CarBrief

NHTSA has 51 owner complaints on file for the 2012 BMW 7 Series, mostly about the engine[1][2]. The car also has three recalls, two for a fire risk and one for a possible loss of propulsion[3][4][5].

51owner complaints[1]
3recalls[6]
15–20MPG combined (EPA)[7]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 51 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Five mention a fire, one mentions an injury, and none mention a crash or a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

Component group Complaints
Engine[2] 29
Power train[8] 16
Electrical system[9] 6
Unknown or other[10] 6
Wheels[11] 4
Suspension[12] 4
Fuel/propulsion system[13] 3
Seat belts[14] 2

Engine. Engine complaints have a median mileage at failure of 60,000, and 2 of them mention a fire[2]. In the sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe the car losing power, shaking or stalling while driving, often with a check engine light. Fuel injectors come up as the diagnosis or suspected cause in a few of them. A few describe oil use or leaks. Two describe a fire[2].

Power train. The median mileage at failure is 56,000, and none of these complaints mention a fire[8]. In the power train complaints we read, owners describe drivetrain or power train warning messages with reduced power. Some also describe burning oil[8].

Electrical system. Six complaints have a median mileage of 30,000 and 2 mention a fire[9]. In the sample we read, two owners describe a fire in the engine compartment or garage[9].

The themes above come from a small sample of complaint texts, so they show what some owners describe, not how common a problem is.

Recalls

NHTSA lists three recalls for this model year, newest first.

Before buying, ask a BMW dealer whether these recalls were done on the exact car, using its VIN.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the version. All use premium fuel.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
740i and 740Li, 3.0L 6-cylinder[7][15] 17 / 25 / 20 $4,100
ActiveHybrid 7 and 7L, 4.4L 8-cylinder[16][17] 17 / 24 / 20 $4,100
750i, rear-wheel drive[18] 15 / 22 / 17 $4,850
750Li and Alpina B7 (rear-wheel drive)[19][20][21] 14 / 22 / 17 $4,850
750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, Alpina B7 xDrive[22][23][24][25] 14 / 20 / 16 $5,150
760Li, 6.0L 12-cylinder[26] 13 / 19 / 15 $5,500

The best combined rating is 20 MPG and the lowest is 15 MPG, a gap of $1,400 a year in EPA's fuel cost estimate[7][26].

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list the 740i, 740Li, 750i, 750Li and 760Li as not rated[27][28][29][30][31]. We have no crash test stars to report for this model year.

Engine and size

EPA lists these horsepower ratings for the 2012 7 Series:

Size comes from Canadian-market specifications, so US cars can differ slightly.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
750i[35] 200 in 75 in 58 in 121 in 4,564 lb
750i xDrive[36] 200 in 75 in 58 in 121 in 4,718 lb
750Li[37] 205 in 75 in 58 in 126 in 4,641 lb
750Li xDrive[38] 205 in 75 in 58 in 126 in 4,861 lb
760Li[39] 205 in 75 in 58 in 126 in 5,027 lb
ActiveHybrid[40] 205 in 75 in 58 in 126 in 4,839 lb

How 2012 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 recalls2012: 51 complaints, 3 recalls5120122013: 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 2012 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 51 complaints and 3 recalls for 2012[6]. The neighboring years look like this[6]:

Model year Complaints Recalls
2010 42 3
2011 60 2
2012 51 3
2013 24 2

Seven model years have more complaints than 2012, including 2011 and 2006, which has 317[6]. 2012 is on the higher side for complaints, and 2013 has fewer complaints and recalls[6]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2012 7 Series?

The 2012 model has more complaints than most 7 Series years, and engine and power train are its largest complaint groups[2][8][6]. Five complaints mention a fire, and the recalls cover a fire risk and a possible loss of propulsion[1][3][4][5]. Check that every recall was completed on the specific car, and ask for the repair history of the engine and drivetrain. Fuel costs also vary a lot by version, from $4,100 to $5,500 a year in EPA's estimates[7][26]. Our data does not cover oil capacity, towing or tires, so confirm those separately.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 7 Series?
Engine is the largest complaint group with 29 of 51 NHTSA complaints, followed by power train with 16[1][2][8]. In the sample we read, owners describe power loss, shaking and oil use.
Does the 2012 BMW 7 Series have any recalls?
Yes, three: 18V248 and 12V161 for the auxiliary water pump circuit board, and 17V067 for the rear driveshaft joint[3][4][5].
What MPG does the 2012 BMW 7 Series get?
EPA combined ratings run from 15 MPG for the 760Li to 20 MPG for the 740i, 740Li and ActiveHybrid 7 and 7L[7][15][16][17][26].
Did the 2012 BMW 7 Series have a fire problem?
Five of the 51 complaints mention a fire[1]. Two recalls involve an overheating circuit board in the auxiliary water pump, which raises a fire risk[3][5].
Is 2012 a good year for the BMW 7 Series?
It has 51 complaints and 3 recalls, while 2011 has 60 complaints and 2013 has 24[6].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 51 owner complaints on file for the 2012 BMW 7 Series (0 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 29 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 18V248, filed April 18, 2018: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo / Supercharger. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 17V067, filed February 2, 2017: Power Train › Driveline › Constant Velocity Joint. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 12V161, filed April 10, 2012: 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 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
  8. 16 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 6 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 6 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 26,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 4 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 4 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 3 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 2 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  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 7, 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 ActiveHybrid 7L, 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
  18. 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
  19. EPA rating for 750Li, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Alpina B7 LWB, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Alpina B7 SWB, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  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. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  31. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  32. EPA Test Car List, 2012 BMW 7 Series with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 315 hp. www.epa.gov
  33. EPA Test Car List, 2012 BMW 7 Series with 4.4L 8-cylinder: rated 400 to 500 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  34. EPA Test Car List, 2012 BMW 7 Series with 6.0L 12-cylinder: rated 535 hp. www.epa.gov
  35. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 7 SERIES 750i 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 200 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 121 in, curb weight 4,564 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  36. 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
  37. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 7 SERIES 750Li 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 205 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,641 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 7 SERIES ACTIVE HYBRID 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 205 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,839 lb (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.