BMW 7 Series G11/G12 Engines -The Complete UK Guide
Every engine fitted to the sixth-generation 7 Series -from the B47 four-cylinder diesel to the N74 V12 that powered the M760Li, and the B58 six-cylinder that redefined the plug-in hybrid range. Real UK replacement costs, honest failure data, and the N63 V8 issues that still haunt early cars. Backed by 256+ real UK G11/G12 enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].
Explore G11/G12 Engines
BMW 7 Series G11/G12 Engine Codes -The Complete Database
Every engine fitted to the sixth-generation 7 Series -from the entry-level four-cylinder diesel to the range-topping V12, including the plug-in hybrid variants.
Overview
BMW 7 Series G11/G12 -Overview
The G11/G12 is the sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series, unveiled on 10 June 2015 and launched in October 2015.
It succeeded the F01/F02 7 Series with a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) core, a lighter aluminium-intensive body, and BMW's first plug-in hybrid powertrain in the 7 Series range. The G11 denotes the short-wheelbase version; G12 denotes the long-wheelbase version. A 2019 Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) brought the largest grille ever fitted to a BMW production car (40% larger than pre-LCI), revised powertrains including the B58 six-cylinder replacing the four-cylinder in the plug-in hybrid, and significant power increases for the V8 models.
Key Facts
Platform
BMW CLAR (Carbon Core)
Predecessor
BMW 7 Series F01/F02 (2008–2015)
Successor
BMW 7 Series G70 (2022–present)
Sibling body styles in this generation
G11 (short-wheelbase saloon), G12 (long-wheelbase saloon)
Market Intelligence
The G11/G12 7 Series generated 256 real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED], concentrated on the B57 diesel and N63 V8 petrol units as these luxury flagships exit warranty and owner maintenance cycles begin.
Best & Worst Engines
Best Diesel Overall
B57D30 (3.0-litre straight-six, 730d/740d)
“The B57 is BMW's modular straight-six diesel and one of the most refined diesel engines ever fitted to a 7 Series. The 730d delivers 265 bhp and 620 Nm of torque; the 740d ups that to 320 bhp and 680 Nm. Both offer effortless performance and genuine 40+ MPG economy. Unlike the quad-turbo 750d, the single and twin-turbo B57s are proven, durable, and free of excessive complexity. It's the diesel that defines this generation.”
Who it's for: buyers who want flagship luxury with diesel economy and proven reliability.
Best Petrol Overall
B58B30 (3.0-litre straight-six, 740i)
“The B58 is BMW's modular straight-six and arguably the best engine ever fitted to a 7 Series -326 bhp pre-LCI, rising to 340 bhp post-LCI. It's smooth, responsive, and so reliable that Toyota uses it in the Supra. The 740i is the sweet spot in the petrol range -six-cylinder refinement, V8-rivalling performance, and none of the N63's complexity or the V12's running costs. It's the 7 Series engine for people who actually drive their cars.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the best all-round petrol 7 Series without the V8's maintenance bills.
Highest Risk
N63B44 (4.4-litre V8, 750i, pre-LCI)
“The N63 V8 is a glorious engine -449 bhp, 650 Nm, and a soundtrack that defines the 7 Series experience. But it carries BMW's 'hot-vee' design, where the turbos sit inside the V of the engine, generating significant heat. Valve stem seals harden and cause blue smoke on startup; cooling system components fail prematurely; and the alternator bracket gasket is prone to oil leaks. The post-LCI N63B44TÜ3 (523 bhp) is improved but still carries more risk than the B58.”
Who it's for: buyers who want V8 power and are prepared for V8 maintenance costs.
Most Expensive Failure
N74B66 (6.6-litre V12, M760Li)
“The N74 V12 is BMW's final production V12 -609 bhp, 800 Nm, and a straight-line performance that's genuinely staggering (0-60 in 3.6 seconds). It's also one of the most expensive engines to maintain: parts are rare, labour is specialist-only, and the engine bay is tightly packed. A full V12 replacement can exceed £15,000. Only 5,000+ M760Li examples were built, making them rare but costly to own.”
Who it's for: collectors who want BMW's final V12 and have the budget to maintain it.
Best Value
730d (B57D30A, 3.0-litre diesel)
“The 730d delivers 265 bhp, 620 Nm, and genuine 45+ MPG economy in a full-size luxury saloon. It's the entry point to the diesel range but punches above its weight -six-cylinder refinement, proven B57 durability, and none of the quad-turbo complexity of the 750d. It's the sensible choice that still delivers the 7 Series experience.”
Who it's for: buyers who want flagship luxury with the lowest running costs.
Most Overlooked
745e (B58B30 + electric motor, PHEV, post-LCI)
“The 745e replaced the 740e's four-cylinder with a B58 six-cylinder, delivering 394 bhp system output and an electric range of up to 36 miles. It's often overlooked in favour of the V8s and diesels, but it's the most advanced powertrain in the range -six-cylinder refinement, electric-only city driving, and genuine performance. It's the 7 Series for buyers who want future-proof luxury.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the most technologically advanced 7 Series and can charge at home.
BMW 7 Series G11/G12 -Ownership Economics
The G11/G12 rule
A £6,000–£11,000 N63 recon against a £15,000–£40,000 7 Series sits at 15–73% of the car's value. On a sub-£18,000 high-mileage example, that brushes our 70% BMW threshold -we'll honestly tell you to walk away. Against a well-kept £30,000+ example, the same recon drops to a routine 20–37% -a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first, and always check service history on V8 and V12 cars.
Key Takeaways
Which G11/G12 Costs Least To Own?
730d (B57) -proven six-cylinder diesel, strong economy, no V8 complexity.
Which G11/G12 Costs Most To Own?
M760Li (N74 V12) -V12 running costs, rare parts, specialist-only maintenance.
Which G11/G12 Is Best Value?
740i (B58) -the best petrol engine in the range, strong residuals, the one enthusiasts want.
Common Problems
G11/G12 Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition
Core Variants
Diesel & Petrol Lineup
Scope note: All variants listed are G11 (short-wheelbase) and G12 (long-wheelbase) sixth-generation 7 Series only, produced from July 2015 to 2022. The 725d was produced 2016–2019 only; the 750d (quad-turbo) was produced 2017–2020 only. M760Li xDrive is the sole V12 variant. Alpina B7 is a separate variant based on the G12 platform.
Market Intelligence
Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)
- 1.1. B57D30 (730d/740d, 3.0-litre diesel)
- 2.2. N63B44 (750i, 4.4-litre V8)
- 3.3. B58B30 (740i, 3.0-litre straight-six) -based on UK specialist enquiry patterns [PATTERN DATA]
Most Requested E90 Variants
- 1.1. BMW 730d
- 2.2. BMW 750i
- 3.3. BMW 740i -based on model-level request data [BMW‑VERIFIED]
Average E90 Replacement Cost
£3,200–£15,000 reconditioned, supply only [BMW‑QUOTE]
Most Common E90 Failures
- 1.1. N63 V8 valve stem seal & cooling system failure
- 2.2. B57 diesel EGR cooler & DPF issues
- 3.3. G11/G12 air suspension system failure
BMW 750i
G11
5
enquiries
BMW 730d
G12
4
enquiries
BMW 740i
G12
3
enquiries
FAQ
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