2011 BMW Alpina B7

The 2011 BMW Alpina B7 is a high-performance luxury sedan based on the BMW 7 Series. It offers a blend of comfort and exhilarating performance. What people like about the car are its luxury features, high end interior, and powerful engine. Some issues include high maintenance costs, expensive replacement parts, and electrical gremlins. The 2011 Alpina B7 was only offered with one engine and transmission option: a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 500 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the engine or ground, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from the coolant expansion tank, radiator hoses, or water pump. Symptoms include low coolant level, overheating, and visible coolant leaks.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1,000+ depending on the part.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Turbocharger failure can occur due to oil starvation, overheating, or general wear and tear. Symptoms include loss of power, excessive smoke, and turbocharger noise.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Slipping/Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or rough shifting can occur due to worn clutches, valve body issues, or low fluid level.
  • Solution: Transmission flush, valve body repair/replacement, or transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $6,000+ depending on the severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Alpina B7 uses an air suspension system, which can be prone to failure due to leaks in the air springs, compressor failure, or control module issues. Symptoms include sagging suspension, uneven ride height, and suspension warning lights.
  • Solution: Replacing the air springs, compressor, or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensors, and crankshaft position sensors, can fail, leading to engine performance issues, check engine lights, and poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to parasitic draws from various electrical components, such as the infotainment system, alarm system, or door modules.
  • Solution: Identifying and fixing the source of the parasitic draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• iDrive System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, and software malfunctions, affecting navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the iDrive control unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive headlights can experience malfunctions, such as failing to adjust properly or displaying error messages.
  • Solution: Replacing the headlight control unit or the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per headlight.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, leading to difficulty opening or closing the sunroof or water leaks.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof mechanism or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 BMW Alpina B7, while offering a luxurious and powerful driving experience, can be prone to several issues. Engine and transmission problems, like oil leaks, coolant leaks, and transmission slipping, can lead to costly repairs. The air suspension system is also a known trouble spot. Electrical issues, such as sensor failures, battery drain, and iDrive malfunctions, are common and can be frustrating. Exterior and interior issues, like headlight malfunctions and sunroof failures, can also add to the ownership costs. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in the high maintenance and repair costs associated with owning a high-performance luxury vehicle like the 2011 BMW Alpina B7.