It’s laborious to disregard the attraction 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 laborious behind the scenes, particularly within the luxurious automotive phase, 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 era 750i so fascinating—and the place issues can go very fallacious.
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—referred to 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 non-obligatory Bowers & Wilkins Diamond sound system, and the starlit Sky Lounge LED roof carry 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 skin, the G11/G12 7 Collection was daring, sporty, but luxurious. And even the grilles don’t appear too large by immediately’s requirements.
The Hidden Prices Behind the Cut price
In fact, the used luxurious automotive market is plagued 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 recognized issues. And if these issues haven’t been addressed by a earlier proprietor, they will 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 automobiles which have lived in harsher climates. A single air strut can price nicely over $1,500 to switch, and if a couple of fails, the restore invoice climbs shortly.
Then there’s the electronics. Like many fashionable BMWs, the 7 Collection is full of options—and each single certainly one of them can finally go fallacious. 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 usually comes with high-maintenance actuality.
Routine upkeep can be firmly within the “luxurious automotive” class. Oil adjustments repeatedly price over $250. A full set of tires, particularly the OEM run-flats, can exceed $1,200. Battery replacements, notably in xDrive fashions with complicated methods, 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 almost all of them ship the identical warning: purchase good, or remorse it later. One Bimmerpost consumer referred to as it the very best 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 ability 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. For those who deal with it like a luxurious automotive and plan for long-term care, it can probably serve you nicely. However in case you attempt to personal it like a funds commuter? Anticipate the sudden—and anticipate it to be costly.
Good Methods for Patrons
The important thing to purchasing a BMW 750i that gained’t turn out to be a cash pit is all about due diligence. First, keep on 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 principal complaints of that decade: 3, 5 and seven Collection automobiles 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 have been fastened.
Third, prioritize Licensed Pre-Owned automobiles or these with an energetic prolonged guarantee. A superb guarantee can prevent hundreds if one of many complicated methods fails. However as at all times, analysis the prolonged guarantee plans as a result of they don’t at all times cowl the costliest repairs.
Lastly, at all times put money into a pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist. These inspections are price their weight in gold in relation to 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 Value Taking?
So, is the used BMW 750i a cut price or a cash pit? The reality is, it may be both—relying totally on the way you method it. For these prepared to analysis, examine, and funds for repairs, the 750i delivers a uniquely compelling mixture of efficiency, luxurious, and know-how that few different used automobiles within the $40,000 vary can match. It’s the form of car that may nonetheless impress on the valet or on a long-distance freeway cruise.
Nevertheless it’s not a automotive for everybody. It’s not a funds day by day driver, and it’s definitely not maintenance-free. In that sense, it punishes neglect—but it surely 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 shortly remind you that flagship luxurious by no means comes low-cost.
