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2015 BMW 740Li

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By Research the Car 3 min read

The 2015 BMW 740Li is a full-size luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and advanced technology. While offering a smooth and refined driving experience, it’s not without its potential issues. In addition to the 740Li’s 3.0L turbocharged inline-6, other engine options available for the 2015 7 Series included a 4.4L Twin Turbo V8 in the 750i/Li and a 6.0L V12 in the 760Li. The 740Li’s 3.0L engine produces 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Common praises for the 740Li include its opulent features, comfortable seating, and quiet cabin. Downsides often cited are the complexity of its electronics and the potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (N55B30)

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations on the engine, including the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the car, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the location of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • VANOS Solenoid Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The VANOS (Variable Camshaft Timing) system can experience issues with the solenoids, leading to rough idling, decreased performance, and potential check engine lights.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty VANOS solenoids.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per solenoid.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

  • Rough Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing rough shifting, hesitation between gears, or delayed engagement, particularly during low-speed driving.
    • Solution: In some cases, a software update can resolve the issue. However, in more severe cases, valve body replacement or full transmission overhaul may be required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (software update) - $5000+ (transmission overhaul).
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The 740Li often comes equipped with an air suspension system, which can be prone to leaks or compressor failures, leading to a sagging vehicle, uneven ride height, and error messages on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3000+ per strut or component.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • iDrive System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system, responsible for controlling various vehicle functions, can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure, leading to loss of navigation, audio, and climate control functionality.
    • Solution: Resetting the system, updating the software, or replacing the iDrive control unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $1500+ (control unit replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The 740Li is known for its complex electrical system, which can sometimes lead to excessive battery drain, particularly if the vehicle is not driven frequently. This can result in difficulty starting the car or a completely dead battery.
    • Solution: Identifying and addressing the source of the parasitic drain, which may involve replacing faulty modules or wiring repairs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the source of the drain.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Adaptive Headlight Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the adaptive headlights, where the lights fail to adjust properly, flicker, or display error messages.
    • Solution: Replacing the headlight module or the entire headlight assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per headlight.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs can be prone to failure, leading to difficulty opening or closing, strange noises, or leaks.
    • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 BMW 740Li offers a luxurious driving experience but can be plagued by issues related to its complex systems. Engine oil leaks and VANOS issues can occur, as well as air suspension, and electrical problems. Repairs can be costly, particularly for the air suspension, electrical system, and transmission. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in the potential for expensive maintenance when considering the purchase of a used 2015 BMW 740Li.

BMW, 740Li
BMW 740Li 2015
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