2014 BMW Alpina B7L

The 2014 BMW Alpina B7L is a high-performance luxury sedan, known for its blend of comfort, power, and exclusivity. Alpina enhances the standard BMW 7 Series with unique styling, upgraded performance, and handcrafted details. Under the hood sits a modified version of BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This engine produces around 540 horsepower and 540 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the B7L’s luxurious interior, smooth ride, and impressive acceleration, while potential downsides include higher maintenance costs compared to a standard 7 Series and potential complexity of the specialized Alpina components.

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals. Inspecting and replacing turbocharger oil lines as needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the location and extent of the leak.
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks may occur from the expansion tank, radiator hoses, or water pump. Signs include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant puddles.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking components. Pressure testing the cooling system to identify the source of the leak.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the component.
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Potential problems with turbochargers, including wastegate issues or failing turbos. Symptoms include loss of power, unusual noises, and check engine lights.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the specific turbocharger issue. Replacing or rebuilding the turbocharger. Addressing any related issues, such as vacuum leaks or faulty sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report rough or delayed shifting, especially during cold starts.
  • Solution: Performing a transmission fluid flush and filter change. If the issue persists, valve body repair or replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system can experience issues such as air leaks, compressor failure, or sensor malfunction. Symptoms include a sagging vehicle, uneven ride height, and suspension malfunction warnings.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the specific issue with the air suspension system. Replacing the leaking air struts, air compressor, or faulty sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $4,000+

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can lead to a dead battery or starting problems. This can be caused by a faulty module or parasitic draw.
  • Solution: Test each module in the vehicle for parasitic draw. Replace the faulty module. Replace the battery if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the module and battery
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors throughout the vehicle, such as oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensors, and wheel speed sensors, can fail. Symptoms include check engine lights, poor performance, and ABS/traction control issues.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the specific sensor failure. Replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ per sensor

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive headlight system can sometimes malfunction causing erratic headlight movement.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the adaptive headlight control module or headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+

Interior

• Navigation/Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Infotainment system freezes, reboots, or displays error messages.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+

Recalls

• Recall Number: 15V-483
  • Description/Symptoms: BMW is recalling certain model year 2014 B7L vehicles manufactured April 2, 2014, to April 22, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with a driver’s side frontal air bag that may not inflate properly in the event of a crash.
  • Solution: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver’s side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began in August 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
• Recall Number: 21V-226
  • Description/Symptoms: BMW is recalling certain 2014-2015 228i Coupe, 228i Convertible, 2014-2016 228i Gran Coupe, M235i Coupe, 2015-2017 M235i Convertible, 2016 M2, 320i, 320i xDrive, 328d, 328d xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, 2014-2015 328i GT xDrive, 335i GT xDrive, 2014 428i Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428i Gran Coupe, 428i xDrive Coupe, 428i xDrive Gran Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435i Convertible, 435i Gran Coupe, 435i xDrive Coupe, 435i xDrive Gran Coupe, 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 2014-2017 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5, 2016-2017 535d, 535d xDrive, 2014-2016 535i GT xDrive, 550i GT xDrive, 640i Coupe, 640i Convertible, 640i Gran Coupe, 640i xDrive Coupe, 640i xDrive Gran Coupe, 650i Coupe, 650i Convertible, 650i Gran Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i xDrive Gran Coupe, M6 Coupe, M6 Gran Coupe, 2015-2017 640i Gran Coupe, 2016-2017 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, M760Li xDrive, Alpina B6 Gran Coupe, Alpina B7, Alpina B7L, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, X4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i, X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6M vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.
  • Solution: Dealers will replace the HPFP, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. BMW’s number for this recall is 21V-226.
• Recall Number: 19V-687
  • Description/Symptoms: BMW is recalling certain 2014-2017 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, 2017 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, 2013-2017 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 2015-2017 640i Gran Coupe, 640i xDrive Gran Coupe, 650i Gran Coupe, 650i xDrive Gran Coupe, M6 Gran Coupe, 2013-2016 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, 2016 740e xDrive, 2014-2018 Alpina B7, 2018 530e, 530e xDrive, i8, M5, M550i xDrive, M6 Gran Coupe vehicles. The bolt securing the B-pillar trim to the body may not have been tightened to specification.
  • Solution: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will check the torque of the B-pillar bolts, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 18, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. BMW’s number for this recall is 72-11-19-511.
• Recall Number: 14V-772
  • Description/Symptoms: BMW is recalling certain model year 2014 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5, 640i, 640i Gran Coupe, 640i xDrive Gran Coupe, 650i, 650i Gran Coupe, 650i xDrive Gran Coupe, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, ALPINA B7, and Rolls-Royce Wraith vehicles manufactured from March 5, 2014, through September 12, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a driver’s side airbag inflator that may rupture due to excessive internal pressure caused by propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
  • Solution: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver’s side air bag module, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Summary

The 2014 BMW Alpina B7L, while offering a unique blend of luxury and performance, can present owners with several potential issues. Engine oil and coolant leaks are fairly common, as are problems with the air suspension system. Electrical issues and infotainment glitches also surface in some cases. Furthermore, ensure all recall work has been completed. While some issues are relatively minor, others, such as turbocharger failures or extensive air suspension repairs, can be quite costly. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and carefully inspect any used B7L before purchase, paying particular attention to service records and conducting a thorough pre-purchase inspection.