It’s arduous 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 delicate—but unmistakably premium—package deal. 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 vital 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 mistaken.
A $100K Expertise for Quarter of the Worth?
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 probably the most 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, 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 non-obligatory Bowers & Wilkins Diamond sound system, and the starlit Sky Lounge LED roof deliver 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 monitor. And from the skin, the G11/G12 7 Collection was daring, sporty, but luxurious. And even the grilles don’t appear too huge by immediately’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 automobiles which have lived in harsher climates. A single air strut can price effectively 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 filled with options—and each single one in every of them can ultimately go mistaken. 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 adjustments commonly 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 programs, can method $600 or extra.
What Actual House owners Are Saying
Many present and former homeowners of the G12 750i provide glowing critiques of the driving expertise, however practically all of them ship the identical warning: purchase sensible, or remorse it later. One Bimmerpost person 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 mentioned 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 is going to doubtless serve you effectively. However when you attempt to personal it like a price range commuter? Count on the surprising—and count on 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 additionally they embody significant tech and design upgrades. And actually, it appears fairly aggressive in design in comparison with the tamer, extra 5 Collection-like pre-facelifted mannequin. That was one of many primary 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 might additionally ask the dealership to drag the service data to see any points that had been fastened.
Third, prioritize Licensed Pre-Owned automobiles or these with an lively prolonged guarantee. A great guarantee can prevent hundreds if one of many complicated 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 put money into a pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist. These inspections are value their weight in gold with regards to recognizing air suspension sag, leaky valve covers, worn bushings, or lingering test 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 completely on the way you method it. For these prepared to analysis, examine, and price range for maintenance, the 750i delivers a uniquely compelling mixture of efficiency, luxurious, and expertise that few different used automobiles 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.
However it’s not a automotive for everybody. It’s not a price range day by 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 when you deal with it like a bargain-bin particular, it’ll rapidly remind you that flagship luxurious by no means comes low cost.
