CarBrief

NHTSA has 60 owner complaints on file for the 2011 BMW 7 Series, and the most common groups are engine and power train[1][2][3]. Two recalls cover an auxiliary water pump that can overheat and raise the risk of a fire[4][5].[4][5].

60owner complaints[1]
2recalls[6]
15–20MPG combined (EPA)[7]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 60 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Six mention a fire and one mentions a crash. None report injuries or deaths[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group Complaints Fires Median miles at failure
Engine[2] 21 4 84,000
Power train[3] 19 0 60,000
Electrical system[8] 14 2 92,000
Fuel/propulsion system[9] 9 0 77,000

Smaller groups are unknown or other (6), structure (4), suspension (3) and electronic stability control (3)[10][11][12][13].

We also read a small sample of the complaint texts. These are the themes we saw, and a sample like this cannot tell you how common a problem is.

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Recalls

NHTSA lists two recalls for this model year. Both involve the electric auxiliary water pump. Both cover several models, so check your own VIN with NHTSA or a BMW dealer.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. All versions use premium fuel. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
740i, 740Li (3.0L 6-cyl)[14][15] 17 / 25 / 20 $4,100
ActiveHybrid 7i, 7Li (4.4L 8-cyl)[7][16] 17 / 24 / 20 $4,100
750i (4.4L 8-cyl)[17] 15 / 22 / 17 $4,850
750Li (4.4L 8-cyl)[18] 14 / 21 / 17 $4,850
750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive (all-wheel drive)[19][20] 14 / 20 / 16 $5,150
760Li (6.0L 12-cyl)[21] 13 / 19 / 15 $5,500

The EPA also lists Alpina B7 versions at 16 to 17 combined MPG[22][23][24][25]. In short, the 12-cylinder 760Li costs $1,400 more per year in fuel than the 740i, by EPA's estimate[14][21].

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists the 740i, 740Li, 750i and 760Li 4-door rear-wheel-drive versions as not rated in its 5-Star Safety Ratings[26][27][28][29]. That means there is no star score to compare. It does not say the car is safe or unsafe.

Engine and size

EPA test car data lists three engines for this model year[30][31][32]:

The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
750i xDrive[33] 200 in 75 in 58 in 121 in 4,718 lb
750Li xDrive[34] 205 in 75 in 58 in 126 in 4,861 lb
760Li[35] 205 in 75 in 58 in 126 in 5,027 lb
ActiveHybrid[36] 204 in 75 in 59 in 123 in not listed

How 2011 compares with other years

1995: 26 complaints, 5 recalls19951996: 14 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 26 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 45 complaints, 1 recalls19981999: 21 complaints, 2 recalls2000: 36 complaints, 1 recalls2001: 49 complaints, 3 recalls20012002: 94 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 97 complaints, 4 recalls2004: 91 complaints, 4 recalls20042005: 49 complaints, 4 recalls2006: 317 complaints, 6 recalls2007: 127 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 94 complaints, 3 recalls2009: 26 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 42 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 60 complaints, 2 recalls6020112012: 51 complaints, 3 recalls2013: 24 complaints, 2 recalls20132014: 15 complaints, 2 recalls2015: 4 complaints, 2 recalls2016: 22 complaints, 1 recalls20162017: 11 complaints, 0 recalls2018: 6 complaints, 0 recalls2019: 4 complaints, 2 recalls20192020: 5 complaints, 7 recalls2021: 5 complaints, 7 recalls2022: 4 complaints, 1 recalls20222023: 23 complaints, 11 recalls2024: 6 complaints, 6 recalls2025: 2 complaints, 3 recalls2025
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each 7 Series model year. The 2011 is highlighted[6].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995265
1996143
1997263
1998451
1999212
2000361
2001493
2002943
2003974
2004914
2005494
20063176
20071275
2008943
2009263
2010423
2011602
2012513
2013242
2014152
201542
2016221
2017110
201860
201942
202057
202157
202241
20232311
202466
202523

NHTSA lists 60 complaints and 2 recalls for the 2011 model year[6]. Among the 33 model years in the NHTSA list, from 1995 to 2027, that is the 7th highest complaint count[6]. Six years have more: 2006 (317), 2007 (127), 2003 (97), 2002 and 2008 (94 each) and 2004 (91)[6].

Next to its neighbors, 2010 has 42 complaints and 3 recalls, and 2012 has 51 complaints and 3 recalls[6]. So 2011 has the most complaints of the three years but the fewest recalls[6]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Should you buy a used 2011 7 Series?

The complaint count is 7th highest of 33 model years[6]. Engine and power train reports lead the list, and several owners in our sample describe expensive repairs[2][3][9]. Both recalls involve a fire risk from the water pump, so confirm with a dealer that the work is done on any car you consider[4][5]. Expect fuel costs between $4,100 and $5,500 a year depending on the engine[14][21]. If you are looking at one, get a full inspection and ask for service records. Our data cannot tell you about reliability scores, prices or maintenance costs.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 7 Series?
NHTSA's largest complaint groups are engine (21) and power train (19), out of 60 complaints in total[1][2][3].
Has the 2011 BMW 7 Series been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists recall 11V521 from 2011 and recall 18V248 from 2018. Both involve the electric auxiliary water pump overheating and a fire risk[4][5].
What is the gas mileage of the 2011 BMW 7 Series?
EPA combined ratings run from 15 MPG for the 760Li to 20 MPG for the 740i, 740Li and ActiveHybrid versions[14][15][16][21].
Is the 2011 BMW 7 Series a bad year?
It has the 7th most complaints of the 33 model years listed[6], with 60 complaints and 2 recalls. 2006 has 317[6].
How much horsepower does the 2011 BMW 7 Series have?
EPA lists 315 hp for the 3.0L, 400 to 500 hp for the 4.4L and 535 hp for the 6.0L[30][31][32].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints on file for the 2011 BMW 7 Series (1 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 21 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 19 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 18V248, filed April 18, 2018: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo / Supercharger. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 11V521, filed October 20, 2011: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo / Supercharger. NHTSA recall database
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every BMW 7 Series model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for ActiveHybrid 7i, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. 14 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 92,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 9 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 6 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 4 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 3 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 3 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. EPA rating for 740i, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for 740Li, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for ActiveHybrid 7Li, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for 750i, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for 750Li, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for 750i xDrive, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for 750Li xDrive, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for 760Li, 6.0L 12-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Alpina B7 LWB xDrive, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Alpina B7 SWB xDrive, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Alpina B7 SWB, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Alpina B7 LWB, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  28. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  29. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  30. EPA Test Car List, 2011 BMW 7 Series with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 315 hp. www.epa.gov
  31. EPA Test Car List, 2011 BMW 7 Series with 4.4L 8-cylinder: rated 400 to 500 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  32. EPA Test Car List, 2011 BMW 7 Series with 6.0L 12-cylinder: rated 535 hp. www.epa.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 7 SERIES 750i XDRIVE 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 200 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 121 in, curb weight 4,718 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 7 SERIES 750Li XDRIVE 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 205 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,861 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  35. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 7 SERIES 760Li 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 205 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 5,027 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  36. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 7 SERIES ACTIVE HYBRID 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 204 in, width 75 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 123 in (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.