BMW 750i
The Technical Update resolved the worst problem of the first generation — away from piezo injectors, new piston rings, Valvetronic added. The character remained: a commanding V8 that is barely audible in Comfort mode and sends a powerful growl from afar in Sport. Hot-V heat soak remains by design — short oil change intervals (max. 7,000 km) are mandatory, not an optional extra.
Silky V8 for the Flagship
From 4,000 rpm the eight cylinders swell like a choir — commanding to just below 7,000. Keep your foot in on the motorway without a second thought. 450 hp N63 TU in the 7 Series — the right choice for the long haul.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The timing chain system remains the weak link in the TU as well. Plastic guide rails degrade. Preventive replacement from 120,000–150,000 km is advisable. Repair requires complete engine removal (~40 labour hours).
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, engine warning light, in extreme cases loud clattering and engine failure
Despite revision, valve stem seals can wear at high mileage. Oil consumption of 0.5–1 L/5,000 km is reported by TU owners. Significantly better than the original N63, but not fully eliminated.
Symptoms: Slightly elevated oil consumption, occasional light blue smoke on cold start, oil level warning earlier than expected
Hot-V design remains structurally prone to oil carbon build-up in the turbo feed lines. Switching the engine off immediately after hard driving promotes deposits and premature turbo wear.
Symptoms: Power loss under load, occasional hissing or whining from the engine bay, rarely blue smoke after a motorway run
Coolant hoses and bleed lines around the turbochargers suffer from sustained heat. Cracks often develop under load and only leak at operating temperature, making diagnosis difficult.
Symptoms: Periodic coolant warning light, loss without visible puddle, occasional coolant smell after shutdown
Direct injection without intake valve flushing — carbon deposits on intake valves increase steadily with mileage. Regular walnut blasting is required.
Symptoms: Power loss at part throttle, rough idle, increased fuel consumption with the same driving style
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
N63 V8 (750i/Li) has inherently high oil consumption: turbos in the V-valley subject the oil to extreme heat.
N63 V8 has known timing chain problems: chain stretches, tensioner breaks. In worst case engine damage.
Control units in the boot can corrode through moisture ingress. The HSR control unit next to the battery is particularly at risk.
The parking brake cable rubs against the rear aluminium control arm. The control arm can crack under load. Replace both sides simultaneously.
Air suspension bellows become porous after 4–6 years. Car sags on one side overnight.
The integral active steering actuator develops internal rust under the bellows after years of use.
The rubber drain tubes from the sunroof cassette become porous or detach from the connectors. Water collects in the headlining and enters the cabin.
The valve cover gasket on N63 and N54 engines in the F01 leaks over time, particularly through thermal stress on the turbocharged engines.
Reports & Tests
16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2008–2015). Most reported: Engine (5), Fuel System (2), Powertrain (2).