What Is The BMW 7-Series Maintenance Costs? – What You Don’t Know Yet!

The BMW 7-Series is a luxury sedan that offers a smooth ride, a spacious interior, and a sleek design. 

But how much does it cost to maintain this car? 

If you are thinking of buying or owning a BMW 7-Series, you might want to know the answer to this question. 

In this article, we will reveal the BMW 7-Series maintenance costs and what factors affect them. 

We will also give you some tips on how to reduce your expenses and keep your car in good condition. 

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what it takes to own and maintain a BMW 7-Series.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a BMW 7-Series Per Year?

The cost of maintaining a BMW 7-Series per year depends on several factors, such as the model, the age, the mileage, and the service plan. The average maintenance cost for a BMW 7-Series is about $1,445 per year for the first 10 years of service. This is higher than the industry average for luxury sedans by about $249 per year. However, this cost may vary depending on the type and frequency of service required by your vehicle.

The BMW 7-Series maintenance schedule is based on the Condition Based Service (CBS) system, which monitors the condition of various components and fluids in your car and alerts you when they need service. 

The CBS system covers the following items:

• Engine oil and filter

• Brake fluid

• Cabin microfilter

• Engine air filter

• Spark plugs

• Remote control/key battery

• Vehicle check

• Fuel filter (diesel engines only)

The CBS system will display a service symbol on your dashboard when any of these items need attention. You can also check the status of these items on your iDrive screen or by using the BMW Connected app. The recommended service intervals for these items vary depending on your driving style and conditions, but they are generally between 15,000 and 30,000 miles.

In addition to the CBS system, some other maintenance items are not monitored by the system but are still important to keep your BMW 7-Series in good shape. These include:

• Brake pads and rotors

• Wiper blades

• Clutch (manual transmission only)

• Transmission fluid

• Oxygen sensor

These items have fixed service intervals that are based on your mileage or time. For example, the brake pads and rotors should be replaced every 50,000 miles, the wiper blades should be replaced every 12 months, and the transmission fluid should be serviced every 100,000 miles. The oxygen sensor should be replaced every 120,000 miles or when the check engine light comes on.

To reduce your BMW 7-Series maintenance costs, you can opt for one of the BMW service plans that cover some or all of these maintenance items. The BMW Ultimate Care is a complimentary plan that covers the CBS items for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

The BMW Ultimate Care+ is a fee-based plan that covers the CBS items plus the brake pads, rotors, wiper blades, and clutch for the same period. The BMW Ultimate Care+1,2,3,4 are fee-based plans that extend the coverage of the Ultimate Care+ for an additional 1 to 4 years or up to 125,000 miles.

The cost of these plans depends on the model and the duration of the coverage. For example, the Ultimate Care+ costs $600 for a 7-Series sedan, and the Ultimate Care+4 costs $4,549 for the same model. These plans can help you save money on maintenance costs in the long run, as well as provide peace of mind and convenience.

What Factors Affect the BMW 7-Series Maintenance Costs?

Several factors affect the BMW 7-Series maintenance costs, such as:

• The model, the age, and the mileage of the car. Different models have different specifications and features that may require more or less maintenance. Older and higher-mileage cars tend to need more frequent and costly repairs than newer and lower-mileage ones.
• The driving style and conditions. Driving at high or low speeds, on short or long trips, in the city or highway, in hot or cold weather, etc. can affect the wear and tear of the car and the frequency of service needed. The BMW Condition-Based Service (CBS) system monitors these factors and alerts the driver when service is due.
• The type and quality of service and parts. BMW recommends using only authorized dealers and service centers that use genuine BMW parts and fluids for optimal performance and reliability. However, these may be more expensive than independent shops or aftermarket parts.
• The service plan and warranty. BMW offers various service plans and warranties that cover some or all of the maintenance costs for a certain period or mileage. These can help reduce expenses and provide convenience and peace of mind for the owner. However, these plans are optional and fee-based, and they may not cover all the items or situations that may arise.

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How Does the BMW 7-Series Compare to Other Luxury Cars in Terms of Maintenance Costs?

The BMW 7-Series is one of the most expensive luxury cars to maintain.

The average maintenance cost for a BMW 7-Series is about $1,445 per year for the first 10 years of service. This is higher than the industry average for luxury sedan models by about $249 per year.

It is also higher than the maintenance costs of other luxury cars such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Audi A8, the Lexus LS, and the Jaguar XJ.

Some of the factors that make the BMW 7-Series maintenance costs high are:

• The complex and sophisticated engineering of the car requires specialized tools and skills to service.
• The high-quality and performance-oriented parts and fluids are more expensive than standard ones.
• The frequent and costly replacement of items such as brake pads, rotors, spark plugs, air filters, and oxygen sensors.
• The optional and fee-based service plans and warranties, may not cover all the maintenance items or situations that may arise.

How Can You Reduce Your BMW 7-Series Maintenance Costs?

There are some ways you can reduce your BMW 7-Series maintenance costs, such as:

• Follow the BMW Condition-Based Service (CBS) system, which monitors the condition of your car and tells you when service is needed. This can help you avoid unnecessary or premature service and save money in the long run.
• Use only authorized BMW dealers and service centers that use genuine BMW parts and fluids. This can ensure optimal performance and reliability of your car and prevent costly repairs or damages caused by inferior or incompatible parts.
• Shop around for lower insurance premiums, as the average cost to insure a BMW 7-Series is about $3,843 per year. You can compare different quotes and coverage options from various providers and choose the one that suits your needs and budget.
• Opt for one of the BMW service plans that cover some or all of the maintenance costs for a certain period or mileage. These plans can help you save money on maintenance costs in the long run, as well as provide peace of mind and convenience. The BMW Ultimate Care is a complimentary plan that covers the CBS items for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The BMW Ultimate Care+ is a fee-based plan that covers the CBS items plus the brake pads, rotors, wiper blades, and clutch for the same period. The BMW Ultimate Care+1,2,3,4 are fee-based plans that extend the coverage of the Ultimate Care+ for an additional 1 to 4 years or up to 125,000 miles. The cost of these plans depends on the model and the duration of the coverage.

What Are the Common Problems and Repairs for the BMW 7-Series?

The BMW 7-Series is a luxury sedan that offers a smooth ride, a spacious interior, and a sleek design. However, like any car, it can also have some problems and repairs that may affect its performance and reliability.

Some of the common problems and repairs for the BMW 7-Series are:

• The oil filter gasket leaks

The oil filter gasket prevents oil spillages and contamination, but it can crack and cause oil leaks on some models, especially the 740i and 740 Li. This can lead to engine damage and high repair costs. The oil filter gasket should be replaced every 60,000 miles or when signs of leakage are detected.

• Coolant leaks

The coolant system keeps the engine from overheating, but it can leak on some models, especially the early E65 generation. This can cause the engine to overheat and damage the head gasket, radiator, or water pump. The coolant system should be checked regularly and repaired if any leaks are found.

• Transmission issues

The transmission system enables the car to shift gears smoothly, but it can fail or slip on some models, especially the E65 and F01 generations. This can cause the car to jerk, lose power, or not move at all. The transmission system should be serviced every 50,000 miles or when signs of trouble are noticed.

• Air suspension issues

The air suspension system provides a comfortable and adjustable ride, but it can malfunction on some models, especially the E65 and F01 generations. This can cause the car to bounce, sag, or not level properly. The air suspension system should be inspected regularly and repaired if any problems are detected.

• Electrical issues

The electrical system controls various functions and features of the car, but it can cause issues on some models, especially the E65 and F01 generations. This can include battery drain, malfunctioning door locks, faulty sensors, or other glitches. The electrical system should be checked regularly and fixed if any issues are found.

Is Bmw 7 Series Expensive To Maintain?

The BMW 7 Series is a luxury sedan that offers a smooth ride, a spacious interior, and a sleek design. However, it is also one of the most expensive cars to maintain, with an annual maintenance cost of about $1,445 for the first 10 years of service. This is higher than the industry average for luxury sedans by about $249 per year. It is also higher than the maintenance costs of other luxury cars such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Audi A8, the Lexus LS, and the Jaguar XJ.

Some of the factors that make the BMW 7 Series maintenance costs high are:

• The complex and sophisticated engineering of the car requires specialized tools and skills to service.
• The high-quality and performance-oriented parts and fluids are more expensive than standard ones.
• The frequent and costly replacement of items such as brake pads, rotors, spark plugs, air filters, and oxygen sensors.
• The optional and fee-based service plans and warranties, may not cover all the maintenance items or situations that may arise.

Is the BMW 7 Series a reliable car?

The newer versions of the BMW 7 Series tend to be more reliable than the older ones, which had more problems with the coolant system, the transmission system, the air suspension system, and the electrical system. The latest generation of the 7 Series, which was launched in 2019, has not reported any major issues so far, but it is still too early to judge its long-term reliability.

Why does the BMW 7 Series depreciate so much?

The BMW 7 Series loses more value over time than other luxury cars, with an average depreciation of 56.9% over five years.

What is special about the BMW 7 Series?

The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan that offers a range of features and specs that make it stand out from other vehicles in its class. 

Some of the special features of the BMW 7 Series are:

• An available 31” BMW Theater Screen with Personal eSim 5G connectivity and built-in Amazon Fire TV that entertains and relaxes rear-seat passengers.
• A large and illuminated version of the signature kidney grille, a split headlamp design, and new two-piece LED tail lights that give it a distinctive and elegant appearance.
• A choice of powerful and efficient engines, including a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine, a 4.4-liter V-8 BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine, and a plug-in hybrid variant.
• A spacious and luxurious interior that seats up to five passengers and offers advanced technology such as touchscreens, automatic doors, cloud-based navigation, and Remote Software Upgrades.
• A comprehensive set of safety features, including Active Blind Spot Protection, Frontal Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Active Park Distance Control, and optional Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package.

Also Read: BMW Check Engine Light Reset: A Step-By-Step Guide

BMW 7 Series Years To Avoid

The BMW 7 Series years to avoid are:

• 1988-1998: These models had electrical problems, faulty fuel pumps, and leaky radiators.
• 2002-2003: These models had issues with the timing chain and the VANOS system, which could lead to engine failure.
• 2005-2007: These models had poor fuel economy and emission standards, as well as unreliable emissions equipment that required frequent repairs.
• 2008-2010: These models had a higher-than-average rate of transmission failure and other engine-related problems.

On the other hand, some of the most reliable BMW 7 Series years are:

• 1995-2001: These models had fewer complaints and were praised for their performance and reliability.
• 2008: This model year was an exception among the 2008-2010 generation, as it had fewer problems and better reviews than the later years.
• 2017 and later: These models have improved technology, safety, and design, and have not reported any major issues so far.

Conclusion

The BMW 7-Series is a luxury sedan that offers a smooth ride, a spacious interior, and a sleek design. 

However, it also comes with a high price tag for maintenance, with an average cost of $1,445 per year for the first 10 years of service. 

This is higher than the industry average for luxury sedans and other luxury cars. 

The BMW 7-Series maintenance costs are affected by several factors, such as the model, the age, the mileage, the driving style, the service plan, and the service provider. 

By being aware of these factors, you can make informed decisions and plan your budget accordingly. 

You can also reduce your BMW 7-Series maintenance costs by following the BMW Condition-Based Service system, using only authorized BMW dealers and parts, shopping around for lower insurance premiums, and opting for one of the BMW service plans that cover some or all of the maintenance items. 

The BMW 7-Series is a capable and comfortable car, but it also requires a lot of care and attention. 

If you are looking for a reliable luxury sedan, you might want to consider other alternatives or opt for a newer model with a comprehensive service plan and warranty.

We hope this article has helped you understand the BMW 7-Series maintenance costs and what you can do to lower them.