The Used BMW 7 Series Buyer's Guide: G12 vs. G70
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The 7 Series is BMW's flagship — the executive sedan that competes with the Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8 for the most demanding luxury buyers. Here is everything to know before you buy used.
The BMW 7 Series occupies a specific place in the luxury sedan market — flagship prestige, executive-level interior, and the technological showcase for whatever BMW is currently doing best. It has also historically been one of the most complex, feature-rich, and repair-intensive luxury sedans on the road, which means buying a used 7 Series is a specific commitment.
At our Arlington Heights lot, we stock 7 Series regularly, including recent 740i xDrive models. This guide covers everything a buyer needs to know before spending 7 Series money.
The Two Generations You Need to Understand
G12 (2016–2022) — The Volume Generation
The sixth-generation 7 Series. Carbon-core body structure (BMW's carbon fiber and steel hybrid). Air suspension standard on most trims. Introduced the current gesture-control iDrive infotainment. Design that aged well through its production run.
| Original price | $27,449 |
| Discounts & Fees | -$1,687+ |
| Today's price | $25,762 |
| Original price | $31,295 |
| Discounts & Fees | -$1,687+ |
| Today's price | $29,608 |
| Original price | $38,995 |
| Discounts & Fees | -$587+ |
| Today's price | $38,408 |
G70 (2023+) — The Current Generation
Completely redesigned. Split-headlight design that polarizes buyers. Massive dual-screen dashboard. First 7 Series available as a fully-electric i7 alongside the traditional gasoline models. New MLA architecture shared with select other BMW models.
Both are legitimate luxury flagships. The choice depends on how you feel about the current styling and how much you want to pay for cutting-edge technology.
| Original price | $64,264 |
| Discounts & Fees | -$1,687+ |
| Today's price | $62,577 |
| Original price | $72,549 |
| Discounts & Fees | -$1,687+ |
| Today's price | $70,862 |
Engine Options
G12 Engine Choices
740i / 740i xDrive (B58 3.0L Turbo Inline-Six):
- 320 hp, adequate for the vehicle weight.
- The most reliable modern 7 Series engine. Cost-of-ownership friendly.
- Sweet spot pick for value buyers.
750i / 750i xDrive (N63TU 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8):
- 445–523 hp depending on year.
- Serious power. The engine most 7 Series buyers imagine.
- Watch for the known N63 oil consumption and valve stem seal issues on older cars. Post-2018 N63TU with documented Customer Care Package work is significantly improved.
760i (S68 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 mild hybrid, G70 only):
- 536 hp on the newest 7 Series.
M760i / M760Li (N74 6.6L Twin-Turbo V12):
- 601 hp. The V12 flagship.
- Limited production. Interior is extraordinary. Cost of ownership is what you would expect from a V12.
740e / 745e (Plug-in Hybrid):
- The plug-in hybrid variant on selected G12 model years.
- Combines the 3.0L inline-six with an electric motor.
i7 (G70 Electric):
- Fully-electric flagship. Roughly 300+ miles of range.
- Different ownership profile than any gas 7 Series.
Common Issues to Check Before Buying
Air suspension: Standard on nearly all G12 examples. Failure points include air struts (rear first, typically 70,000–100,000 miles), air compressor, and air lines. Budget $2,000–$4,000 as a reserve.
N63 / N63TU V8 issues: On 750i models with the N63 V8, verify the Customer Care Package was completed. This addressed the oil consumption and valve stem seal issues on affected vehicles at no cost to the original owner.
B58 inline-six items (740i): Robust engine overall. Water pump / thermostat on higher-mileage examples ($850–$1,200 at an independent). Occasional charge pipe failure ($200–$400).
iDrive and electronic complexity: The G12 was BMW's showcase for gesture control, massaging seats, laser headlights, and rear-seat entertainment systems. Each of these features can fail. Ensure everything works before you buy.
Rear-wheel steering (Integral Active Steering): On equipped 7 Series, the rear steering system can develop issues. Verify function during test drive.
Battery age: Modern 7 Series pulls significant electrical load. AGM battery must be registered via ISTA after any replacement.
G12 Sweet Spots
Best value: 2019–2021 740i xDrive with 30,000–60,000 miles. The B58 inline-six is the most cost-effective 7 Series to own long-term. Delivers plenty of power for a flagship experience.
Best character: 2019–2021 750i xDrive with documented N63TU Customer Care Package work.
Halo: M760i / M760Li V12 examples (limited availability, highly collectible).
Value note: The 2024–2025 740i xDrive (G70 generation) is entering the used market at meaningful discounts to MSRP. If your budget allows and you like the new styling, a low-mile G70 is an increasingly compelling used play.
The Ownership Cost Reality
A used 7 Series is not a Toyota Avalon. Realistic annual costs at an independent BMW specialist:
- Scheduled maintenance: $1,200–$1,800 per year on the 740i, $1,500–$2,200 on the 750i.
- Air suspension reserve: $2,500–$4,500 over five years.
- Tires: $1,600–$2,400 per set of four (19- or 20-inch).
- Battery: $500–$700 every 4–5 years.
Total realistic annual cost for a 740i owned 5 years: $3,500–$5,000 per year in combined maintenance and repair, more for the 750i. Meaningful, but well below dealership pricing.
Winter Capability
The 7 Series is not a snow SUV, but with xDrive and appropriate winter tires it is a genuinely capable Chicago winter luxury car. Air suspension delivers 8+ inches of ground clearance, meaningful for suburban side streets.
What to Ask For Before You Buy
- Full BMW service history via ISTA or independent specialist records.
- Air suspension component service history (any recent air spring or compressor replacement).
- For N63 V8 examples: documentation of Customer Care Package work.
- Verification that every complex feature works: iDrive, massage seats, rear entertainment, laser headlights, gesture control, HUD, rear-wheel steering.
- Battery age and registration status.
- Full pre-purchase diagnostic scan showing no stored fault codes.
Which 7 Series Should You Buy?
Buy the 740i xDrive (G12) if: You want the best long-term ownership experience. The B58 inline-six is one of the great modern BMW engines and delivers 320 hp in a chassis engineered for effortlessness.
Buy the 750i xDrive (G12) if: You want the V8 experience and you can confirm the N63 Customer Care Package work is documented. A well-serviced 750i is one of the best-value luxury sedans on the used market.
Buy the M760i / M760Li V12 if: You want a genuinely rare V12 luxury sedan and you accept the ownership cost.
Buy the G70 740i xDrive if: You want the newest 7 Series and you like the current styling. Depreciation captures make an increasingly compelling used play as the generation ages.
Buy Yours at Autos of Chicago
We stock 7 Series regularly. Every 7 Series we sell is inspected in our in-house service department — full ISTA scan, air suspension check, transmission fluid check, and physical inspection.
Call (224) 858-4007. 1555 E Rand Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.
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