DecodedCars2008 BMW 7 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 750i 4dr Sedan RWD, 750li 4dr Sedan RWD, 760li 4dr Sedan RWD, Alpina B7 Sedan RWD
- Engines
- 4.8L 8-cyl, 6.0L 12-cyl
- Horsepower
- 360 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 198–203.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,486–4,905 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 360 hp, versus about 200 hp for similar 2008 models.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 BMW 7 Series is a large car offered with 2 engines (4.8L 8-cyl and 6.0L 12-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,486 lb (750i 4dr Sedan RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 1% worse than the 2008 large car average of 18.2 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 7 Series — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 7 Series →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Dingolfing, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2008 7 Series configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750i 4dr Sedan RWD | 198 in | 74.8 in | 58.7 in | 117.7 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 4,486 lb | 50/50 |
| 750li 4dr Sedan RWD | 203.5 in | 74.8 in | 58.7 in | 122.8 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 4,553 lb | 50/50 |
| 760li 4dr Sedan RWD | 203.5 in | 74.8 in | 58.3 in | 122.8 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 4,905 lb | 50/50 |
| Alpina B7 Sedan RWD | 198 in | 74.8 in | 58.7 in | 117.7 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 4,486 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750i | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -1% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 750li | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -1% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 760li | 6.0L 12-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 15 | -18% | $5,500 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 BMW 7 Series under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 BMW 7 Series (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi A8 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi S6 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Audi S8 | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Oct 1, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V446000 · 198,352 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
- Risk
- POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN EXTREME CASES THERE COULD BE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AN UNEXPECTED REDUCTION OR LOSS IN POWER BRAKING ASSIST MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2008 BMW 7 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 BMW 7 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 185,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 BMW 7 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 7 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 7 Series | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 7 Series | 28 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 7 Series | 28 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 7 Series | 28 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 7 Series | 27 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 7 Series | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 7 Series | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 7 Series | 24 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 7 Series | 27 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 7 Series | 27 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 7 Series | 27 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 7 Series | 24 | 200.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →