BMW 745d
Rare V8 diesel, exclusive to the E65 7 Series. Complex to maintain, expensive parts.
V8 Diesel Power
V8 biturbo diesel β colossal torque, but running costs to match.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The V8 diesel common-rail injectors wear at high mileage. Repair is expensive due to 8 injectors and difficult access in the V8 engine bay.
Symptoms: Rough running, increased fuel consumption, hesitation, white or black smoke, engine management warning light.
The M67 uses two turbochargers. Bearing failure occurs with oil problems or insufficient lubrication. Repair is labour-intensive due to V8 packaging.
Symptoms: Whistling noises, power loss, black smoke, oil in the intercooler.
The M67D44 V8 diesel turbochargers can fail at high mileage. Insufficient oil supply from thick or aged oil accelerates bearing damage.
Symptoms: Whistling or humming turbo noise, power loss, blue smoke from the exhaust, oil in the charge air system
Fractures have been documented on the intake camshaft of cylinders 1β4. A connection with the vacuum pump is suspected. Multiple fractures on the same engine within 20,000 km have been reported.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, metallic knocking from the valve train, engine stumbling or failure of individual cylinders
The M67D44 piezo common-rail injectors are susceptible to wear and leaking nozzle needles at very high mileage. Replacement is extremely expensive.
Symptoms: Rough cold start, hesitation at idle, increased fuel consumption, black smoke on cold start
The M67D44 V8 diesel EGR system is prone to coking at high mileage. Carbon deposits block the EGR valve and intake manifold, causing power loss and increased exhaust emissions.
Symptoms: Power loss, increased soot output, engine warning light, rough running especially at part throttle.
The M67D44 EGR system tends to coke at high mileage. EGR valve and cooler can stick.
Symptoms: Power loss in the mid-rev range, hesitant acceleration, EGR fault code, increased fuel consumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
The electronic steering column lock can seize and prevent the car from starting. BMW charged around 1,800 β¬ for repair. One of the most expensive electrical problems of this generation.
The E65 is considered an electrical nightmare: comfort access, ISOFIX, various control units, and body electronics can fail. Even minor repairs easily cost over 1,000 β¬.
The rear air suspension on the E65 is a frequent and expensive weak point. Air bellows and compressor typically fail from 100,000 km. The car sags at the rear, especially after standing.
Blocked panoramic roof drains let water through the C-pillar into the boot. Up to 7 control units are located there.
Hydraulic power steering pump fails. Faulty vane pump or leaking pressure hoses as causes.
A weak battery causes apparent multiple faults: Dynamic Drive, DSC, gearbox, and steering show simultaneous errors.
Plastic water pipe on top of the N62 V8 engine becomes porous and leaks. Coolant loss can lead to overheating.
Solenoid valves in the air suspension compressor scale up from condensation. Compressor can often be repaired cost-effectively.
The E65 comfort access fails frequently β from flat key batteries to faulty door handles and the CAS control unit. Diagnosis is complex and repairs accordingly expensive.
The E65's four-zone climate control frequently develops temperature regulation faults in individual zones. The water valve and IHKA climate control units are wear items that regularly fail after 10+ years.
Reports & Tests
15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2001β2008). Most reported: Electrical (3), Airbags (3), Suspension (3).