What years of the BMW 7 Series should I avoid?

NHTSA complaint data points to 2008 and 2009 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 86 and 100, the two highest among the 8 model years covered.

Is there a best year for the BMW 7 Series?

No year earns a Good or Best verdict because every model year is capped by recall campaigns. The lowest-risk years are 2006 and 2007, both rated Caution.

What are the most common problems across BMW 7 Series years?

Across all years, Engine issues account for 23% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 21%, and Airbags and Structure & Body each at 19%.

Does the 2009 BMW 7 Series have any recalls?

Yes, NHTSA lists two recall campaigns for the 2009 model year: one for an auxiliary water pump on 8- or 12-cylinder engines and one for incorrect tire labeling.

How many total complaints does the BMW 7 Series have?

NHTSA lists 73 total complaints and 5 recall campaigns across the 8 model years covered, from 2005 through 2012.

BMW 7 Series Best and Worst Years (2005–2012)

Avoid the 2008 and 2009 BMW 7 Series, which have the highest complaint indexes (86 and 100) and top-ranked worst-year positions. No 7 Series year earns a Good or Best verdict because every year carries recall campaigns; 2006 and 2007 are the lowest-risk choices among 8 model years covered.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2008 Avoid 2009Lowest-risk years:Caution 2006 Caution 2007

Model years: 8; 2005–2012
NHTSA complaints: 73
Recall campaigns: 5
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Engine

7 Series Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

BMW 7 Series problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	No verdict	43	4	1	0	1	Brakes	—	—
2006	Caution	71	29	0	0	2	Engine	—	—
2007	Caution	57	13	0	0	1	Structure & Body	—	—
2008	Avoid	86	11	2	1	1	Structure & Body	—	—
2009	Avoid	100	9	0	1	2	Engine	—	—
2010	No verdict	14	2	0	0	2	Engine	—	—
2011	No verdict	29	3	0	0	1	Engine	—	—
2012	No verdict	0	2	0	0	1	Engine	—	—

7 Series years to avoid: what went wrong

2009 BMW 7 Series Index 100 · 9 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2009 7 Series has the highest complaint index of any year at 100 and ranks worst overall, despite only 9 total complaints. Engine and Transmission & Powertrain issues each made up 33% of complaints, with engine problems surfacing at a median 83,000 miles and transmission issues at 90,500 miles. Owners also reported brake pulsation around 36,000 miles and doors closing on passengers' fingers. Two recalls apply to this year: one for an auxiliary water pump on 8- or 12-cylinder engines and one for incorrect tire labeling.

2008 BMW 7 Series Index 86 · 11 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2008 7 Series logged 11 complaints with a complaint index of 86, ranking as the second-worst year. Structure & Body issues led at 36% of complaints, including doors locking unexpectedly with occupants inside, at a median 82,000 miles. Airbags accounted for 27% of complaints, including a case where airbags failed to deploy in a side-impact crash, with median failure mileage of 138,250. Owners also reported a brake failure event and an electrical fire tied to a headlight assembly. NHTSA lists one recall for this year covering a brake vacuum pump oil leak.

Most common BMW 7 Series problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Engine17 (23%)
Transmission & Powertrain15 (21%)
Airbags14 (19%)
Structure & Body14 (19%)
Brakes12 (16%)
Electrical System10 (14%)
Fuel System7 (10%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (8%)
Other5 (7%)
Seat Belts3 (4%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the BMW 7 Series should I avoid?: NHTSA complaint data points to 2008 and 2009 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 86 and 100, the two highest among the 8 model years covered.
Is there a best year for the BMW 7 Series?: No year earns a Good or Best verdict because every model year is capped by recall campaigns. The lowest-risk years are 2006 and 2007, both rated Caution.
What are the most common problems across BMW 7 Series years?: Across all years, Engine issues account for 23% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 21%, and Airbags and Structure & Body each at 19%.
Does the 2009 BMW 7 Series have any recalls?: Yes, NHTSA lists two recall campaigns for the 2009 model year: one for an auxiliary water pump on 8- or 12-cylinder engines and one for incorrect tire labeling.
How many total complaints does the BMW 7 Series have?: NHTSA lists 73 total complaints and 5 recall campaigns across the 8 model years covered, from 2005 through 2012.