2018 BMW 750Li xDrive
The 2018 BMW 750Li xDrive is a luxury sedan known for its powerful performance, opulent interior, and advanced technology. The 750Li xDrive comes equipped with a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that produces 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available in the 2018 7 Series lineup include a 3.0-liter inline-6 and a 6.6-liter V12 for the M760i. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the 750Li xDrive for its smooth ride, comfortable seats, and abundance of features. Common complaints revolve around the high cost of maintenance, complex electronics, and potential for expensive repairs.
Engine
4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8 (N63TU2)
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various points on the engine, including 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 lines is the typical solution. Thorough cleaning of the engine bay is also recommended to identify future leaks more easily.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+, depending on the location and severity of the leak.
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from the coolant transfer pipe (the infamous “valley pan”) located beneath the intake manifold, water pump, or other hoses. Symptoms include coolant puddles under the vehicle, low coolant level warnings, and overheating.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking components and performing a pressure test of the cooling system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3000+ (especially for valley pan replacement due to the labor involved).
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP75)
- Rough or Delayed Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when shifting between gears, harsh upshifts or downshifts, and occasional slipping. These issues can become more pronounced with age and mileage.
- Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and filter change may help. More serious cases may require valve body repair or replacement, or a complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) - $6000+ (transmission replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The air suspension can develop leaks, leading to the vehicle sitting unevenly, failing to raise or lower, or triggering error messages. Common culprits include air struts, the air compressor, and air lines.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty air struts, compressor, or air lines. Diagnosing and repairing air leaks in the system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+ per strut, $500 - $1500 for the compressor.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- iDrive System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system, which controls navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings, can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure.
- Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In other cases, the iDrive control unit may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $2000+ (control unit replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The car’s battery can drain quickly, especially if the car is not driven regularly. This can be due to a parasitic draw from a faulty module or system.
- Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the parasitic draw, or replacing the battery.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+, depending on the complexity of the issue.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The adaptive headlights, which swivel to improve visibility around corners, may fail to function properly or display error messages.
- Solution: Replacing the headlight assembly or the headlight control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ per headlight assembly.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Motor Failures
- Description/Symptoms: The electric seat motors, responsible for adjusting seat position, can fail, leading to seats that are stuck or difficult to adjust.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor or the entire seat assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+, depending on the specific motor and repair.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2018 BMW 750Li xDrive offers a luxurious driving experience but is prone to several potentially costly issues as it ages. Engine oil and coolant leaks are common, as are air suspension problems and electrical glitches. The iDrive system and adaptive headlights are also potential sources of trouble. While some issues may be relatively minor, others, such as transmission problems or air suspension failures, can lead to significant repair bills. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs.