2018 BMW 750Li
Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints reported by owners of the 2018 BMW 750Li, organized by category. The 2018 BMW 750Li is a luxurious and powerful full-size sedan, offering a blend of performance and comfort. The 750Li came standard with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Some owners praise the car’s smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious interior. Criticisms often include the high cost of maintenance and repairs, and the complexity of the technology can sometimes lead to frustrating glitches.
Engine
4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8 (N63)
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are a recurring issue. Common areas include valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, and the oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket(s) is the typical solution. Thoroughly cleaning the affected area after replacement is essential.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the location and extent of the leak.
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks are another common issue, often originating from the coolant transfer pipe (the “valley pan”). Symptoms include coolant loss, overheating, and a sweet smell coming from the engine bay.
- Solution: Replacing the coolant transfer pipe and related gaskets. This is a labor-intensive job as it requires significant engine disassembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners report issues with the turbochargers, including excessive noise (whining or whistling) and reduced boost.
- Solution: Replacing the affected turbocharger(s)
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)
- Rough Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Reports of rough or jerky shifting, particularly during downshifts or at lower speeds. Some owners also experience delayed engagement.
- Solution: In some cases, a transmission software update can resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 for software updates; $1500 - $4000+ for valve body replacement; $5000 - $8000+ for complete transmission replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Problems
- Description/Symptoms: The 750Li is equipped with air suspension, which can be prone to issues such as sagging, uneven ride height, and failure to adjust properly. This can be caused by leaks in the air springs, a faulty air compressor, or issues with the control module.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty air spring(s), air compressor, or control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per air spring; $700 - $1500+ for the air compressor; $500 - $1200+ for the control module.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- iDrive System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system can experience various glitches, including freezing, slow response times, and connectivity issues.
- Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve these issues. In some cases, replacing the iDrive control unit may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for software updates; $800 - $2000+ for iDrive control unit replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain, leading to difficulty starting the car or a completely dead battery. This can be caused by a faulty component that continues to draw power when the car is off.
- Solution: Identifying and replacing the faulty component causing the drain. A parasitic draw test is necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ for diagnosis; repair costs vary depending on the faulty component. Battery replacement may also be necessary ($300 - $600+).
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning sensors, such as those related to parking assist, lane departure warning, or blind-spot monitoring, are not uncommon. Symptoms include error messages, false alarms, or a complete failure of the system.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Adaptive Headlight Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Adaptive headlights can malfunction, causing them to flicker, aim improperly, or display error messages. This can be due to a faulty headlight motor, control unit, or sensor.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty component(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per headlight, depending on the component needing replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Adjustment Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Power seats can sometimes experience problems with adjustment, such as motors failing or becoming stuck.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor or adjustment mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per seat, depending on the component needing replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2018 BMW 750Li offers a luxurious driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues reported by owners. Engine oil and coolant leaks, air suspension problems, and electrical glitches are among the most frequently cited concerns. The costs to repair these issues can be significant, especially those related to the engine and transmission. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.