BMW 7 Series G11 (2015–2022)
Generation-specific owner insights from 27+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Photo: Kārlis Dambrāns ;cropped, advertising undrawn and levels adjusted by uploader Eu / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
91
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2015–2022
2
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the G11 7 Series consistently describe it as a genuinely impressive luxury cruiser with outstanding ride quality, comfort, and presence.
14 problems reported (6 recurrent, 8 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Recurrent22-inch wheels prone to blowouts and bending on potholes
- RecurrentRun-flat tires with low profile (30 series) wear quickly and are vulnerable to damage
- RecurrentHigh maintenance costs, with motor mounts cited at approximately $4,000
+ 11 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentComplex electronics prone to failure, making used examples cheap for a reason
- RecurrentN63 V8 engine reliability concerns in the 750i
- RecurrentCarbon black paint swirls easily and requires careful washing
- IsolatedActive grill shutters failing
- IsolatedSoft close doors malfunctioning
- IsolatedHead up display issues
- IsolatedLeather pulling up from dashboard
- IsolatedSeat adjustment buttons failing
- IsolatedOil in turbo lines around 100k miles (B7)
- IsolatedSunroof shade not functioning (rear)
- IsolatedCracked dashboard screen from airbag deployment on used examples
The version owners recommend
The 740i with the B58 inline-six engine is the clear consensus pick. Owners repeatedly advise avoiding the 750i's N63 V8 due to reliability concerns, and the 740e hybrid's four-cylinder is questioned for smoothness and complexity. The 740i is described as having a "legendary" engine that is "turning out to be a great engine," and owners note it is the better investment for long-term ownership. The 750i is acknowledged as more powerful and fun, but with the caveat that it "needs the fatter tires" and carries higher running costs. The Alpina B7 receives admiring mentions but is not discussed in enough detail to form a consensus.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS and BMW 5 Series.
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the G11 7 Series consistently describe it as a genuinely impressive luxury cruiser with outstanding ride quality, comfort, and presence. The 740i with its B58 inline-six is widely regarded as the sensible choice, praised for reliability relative to the V8 and V12 alternatives. However, there is a strong undercurrent of caution: owners repeatedly warn that the 7 Series carries high maintenance costs, complex electronics that can fail, and steep depreciation. Many note that while the car is "REALLY nice," it is not a prudent financial choice unless purchased used with eyes open. The 750i's N63 V8 draws specific criticism for reliability, while the 740e hybrid is questioned for its four-cylinder engine in such a large car. Late-model-year owners (2019-2021) report fewer fundamental complaints than early adopters, though the platform's reputation for expensive upkeep persists throughout.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners frequently compare the G11 7 Series against the S-Class, with several stating the S-Class has a superior interior and technology, though some prefer the 7's driving dynamics and ride quality. The Lexus LS is repeatedly recommended as the more reliable alternative for those prioritizing dependability over badge prestige. Several owners suggest the 5 Series offers better value with similar interior space and most of the same tech, making the 7 a harder sell unless outright luxury is the priority. The E-Class is mentioned as a cross-shop for those considering a 2016-2017 7 Series, with owners noting the 7 is more comfortable but the E-Class may be more sensible. The Audi A8 is referenced as a performance alternative, though with less owner detail.
Recommended configurations
Owners consistently recommend the 740i over the 750i and 740e. The 740i's straight-six is described as "better built than the v8" and more likely to "hold out a bit longer before needing maintenance or repair." For the 740e hybrid, one owner advises to "just get the 740 without the hybrid and save yourself some trouble," while another notes the hybrid's four-cylinder lacks the smoothness of the B58. Owners also warn against 22-inch wheels, recommending 20-inch setups with thicker tires for durability, and suggest avoiding run-flat tires in favor of conventional rubber. For model years, the 2016 redesign is noted as addressing prior complaints about weight, handling, and fuel efficiency, making 2016+ models the preferred starting point.
General recommendations
Owners suggest this generation is best suited to buyers who value comfort, presence, and luxury over financial prudence. The car is described as a "big roomy cruiser" that is "league above 5 in term of comfort seat with many feature and still hold enough fun to drive." However, buyers should expect "insane maintenance costs" and should budget for a good third-party repair shop rather than dealership pricing. Several owners recommend purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned example to extend warranty coverage, noting that "if you get a cpo you get an extra 2 years of warranty after the new car warranty expires." For those considering a used example, owners advise being "extra careful" with prices that seem too good to be true, as auction history and hidden damage are real risks. The 740i is the recommended trim for anyone planning to keep the car long-term, while the 750i is only suggested for those who prioritize power and plan to replace the car within a few years.
Remarks
Owners of the 2021 750i with 22-inch wheels received extensive warnings about tire durability, with one former BMW salesperson reporting such tires last roughly 10,000 miles and blow out on potholes. A body shop employee noted breaking three wheels in three years on a similar setup in the Midwest. The G11's interior ambient lighting is praised as "not tacky or gaudy" and looks "amazing at night." Several owners note the 7 Series is not a status symbol in major cities like Los Angeles, where Rolls-Royce and Bentley are required for that purpose. The 2016 redesign is described as responding to prior complaints about weight, handling, and fuel efficiency. One owner with a 2021 750i reports the car "hasn't been any more [trouble] than my former 3 or 4," offering a counterpoint to the platform's reliability reputation. Analysis based on approximately 27 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 5 | 0 | wheels |
| 2020 | 5 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 4 | 0 | power train |
| 2018 | 16 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 24 | 0 | engine |
| 2016 | 25 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2015 | 8 | 1 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2016 · air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactivecampaign 16V173000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 740Li, 750Li, and 750Lxi vehicles manufactured July 1, 2015, to December 11, 2015. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may randomly reset due to an electrical short circuit as a result of residual metallic particles from the manufacturing process.
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."
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.