BMW G11/G12 (2016–2022): Buyer’s Guide—Which Engine to Pick and What to Avoid
Quick Summary
The BMW 7 Series in G11/G12 form is the flagship sedan built on the CLAR platform, produced from 2016 to 2022. Bottom line: the safest pick is the 740i with the B58 inline-six, while the riskiest is the 750i with the V8 N63TU2, especially early builds. The 2020 facelift brought updated styling and iDrive 7.0. This guide is for anyone shopping for a used 7 Series who wants to avoid expensive repairs.
The Problem
Shopping for a used BMW 7 Series means balancing prestige against potential repair bills. Picking the wrong engine can turn into a repair that takes dozens of labor hours and serious money. The N63TU2 is the sneakiest of them all—its timing chain can’t be replaced without removing the engine. Here’s which engines are worth the money and which ones to avoid.
Symptoms of Trouble
- Metallic rattle on a cold start lasting more than 15 seconds—timing chain wear
- Whine under acceleration plus power loss—turbocharger failure
- Smoke from the exhaust—worn valve stem seals (a V12 issue)
- A sagging corner after parking—an air suspension leak
- Air suspension compressor buzzing constantly—air leak
- iDrive freezes and reboots—faulty control module
Root Causes
The N63TU2 is the most problematic engine in the lineup. Its Achilles’ heel is the timing chain: worn guides show up as a cold-start rattle. Replacement means engine removal—20–30 hours of labor. Turbocharger failures and oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets are common too.
The B58 is the most reliable engine in the lineup, but it has quirks of its own. Direct injection leads to carbon buildup on the intake valves, and the water pump can fail after 50,000 miles. On LCI versions (2020+), the 48V starter-generator can act up—an expensive component that quits without warning.
Air suspension is standard on the 7 Series. Leaky air springs and compressor failure are typical. Hybrid versions (PHEV) risk high-voltage battery failure.
The Solution: How to Choose and Maintain
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- Start the engine cold. A rattle lasting longer than 15 seconds is a red flag, especially on the N63TU2.
- Check the ride height after 15 minutes of parking—all four corners should sit level.
- Listen to the air suspension compressor—it should run quietly and briefly.
- Dig into the oil change history. 6,200-mile intervals on a 750i are a risk. The sweet spot is every 5,000–7,500 miles.
- Test the iDrive for freezes and reboots.
- Get an ISTA scan from a BMW specialist—a generic OBD-II scanner won’t show every fault.
- Check service campaigns by VIN on the NHTSA website—some of these problems get fixed under warranty.
Maintenance Recommendations
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | Change every 5,000–7,500 miles, ignoring BMW’s official schedule (10,000–15,000 miles) |
| Coolant (N63TU2) | Replace every 81,000 miles |
| Intake valves (B58) | Walnut blasting every 62,000–81,000 miles |
| Tires | Non-run-flat—better ride comfort, less load on the suspension |
Best and Worst Versions
| Version | Verdict | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 740i with B58 | ✅ Best choice | Good for 149,000+ miles without an engine rebuild |
| 740i (2019) | ✅ Best pre-facelift | Mature version without the 48V mild hybrid |
| 740i LCI (2020–2021) | ✅ Best overall | iDrive 7.0, updated styling, proven B58 |
| 745e LCI | ✅ Underrated hybrid | B58 + electric motor, 31 miles of electric range |
| 750i (2016) | ❌ Worst version | First year of the N63TU2—avoid |
| 750i with N63TU2 | ❌ Expensive risk | Timing chain repair is a major expense |
| M760i | ⚠️ Trophy car | Maintenance demands significant yearly spending |
Prevention
- Change the oil every 5,000–7,500 miles—this is critical for the N63TU2 and B58
- On the B58, walnut-blast the intake valves every 62,000–81,000 miles
- On the M760i, check the exhaust for smoke regularly
- Run non-run-flat tires—they reduce the load on the suspension
- If you buy a 750i, budget for a timing chain replacement
The Bottom Line
The 740i LCI (2020–2021) with the B58 is the best balance of reliability, comfort, and cost of ownership. On a tighter budget, go for the 740i (2019). Stay away from the 750i with the N63TU2 unless you’re ready for serious repair bills. The M760i is for buyers willing to pay for exclusivity. One must-do before buying: get an ISTA diagnostic scan and check the service history.