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2014 BMW 740Li xDrive

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2014 BMW 740Li xDrive is a luxury sedan offering a blend of performance and comfort. The 740Li xDrive features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine producing 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options for the 2014 7 Series include a 4.4L Twin Turbo V8 in the 750i producing 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, a 6.0L V12 in the 760Li producing 535 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 producing 349 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque in the ActiveHybrid 7. Owners often praise the 740Li xDrive for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious interior. Criticisms often focus on the vehicle’s high maintenance costs and complex electronics.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (N55)

  • Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak near the top front of the engine. Burning oil smell can be present. Low oil level warning may appear.
    • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak along the side of the engine. Burning oil smell can be present.
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • VANOS Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased performance, engine stalling. Error codes related to VANOS system.
    • Solution: Replace faulty VANOS solenoid(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per solenoid
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP45)

  • Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak. Difficulty shifting gears, erratic shifting, or transmission slipping.
    • Solution: Replace the mechatronic sleeve and associated seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh Shifting or transmission slipping between gears. Gear engagement delay. Transmission malfunction warning light.
    • Solution: Replacement of the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, especially overnight. “Self-leveling suspension inactive” warning light.
    • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Strut Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Similar to compressor failure, vehicle sagging. Hissing sound near the affected strut.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking air strut.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+ per strut
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • iDrive System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, rebooting, or complete failure of the iDrive infotainment system.
    • Solution: Software update, replacement of iDrive control unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle battery draining overnight or after short periods of inactivity.
    • Solution: Identify and repair parasitic drain on the electrical system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Comfort Access System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Comfort Access system intermittently fails to lock, unlock or start the vehicle. Doors or trunk will not unlock when touching the handle.
    • Solution: Troubleshoot the door handle sensors, key fob, or CAS module. Replacement of faulty comfort access door handles.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per door handle.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not leveling properly, error message on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the headlight leveling motors or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Doors failing to lock or unlock.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per door
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Heater Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters not working or only working intermittently.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty seat heating element or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per seat
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof is not operating, stuck open or closed. Sunroof may make clicking noises when operating.
    • Solution: Repair the sunroof motor, sunroof rails, or replace the entire sunroof assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 BMW 740Li xDrive, while offering a luxurious driving experience, presents owners with a range of potential issues. Engine oil leaks and VANOS problems on the N55 engine can be costly to address. Transmission issues with the ZF 8HP45, especially valve body problems, can also lead to expensive repairs. Air suspension faults are relatively common and can significantly impact ride quality. Electrical gremlins, particularly within the iDrive system and comfort access system, are also frequently reported. Overall, while many of these issues are not catastrophic, the cumulative cost of maintaining a 2014 740Li xDrive can be substantial, and prospective buyers should factor in potential repair bills.

BMW, 740Li xDrive
BMW 740Li xDrive 2014
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