It’s laborious to disregard the enchantment of a used BMW 750i on the G11/G12 platform of the high-end sedan. As soon as the flagship of Bavaria’s luxurious lineup, the 2016–2022 7 Collection supplied limousine-tier consolation and V8 efficiency wrapped in a delicate—but unmistakably premium—bundle. With depreciation working laborious behind the scenes, particularly within the luxurious automotive section, many of those once-$100,000 sedans can now be had for as little as $35,000. However beneath that tempting price ticket lies a important query: is that this luxurious sedan a hidden gem or a mechanical entice?
Let’s break down what makes the G11/G12 technology 750i so fascinating—and the place issues can go very flawed.
A $100K Expertise for Quarter of the Value?
When the G11/G12 7 Collection was up to date in 2019-2020, BMW pulled no punches. The facelift launched the daring and big new kidney grills, sleeker laser headlights, and some of the refined interiors ever to grace a 7 Collection. Extra importantly, the 750i acquired a considerably revised 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8—often known as the N63TU3—delivering 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. That’s sufficient to catapult the 750i from 0 to 60 in slightly below 4 seconds, putting it squarely in M-level territory, but it stays whisper-quiet and composed at cruising speeds.
Inside, the cabin feels extra like a lounge than a automotive. Options like massaging, heated, and ventilated seats (each entrance and rear), the optionally available Bowers & Wilkins Diamond sound system, and the starlit Sky Lounge LED roof convey a way of event that few rivals can match. It additionally has loads of new tech—iDrive 7.0, Gesture Management, adaptive cruise, semi-autonomous driving aids, and rear-seat leisure all featured prominently in better-equipped fashions.
From the motive force’s seat, the expertise was fairly spectacular for a automotive of this dimension, even on the observe. And from the skin, the G11/G12 7 Collection was daring, sporty, but luxurious. And even the grilles don’t appear too huge by at this time’s requirements.
The Hidden Prices Behind the Cut price
In fact, the used luxurious automotive market is affected by cautionary tales, and the BMW 750i is not any exception. Whereas the post-2019 N63TU3 engine is extra refined and dependable than its predecessors, it nonetheless calls for correct upkeep. Oil leaks, coolant points, and carbon buildup stay identified considerations. And if these issues haven’t been addressed by a earlier proprietor, they’ll snowball into costly repairs.
The air suspension system, which delivers cloud-like consolation when functioning correctly, is one other potential hassle spot. Over time, struts and compressors can fail—particularly in vehicles which have lived in harsher climates. A single air strut can value effectively over $1,500 to switch, and if a couple of fails, the restore invoice climbs rapidly.
Then there’s the electronics. Like many trendy BMWs, the 7 Collection is full of options—and each single one in all them can finally go flawed. House owners have reported consolation entry points, infotainment bugs, battery drain issues, and glitchy gesture management. These aren’t catastrophic failures, however they’re a reminder that high-tech comfort typically comes with high-maintenance actuality.
Routine upkeep can also be firmly within the “luxurious automotive” class. Oil modifications frequently value over $250. A full set of tires, particularly the OEM run-flats, can exceed $1,200. Battery replacements, significantly in xDrive fashions with advanced programs, can strategy $600 or extra.
What Actual House owners Are Saying
Many present and former homeowners of the G12 750i supply glowing evaluations of the driving expertise, however almost all of them ship the identical warning: purchase good, or remorse it later. One Bimmerpost consumer referred to as it the perfect automotive they’ve ever owned, however famous they wouldn’t contact one outdoors of a guaranty. A Redditor who bought their 750i as a Licensed Pre-Owned mannequin stated it was flawless—as long as they stayed forward of upkeep. One other YouTube reviewer praised the facility and luxury however admitted the electronics drove them mad after the 60,000-mile mark.
The frequent theme is that the 750i rewards proactive possession. If you happen to deal with it like a luxurious automotive and plan for long-term care, it is going to possible serve you effectively. However in case you attempt to personal it like a finances commuter? Anticipate the surprising—and anticipate it to be costly.
Good Methods for Patrons
The important thing to purchasing a BMW 750i that gained’t develop into a cash pit is all about due diligence. First, persist with 2019 or newer fashions. Not solely do they profit from the extra dependable model of the N63 engine, however in addition they embody significant tech and design upgrades. And actually, it appears to be like fairly aggressive in design in comparison with the tamer, extra 5 Collection-like pre-facelifted mannequin. That was one of many predominant complaints of that decade: 3, 5 and seven Collection vehicles look an excessive amount of alike.
Second, service historical past is non-negotiable. You need full documentation of normal oil modifications, coolant flushes, brake servicing, and any main element repairs. If there are gaps within the data or evasive sellers, stroll away. I’d additionally ask the dealership to drag the service data to see any points that had been mounted.
Third, prioritize Licensed Pre-Owned vehicles or these with an energetic prolonged guarantee. A superb guarantee can prevent hundreds if one of many advanced programs fails. However as all the time, analysis the prolonged guarantee plans as a result of they don’t all the time cowl the most costly repairs.
Lastly, all the time spend money on a pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist. These inspections are price their weight in gold in the case of recognizing air suspension sag, leaky valve covers, worn bushings, or lingering verify engine codes. I’ve talked about this in a latest podcast with Precision Sport Industries and it’s price a hear.
A Excessive-Stakes Gamble Price Taking?
So, is the used BMW 750i a cut price or a cash pit? The reality is, it may be both—relying solely on the way you strategy it. For these keen to analysis, examine, and finances for maintenance, the 750i delivers a uniquely compelling mixture of efficiency, luxurious, and know-how that few different used vehicles within the $40,000 vary can match. It’s the sort of automobile that may nonetheless impress on the valet or on a long-distance freeway cruise.
But it surely’s not a automotive for everybody. It’s not a finances each day driver, and it’s actually not maintenance-free. In that sense, it punishes neglect—however it rewards consideration. In the long run, the BMW 750i isn’t a cash pit by design. However in case you deal with it like a bargain-bin particular, it’ll rapidly remind you that flagship luxurious by no means comes low cost.
