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BMW E65 7 Series common problems
2006–2008 · 750i / 750Li, 760i / 760Li, Alpina B7 (N62 V8, N73 V12, N62 supercharged V8). The known weak spots of the engines used in the E65, with sources, plus the topics that come up most in BMW's service bulletins and NHTSA recalls for this chassis.
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N62 engine
750i / 750Li (2006–2008), Alpina B7 (2007–2008)
Valve stem seals (oil burning, blue smoke)
Hardened valve stem seals cause blue smoke after idling or on start-up and rising oil consumption.
Sources: BMW Tuning: N62 common problems
Alternator bracket and valve cover gasket leaks
Oil leaks from the alternator bracket gasket and valve covers are common and labor-heavy because of where they sit.
BMW bulletins on file for the E65:
- NHTSA 10039764 Alternator noise Alternator noise on BMW E65/E66/E71/F01 and other models (2007–2011); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Jun 2011
Sources: BMW Tuning: N62 common problems
Coolant transfer pipe leak
The coolant pipe in the engine valley leaks as its seals age, causing coolant loss and low-coolant warnings.
BMW bulletins on file for the E65:
- SIB 17 03 09 Water pump check engine light Water pump check engine light on N63 engines (2006–2011); BMW released a revised part and repair procedure. Service bulletin · Oct 2010
Sources: BMW Tuning: N62 common problems
N73 engine
760i / 760Li (2006–2008)
High-pressure fuel pumps
The direct-injected V12 has two high-pressure pumps; failures cause hard starts, misfires and power loss.
BMW bulletins on file for the E65:
- SIB 16 06 23 Fuel pump no-start Fuel pump no-start on BMW G05/G07/G11/G12 and other models (2006–2024); BMW gives diagnosis and repair guidance. Service bulletin · Dec 2023
- SIB 12 06 10 Fuel injectors misfire Fuel injectors misfire on N54 engines (2008–2011); the fix is replacing the affected part. Service bulletin · Jul 2010
- NHTSA 10040368 Fuel pump no-start Fuel pump no-start on BMW E60/E61/E65/E66 and other models (2007–2010); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Dec 2010
Sources: Bimmerforums: what to look for in a 760Li
Coolant pipe and gasket leaks
Valley coolant pipe and intake gasket leaks are recurring, labor-heavy repairs on the V12.
BMW bulletins on file for the E65:
- SIB 17 03 09 Water pump check engine light Water pump check engine light on N63 engines (2006–2011); BMW released a revised part and repair procedure. Service bulletin · Oct 2010
Most frequent bulletin topics 68 bulletins
| Topic | Bulletins | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 4 | SIB 66 24 19, SIB 61 06 12 |
| Battery | 4 | SIB 61 03 14, SIB 61 13 05 |
| Power window | 3 | SIB 51 08 19, SIB 61 17 12 |
| Fuel pump no-start | 2 | SIB 16 06 23, NHTSA 10040368 |
| Transmission | 2 | SIB 24 02 10, SIB 24 01 08 |
| Engine no-start | 2 | SIB 12 55 06, SIB 13 09 10 |
| Automatic transmission | 2 | SIB 24 01 10, SIB 12 17 08 |
| Throttle reduced power | 2 | SIB 12 26 09, NHTSA 10148166 |
BMW service bulletins and warranty extensions filed with NHTSA that list the E65, grouped by topic. A bulletin tells technicians how to diagnose and fix a known issue; it doesn't mean every car has the problem.
NHTSA recalls by component 5
Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. Recall repairs are free; check a VIN.
BMW warranty extensions that list the E65
- SIB 01 05 22 Strut warranty extension Strut warranty extension on BMW G11/G12/F01/F02 and other models (2006–2023); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Mar 2026
- SIB 01 12 19 Radiator warranty extension Radiator warranty extension on BMW G01/G02/G11/G12 and other models (2006–2023); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jun 2023
- SIB 61 37 12 Battery warranty extension Battery warranty extension on BMW F01/F02/F10/F30 and other models (2006–2013); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Dec 2012
If a car qualifies, the listed repair may be free. Check eligibility for the VIN with a BMW center.
Sources: BMW service bulletins and recalls filed with NHTSA (public data) and the specialist and owner write-ups linked above. Not affiliated with BMW.