Post
Research the Car Logo

2011 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive

Posted
By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2011 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive is a high-performance luxury sedan blending BMW’s engineering with Alpina’s handcrafted enhancements. The Alpina B7 xDrive uses the 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 Engine rated at 500 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the car’s unique blend of performance, luxury, and exclusivity. Common dislikes often revolve around the higher maintenance costs associated with a performance-oriented and relatively rare vehicle.

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbo V8

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations on the engine, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, the smell of burning oil, and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the location of the leak and labor.
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The turbochargers can experience failures, leading to reduced power, unusual noises (whining or screeching), and potentially check engine lights.
    • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the turbochargers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ for replacement, depending on the shop and parts.
  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can develop from the coolant hoses, expansion tank, water pump, and radiator. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant drips.
    • Solution: Replacing the affected hoses or components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the location of the leak and the components that need replacement.
  • High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The High-Pressure Fuel Pump can fail, causing long cranks, rough idling, misfires, and a potential no-start condition.
    • Solution: Replacing the HPFP.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ depending on the shop and parts.

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Transmission Slippage
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping between gears or failure to engage gears.
    • Solution: Replacement of valve body, torque converter, or complete transmission rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$5000 depending on damage and type of repair required.
  • Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaking transmission fluid due to a cracked mechatronic sleeve.
    • Solution: Replacement of the sleeve.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400-$600+

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The Alpina B7 xDrive uses an air suspension system. Air struts can leak, causing the car to sag or sit unevenly. The air compressor can also fail.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking air struts or failed air compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut or compressor replacement.
  • Adaptive Drive Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The Adaptive Drive system, which controls the anti-roll bars, can experience malfunctions, leading to warning lights and degraded handling.
    • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the Adaptive Drive system, potentially including replacing actuators or sensors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.

Electrical

  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to faulty modules, leaving the car with a dead battery.
    • Solution: Diagnosis to find the source of the drain and replacement of the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the cause of the drain.
  • iDrive System Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system can experience software glitches, screen failures, or controller malfunctions.
    • Solution: Software updates, screen replacement, or controller replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the severity of the issue.

Exterior

  • Xenon Headlight Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Xenon headlights can fail, flicker, or exhibit uneven light output.
    • Solution: Replacing the bulbs, ballasts, or complete headlight assemblies.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ per headlight.

Interior

  • Seat Motor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Power seat motors can fail, limiting seat adjustment.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per seat.

Recalls

  • Recall Number 12V-188: BMW is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 BMW 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and 535i Gran Turismo vehicles manufactured from March 23, 2010, through August 31, 2011; model year 2012-2013 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 640i Gran Coupe, 650i Gran Coupe, 650i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles manufactured from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012; model year 2011-2012 BMW 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, and Alpina B7 vehicles manufactured from March 18, 2010, through June 30, 2012; model year 2011-2012 BMW X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i vehicles manufactured from April 21, 2010, through August 29, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 BMW X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, and X5M vehicles manufactured from March 19, 2010, through June 30, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the electric auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger may fail. *Description/Symptoms: Engine compartment fire *Solution: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump, free of charge.

  • Recall Number 14V-286: BMW is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 BMW 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, 2012-2014 BMW 535i Gran Coupe, 550i Gran Coupe, 2013-2014 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2011-2013 BMW 740i, 740Li, 750i, 750Li, 760Li, Alpina B7, Alpina B7L, 2012-2014 BMW 640i Coupe, 650i Coupe, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 640i Gran Coupe, 650i Gran Coupe vehicles. Due to improper nickel plating of the fuel sensor flange located inside the fuel tank, the fuel sensor flange may crack. *Description/Symptoms: Fuel Leak, fuel odor *Solution: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge.

Summary

The 2011 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive, while a luxurious and high-performing vehicle, can be prone to issues common with high-performance turbocharged engines and complex systems. Oil leaks and turbocharger issues are the most common engine concerns. Air suspension and electrical problems contribute to the potential for expensive repairs. While many issues are not universal, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in potentially higher maintenance costs. The severity of these issues varies, but some repairs can be costly, potentially reaching several thousand dollars.

BMW, Alpina B7 xDrive
BMW Alpina B7 xDrive 2011
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.