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 supplied 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 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 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 one of the refined interiors ever to grace a 7 Collection. Extra importantly, the 750i obtained a considerably revised 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8—often called 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 non-obligatory Bowers & Wilkins Diamond sound system, and the starlit Sky Lounge LED roof convey 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 motive force’s seat, the expertise was fairly spectacular for a automotive of this measurement, 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 large by at the moment’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 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 effectively over $1,500 to interchange, 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 ultimately go mistaken. 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 modifications recurrently 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 homeowners 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 referred to as it one of the 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 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. When you deal with it like a luxurious automotive and plan for long-term care, it should seemingly serve you effectively. However should you attempt to personal it like a funds commuter? Anticipate the sudden—and count on it to be costly.
Sensible Methods for Patrons
The important thing to purchasing a BMW 750i that received’t grow 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 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 essential 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 modifications, 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 tug the service data to see any points that had been fastened.
Third, prioritize Licensed Pre-Owned automobiles or these with an energetic prolonged guarantee. A great 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 in the case of 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 value 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 totally on the way you method it. For these keen 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 actually 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 should you deal with it like a bargain-bin particular, it’ll rapidly remind you that flagship luxurious by no means comes low-cost.
