DecodedCars2011 BMW 7 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 750i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD, 750li Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD, 760li 4dr Sedan RWD, Active Hybrid 4dr Sedan RWD
- Engines
- 4.4L 8-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 6.0L 12-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 315–400 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 199.6–205.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,718–5,027 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 20 MPG combined, 14% below the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 BMW 7 Series is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (4.4L 8-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,718 lb (750i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), 14% worse than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2011
- New hybrid version
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 17 to 20
- Lightest version 154 lb heavier
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 7 Series →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Dingolfing, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2011 7 Series configurations; 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 Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 199.6 in | 74.8 in | 58.3 in | 120.9 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 4,718 lb | 50/50 |
| 750li Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 205.1 in | 74.8 in | 58.3 in | 126.4 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 4,861 lb | 50/50 |
| 760li 4dr Sedan RWD | 205.1 in | 74.8 in | 58.3 in | 126.4 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 5,027 lb | 50/50 |
| Active Hybrid 4dr Sedan RWD | 203.5 in | 74.8 in | 58.7 in | 122.8 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | – | 52/48 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ActiveHybrid 7i Hybrid | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | -14% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 740i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 740Li | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 444 |
| ActiveHybrid 7Li Hybrid | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 750i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 523 |
| 750Li | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 523 |
| Alpina B7 SWB | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 523 |
| Alpina B7 LWB | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -10% | $4,850 | 523 |
| 750i xDrive | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 555 |
| 750Li xDrive | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 555 |
| Alpina B7 LWB xDrive | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 555 |
| Alpina B7 SWB xDrive | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 555 |
| 760Li | 6.0L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 BMW 7 Series.
Similar 2011 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW 7 Series (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Audi S6 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo/Supercharger · Oct 20, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V521000 · 32,084 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 7-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 X5 SAV, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.
- Risk
- THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
- Fix
- BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2011 BMW 7 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 BMW 7 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 68,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 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 →