BMW 740i
Large-displacement V8 with effortless power delivery. Timing chains and their guide rails are the main weakness; replacement is labour-intensive and expensive.
V8 Flagship
4.4-litre V8 in the most elegant 7 Series generation ever built.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The timing chain and plastic guide rails on the V8 wear at high mileage. Replacement of all timing chain components is recommended from around 150,000 km.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, rough engine running, risk of engine damage at advanced wear.
The V-deflector rail and guide rails on the M62B44 V8 break from around 180,000–200,000 km. The timing chain knocks against the housing causing rattling and whining.
Symptoms: Whining sound similar to a failing alternator, cold-start rattling, wear marks on the inside of the chain housing
The O-rings in the VANOS system harden and shrink. Pressure loss leads to inaccurate camshaft phasing and power loss in the lower rev range.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss in the lower rev range, increased fuel consumption.
The M62B44 VANOS solenoid valves leak or become fouled with age. Camshaft phasing fails or operates imprecisely.
Symptoms: Engine warning light with VANOS fault code, rough running between 1,500–2,500 rpm, power loss especially when accelerating from low revs
The M62B44 water pump as well as the expansion tank and intake manifold gaskets lose coolant at high mileage. The V8 is very sensitive to overheating.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible puddle, overtemperature warning under full load, coolant stain at intake manifold gasket area
The valve stem seals on the M62B44 wear at high mileage, especially when the engine has had extended periods of standing. Oil is drawn through the valve guides into the combustion chamber.
Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start or after extended idling, increased oil consumption without visible external leaks, blue deposits on spark plugs
Both cam cover gaskets on the V8 become porous and leak. Oil drips onto hot exhaust components and produces smoke. A typical maintenance item at higher mileages.
Symptoms: Oil smoke from the engine bay when hot, oil smell inside the cabin through the ventilation, oil spots under the vehicle.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Sills and wheel arches rust heavily, especially on older examples. Fuel tank tray and brake lines under the floor are also at risk.
The plastic upper coolant hose fitting on the radiator breaks due to material fatigue at high operating temperatures.
Early production vehicles (1994–1996) have a manufacturing defect: cables in the front right wing chafe against the body. BMW marked repaired vehicles with a red dot.
Rear trailing arm bushings wear out. BMW only sells the complete arm. Polybushings as an alternative.
The crankcase ventilation membrane becomes porous and leads to heavy oil consumption. V8 engines M60/M62 affected.
Electric auxiliary water pump for the heater fails — insufficient heat at low revs.
Handbrake fails MOT at above-average rates per TÜV report. Brake discs show heavy wear from 7 years.
Reports & Tests
64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (1994–2001). Most reported: Engine & Cooling (15), Electrical (10), Airbags (8).