BMW 7 Series F02 (2008–2015)
Generation-specific owner insights from 88+ 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 of the F02 7 Series consistently describe it as a luxurious, comfortable, and surprisingly capable car that delivers an unmatched ride quality and a sense of security.
9 problems reported (2 very frequent, 6 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentN63 V8 engine problems including turbo failures, carbon deposits, and injector issues
- Very frequentExtremely high maintenance and repair costs
- RecurrentWater pump and thermostat failure around 130,000 miles
+ 6 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentTransmission issues requiring rebuild or replacement
- RecurrentBluetooth and multimedia system crashes
- RecurrentOil leaks developing with age
- RecurrentElectrical and electronics problems
- RecurrentPoor fuel economy requiring frequent fill-ups
- IsolatedFront differential failure on xDrive models
The version owners recommend
The 740i/740Li with the inline-six engine is the consensus pick. Owners repeatedly advise avoiding the N63 V8-powered 750i/750Li entirely, calling it one of BMW's worst engines and a ticking time bomb. For the V8, later production years (2013+) with the updated N63TU are considered relatively more reliable but still inferior to the six-cylinder.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS, BMW 5 Series (F10) and Jaguar XF.
Is a 2008–2015 7 Series right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the F02 7 Series consistently describe it as a luxurious, comfortable, and surprisingly capable car that delivers an unmatched ride quality and a sense of security. However, this praise is almost always tempered by severe warnings about reliability and cost of ownership, particularly for the N63 V8 engine found in the 750i/750Li. The consensus is that these are wonderful cars to drive but financially risky to own without a warranty or substantial repair budget. Early model years (2009-2011) are singled out as the most problematic, with owners recommending later models (2013+) as relatively improved.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners frequently compare the F02 7 Series to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8, noting that the S-Class has a superior interior and technology, while the Audi S8 offers stronger performance. The Lexus LS is repeatedly recommended as the more reliable and cost-effective alternative. Within BMW's own lineup, several owners argue the F10 5 Series offers similar space and technology with better value, lower running costs, and more engaging driving dynamics. Some owners counter that the 7 Series provides a unique ride quality and feeling of enclosure that no other BMW matches.
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, 2013 and later models with the updated N63TU engine are preferred over earlier examples. Multiple owners advise avoiding 2009-2011 model years altogether, describing them as the first years of the generation with unproven technology and the most problematic version of the N63 engine.
General recommendations
This generation is only recommended for buyers who can afford significant repair costs or who purchase an extended warranty. Owners repeatedly state that the car's original $85,000-$100,000+ price tag means maintenance and parts costs remain at that level regardless of the low used purchase price. Several owners with professional BMW experience say the cars are manageable if you can do your own work, but warn that dealership labor rates and parts costs are extreme. A common refrain is that anyone shopping for an F02 7 Series at a tight budget should look at a 3 Series or a Lexus instead. Owners also emphasize the importance of service history, noting that leased examples often received minimal maintenance.
Remarks
Owners note that the F02 generation shares more components with other BMW models than previous 7 Series generations, which some believe makes repairs slightly less catastrophic. The 2016 redesign is frequently mentioned as addressing complaints about weight, handling, and fuel efficiency of this generation. One owner with a 2010 750Li xDrive reported buying it for $4,000 CAD, fixing it for $300, then spending $4,500 on transmission and differential work before achieving reliable operation at 215,000 km. Analysis based on approximately 88 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.