It’s exhausting 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 refined—but unmistakably premium—bundle. With depreciation working exhausting 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 crucial query: is that this luxurious sedan a hidden gem or a mechanical entice?
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 big new kidney grills, sleeker laser headlights, and one 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 just 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 non-obligatory 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 driving force’s seat, the expertise was fairly spectacular for a automotive of this measurement, even on the monitor. And from the surface, the G11/G12 7 Collection was daring, sporty, but luxurious. And even the grilles don’t appear too huge by as we speak’s requirements.
The Hidden Prices Behind the Discount
In fact, the used luxurious automotive market is suffering from 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 properly over $1,500 to switch, and if multiple fails, the restore invoice climbs shortly.
Then there’s the electronics. Like many trendy BMWs, the 7 Collection is filled with options—and each single considered one of them can finally go unsuitable. 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 usually comes with high-maintenance actuality.
Routine upkeep can be firmly within the “luxurious automotive” class. Oil adjustments often value over $250. A full set of tires, particularly the OEM run-flats, can exceed $1,200. Battery replacements, notably in xDrive fashions with complicated techniques, can strategy $600 or extra.
What Actual House owners Are Saying
Many present and former house owners of the G12 750i provide glowing evaluations of the driving expertise, however practically 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 exterior 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 widespread 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’s going to seemingly serve you properly. However should you attempt to personal it like a price range commuter? Anticipate the sudden—and count on it to be costly.
Good Methods for Patrons
The important thing to purchasing a BMW 750i that received’t turn out to be a cash pit is all about due diligence. First, stick to 2019 or newer fashions. Not solely do they profit from the extra dependable model of the N63 engine, however additionally they embrace 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 major 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 adjustments, coolant flushes, brake servicing, and any main element repairs. If there are gaps within the data or evasive sellers, stroll away. I might 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. An excellent guarantee can prevent 1000’s if one of many complicated techniques fails. However as all the time, analysis the prolonged guarantee plans as a result of they don’t all the time cowl the costliest repairs.
Lastly, all the time put money into a pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist. These inspections are value their weight in gold relating to recognizing air suspension sag, leaky valve covers, worn bushings, or lingering verify engine codes. I’ve talked about this in a current podcast with Precision Sport Industries and it’s value a pay attention.
A Excessive-Stakes Gamble Price Taking?
So, is the used BMW 750i a discount or a cash pit? The reality is, it may be both—relying fully on the way you strategy it. For these keen to analysis, examine, and price range for maintenance, 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 sort 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 price range every day driver, and it’s actually not maintenance-free. In that sense, it punishes neglect—however it rewards consideration. Ultimately, the BMW 750i isn’t a cash pit by design. However should you deal with it like a bargain-bin particular, it’ll shortly remind you that flagship luxurious by no means comes low cost.
