Generation-specific owner insights from 81+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?174
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2012–2015
5
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the 2012-2015 F01h 7 Series is predominantly cautionary.
8 problems reported (2 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Owners consistently favor the 740i with the inline-six over the 750i V8. The 740i is described as more reliable, and one owner notes the straight-six is "just better built than the v8." For model years, owners recommend 2013 and beyond, as the V8 was revised and improved relative to earlier versions. The 2011 model year is explicitly warned against as the first year of the generation.
Owners compare it most often with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S550, S65), Audi A8/S8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XF and BMW 5 Series (F10).
Is a 2012–2015 7 Series right for you?
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Owner sentiment for the 2012-2015 F01h 7 Series is predominantly cautionary. While owners consistently praise the ride quality, comfort, and sense of security the car provides, the dominant theme across discussions is that this generation is expensive to maintain and risky to own outside of warranty. The V8-powered 750i is repeatedly singled out as problematic, with owners steering others toward the inline-six 740i instead. Later model years are generally viewed as more reliable than the earliest ones, though even those are described as costly to run.
Owners position the F01h 7 Series as a comfort-focused flagship that is less sporty than its rivals, with one owner calling it "a boat with no real edge." Against the S-Class, owners concede the Mercedes has the better interior and more technology, while the 7 Series is seen as lacking a clear advantage aside from the B7/760iL. Against the Audi A8/S8, owners view the S8 as stronger on performance. The Lexus LS is repeatedly recommended as the more reliable and less expensive alternative. Within BMW's own lineup, owners frequently argue the 5 Series offers better value, and some note the 7 Series shares engines and electronics with the 5 Series, meaning similar repair costs without the extra luxury payoff.
Owners recommend the 740i with the inline-six engine. Multiple owners advise avoiding the 750i and its V8, with one stating the V8 "up to 2013 had a class action lawsuit on it" and calling it "a ticking time bomb." One owner specifically recommends the 740Li with the N55 engine. Another suggests looking for later production models. A BMW technician simply stated "F01/F02: N55 only." Owners also stress the importance of a warranty or service contract, with one advising to "look for a solid warranty/service contract first and foremost."
Owners advise that this generation is not suitable for those seeking a reliable daily driver or those on a tight budget. It is best suited to buyers who can afford a warranty or who do all their own work. Model years 2013 and later are preferred over 2011-2012. The 740i inline-six is the recommended choice over the 750i V8. Prospective buyers are urged to check service history carefully, look for a full-service record, and use a VIN decoder to verify packages and options. One owner notes that a good third-party repair shop can make maintenance less daunting. Multiple owners state they would not own this car without a warranty.
Owners frequently note that the F01h shares engines and electronics with the F10 5 Series, meaning repair costs are similar despite the 7 Series' higher price. The B&O sound system is praised as worth the cost. One owner notes the F01 was never given an M variant and that any M badge on this generation is aftermarket. The long-wheelbase F02 is distinguished from the short-wheelbase F01. Several owners describe the car as a "bottomless money pit" while still acknowledging they loved driving it. Analysis based on approximately 81 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 8 | 1 | engine |
| 2014 | 27 | 1 | air bags |
| 2013 | 42 | 1 | engine |
| 2012 | 97 | 2 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
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.
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.