2012 BMW 740i

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2012 BMW 740i, organized by category and component. The 2012 BMW 740i is a luxury sedan that offers a blend of performance and comfort. The 740i comes standard with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 in the 750i and a 6.0-liter V12 in the 760i. The standard transmission is an 8-speed automatic. Owners often praise the 740i for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious interior. Common dislikes include higher maintenance costs, complex electronics, and potential for costly repairs as the car ages.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-Six (N55B30)

• Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak around the oil filter housing, visible oil drips, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• VANOS Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased engine performance, check engine light with VANOS-related codes.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty VANOS solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per solenoid
  • Recalls: None Found
• High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Extended cranking, rough idling, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks (Water Pump, Thermostat Housing)
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant warning light, visible coolant leaks.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty water pump, thermostat housing, or associated hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak, difficult shifting, error message, slipping.
  • Solution: Replace the mechatronic sleeve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed engagement, slipping, transmission malfunction warnings.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ (depending on repair vs. replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Car sitting low on one or more corners, “Self-Leveling Suspension Inactive” warning, compressor noise.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Car sitting low on one or more corners, hissing sound from air struts, ride quality issues.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000 per strut
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially over bumps, vague steering feel.
  • Solution: Replace worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per control arm
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, needing frequent jump starts, electrical system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain (often related to modules not shutting down properly). Can require software updates or module replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• iDrive System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response, rebooting, loss of functionality.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the iDrive controller or head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Comfort Access Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Key fob not recognized, doors not unlocking or locking with the door handle sensors.
  • Solution: Replace door handle sensors, key fob battery, or comfort access module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not leveling properly, error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the adaptive headlight control module or the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per headlight
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, unusual noises, leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2012 BMW 740i, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, can present owners with a range of potential issues. Engine and transmission problems, particularly related to leaks, fuel system components, and valve bodies, can be costly to address. Suspension issues, especially those involving the air suspension system, can also lead to significant repair bills. Electrical issues are prevalent, and often complex to diagnose. Overall, the severity of potential issues ranges from moderate to severe, and the costs to repair can be substantial, potentially exceeding several thousand dollars, particularly for air suspension or complex electrical problems. Due to these potential issues, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.