2020 BMW 740i xDrive

The 2020 BMW 740i xDrive is a luxurious and technologically advanced sedan. This model features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2020 7 Series include a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 in the 750i/750i xDrive, and a plug-in hybrid inline-6 in the 745e xDrive. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally praise the 740i xDrive for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and opulent interior. Common complaints include the complexity of the infotainment system, the high cost of maintenance, and some reported electrical gremlins.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (B58)

• Oil Filter Housing/Cooler Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leak coming from the oil filter housing area. Can result in low coolant/oil levels, overheating, and eventual engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket, oil cooler gasket, or the entire assembly if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak around the valve cover. Burning oil smell, visible oil on the engine block, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, particularly when cold or between certain gears. May also experience a “clunking” noise during shifts.
  • Solution: A software reflash of the transmission control module (TCM) can sometimes resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or transmission replacement may be required. Fluid changes will also help the shifting stay smooth longer.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (reflash) - $8000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, compressor running constantly, “Ride Height Control Inactive” warning message.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected air strut(s), air compressor, or ride height sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+ per strut, $500 - $1500+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches/Freezing
  • Description/Symptoms: iDrive system freezing, crashing, or displaying error messages. Loss of functionality for navigation, audio, or other features.
  • Solution: Software update, or replacement of the iDrive module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $1500+ (module replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining overnight or within a few days, requiring frequent jump-starts.
  • Solution: Identifying and addressing parasitic drain. This could be caused by a faulty module, improperly shut down system, or aftermarket accessory.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1000+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: LED tail light malfunctioning or completely failing.
  • Solution: Replacing the entire tail light assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Adjustment Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat motors failing, preventing seat adjustment or lumbar support.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected seat motor or entire seat frame.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per motor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 BMW 740i xDrive offers a luxurious driving experience, but like many high-end vehicles, it can be prone to certain issues. The most common problems reported involve engine oil leaks, transmission shifting issues, air suspension failures, electrical glitches, and interior component malfunctions. While some issues can be resolved with relatively inexpensive fixes like software updates or gasket replacements, others, such as air suspension or iDrive module failures, can be quite costly. The severity of these problems ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially serious mechanical failures. Prospective buyers should be aware of these common issues and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified BMW mechanic to assess the vehicle’s overall condition.