2012 BMW 740Li

The 2012 BMW 740Li is a luxury sedan known for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology. The 740Li is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine producing 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2012 7 Series include a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 in the 750i/Li and a 6.0-liter V12 in the 760Li. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the 740Li for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious interior. Common complaints include high maintenance costs and potential electrical issues.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (N55B30)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal is the typical solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• VANOS Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The VANOS (Variable Camshaft Timing) system can experience solenoid failures, leading to rough idling, decreased performance, and potential error codes.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty VANOS solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The high pressure fuel pump can fail, leading to rough running, long cranks, and potential stalling. This was a common issue with early N54 and N55 engines.
  • Solution: Replacing the high pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The ZF 8HP transmission can sometimes exhibit rough or jerky shifting, particularly at lower speeds. Some owners have reported issues with delayed engagement.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update can resolve the issue. In other cases, replacement of solenoids within the valve body is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the severity and fix
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic sleeve, which seals the electrical connector on the transmission, can leak fluid. This can cause transmission malfunctions and require replacement.
  • Solution: Replacing the mechatronic sleeve and performing a transmission service.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system can experience leaks in the air struts or failures in the air compressor. This results in the car sitting unevenly, a rough ride, and warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking air struts or the faulty air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut or for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• iDrive System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failures. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
  • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve the issue. In more severe cases, replacement of the iDrive module is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the severity and fix
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur, leading to a dead battery, especially after the car has been sitting for a while. This can be caused by a faulty module or other electrical issues.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the underlying cause of the battery drain. This may involve replacing a faulty module or repairing wiring issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the cause
  • 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. This may be due to a faulty motor or sensor.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty headlight components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per headlight
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can experience issues such as failing to open or close properly, or making excessive noise during operation.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor or mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 BMW 740Li, while a luxurious and enjoyable vehicle, can present owners with several potential issues. Engine issues such as oil leaks and HPFP failures can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, particularly with rough shifting, may require software updates or more extensive repairs. The air suspension system is another common area of concern, with potential for expensive repairs. Electrical issues, especially with the iDrive system, can also be frustrating. While some issues may be minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be significant and lead to high repair bills. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their ownership costs.