SuspensionHigh
Air suspension compressor and bag failures
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check for sagging and listen for a labouring compressor
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
Is the 2015–2022 BMW 7 Series reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
2.8/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the BMW 7 Series rates 2.8 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 5 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around suspension, electrical and engine. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 5
- Medium
- 3
- Low
- 0
Weak points cluster around suspension, electrical, engine, cooling.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
EngineHigh
Timing chain and turbo oil feed wear on diesel sixes
- Typically appears
- 90,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Cold start listen and check for oil leaks at the turbo
- Typical repair
- Timing chain, tensioner & guides · £900–£2,400
CoolingHigh
Water pump and thermostat failures
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Run to temperature and watch the gauge and coolant level
- Typical repair
- Cooling component replacement · £220–£750
Engine (V8 Petrol)High
Blue smoke from the exhaust after extended idling, indicating valve stem seal failure on N63 engines.
- Typically appears
- 70,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Allow the engine to idle at operating temperature for five minutes, then blip the throttle sharply. Watch the exhaust for a distinct puff of blue smoke.
- Typical repair
- Exhaust / emissions component · £200–£950
High-Voltage System (PHEV)High
Vehicle refuses to charge from a wallbox or displays a drivetrain malfunction warning due to a failed KLE (Convenience Charging Electronics) module.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Plug the vehicle into a standard Type 2 forecourt charger. Verify the charging port indicator turns blue then pulses green, and check the iDrive screen confirms active charging.
- Typical repair
- Charging / power electronics repair · £600–£2,600
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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