Is the 2012 Bmw 740I reliable?

The 2012 Bmw 740I has 6 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Bmw 740I?

Top problems: ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); SEATS/RESTRAINTS (2 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Bmw 740I?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT. Contact any Bmw dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Bmw 740I?

The 2012 Bmw 740I gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Bmw 740I?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Bmw 740I is approximately $1,971/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Bmw 740I

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Bmw 740I has 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 11. The most common issue is engine problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2012 bmw 740i. the contact stated that while driving 10 mph in the rain, he drove through a puddle of water and the vehicle stalled. the contact tried several times to restart the engine, but the vehicle would not restart. the vehicle was then towed to the dealer and the deale. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 4 of 4)

ENGINE

2 complaints

33%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH IN THE RAIN, HE DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALE
• I PULLED IN TO MY HOME TO DISCOVER THAT MY BMW WAS LEAKING OIL AFTER TAKING IT TO A BMW SERVICE CENTER THEY DIAGNOSED AND INDEED I HAD AN OIL LEAK FROM THE GASKET HOUSING SEAL CAR WAS STILL OPERATING FINE UNTIL I TURN THE CAR ON ONE MORNING AND IT JUST KEEP STALLING BEING STUCK AND CONSTANT IDLE THE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH IN THE RAIN, HE DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT02/02/2017

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.

Risk: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Bmw 740I

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Bmw 740I

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,971

Full coverage / month

$164

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1971

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Bmw 740I Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2012 740I, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 6 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH IN THE RAIN, HE DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN RESTING HIS LEFT KNEE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, HE WOULD INADVERTENTLY DEPRESS THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR BUTTONS. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD MOVE BACK AND FORTH INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHAN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 740I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN RESTING HIS LEFT KNEE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, HE WOULD INADVERTENTLY DEPRESS THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR BUTTONS. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD MOVE BACK AND FORTH INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHAN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WE WERE TRAVELING I-75 SOUTH NEAR GAINESVILLE, FL., AND THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN. WE WERE IN THE FAST LANE AND HAD TO STRUGGLE TO STEER IT TO GET IT OFF THE HWY. LIGHT CAME ON SAYING DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN STRUCK BY LIGHTENING AT 11,000 MILES AND IT S
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)