2012 BMW Alpina B7
The 2012 BMW Alpina B7 is a high-performance luxury sedan based on the BMW 7 Series. It offered enhanced power, unique styling, and handcrafted interior appointments compared to the standard 7 Series. The engine option available for the 2012 Alpina B7 was a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, producing 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally praise the Alpina B7 for its combination of luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Common dislikes often revolve around the higher maintenance costs associated with a high-performance, complex vehicle, as well as potential issues related to its age and complex systems.
Engine
Twin-Turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (N63)
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks are common, especially from the coolant transfer pipe (the “Valley Pan” leak, situated under the intake manifold). Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant leaks.
- Solution: Replacing the coolant transfer pipe, water pump, thermostat, and associated hoses.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Turbochargers can fail due to oil starvation, wear and tear, or excessive heat. Symptoms include reduced power, turbo noise, and potentially engine damage.
- Solution: Replace the faulty turbocharger(s) and address any underlying oil supply issues.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ (for both turbos)
- Recalls: None Found
- Fuel Injector Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Direct injection fuel injectors can fail, leading to misfires, rough running, and decreased fuel economy.
- Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per injector.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
ZF 6HP26 6-Speed Automatic
- Slipping or Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: This can be caused by worn valve body components, low fluid level, or contaminated fluid. Symptoms include delayed engagement, harsh shifts, and slipping between gears.
- Solution: Perform a transmission service (fluid and filter change). If the issue persists, valve body rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Transmission service $300 - $600. Valve body rebuild/replacement $1,500 - $3,000+.
- Recalls: None Found
- Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
- Description/Symptoms: The Mechatronic sleeve seals the electrical connector to the transmission. These can leak over time causing the transmission to have issues.
- Solution: Replace the Mechatronic sleeve and reseal the pan.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The air suspension compressor provides air to the air struts, which provides the car with its suspension. The compressor can burn out over time due to leaks in the system or age. Symptoms include the car not leveling, suspension malfunction warnings, and a noisy compressor.
- Solution: Replace the compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
- Recalls: None Found
- Air Strut Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: The Air Struts can leak over time due to age and wear. This can be caused by dry rot or other damage to the air bladders. Symptoms include the car not leveling, suspension malfunction warnings, and a noisy compressor.
- Solution: Replace the Air Struts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000 per strut
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can be caused by a variety of electrical issues, including a faulty module not going to sleep, a parasitic draw, or a failing battery. Symptoms include a dead battery, slow cranking, and error messages.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the underlying cause of the battery drain. This may involve replacing a faulty module or repairing wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
- Recalls: None Found
- iDrive System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system can experience various malfunctions, including freezing, crashing, and display issues. This can be caused by software glitches or hardware failures.
- Solution: Software update, module reset, or replacement of the iDrive control unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Adaptive headlights can malfunction, causing them to point in the wrong direction or not function at all. This can be caused by a faulty headlight control module or a damaged headlight assembly.
- Solution: Replace the faulty headlight control module or headlight assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can experience issues with opening, closing, or sealing. This can be caused by a broken sunroof motor, damaged tracks, or a faulty seal.
- Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, tracks, or seal.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2012 BMW Alpina B7, while offering a unique blend of performance and luxury, can suffer from age-related issues common to high-performance luxury vehicles. Engine oil and coolant leaks are prevalent, as are potential issues with the turbochargers and transmission. Suspension and electrical issues can also arise. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for major component replacements. Potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic experienced with BMWs to identify any existing or potential issues.