2016 BMW 740i

The 2016 BMW 740i is a luxury sedan known for its smooth ride, advanced technology, and powerful performance. The 740i is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine producing 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 in the 750i, and a plug-in hybrid 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 in the 740e. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. People generally appreciate the 740i’s opulent interior, quiet cabin, and agile handling for its size. Common complaints often revolve around the complexity of the iDrive system and potential maintenance costs associated with a high-end luxury vehicle.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (B58)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the engine or under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected gasket or seal is the typical solution. Proper cleaning of the area is also necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+, depending on the location of the leak
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks are fairly common, with the expansion tank and coolant hoses being potential weak points. Symptoms include a sweet coolant smell, visible leaks, and overheating.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking component. A pressure test can help pinpoint the exact source of the leak.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (8HP)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: The 8HP transmission, manufactured by ZF, can experience rough shifting, particularly between certain gears, and occasional hesitation. This can be more pronounced at lower speeds.
  • Solution: A software update can sometimes resolve the issue. In other cases, a transmission fluid flush and filter change may help. If the issue persists, valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid/filter change) - $4,000+ (rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The 740i utilizes an air suspension system for a smoother ride. Components such as the air struts, air compressor, and air lines can fail, leading to a sagging suspension, uneven ride height, and suspension warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty component. It’s often recommended to replace air struts in pairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+ per strut, plus labor for compressor or line repairs
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• iDrive System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system controls many of the vehicle’s functions, and software glitches can cause various issues, including system freezes, screen blackouts, and unresponsive controls.
  • Solution: A software update is often the first step. In some cases, the iDrive controller or display screen may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ for software, $500 - $2000+ for hardware
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The 740i is known to have relatively high electrical demands, and a failing battery or parasitic draw can lead to battery drain. Symptoms include difficulty starting the car, frequent jump starts, and error messages.
  • Solution: Replacing the battery is the first step. If the issue persists, a parasitic draw test is needed to identify and eliminate the source of the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ for battery replacement, $100 - $500+ for parasitic draw diagnosis and repair
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive headlights, which turn with the steering wheel, can malfunction. Symptoms include one or both headlights not turning, error messages, or erratic headlight behavior.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the headlight control module or individual headlight units may be required, with replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per headlight unit.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Adjustment Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The power seat motors or mechanisms can fail, leading to difficulty adjusting the seats or complete immobility.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor or mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per seat.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 BMW 740i is a luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle, but it is not without its potential issues. Common problems include engine oil and coolant leaks, transmission issues, suspension failures, and electrical system malfunctions. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs varying accordingly. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.