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2012 BMW 760Li

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By Research the Car 5 min read

Here’s a breakdown of common issues reported for the 2012 BMW 760Li, categorized and detailed as requested.

The 2012 BMW 760Li is a luxury sedan renowned for its powerful engine, smooth ride, and luxurious features. While appreciated for its performance and comfort, it’s also known for its complex systems, which can lead to reliability issues. The 760Li comes equipped with a 6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 engine producing 535 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. Some owners love the car’s opulent interior, powerful engine, and advanced technology. However, common complaints include high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and a tendency for various components to fail as the car ages. Other engine options available for the 2012 7 Series included a 3.0L inline-6, a 4.4L V8, and hybrid options. The transmissions used were mainly 8-speed automatics.

Engine

N74B60 6.0L Twin-Turbo V12

  • Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Filter Housing)
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are a common issue on aging V12 engines. Valve cover gaskets and the oil filter housing are prone to leaking, leading to oil spots under the car, a burning oil smell, and potentially low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets and reseal the oil filter housing.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+ (V12 engine access increases labor costs).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks (Coolant Transfer Pipe, Radiator Hoses)
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from various points in the cooling system. The coolant transfer pipe that runs between the cylinder heads is a known weak point. Leaks lead to low coolant levels, overheating, and potential engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking components. This can involve replacing the coolant transfer pipe, hoses, water pump, or radiator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+ depending on the component and labor involved.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Direct injection V12 engines can experience fuel injector problems. Symptoms include rough idling, misfires, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light.
    • Solution: Diagnose the faulty injector(s) and replace them. In some cases, cleaning may temporarily alleviate the issue, but replacement is often necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ depending on how many injectors need replacing.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 8HP90 8-Speed Automatic

  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The ZF 8HP transmissions can sometimes experience valve body issues. Symptoms include harsh shifting, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, and transmission malfunction warnings.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the valve body. In some cases, a software update may help, but often physical repair/replacement is required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+ depending on the extent of the damage and whether the valve body is rebuilt or replaced.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Mechatronic Sleeve Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic sleeve seals the electrical connector to the transmission and can leak over time. This leads to transmission fluid loss and potential electrical issues within the transmission.
    • Solution: Replace the mechatronic sleeve and refill the transmission fluid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension compressor can fail, leading to the car sitting low, uneven ride height, and a “Suspension Fault” warning.
    • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Strut Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: The air struts can develop leaks, causing the car to sag on one or more corners, a bumpy ride, and a “Suspension Fault” warning.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking air strut(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ per strut.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • iDrive System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system can experience a variety of issues, including freezing, rebooting, screen malfunctions, and loss of functionality for various features.
    • Solution: Attempt a software update. If that doesn’t work, the iDrive control unit may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software) - $1,500+ (control unit replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Comfort Access System Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: The Comfort Access system (keyless entry and start) can become unreliable, leading to difficulty locking/unlocking the car and starting the engine.
    • Solution: Diagnose the faulty component, which could be the door handle sensors, the key fob, or the Comfort Access module. Replace the faulty part.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ depending on the component.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to various electrical components not shutting down properly. This can lead to a dead battery, especially if the car sits for extended periods.
    • Solution: Diagnose the source of the battery drain and repair or replace the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Adaptive headlights can fail to adjust properly, flicker, or display error messages. This can be due to faulty motors, sensors, or control units.
    • Solution: Diagnose the faulty component and replace it.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per headlight.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Motor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat motors can fail, leading to limited or no movement of the seats.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty seat motor(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs can experience problems with opening, closing, or leaking.
    • Solution: Diagnose the cause of the issue (e.g., broken tracks, faulty motor, clogged drains) and repair or replace the necessary components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 BMW 760Li, while luxurious and powerful, suffers from several common issues as it ages. Engine and transmission problems, particularly those associated with the V12 engine and complex automatic transmission, can be costly to repair. The air suspension and electrical systems are also prone to failures. While some issues may be minor, others can be quite severe and expensive, making thorough pre-purchase inspections and careful maintenance essential. Overall, the vehicle can be a great car to own, but you may be spending more than the average car on maintenance costs as issues arise.

BMW, 760Li
BMW 760Li 2012
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