It’s arduous 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 provided limousine-tier consolation and V8 efficiency wrapped in a delicate—but unmistakably premium—bundle. With depreciation working arduous 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 essential query: is that this luxurious sedan a hidden gem or a mechanical lure?
Let’s break down what makes the G11/G12 era 750i so fascinating—and the place issues can go very unsuitable.
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 large new kidney grills, sleeker laser headlights, and one of the crucial refined interiors ever to grace a 7 Collection. Extra importantly, the 750i acquired a considerably revised 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8—generally 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 just below 4 seconds, inserting 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 carry a way of event that few opponents 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 driving force’s seat, the expertise was fairly spectacular for a automotive of this dimension, even on the observe. And from the surface, the G11/G12 7 Collection was daring, sporty, but luxurious. And even the grilles don’t appear too massive by right now’s requirements.
The Hidden Prices Behind the Discount
In fact, the used luxurious automotive market is suffering from cautionary tales, and the BMW 750i isn’t 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 recognized 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 bother spot. Over time, struts and compressors can fail—particularly in vehicles which have lived in harsher climates. A single air strut can price properly over $1,500 to switch, and if multiple 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 unsuitable. Homeowners 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 adjustments frequently price over $250. A full set of tires, particularly the OEM run-flats, can exceed $1,200. Battery replacements, significantly in xDrive fashions with complicated techniques, can method $600 or extra.
What Actual Homeowners Are Saying
Many present and former house owners of the G12 750i supply glowing opinions of the driving expertise, however practically all of them ship the identical warning: purchase sensible, or remorse it later. One Bimmerpost consumer known as it one of the best 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. For those who deal with it like a luxurious automotive and plan for long-term care, it is going to probably serve you properly. However if you happen to attempt to personal it like a finances commuter? Anticipate the surprising—and anticipate it to be costly.
Good Methods for Consumers
The important thing to purchasing a BMW 750i that gained’t turn out to be a cash pit is all about due diligence. First, follow 2019 or newer fashions. Not solely do they profit from the extra dependable model of the N63 engine, however additionally they embody significant tech and design upgrades. And actually, it seems 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 standard oil adjustments, coolant flushes, brake servicing, and any main part repairs. If there are gaps within the data or evasive sellers, stroll away. I’d additionally ask the dealership to tug 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 very good guarantee can prevent 1000’s if one of many complicated techniques fails. However as at all times, analysis the prolonged guarantee plans as a result of they don’t at all times cowl the most costly repairs.
Lastly, at all times put money into a pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist. These inspections are price their weight in gold relating to recognizing air suspension sag, leaky valve covers, worn bushings, or lingering test 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 Value Taking?
So, is the used BMW 750i a cut price or a cash pit? The reality is, it may be both—relying fully on the way you method it. For these keen to analysis, examine, and finances for repairs, the 750i delivers a uniquely compelling mixture of efficiency, luxurious, and expertise that few different used vehicles within the $40,000 vary can match. It’s the type of car 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 every day driver, and it’s actually not maintenance-free. In that sense, it punishes neglect—but it surely rewards consideration. Ultimately, the BMW 750i isn’t a cash pit by design. However if you happen to deal with it like a bargain-bin particular, it’ll rapidly remind you that flagship luxurious by no means comes low cost.
