Models · BMW
BMW 7 Series F01/F02 buying guide
The fifth 7 Series, built from 2008 to 2015 as the F01 saloon and the long wheelbase F02, with a facelift in July 2012. The 730d diesel is the most common in the UK, alongside six-cylinder, V8 and V12 turbo petrols.
The versions
- 730d and 740d: 3.0 straight six diesel (N57), single turbo in the 730d (245PS, then 258PS) and twin turbo in the 740d (306PS, then 313PS)
- 740i: 3.0 twin-turbo straight six (N54, 326PS), replaced by the single-turbo N55 (320PS) in 2012
- 750i: 4.4 twin-turbo V8 (N63, 408PS), revised for the 2012 facelift (450PS); 760Li: 6.0 twin-turbo V12 (N74, 544PS)
- Standard (F01) and long wheelbase (F02) saloons, rear-wheel drive or xDrive four-wheel drive on some versions
- 6-speed ZF automatic before the 2012 facelift (8-speed on the 760Li), 8-speed across the range after
- An ActiveHybrid 7 was also sold but isn't covered here
What to check on a F01 7 Series
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Timing chain rattle on the diesel
What to look for: Ask for the engine to be started from cold, ideally after standing overnight. Listen at the back of the engine bay, near the windscreen, for a rattle in the first few seconds. Ask whether the timing chain has been replaced.
Why it matters: The N57 diesel has its timing chain at the back of the engine. It's less trouble-prone than the four-cylinder N47's, but it can still fail, which shows as a rattle. On hard-driven 740d cars there have also been crankshaft problems, so lower-mileage cars with frequent oil changes are the ones to look for.
The diesel EGR cooler recall
What to look for: On a diesel built from 2012, ask whether the EGR cooler recall has been done, or check with a BMW dealer using the VIN. Check the coolant level when cold.
Why it matters: BMW recalled 725d, 730d and 740d models built from January 2012 to April 2015 because the EGR cooler could leak coolant, which with the heat of the system could cause a fire risk. The recall was later extended. Most cars have been done, and a dealer can confirm from the VIN.
Oil use and smoke on the 750i
What to look for: Start the engine after the car has been standing and watch the exhaust for blue smoke. Ask how much oil it uses between services and how often the oil has been changed.
Why it matters: The N63 V8's turbos sit in the hot valley between the cylinder banks, and the heat degrades the valve stem seals, so the engine can use oil and smoke. A history of frequent oil changes is the sign of a car that's been looked after.
Also in the full guide
- The rear air suspension
- Automatic gearbox changes
- Active roll stabilisation and steering
- Electrics and the battery
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the F01 7 Series
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with BMW.