BMW 7 Series F01 (2008–2015)
Generation-specific owner insights from 67+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
437
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2008–2015
7
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners describe the F01 7 Series as a deeply luxurious, comfortable, and imposing flagship that delivers an unmatched ride quality and a sense of security, but they overwhelmingly warn against buying it used.
11 problems reported (3 very frequent, 6 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentN63 V8 engine failures, including turbo cracks, carbon buildup, and complete engine seizure
- Very frequentCatastrophic repair costs, often exceeding $20,000 for engine-related work
- Very frequentRapid depreciation making resale value nearly negligible
+ 8 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentHigh fuel consumption, with owners reporting fill-ups every 3-5 days for daily commuting
- RecurrentWater pump and thermostat failures around 130,000 miles
- RecurrentTransmission issues requiring rebuild or replacement
- RecurrentOil leaks developing with age, particularly valve seal leaks
- RecurrentComplex electronics causing intermittent failures, including Bluetooth and infotainment crashes
- RecurrentCooling system problems
- IsolatedCarbon deposits in the engine requiring major cleaning
- IsolatedFront differential failure on xDrive models
The version owners recommend
The 740i/Li with the N55 inline-six engine is the consensus pick, with owners repeatedly stating it is the only version of this generation worth considering for reliability. Later model years, specifically 2013 and beyond, are preferred because BMW addressed some of the N63 V8's worst issues, but the inline-six is still regarded as the superior choice. The 750i/Li with the early N63 V8 is universally condemned as a ticking time bomb.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XF and BMW 5 Series (F10).
Is a 2008–2015 7 Series right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owners describe the F01 7 Series as a deeply luxurious, comfortable, and imposing flagship that delivers an unmatched ride quality and a sense of security, but they overwhelmingly warn against buying it used. The dominant sentiment is that these cars are extremely expensive to maintain and repair, with the early N63 V8 engines singled out as particularly problematic and unreliable. Owners consistently advise that only those with significant repair budgets, mechanical experience, or a comprehensive warranty should consider ownership, while many recommend the inline-six 740i/Li models as the only sensible choice within the generation.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners frequently cross-shopped the F01 against the Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8, often concluding the S-Class had a superior interior and the A8 offered better performance, but several owners still preferred the 7 Series for its ride quality and driving feel. The Lexus LS is repeatedly recommended as the far more reliable and cost-effective alternative, with owners noting it offers comparable comfort without the maintenance headaches. The F10 5 Series is seen as a smarter financial choice, sharing much of the same technology and engines while being cheaper to repair, though the 7 Series is acknowledged as being in a higher class of comfort and presence. The Jaguar XF was considered by some but generally dismissed alongside the BMW as another unreliable money pit.
Recommended configurations
Owners strongly recommend the 740i or 740Li with the N55 inline-six engine over any V8 model. For those set on a V8, only 2013 and later examples with the updated N63TU engine are considered acceptable, though still with caution. Model years 2013 through 2015 are generally preferred as the most refined versions of this generation, with owners noting that early production cars (2009-2011) had more unresolved issues with new technology and the original N63 engine.
General recommendations
This generation is only appropriate for buyers who can afford several thousand dollars in annual maintenance, have access to a specialist BMW mechanic, or can secure a comprehensive warranty. Owners repeatedly warn against purchasing an F01 as a first car or on a tight budget, noting that the purchase price is a fraction of what ownership will ultimately cost. Those considering a 750i/Li with the early N63 engine are strongly advised to avoid it entirely, with multiple owners sharing stories of catastrophic engine failures costing over $20,000. Buyers should insist on complete service history, verify that oil changes were performed more frequently than BMW's factory intervals, and budget for immediate preventative maintenance such as transmission fluid changes. A pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist is considered essential.
Remarks
Owners note that the F01 generation shares many components with other BMW models, making it somewhat less terrifying to repair than the preceding E65 generation, which is universally described as a nightmare. The 2016 redesign is frequently mentioned as addressing many of this generation's complaints about weight, handling, and fuel efficiency. One owner described the F01's ride quality as unmatched by any other BMW, noting the feeling of being "enclosed and secure" in the heavy car. Analysis based on approximately 67 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 8 | 1 | engine |
| 2014 | 27 | 1 | air bags |
| 2013 | 42 | 1 | engine |
| 2012 | 97 | 2 | engine |
| 2011 | 95 | 1 | engine |
| 2010 | 48 | 0 | engine |
| 2009 | 26 | 0 | engine |
| 2008 | 94 | 1 | power train |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2015 · exterior lightingcampaign 17V379000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2014 · exterior lightingcampaign 17V379000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2013 · exterior lightingcampaign 17V379000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2012 · power train:driveline:constant velocity jointcampaign 17V067000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
2012 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 18V248000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
2011 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 18V248000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
2008 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuumcampaign 10V446000
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.