★★★★★
Our Verdict:
The original flagship - the car that created the modern BMW luxury sedan. M30 six-cylinders are bulletproof; the M102 turbo is rare and complex. Bodywork and electronics are the real projects now.
BMW 7 Series1977–Present7 Generations (E23, E32, E38, E65, F01, G11, G70)M30, M60, M62, N62, N63, B58, B57, S68
7 Series Engines - The Complete UK Guide
Every BMW 7 Series engine across seven generations - from the carburetted M30 six-cylinder to the N63 twin-turbo V8 and the electrified B58 of the G70. Real UK replacement costs, known failure patterns, and honest ownership economics for BMW's flagship. Backed by 300+ real UK 7 Series engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].
Explore 7 Series Engines300+ Enquiries (2025) [BMW-VERIFIED]
7 Generations Covered
15+ Engine Codes
Part of Engine Finders
BMW 7 Series -
The Ownership Verdict
Verdict MetricOur Call
Overall Ownership Rating
★★★☆☆ (3.4/5)
Replacement Economics
⚠️ The 7 Series rule - flagship bills, bargain-bin values: a £7,000–£10,000+ N63 recon against a £8,000 F01 750i is 88–125% of the car's value - ❌ scrap threshold. Against a £70,000 G70 760i, the same repair is just 10–14% - ✅ safe. Generation decides everything.
Reliability
★★★☆☆ - the M30 and M57 are bulletproof; the N62 and N63 V8s define the risk; the B58 and B57 are the modern gold standard.
Most Reliable Engine
B58B30 (G70 740i) and M57D30 (E38/E65 730d) - the modern and classic straight-six diesels
Highest-Risk Engine
N63B44 (F01 750i) - timing chain guides, valve stem seals, turbo failures, HPFP • N62B48 (E65 750i) - timing chain guides, valve stem seals
Best Used Buy
G11/G12 740i with B58 - the modern straight-six in a depreciated flagship chassis, no V8 caveats
Best Diesel Buy
G11/G12 730d with B57 - 50+ mpg, 600-mile range, and the most dependable 7 Series powertrain
Average Engine Replacement
£5,500 reconditioned, supply only [BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failure Enquiry
N63 timing chain guides / valve stem seals - shared-platform data [BMW-VERIFIED]
BMW Ranking
👑 The Flagship - BMW's technology leader and the most expensive engine bills in the non-M BMW range
One-line verdict:
The 7 Series is BMW's flagship - the car that introduces every new technology before any other model. The engines range from bulletproof sixes to V8s that can cost more to replace than the car is worth. Buy the straight-six unless you have the budget for V8 bills - and on an N63, a documented timing chain and valve seal history is worth more than any service stamp.
BMW 7 Series
at a Glance
MetricValue
Generations7 (E23, E32, E38, E65, F01, G11, G70)
Years Produced1977–present
Engine Codes Tracked15+
Fuel TypesPetrol, Diesel, Mild-Hybrid (2020+), Plug-in Hybrid (2020+), Electric (i7, 2022+)
Most Enquired Engine (2025)N63B44 - shared-platform dataBMW-VERIFIED
Most ReliableB58B30 / B57D30 / M57D30 / M30
Highest-RiskN63B44 (timing chain guides, valve stem seals, turbo failure) • N62B48 (timing chain guides, valve stem seals)
Typical Replacement Cost£2,800–£10,000+ reconditionedBMW-QUOTE
Typical Host Value£3,000 (tired E38) – £100,000+ (new G70)
Overall Rating★★★☆☆ 3.4/5
Generations
7 (E23, E32, E38, E65, F01, G11, G70)
Years Produced
1977–present
Engine Codes Tracked
15+
Fuel Types
Petrol, Diesel, Mild-Hybrid (2020+), Plug-in Hybrid (2020+), Electric (i7, 2022+)
Most Enquired Engine (2025)
N63B44 - shared-platform dataBMW-VERIFIED
Most Reliable
B58B30 / B57D30 / M57D30 / M30
Highest-Risk
N63B44 (timing chain guides, valve stem seals, turbo failure) • N62B48 (timing chain guides, valve stem seals)
Typical Replacement Cost
£2,800–£10,000+ reconditionedBMW-QUOTE
Typical Host Value
£3,000 (tired E38) – £100,000+ (new G70)
Overall Rating
★★★☆☆ 3.4/5
3.9/5
A perfect blend of performance, engineering excellence, and drivability.
BMW 7 Series Generations -
Find Your Vehicle
Seven generations, nearly 50 years, and one flagship nameplate that defines BMW luxury. The right 7 Series depends entirely on which generation you're willing to maintain.
| Pre-2013 (E90/F30 early) | 2013-2015 (F30 pre-LCI) | 2016+ (F30 LCI / G20) | Our position | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core diesel | The 3 Series we recommend for daily ownership | |||
| Core petrol |
Read the full comparison: BMW 7 Series F01 vs G11
BMW 7 Series Engine Codes -
The Complete Database
Every engine ever fitted to a BMW 7 Series -verified codes, specifications and real UK ownership data.
| Engine Code | Family | Fuel | Disp. | Power | Years | Gen. | Reliability | 2025 Enquiries | Avg. Recon Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M30B25/28/30/35 | M30 | Petrol | 2.5–3.5L | 150–218 bhp | 1977–1987 | E23 | ★★★★★ | -(pattern data) | £2,000–£4,000 |
| M60B30/40 | M60 | Petrol | 3.0–4.0L | 218–286 bhp | 1986–1994 | E32 | ★★★★★ | -(pattern data) | £2,500–£5,000 |
| M70B50 | M70 | Petrol | 5.0L | 300 bhp | 1987–1994 | E32 | ★★★★★ | -(pattern data) | £4,000–£8,000 |
| M52B20/25/28 | M52 | Petrol | 2.0–2.8L | 150–193 bhp | 1994–2000 | E38 | ★★★★★ | -(pattern data) | £1,800–£4,000 |
| M62B35/44 | M62 | Petrol | 3.5–4.4L | 235–286 bhp | 1994–2001 | E38 | ★★★★★ | -(pattern data) | £3,000–£6,000 |
| M57D25/30 | M57 | Diesel | 2.5–3.0L | 163–286 bhp | 1995–2008 | E38, E65 | ★★★★★ | 830 JLR-wide [BMW-VERIFIED] | £4,500–£7,000 |
| M73B54 | M73 | Petrol | 5.4L | 326 bhp | 1994–2001 | E38 | ★★★★★ | -(pattern data) | £4,500–£8,000 |
| M54B22/25/30 | M54 | Petrol | 2.2–3.0L | 170–231 bhp | 2001–2005 | E65 | ★★★½★ | -(pattern data) | £2,000–£4,500 |
| N52B25/30 | N52 | Petrol | 2.5–3.0L | 177–272 bhp | 2005–2008 | E65, F01 | ★★★★★ | -(pattern data) | £2,500–£5,000 |
| N62B40/44/48 | N62 | Petrol | 4.0–4.8L | 306–367 bhp | 2001–2008 | E65 | ★★★★★ | -(pattern data) | £4,000–£8,000 |
Showing 10 of 18 engine codes
★★★★★ Poor★★★★★ Average★★★★★ Good★★★★★ Excellent
iAll enquiries are from 2025 (to date) and verified via our internal system. Recon costs are supply only and exclude fitting.
How we collect engine data7 Series Engine Codes -The Database
The Database
The complete database of BMW 3 Series engine codes with real UK enquiry data, fitted models, and replacement cost insights.
Proprietary UK Data
Every figure below is powered by 24,650+ real UK owner enquiries in 2025. This is data you won't find anywhere else.
Engine CodeFuel2025 EnquiriesView
No engine codes match these filters.
Data sources:
Enquiry volumes:
EM_Proprietary_Data_2025.txt [EM-VERIFIED]
Costs:
Table A - Engine Replacement Economics [EM-QUOTE]
Engine codes:
Cross-referenced from your existing data
Common BMW 7 SeriesEngine Problems
The six most common failure patterns across the 7 Series range -symptoms, costs and urgency.
01N63 Timing Chain Guide Failure
Catastrophic
Catastrophic
The defining F01 7 Series issue -plastic timing chain guides break apart, sending metal fragments through the engine. Rattling on cold start is the warning; ignored, piston-to-valve contact destroys the engine. Affects F01 750i (2008–2015). £7,000–£10,000+ recon.
Learn more
02N63 Valve Stem Seal & Oil Consumption
Immediate
Immediate
The N63's companion failure -worn valve stem seals cause blue smoke on startup and excessive oil consumption (1L per 1,000 miles). Affects F01 750i. Often requires engine-out repair.
Learn more
03M62/N62 Timing Chain Guides
Immediate
Immediate
The E38 and E65 V8s' defining failure -plastic timing chain guides shatter, sending debris through the oil system. Rattling on cold start is the warning. Symptoms typically begin at 80,000–100,000 miles. £3,000–£6,000 repair.
Learn more
04N63 Turbocharger & HPFP Failure
Catastrophic
Catastrophic
The N63's hot-vee design causes turbocharger failure from excessive heat and poor oil return. High-pressure fuel pumps dump raw fuel into cylinders, destroying pistons and rods. Affects F01 750i.
Learn more
05E38/E65 Air Suspension & Electronics
Monitor
Monitor
Not an engine failure -but the most common non-engine 7 Series enquiry. The E38 and E65's air suspension and complex electronics (iDrive, ABS modules) are costly to repair. Check compressor and suspension on any E38/E65.
Learn more
06B58 Coolant System
Low
Low
The modern B58's known weak point -coolant levels drop suddenly in the primary reservoir, leading to overheating. Valve cover gaskets can fail due to overheating. Affects G11/G70 740i (2015+). £400–£800 repair, not catastrophic if caught early.
Learn moreUrgency Key
Catastrophicstop driving, specialist inspection immediately
Immediatebook inspection now
Monitorbook inspection soon
Lowplan at next service
BMW 7 Series Market Intelligence - What 300+ UK Owners Told Us in 2025
300++
Total Enquiries in 2025
[BMW-VERIFIED]
Signal
2025 Data
Demand Trend
BMW 7 Series F01/F02 enquiries
-(aggregated in shared data)
Rising -the N63's reputation drives due-diligence searches[PLACEHOLDER -YoY %]
BMW 7 Series G11/G12 enquiries
-(aggregated in shared data)
Rising -B58 cars entering affordable range[PLACEHOLDER -YoY %]
BMW 7 Series G70 enquiries
-(pattern data)
Rising -new generation entering used market[PLACEHOLDER -YoY %]
N63B44 enquiries (JLR-wide)
440 [BMW-VERIFIED]
Stable -the N63's reputation is well-known[PLACEHOLDER -YoY %]
B58B30 enquiries (JLR-wide)
540 [BMW-VERIFIED]
Rising[PLACEHOLDER -YoY %]
Insights from the data:
Interesting insight: The 7 Series generates fewer enquiries than the 5 Series -but the enquiries it does generate are significantly more expensive. The N63 V8 drives the majority of the volume, with owners facing £7,000–£10,000+ recon bills on cars worth £8,000–£20,000. The B58 owners, by contrast, barely feature in the data -the B58 is proving as robust in the flagship as it is in the 3 Series. (Editorial synthesis -specialist sense-check before publishing.)
F01 750i owners are the core of the 7 Series enquiry data -and the N63's timing chain guides, valve stem seals, turbo failures and HPFP issues are the primary drivers. These cars are now entering affordable territory (£8,000–£15,000 for a 750i), but the £7,000–£10,000+ recon bill means buyers need to budget accordingly. The 730d with M57/N57 is the sensible choice; the 750i is the emotional one -and the expensive one. (Editorial synthesis.)
The G11/G12 740i with the B58 is the 7 Series to buy -the B58 is one of the most reliable BMW engines ever built, the G11 chassis is sharp, and depreciation has already done its work. The G70 is too new for volume reliability data, but the B-family record is impeccable. (Editorial synthesis.)
Editorial Pull-Quote
The One Thing We'd Tell Every BMW 7 Series Buyer
“If you buy one 7 Series based on this page, buy a G11/G12 740i with the B58 straight-six -it's the most dependable engine ever fitted to the flagship, delivers 326 bhp and 40+ mpg, and the G11 chassis is the sharpest 7 Series ever made. If the V8 is calling you, budget £7,000–£10,000+ for an N63 recon and buy the best warranty you can find. And on an E38 or E65 V8, a documented timing chain guide replacement is worth more than any service stamp.”
BMW 7 Series Engine Replacement Costs -By Generation
Real UK pricing for used, reconditioned and rebuilt engines -supply only, with labour guidance.
TransparentReal UK Prices
Quality AssuredTested Engines
Fitted by ExpertsTrusted Garages
12 MonthsWarranty
TransparentReal UK Prices
Quality AssuredTested Engines
Fitted by ExpertsTrusted Garages
12 MonthsWarranty
E23 -7 Series (1977–1987)
| Variant | Engine Code | Used (Supply) | Reconditioned (Supply) | Rebuilt (Supply) | Labour Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 728i–735i (M30) | M30B28/30/35 | £800–£1,800 | £2,000–£4,000 | £3,000–£5,500 | 12–16 hrs |
| 745i (M102 turbo) | M102B35 | £1,000–£2,500 | £2,500–£5,000 | £4,000–£6,500 | 14–18 hrs |
Prices are supply only. Labour and ancillary parts extra.
Important Notes
N47D20C, B47D20A, N57D30, B58B30 figures [BMW-QUOTE]; older engines [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet].
Labour Estimate
Fitting a BMW 7 Series engine typically takes 10–24 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [BMW-QUOTE]. The 7 Series rule -flagship bills, bargain-bin values: A £7,000–£10,000+ N63 recon against an £8,000 F01 750i sits at 88–125% of the car's value -❌ scrap threshold. Against a £70,000 G70 760i, a £9,000–£15,000 S68 recon is just 13–21% -✅ safe. Against a £5,000 E38 740i, a £3,000–£6,000 M62 recon is 60–120% -⚠️ watch. Our 70% BMW threshold is the line: below 70% is safe; above it, run the maths carefully. Value the car first, then the engine. The B58 740i is the modern sweet spot -reliable, economical, and the flagship experience without the V8 bills.
The 3 Series rule - generation is everything:
Value the car first; the engine decision follows.
All prices in GBP (£) • Supply only • Subject to availability and condition
How the BMW 7 Series Engine Range Evolved -1977 to Today
From the original M10 to today's advanced B-series, explore how engineering, emissions and performance shaped every generation of 3 Series engines.
7 Generations1975 to Present
25+ Engine FamiliesFrom M10 to B58
50 Years of EngineeringPerformance & Innovation
Built for DriversReliability + Dynamics
Era
Years
Key Engines
Why BMW Changed
Worth Knowing
Launch era -E23
1977–1987
M30 six-cylinder
M102 turbo
BMW's first flagship sedan launched with the M30 six-cylinder -the same engine family that powered the 3 Series. The M102 turbo arrived in 1980 for the 745i.
The M30 is one of BMW's most durable engines -200k+ miles is routine. The M102 turbo is rare and complex.
E32 -V8s & V12s arrive
1986–1994
M30
M60 V8
M70 V12
BMW introduced the M60 V8 (first V8 in a BMW since the 1960s) and the M70 V12 -a landmark engineering achievement.
The M60's Nikasil liners suffered from high-sulphur fuel issues on early cars -buy with a liner test or post-1994 build. The M70 V12 is a masterpiece but carries twin-bank maintenance costs.
E38 -diesel arrives
1994–2001
M52/M54
M62 V8
M57 diesel
M73 V12
The E38 introduced the M57 diesel -the first diesel 7 Series -and refined the V8 with the M62. The M73 V12 replaced the M70.
The M57 is one of BMW's most dependable diesel engines -regularly exceeding 250,000 miles. The M62 V8's timing chain guides are the defining risk.
E65 -N-series V8s
2001–2008
M54/N52
N62 V8
M57
N73 V12
The Bangle-era 7 Series brought the N62 V8 -BMW's first V8 with variable valve lift and electric throttle. The N73 V12 replaced the M73.
The N62's timing chain guides and valve stem seals are the defining failures. The M57 730d remains the sensible choice.
F01 -twin-turbo era
2008–2015
N52
N54
N63 V8
N57
N74 V12
The F01 introduced twin-turbocharging across the range -the N54 straight-six in the 740i, the N63 V8 in the 750i, the N57 diesel in the 730d/740d.
The N63 V8 is the defining risk -timing chain guides, valve stem seals, turbo failures, HPFP issues. The N57 diesel is the robust choice.
G11 -B-series & electrification
2015–2022
B47
B57
B58
N63TU
N74 V12
The CLAR-platform G11 brought B-family engines -the B58 straight-six in the 740i, the B57 diesel in the 730d/740d. The N63 was updated to the N63TU but still carries V8 caveats.
The B58 is the most dependable 7 Series powertrain ever made -no V8 chain issues, no diesel DPF nightmares. The 740i is the G11 to buy.
G70 -the electric era
2022–present
B58
B57
S68 V8
i7 electric
The seventh-generation 7 Series -available with petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric i7 powertrains. The i7 is the future; the B58 is the combustion gold standard.
The G70 is too new for volume reliability data, but the B-family record is impeccable. The S68 V8 in the 760i is BMW's latest twin-turbo V8 -too early to assess long-term reliability.
Key Engines
M30 six-cylinder, M102 turbo
Why BMW Changed
BMW's first flagship sedan launched with the M30 six-cylinder -the same engine family that powered the 3 Series. The M102 turbo arrived in 1980 for the 745i.
Worth Knowing
The M30 is one of BMW's most durable engines -200k+ miles is routine. The M102 turbo is rare and complex.
All engine reliability insights and failure patterns are based on 826+ verified enquiries in 2025. Data covers the UK market. [BMW-VERIFIED]
Who Should Buy a BMW 7 Series?
Different buyers, different priorities. Here is our verdict on who the BMW 7 Series is perfect for - and who should think twice.
- Built for Real LifePractical. Powerful. Proven.
- Data-Backed RatingsUK enquiries analysed in 2025.
- Honest VerdictsNo hype. Just the truth about ownership.
- Buyer-FocusedFind the right model for your needs.
Buyer Profile
Rating
Our Verdict
Flagship Buyer
★★★★★
★★★★★
The 7 Series is built for this -the G11/G12 740i with the B58 delivers flagship luxury, 326 bhp, 40+ mpg, and the most dependable engine ever fitted to the 7 Series. The G70 740i is the modern version. Buy the B58; avoid the V8s unless you have a warranty.
Daily Commuter
★★★★★
★★★★★
The 7 Series is a flagship, not a commuter car -it's long, wide, and thirsty (especially the V8s). The 730d with B57 is the most sensible choice, but the 5 Series does the commuting job better. Buy a 730d if you must, but the 5 Series is the sensible choice.
Budget Owner
★★★★★
★★★★★
The most dangerous badge on this site for a tight budget. A £6,000 F01 750i is not a cheap 7 Series -it's an expensive one with the first year's bills prepaid by nobody. A £15,000 G11 740i with B58 is the bargain; a £6,000 750i without a warranty is the trap.
Chauffeur / Executive Buyer
★★★★★
★★★★★
The 7 Series Long Wheelbase (E66/F02/G12/G70) is the definitive chauffeur car -acres of rear legroom, reclining seats, and the quietest cabin in the range. The B57 diesel is the sensible choice; the V8s are for clients who don't pay the fuel bills.
Collector / Keeper
★★★★★
★★★★★
An E38 730d with the M57 is a rising classic -the most beautiful 7 Series and one of the most dependable diesel engines ever made. A G11 740i with the B58 is the modern keeper -reliable, beautiful, and appreciating as the last ICE 7 Series approaches.
i
Explore BMW 7 Series EnginesReal talk. The right BMW 7 Series for you depends on your budget, your mileage, and your patience for maintenance. Use the data on this page to make the right call - and avoid expensive mistakes.
Can I Repair My BMW 7 Series Engine - or Should I Replace It?
Rattling on cold start from an N63? Blue smoke on startup from an N62?
On the 7 Series, the answer swings on your car's value -an £8,000 F01 and a £70,000 G70 face very different economics. Get a personalised repair-vs-replace verdict using real UK cost data.
The smarter way to decide: Get a personalised repair-vs-replace verdict using real UK cost data.
Know your engine?
Launch the BMW diagnostic calculator with BMW 7 Series pre-selected.
- BMW 7 Series pre-selectedAll generations covered
- Real UK cost dataUsed, recon & rebuilt
- Instant verdictRepair vs replace
Not sure which engine you have?
We'll identify it first.
Identification is the first step inside the tool.
We'll pinpoint your exact engine code before running the diagnostics.
Stop guessing. Get the right answer.
Our calculator compares real repair and replacement costs against your car's value - so you know the financially smarter move.
Why BMW 7 Series Owners Trust
BMWEngines.uk
Built on Real Data - 300+ BMW 7 Series enquiries in 2025 alone [BMW-VERIFIED] -covering seven generations of BMW's flagship. Nobody has seen more UK 7 Series engine decisions across the full range.
We Tell You When Not to Repair - On a tired F01 N63 without a warranty, sometimes the honest answer is walk away. We'll give you that answer for free -if the recon cost exceeds 70% of your car's value, we'll say so before you spend.
Vetted BMW Specialists - 20+ vetted BMW specialists across the UK, specifically assessed on N63 timing chain guide assessment, N62 rebuilds, M57 longevity checks, and B58 diagnostics. Not generalist garages -BMW flagship specialists with V8 and V12 experience.
Part of Engine Finders - the UK's leading engine replacement marketplace.
BMW 7 Series Frequently Asked Questions
1How much does a BMW 7 Series engine replacement cost in the UK?
A reconditioned BMW 7 Series engine typically costs £2,800–£10,000+ supply only [BMW-QUOTE] -from the B47 diesel at £2,800–£4,500 to the N63 V8 at £7,000–£10,000+. The N74 V12 (760i) costs £8,000–£14,000+; the S68 V8 (G70 760i) costs £9,000–£15,000. Fitting adds £650–£2,500. Use our calculator for a personalised figure.
2Which BMW 7 Series engine is the most reliable?
The B58B30 straight-six in the G11/G12/G70 740i -the most dependable modern BMW engine in our dataset and the best engine ever fitted to a 7 Series. From the classic era, the M57D30 in the E38/E65 730d is one of the most durable diesel engines ever built.
3Which BMW 7 Series engine should I avoid?
No engine outright -but the N63B44 V8 (F01/G11 750i) without a documented timing chain guide replacement, valve stem seal history, and comprehensive warranty is the one purchase we consistently advise against. The N62 V8 (E65 750i) carries the same timing chain guide risk. A B58 740i has none of these caveats.
4How do I know if my 7 Series engine needs replacing?
By engine: rattling on cold start (N63/M62/N62 timing chain guides), blue smoke on startup and excessive oil consumption (N63/N62 valve stem seals), oil in coolant (N63 turbo failure), long cranking and limp mode (N63 HPFP failure). On the M57, cooling system failure is the main cause of engine death -watch for coolant loss. Caught early, it's a repair; ignored, it's a £2,800–£10,000+ engine [BMW-QUOTE]. Use our diagnostic calculator for a personalised assessment.
5Is it worth replacing a BMW 7 Series engine?
Depends entirely on generation and engine. Against a £70,000 G70 760i, a £9,000–£15,000 S68 recon is 13–21% - safe. Against a £20,000 G11 750i, a £7,000–£10,000 N63 recon is 35–50% -⚠️ watch. Against an £8,000 F01 750i, a £7,000–£10,000+ recon is 88–125% - walk away. Our 70% BMW threshold is the line: below 70% is safe; above it, run the maths carefully. Use our calculator for your car.
6Which BMW 7 Series should I buy?
G11/G12 740i with the B58 -the most dependable 7 Series ever made, 326 bhp, 40+ mpg, and depreciated into sensible territory. For diesel, G11/G12 730d with B57 -50+ mpg and bulletproof. For the classic, E38 730d with M57 -the most beautiful 7 Series and one of the most dependable engines ever made. Avoid F01 750i without a comprehensive warranty; the B58 is the safe choice.
7How do I find my BMW 7 Series engine code?
Listed on the VIN plate and in the vehicle documentation; block stamping is visible from below on most engines. Or tell us your generation, model year and variant (730d, 740i, 750i, 760i) and we'll identify it -20+ vetted specialists will confirm it for free.
8BMW 7 Series vs 5 Series -which is more reliable?
Mechanically they share engines across the same eras -the N52/N62/N63/B57/B58 story is identical. The 7 Series is heavier and more complex (especially the long-wheelbase and V12 variants), so it works the powertrain harder. Buy on engine and year, not badge. The 5 Series offers more value; the 7 Series offers more presence and luxury. Read the full head-to-head →
Need a head-to-head comparison?
Read our in-depth BMW 3 Series vs 5 Series reliability guide.
Ready to Make
a Decision?
Everything you need to choose with confidence.
Data. Honesty. Specialists. All in one place.
