+ (for a module replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Comfort Access Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The comfort access system (keyless entry and start) can experience issues such as intermittent operation or complete failure. This can be caused by faulty door handles, antenna modules, or the key itself.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ depending on the part needing replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Adaptive headlights can malfunction, causing them to point in the wrong direction, flicker, or display error messages.
  • Solution: Diagnose the fault and replace the headlight unit or the associated control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per headlight unit.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seat motors can fail, preventing the seat from adjusting properly.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, causing the sunroof to get stuck, make excessive noise, or leak.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 BMW 750i xDrive, while offering a luxurious and powerful driving experience, can be prone to a variety of issues, especially as it ages. The most significant concerns revolve around the N63 engine, particularly oil leaks, coolant leaks, and potential turbocharger problems, which can be quite expensive to repair. Electrical issues, especially with the iDrive system, are also common. Suspension and transmission issues can add to the overall ownership cost. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor in higher maintenance costs when considering this model. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining the vehicle’s performance and reliability.