2014 BMW 7 Series Problems: 23 Known Issues

On the 2013-2015 BMW 7 Series N63TU1, bMW SIB 01 01 22 identifies specified U.S.-specification F01/F02 750i, 750Li and ALPINA B7 variants from model years 2013-2015 with the N63TU1 engine for an oil-consumption diagnosis and related-repair settlement path. The lawsuit alleged excessive oil use and BMW denied the allegations. BMW permits turbocharger replacement only when the prescribed inspection confirms leakage; the bulletin does not establish age-, heat- or mileage-based turbo failure.

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, engine oil can leak from the center of the car, with residue visible between the engine oil pan and the transmission bell housing. This applies to F01/F02 7 Series (including ALPINA B7) with the N63 or N63TU engine, per bulletin 11 09 16 (no production dates given).

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, the lower display of the instrument cluster can go blank intermittently, so the trip computer, outside temperature and Check Control messages do not show; or the whole cluster display can switch off intermittently with fault B7F689. BMW names instrument cluster software. The bulletins cover F01/F02 cars without option 6WB (multifunction instrument display): 62 07 15 for cars produced up to April 30, 2016, and 62 10 15 for cars produced up to October 31, 2015.

On the 2009-2022 BMW 7 Series, for F01/F02 cars, electronics specialists document a blank screen, repeated restarting, freezing or loss of audio. These symptoms do not establish a hard-drive or memory-chip failure. Early F01/F02 models use CIC, later F01/F02 use NBT, and G11/G12 use NBT Evo then MGU; identify the installed unit before selecting a repair.

On the 2009-2014 BMW 7 Series, when the car is locked with one key and later unlocked at the door handle with the second key, the seats move to the right memory position but the outside mirrors do not. BMW names a software error in the driver's seat module. It affects only F01/F02 cars with option 322 (Comfort Access) produced up to March 2014, per bulletin 65 21 13.

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, the side view camera can show no picture when reverse is engaged or the camera button is pressed, because water entering the cable assembly corrodes the connector pins at the camera, or the cable connection is poor. It affects only F01/F02 with option 5DL (side and top view cameras) or option 5DK (side view camera), per bulletin 66 08 14.

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, the Condition Based Service due date for the oil service and vehicle check can reset to 01/2000 and cannot be updated, with no fault stored. BMW names an instrument cluster software error. Bulletin 62 06 13 covers F01/F02 7 Series cars.

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, vertical lines can appear in the head-up display image; BMW identifies a head-up display failure. It affects only F01/F02 cars with option 610 (Head-Up Display), per bulletin 62 16 16.

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, the trunk may open while the car is locked, or after stopping at a light, when the trunk button on the key is pressed accidentally. Bulletin 51 30 16 covers the F01/F02 7 Series and gives no production dates.

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, oil used as a separating medium between the rain/light sensor gel pad and the windshield can leak out around the sensor. BMW states it does not impair the sensor's function. Bulletin 61 30 17 covers the F01/F02 7 Series.

On the 2009-2014 BMW 7 Series, the trunk lid may not stay in the fully open position because a tension spring can come loose from its retaining bolt. It affects only F01/F02 7 Series of model years 2009 to 2014 without option 316 (automatic trunk lid), per service action 51 30 15. Cars with the automatic trunk lid are not included; the VIN decides whether it is open.

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, water or misting can appear inside the headlight lenses. BMW names water entering the housing or condensation as the causes. Bulletin 63 05 16 covers F01/F02 7 Series headlights.

On the 2002-2022 BMW 7 Series, a drop in ride height or unusually frequent compressor operation can indicate an air-suspension leak, but uneven height can also involve the valve block. Diagnose the actual fault. On equipped E65/E66 and F01/F02 cars the air springs are at the rear; G11/G12 use air springs on both axles.

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, a rubbing or creaking noise can come from the front axle over uneven roads because the vibration absorber on the front axle support presses against the axle support bracing. Bulletin 31 01 14 covers F01/F02 cars with xDrive.

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, cracking noises can come from the front axle when maneuvering at low speed or turning the steering wheel while stationary. BMW names movement between the contact surfaces of the wheel bearing and the steering knuckle as the cause. Bulletin 31 01 12 covers F01/F02 7 Series, including ALPINA.

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, the airbag warning light can come on, sometimes only intermittently, with a front-passenger seat occupancy detection fault stored. BMW states the capacitive occupancy mat sets the fault when it detects moisture on the mat. Bulletin 65 04 14 covers the F01/F02 7 Series and gives no production dates.

On the 2011-2015 BMW 7 Series, after engine start, an SOS malfunction Check Control message can appear sporadically because the telematics unit detects a signal error during its aerial self-test. Bulletin 84 07 15 covers F01/F02 produced January 1, 2011 to March 31, 2016; a 2011 car built before January 2011 is not included.

On the 2010-2015 BMW 7 Series, the driveline can shudder or vibrate when taking off from a stop or accelerating at highway speed. BMW lists several possible causes, including the engine, wheels and tires, suspension, and internal wear on the transfer case clutch plates. A separate bulletin covers low-mileage cars (under 12,500 miles) built with front and rear differentials of mismatched gear ratios, which also brings a chassis stabilization warning. This applies to F01/F02 7 Series with xDrive, per bulletins 27 04 15 and 27 03 15 (27 03 15 excludes Alpina B7 xDrive).

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, the rear differential mount bushing in the rear axle carrier can show cracking. BMW says light surface cracking is normal, but a bushing cracked all the way through must be replaced. Bulletin 33 01 15 covers the F01/F02 7 Series.

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, a noise can come from the left or right front seat base on rough roads because the riveting of the seat control bracket to the metal seat base is too loose. Bulletin 52 04 12 covers F01/F02 7 Series.

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, the surface of one or more climate control panel buttons can peel, making the symbols unreadable. BMW names ingredients in skin care products such as sunscreen and hand lotion as the cause. Bulletin 64 01 13 covers F01/F02 7 Series cars.

On the 2009-2015 BMW 7 Series, bMW states that certain air-conditioning condensers can fail prematurely because of corrosion. It affects F01/F02 7 Series cars fitted with condenser part number 9255983 dated on or before November 11, 2013; affected cars show the service action as open by VIN.

On the 2009-2014 BMW 7 Series, the engine warning light can come on with a fuel tank ventilation and purge system micro-leak fault stored. BMW names contamination of the natural vacuum leak detection (NVLD) pressure switch contacts as a cause. It affects only F01/F02 produced to May 2014 that are fitted with the Natural Vacuum Leak Detection (NVLD) module, per bulletin 16 15 14; the VIN decides which leak-detection system the car has.