VehicleVerdict

2011 BMW 750Li problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 39 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median 750Li year — the 2011 model ranks #6 of 15 750Li years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (9), engine (8), and transmission (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

39

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other 750Li years?

750Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted300 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 300 complaints2007: 121 complaints2008: 103 complaints2009: 15 complaints2010: 49 complaints2011: 39 complaints2012: 40 complaints2013: 11 complaints2014: 9 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 1 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 4 complaints
750Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 750Li years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 BMW 750Li problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System923%
Engine821%
Transmission821%
Other38%
Fuel System38%
Body & Structure25%
Steering25%
Seat Belts13%
Airbags13%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 2011 BMW 750Li have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V248000EngineApril 18, 2018 · 47,806 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Consequence

If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 750LI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A STANDSTILL, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 126,000. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 10, 2021 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 750LI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A BURNING ODOR. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE USED AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF COOLANT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V248000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 10, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 750LI. WHILE DRIVING 67 MPH, THE DRIVE TRAIN WARNING INDICATOR DISPLAYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO SPEEDS OF 30-35 MPH AND THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 7, 2017

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 10, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 750LI. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT SHOOK AND THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR OF FUEL PRESENT. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO COOLANT PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 1, 2015

2011 BMW 750Li — common questions

Is the 2011 BMW 750Li reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 39 complaints put the 2011 model at #6 of 15 750Li years. It is one of the 750Li years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 750Li problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (9 complaints), engine (8 complaints), transmission (8 complaints).

Does the 2011 BMW 750Li have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 BMW 750Li. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 750Li years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 750Li years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2011. The cleanest record among 750Li years belongs to 2020.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.