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2012 BMW 750i

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2012 BMW 750i is a luxury sedan known for its blend of performance and comfort. It was offered with a 4.4L Twin Turbo V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Some owners love the powerful engine and luxurious features, while others dislike the potential for high maintenance costs and complex electronics. The 750i provided a balance between driving excitement and lavishness with soft leather, real wood trim, and user-friendly technology. The 2012 BMW 7 series also had other engine options such as the 740i/Li 3.0L I6, the 760Li 6.0L V12, and the ActiveHybrid 7 4.4L Turbo V8. All of these engine options were mated to a ZF 8HP automatic transmission.

Engine

4.4L Twin Turbo V8 (N63)

  • Oil Leaks from Valve Stem Seals
    • Description/Symptoms: Blue smoke from the exhaust, especially upon start-up after the car has been sitting, indicates oil leaking into the cylinders from deteriorated valve stem seals. Oil consumption may also increase.
    • Solution: Replacing the valve stem seals. This is a labor-intensive job that often involves removing the cylinder heads.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Transfer Pipe Leak (Valley Pan Leak)
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak originating from the top of the engine, often collecting in the valley pan under the intake manifold. Can cause overheating and coolant loss.
    • Solution: Replacing the coolant transfer pipe (often referred to as the “valley pan”). This requires significant disassembly of the top of the engine.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Oil Feed Line Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak near the turbochargers, often dripping onto hot exhaust components. This can cause a burning smell and, in severe cases, smoke.
    • Solution: Replacing the turbocharger oil feed lines and any associated seals/gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ (per side if both need replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, decreased fuel economy, and possible fuel smell. High Pressure Fuel Pumps, or fuel injectors are common failures
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty fuel injector(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ (per injector)
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 8HP Automatic Transmission (All Models)

  • Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak from the electrical connector sleeve that passes through the transmission housing. Can cause transmission slipping or harsh shifting if fluid level drops too low.
    • Solution: Replacing the mechatronic sleeve and refilling the transmission fluid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift properly. Often caused by worn solenoids or other components within the valve body.
    • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body. In some cases, a software update may temporarily alleviate the issue.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the car is sagging or one side of the car is sagging, compressor runs constantly and burns out, and “Self-leveling suspension inactive” warning on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor and checking for leaks in the air struts or lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Strut Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the car is sagging or one side of the car is sagging, “Self-leveling suspension inactive” warning on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty air strut(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+ (per strut)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is parked. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including a faulty alternator, a parasitic draw from an electronic component, or a failing battery.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the source of the battery drain and repairing or replacing the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • iDrive System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive screen freezes, reboots, or displays error messages. This can be caused by software glitches, a faulty iDrive controller, or a failing head unit.
    • Solution: Attempting a software update or replacing the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ (depending on the component needing replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • No Issues Found

Interior

  • Seat Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The power seats will not move or adjust.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+ (per seat)
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 BMW 750i, while luxurious and powerful, is prone to certain issues, particularly with its engine and suspension systems. The N63 engine is known for oil leaks and cooling system problems, which can be costly to repair. The air suspension system is also a potential source of trouble. Electrical gremlins can also appear. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in potential repair costs when considering this model. The severity of the issues ranges from moderate (e.g., mechatronic sleeve leak) to severe (e.g., engine coolant leak or valve stem seal failure), with repair costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

BMW, 750i
BMW 750i 2012
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