Models · BMW
BMW X7 G07 buying guide
BMW's largest SUV, on sale in the UK from April 2019 and facelifted in 2022, with six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines or a V8. Every UK car has xDrive four-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic, air suspension and seating for up to seven.
The versions
- xDrive30d: 3.0 straight-six diesel (B57), 261bhp, replaced by the 335bhp xDrive40d
- M50d: quad-turbo 3.0 straight-six diesel, 395bhp, sold from launch until 2020
- xDrive40i: 3.0 straight-six petrol (B58), 335bhp, raised to 375bhp with the 2022 facelift
- M50i: 4.4 twin-turbo V8 petrol, replaced by the 523bhp M60i with the facelift
- Eight-speed automatic and xDrive four-wheel drive; adaptive air suspension standard, with active anti-roll and rear-wheel steering optional
What to check on a G07 X7
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Judder at low speed (early cars)
What to look for: In a car park, drive slowly at full lock in both directions and pull away gently from a standstill. The car should move smoothly with no jerking or shudder through the floor.
Why it matters: Early cars, built up to 2021, can suffer premature wear in the transfer box, which shows as jerky progress at low speed. BMW issued a service bulletin in 2020 for shudder from the xDrive transfer box, with out-of-specification factory oil one of the causes. Regular fluid changes help, so ask whether it has had one.
Air suspension
What to look for: Look at the car from the side when you arrive, ideally after it has stood overnight. It should sit level and at the height you'd expect on all four corners. On the drive, try the ride height settings and check for any suspension warning.
Why it matters: The compressor, height sensors and air struts can all fail over time. A car that sits low or a warning on the dash points at one of them. The parts are replaceable, and on a younger car a fault may still be under warranty.
Brake system recalls
What to look for: On the drive, the brake pedal should feel consistent and firm with no warning light or message. Before you travel, give the chassis number to a BMW dealer and ask whether all brake recalls have been done.
Why it matters: The X7 has had several recalls covering the integrated braking system and, in 2024, the brake servo. Recall work is done by BMW dealers, and a record of it is a good sign.
Also in the full guide
- Third-row seats and headrests
- Other recall work
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the G07 X7
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.
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.