BMW 7 Series Common Problems and Solutions
Engine Stutter
Problem:
The engine begins to stutter when you're driving at high speed. You might also experience poor acceleration, and in some instances, the car might not even start.
Solution:
This will be a case of your fuel pump wearing out, and it will need to be replaced. The high-pressure fuel pump on the 7 Series is well known for wearing out and developing faults, which is why you can always find them available on our parts page.
Difficulty level
Fuel Pump Diesel
Low Oil Pressure
Problem:
You can notice that your oil pressure has decreased, and the engine oil light might also be on.
Solution:
One of the most common faults reported in the 7 Series is typically just a leak in your oil filter gasket. If you don't replace the gasket with a new one from BreakerYard, your engine won't receive the proper lubrication and will eventually seize.
Difficulty level
No Parking Brake
Problem:
Your parking brake disengages by itself.
Solution:
In most cases, this will simply be a worn parking brake actuator, which is susceptible to premature wear on early models of the 7 Series. You can find a new actuator in our online store, and it is an easy component to install. If you replace the actuator and the issue persists, then the fault lies with the parking brake unit itself, and you will need to replace the entire assembly.
Difficulty level
Actuator
Blurry Cameras
Problem:
The front and side cameras are producing a blurred image instead of a crystal-clear one.
Solution:
BMW is aware of the increasing number of complaints regarding the blurry images produced by their front and side cameras. Currently, there is no real solution, and it might simply be a matter of waiting for BMW to release an upgraded version of the cameras.
Difficulty level
Engine misfiring
Problem:
Are you experiencing engine misfiring? This causes rough idling, with the rev needle jumping up and down instead of staying steady. It could also result in the engine cutting out. The issue is likely a faulty coil pack or one of these two sensors: the camshaft or crankshaft sensor.
Solution:
Run a diagnostic to accurately identify the cause of the problem. You will also need to fit a replacement coil pack, camshaft, or crankshaft sensor, depending on which one is faulty.
Difficulty level
Coil Pack
Electric window problems
Problem:
Are you having trouble with the electric windows? If you hear a squealing noise when trying to open or close the window, it indicates that your window regulator is failing. You may also have noticed that the windows no longer move up or down as smoothly as they used to.
Solution:
Replacing the window regulator should fix the problem. Watch the video below to see how to replace the window regulator.
Difficulty level
Window Regulator Mechanism
Air conditioning failure
Problem:
Have you noticed that the air conditioning is not functioning properly? If it does not blow out ice-cold air on the coldest settings, then there is a fault with the condenser.
Solution:
You will need to replace the air conditioning condenser to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Aircon Condensor
Door locks failure
Problem:
Do the doors not lock when using the key fob, but do they lock when using the keys? The most likely cause of this issue is faulty door lock motors. Keep in mind that it could also be caused by a flat battery in the key fob.
Solution:
The first thing to check is the battery in the key fob, but if this is not the cause of the problem, you will need to replace the door lock motor to fix it. We can help you find a replacement door lock motor at a very low price.
Difficulty level
Central Locking Motor
Loss of Brake Power
Problem:
You can feel a significant decrease in brake power, and it now takes a considerable amount of time to come to a complete stop.
Solution:
If your 7 Series was built in 2020, it is likely that you have had a faulty integrated brake system hydraulic unit fitted. The entire unit will need to be replaced. If your BMW is still under warranty, a dealer should do this for free. If you're not covered by warranty, you can order a new unit directly from Breakeryard.
Difficulty level
Headlights Stuck On
Problem:
Even when the car is completely off, the headlights stay on, and you can't turn them off.
Solution:
The automatic headlights on the 7 Series are known to have this issue, but it's an easy fix. However, it needs to be addressed if you want to avoid increasing battery problems. Check your light control module, which may have burnt out following a power surge. Order a new module from our parts page for the 7 Series and install it yourself with ease.
Difficulty level
Engine Overheating
Problem:
Your engine starts to overheat quickly. You may also notice a sweet smell both inside and outside the car whenever the engine is running.
Solution:
This was a significant enough issue that BMW issued a recall, so it's crucial that you don't ignore it. The problem is that your car has had the incorrect engine oil cooler line installed. You'll need to replace the line, which is a straightforward task and a very low-cost part available in our store. However, most BMW dealers will replace the line free of charge.
Difficulty level
Oil Cooler
Remote Access Malfunction
Problem:
Your remote key is no longer unlocking or locking the doors. You might also receive an alert indicating that there is a key battery failure.
Solution:
You can order a new 7 Series key fob directly from BreakerYard for quick delivery. If that doesn't fix the issue, then you have a faulty Body Domain Controller Unit, which must be replaced. Visit our parts pages for the 7 Series, and you'll easily find a unit.
Difficulty level
Grinding When Braking
Problem:
You can hear a grinding noise whenever you brake.
Solution:
This should only affect your car if it was manufactured in January or February 2021, and it is caused by poorly produced brake discs. If you do not have a warranty, you can have new brake discs delivered when ordering from our parts list.
Difficulty level
Brake Disc