Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 BMW 750li. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine and power train warning indicators illuminated as the vehicle began to shake and white smoke came from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle continued to shake. The vehicle was restarted however, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle began to shake again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the failure was unable to be determined. The technician replaced the fuel injector however the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on four separate occasions, for the same failure but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,274.
Well at the 60K mile mark the motor was blown, come too find out many cars this same model and year are having similar issues... The suspension has been changed a couple times now and the fuel pump went bad... The car burns oil BMW says this is normal I find that very hard to believe... The motor went out while driving and actually leaving the BMW dealership how ironic
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW 750li. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate. In addition, the contact noticed fuel fumes coming through the air vents. The engine warning light illuminated as "drive train malfunction, drive at moderate speed" was displayed across the message board. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.
The transmission is not going into parking after the car is turn off the cars have electronic transmission shifters that are designed to automatically shift into park if the driver presses the button to turn off the engine. The agency says one driver complained to regulators about the problem, and the company has received additional complaints. No crashes or injuries have been reported. Regulators say they haven't found the cause of the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 BMW 750li. The contact stated that when driving at approximately 40 to 45 MPH, the contact stated that an abnormal noise was heard coming from underneath the vehicle as the vehicle driveshaft separated and caused damage to the engine oil pan. The contact stated that engine oil was leaking and smoke was seen from underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle into a service area. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 18V713000 (power train). The failure mileage was 108,000.
While driving on the highway at a speed of about 65 MPH my car suddenly lost power. A "drive train malfunction" warning appeared on the dash indicating that I had reduced power. My speed was quickly reduced and I had to cruise to the right lane. Unfortunately the portion of the nj garden state parkway that I was on did not have a shoulder. It just so happened that the guard rail was broken and I was able to coast off the road and place the car between the opening between the broken guard rails. I was not injured or involved in an accident, largely due to the fact that there was a break in the guard rail. After towing the car to the dealer, I was told that there is an "equipment update/customer convience upgrade" for the car that would replace the failed fuel injectors free of charge. I feel that this clearly is a safety issue that is being disguised as an equipment upgrade. …
My 2008 BMW 750li is leaking oil they say its the pressure switch then they said it was the brake buster pump leaking. I know there has been a recall on this make and model BMW but it do not come up under my viin number in the recall list of viin. The vehicle is now parked searching for true answers..
Symptom with engine stalled after 5 minutes of driving on busy intersection.. The transmission auto to p after full stop, could not change gear, breaks hardened. Steering tight! Battery worked but no message on idrive / dashboard. About 6 times to re-start but couldn't! Waited 15 minutes looked up issue on the web by cell phone. Car started, cold start; symptom was check-engine light popped on; reduced driving power; car vibration; idrive message "?transmission failure; p, n, r, 3, 5, 6 ; drive moderately to nearest BMW dealer ! Put on hazard light, drove home 1 mile away car vibration sound noticeable. Very scary and dangerous to have vehicle failure abruptly with no resolution or warning?. My 2008 BMW 750li with 57,000 miles started next day with check engine light remained for a few hours then off. …
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW 750li years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (80), 2008 (20), 2007 (16), 2011 (8) and 2012 (6) model years. Transmission complaints make up 37% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for BMW 750li transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any BMW 750li model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do BMW 750li transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles; 15% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.