2020 BMW Alpina B7

The 2020 BMW Alpina B7 is a high-performance luxury sedan based on the BMW 7 Series. It features a handcrafted interior, bespoke exterior styling, and a significantly upgraded powertrain compared to the standard 7 Series. For 2020, the Alpina B7 came with one engine and transmission option: a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners praise the Alpina B7 for its exceptional blend of luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Common criticisms include the high price tag, potential for expensive maintenance, and the somewhat understated exterior styling for a vehicle with such capabilities.

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets and/or the oil filter housing. Visible oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings are common symptoms.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets and/or the oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ depending on the location of the leak and the shop performing the work.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks often originate from the plastic coolant expansion tank or various hoses. Visible coolant leaks under the car, low coolant level warnings, and overheating can occur.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty coolant expansion tank or hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ depending on the source of the leak and the shop performing the work.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 8HP76)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly when the transmission is cold. Hesitation during acceleration or a noticeable clunk when shifting gears may also be present.
  • Solution: A software update or transmission fluid flush may alleviate the issue in some cases. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or a complete transmission overhaul.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 for a fluid flush, $1,500 - $3,000+ for valve body replacement, $5,000 - $10,000+ for transmission overhaul.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system can experience leaks in the air springs or failures of the air compressor. This can lead to uneven ride height, a sagging vehicle, and/or a “Suspension Malfunction” warning.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air spring(s) or air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per air spring, $800 - $2,000+ for the air compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain can be caused by various factors, including faulty modules that don’t fully shut down, parasitic draws, or a failing battery. Symptoms include difficulty starting the car, frequent jump-starts, and/or error messages related to low voltage.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves identifying the source of the parasitic draw. The faulty module or component needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ for a new battery, $500 - $2,000+ for diagnosing and repairing parasitic draws.
  • Recalls: None Found
• iDrive System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, or slow response from the iDrive infotainment system.
  • Solution: Software updates are often the first step. If the problem persists, hardware replacement of the iDrive unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software updates), $1,000 - $3,000+ for iDrive unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Trim Rattles/Squeaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rattles and squeaks from interior trim panels, particularly in the dashboard or door panels.
  • Solution: Tightening or replacing the affected trim pieces or applying sound dampening material can help alleviate the noise.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$500+, depending on the location and complexity of the repair

Summary

The 2020 BMW Alpina B7, while a remarkable vehicle, is not without its potential issues. The most concerning problems revolve around the engine and suspension, with oil/coolant leaks and air suspension failures being the most prominent. Electrical issues, such as battery drain and iDrive malfunctions, can also occur. Transmission issues, while less frequent, can be expensive to address. The cost of repairs can be significant due to the vehicle’s complexity and the specialized parts required. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in the cost of maintenance and potential repairs when considering purchasing a used 2020 BMW Alpina B7.