MotorDeets

2012 BMW 740LI: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2012 BMW 740LI: 1 recall, 5 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
5owner complaints
0mention a crash
20best combined mpg
2012 BMW 740LI
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #17V067000 · 2017 · 8,752 vehicles

What's wrong: The rear driveshaft constant velocity (cv) joint on the affected vehicles May fatigue and break.

Why it matters: If the cv joint breaks, the vehicle May have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain3
Engine1
Stability control1
Fuel & propulsion1
Suspension1
Firerelated1

What owners describe

The 2012 BMW 740LI has 5 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 10 740LI model years for complaints (1.6× the average 740LI year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 73,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (11 complaints, 0 recalls), 2013 (7 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive172520Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 BMW 740LI.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2012 BMW 740LI manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2012 BMW 740LI manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2012 BMW 740LI manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2012 BMW 740LI manual

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FAQ

Does the 2012 BMW 740LI have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2012 BMW 740LI. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2012 BMW 740LI problems?

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (3), engine (1), stability control (1).

What gas mileage does the 2012 BMW 740LI get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2012 BMW 740LI repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 740LI years

2011201220132014201520162019202020212022