What weaknesses does the BMW 7er F01 have?

The BMW 730d (Diesel, 258–265 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N57D30 (2008–2015, Be Careful) und N57D30 (2008–2015, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 730d!

The BMW 740d (Diesel, 306–320 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N57D30 (2009–2015, Be Careful) und N57D30 (2009–2015, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 740d!

The BMW 740i (Benziner, 320–326 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N55B30 (2008–2012, Be Careful) und N55B30 (2008–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 740i!

The BMW 750i (Benziner, 408–450 PS) comes with 4 different engines: N63B44 (2008–2012, Stay Away!) und N63B44 (2008–2012, Stay Away!) und N63B44TU (2012–2015, Be Careful) und N63B44TU (2012–2015, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 750i!

The BMW 760i (Benziner, 544 PS) has the N74B60 (6.0L V12 Biturbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 11 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

	Weakness	Cost
✖	N63 V8 — oil consumption and crankcase ventilation N63 V8 (750i/Li) has inherently high oil consumption: turbos in the V-valley subject the oil to extreme heat. Symptoms: Blue smoke on acceleration after standing, oil consumption 1–2 L/1,500 km. from 80,000 km Ad N63 Kurbelgehäuseentlüftung N63 Ventilschaftgasketen	High
✖	N63 V8 — timing chain stretches N63 V8 has known timing chain problems: chain stretches, tensioner breaks. In worst case engine damage. Symptoms: Rattling on cold start (first 1–2 seconds), power loss. from 100,000 km Ad N63 timing chain N63 chain tensioner timing chain BMW 750i 11317567500	High
!	N63/N54: valve cover gasket oil loss The valve cover gasket on N63 and N54 engines in the F01 leaks over time, particularly through thermal stress on the turbocharged engines. Symptoms: Oil smell after hot driving; oil stains below the valve cover; oil mist in engine bay; dropping oil level with no visible underside leak. from 120,000 km Ad BMW N63 valve covergasket valve covergasket N54 F01 11127565286 11127570292 11127552281	Medium

NHTSA Owner Complaints

Above Average

16 complaints · 2008–2015

Engine

Fuel System

Powertrain

Seat Belts

Other

2 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (5 complaints)

⚠ Fuel System (2 complaints)

⚠ Powertrain (2 complaints)

Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 47 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 7er F01 (2008–2015) — 39 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. One problem engine: N63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Typical issues affect Other, Suspension, Electronics, Steering.

7er (N57D30, 2008–2015) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 258–265 PS.

7er (N57D30, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 306–320 PS.

7er (N55B30, 2008–2012) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 320–326 PS.

7er (N63B44, 2008–2012) — Stay Away!: Valve stem seals porous — extreme oil consumption, Piezo injectors defective — hydraulic hammer and misfires, Timing chain stretches — guide rails break. Power: 408 PS.

7er (N74B60, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: Turbocharger problems (twin-turbo), Piezo injectors leaking — full set required, High-pressure fuel pump membrane failed. Power: 544 PS.

7er (N63B44TU, 2012–2015) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear at high mileage, Valve stem seals — oil consumption despite revision, Turbo bearing damage from Hot-V heat build-up. Power: 449 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW 7er? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW 7er F01 have? +

The BMW 7er F01 has 39 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used BMW 7er F01? +

faq.watch_a_avoid

Which engine is recommended? +

Be careful: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), N74B60 (6.0L V12 Biturbo), N57D30 (3.0L Diesel), N63B44TU (4.4L V8 Biturbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the N74B60 (6.0L V12 Biturbo). Problem engine: N63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo) — stay away!

Which BMW 7er F01 engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW 7er F01 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} Six plus six cylinders, twin turbos, 750 Nm from 1,500 rpm — the engine develops thrust like a force of nature. No need to rev it, no turbo lag. Acoustically no screamer, but at full throttle the exhaust valves crack open and there is zero ambiguity. Maintain one and own something that will never exist again — the last V12 without electrification.

Is the BMW 7er F01 worth buying used? +

Caution is advised with the BMW 7er F01 — 1 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.

What horsepower variants are available for the BMW 7er F01? +

The BMW 7er F01 is available with engine variants from 197 to 544 hp. Petrol: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), N74B60 (6.0L V12 Biturbo), N63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo), N63B44TU (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Diesel: N57D30 (3.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee