BMW X7 Problems: 10 Common Issues (Explained)

The luxurious BMW X7 has so much to offer – from advanced technology, detailed interior, and driver engagement, to top-notch safety features.

Although it has phenomenal features, there are certain issues that every interested buyer or BMW X7 driver must know.

Here, you’ll find the 10 most common issues explained.

Check Also: Most common problems with the BMW X5 models.

Faults With the BMW X7 Automatic Headlights

Automatic headlights, just like every new addition to the automotive innovation, are meant to make your life and driving easier. Automatic headlights turn ON when the area is dark and can’t be driven through without headlights.

Although BMW X7 headlights do the same, there’s a minor drawback to them. These headlights stay ON, even when you don’t need them to be.

This ignition has a huge impact on the battery, draining it. It can also aggravate other electrical problems in the car.

Sometimes it’s difficult to predict this problem because most areas are too sunny for you to notice if the headlights are on or not.

But if the car has a battery issue and you can’t tell what’s the cause, the malfunctioning headlights of the vehicle may be the culprit.

Here’s why it may happen to the BMW X7:

• The wires that connect the headlights to the engine may be loose.
• The connecting wires are burnt, making the headlights stay ignited.

In the case where the vehicle’s headlights don’t turn OFF, you might have a damaged relay. The relay transfers power to the lights. Replace the relay if necessary.

Replace the wires or tighten them to fix the malfunctioning headlights of the vehicle.

Corrosion Of The BMW X7 Alloy Wheels

The BMW X7 is one of the most stylish vehicles on the market, and its branded alloy wheels are significant proof of that. Unfortunately, some BMW X7 owners have reported a case of alloy corrosion.

But it’s not much of a problem because brake dust can corrode any type of alloy. The moisture in the wheel causes the brake dust to stick to the alloy and corrode over time.

You can get a new pair of branded alloys for the vehicle or replace the existing ones with a non-branded but more reliable set. It will help prevent further damage to the wheel and tires.

• Due to the friction between the tire and the rim, vehicles can develop slow air leaks in the tire.
• The loss of tire air pressure due to corrosion can result in a flat tire.

Issues With The BMW X7 High-Pressure Fuel Pump

All engines have two pumps; a low-pressure pump for taking the gas out of the tank and a high-pressure pump that transfers the gasoline into the combustion chamber. The same case is with the BMW X7 vehicle.

But sometimes, there’s a minor defect in the high-pressure pump in the engine of the X7 vehicle that results in poor acceleration.

It can also make the engine stutter at higher speeds. Further complications with the high-pressure pump can lead to engine failure.

If the high-pressure pump malfunctions for a long time, the engine can go into a low-pressure mode which causes the injector open-time to increase.

Due to this, the injector overworks to create the best possible fuel/air mixture. Hence, if the high-pressure pump of the BMW X7 seems like it’s below par, then the only solution is to replace it with a new one.

Here’s how you know the high-pressure pump of the engine is failing:

• The vehicle has difficulty moving uphill.
• The vehicle resists accelerating, especially when it’s carrying a heavier load than usual.
• The engine can crank but won’t turn over.
• If the car jerks forward without you applying the gas pedal, it can indicate a high-pressure pump failure. It happens due to incorrect injection of the fuel into the engine.
• The vehicle jerks during acceleration.

In addition, here are a few reasons why a high-pressure pump fails.

• A lack of oil changes.
• The engine oil doesn’t meet the OEM specifications, causing premature wear on the camshaft and the high-pressure pump.
• A failing temperature sensor makes the system enter a low-pressure safe mode.
• Injector leaks when the engine is resting, causing severe carbon buildup. It can also manifest a rich fuel reading.
• High-pressure pump solenoid fails.

BMW X7’s Leaky Oil Filler Gasket

The gasket which connects the oil filler to the BMW X7 engine and all other parts which require oil can sometimes be another weak spot for the vehicle.

If the gasket leaks, there will be less oil left in the engine. That could result in wear and tear, which can exacerbate the mechanical problems.

If left as it is, the gasket can become brittle, which will be more costly to replace.

Here are a few reasons why the vehicle’s oil filler gasket leaks.

• Leaving the oil unchanged for longer periods can make it contaminated, which can cause leakage.
• The filler isn’t tightened properly.
• Either the gasket or the engine’s surface has harmful matter that results in oil leakage.
• The gasket was damaged due to overheating.

You can fix the issue by either replacing the gasket; remove all the components blocking the oil pan and fasteners. You will also have to remove the oil mating surface and the engine block.

After replacement, you can put everything back in the same order you removed it. You can also add Devil Blue Oil Stop Leak to the engine oil without replacing the gasket.

Malfunctions In the BMW X7 Cooler System And Heater Core

Although the luxurious BMW X7 is known for its advanced technology, there can be a few bumps down the road. For instance, the AC and heater systems sometimes suffer a leakage and can malfunction.

The vehicle either overheats or just does not heat at all; it could indicate that the cooling system is failing. Here are additional common indicators of that.

• If your AC is not giving off cool air, there may be a lack of gas in the tank.
• There could be a problem with the BMW X7’s air conditioner filter.
• The vehicle’s AC ON/OFF switch is controlled by the sensors. If it’s turned off continuously, the system can disengage the throttle to fight off the abnormal pressure.
• Cold is sticking in the pipes surrounding the condenser. Cold gas makes the air cooling system deficient.
• According to the terrain the vehicle is driven on, too much dirt in the wind can get stuck in the filter, making it blocked.
• If the cooling system is dirty, it can give off an unpleasant odor.
• Leakage in the heating/cooling systems.
• There’s a fault in the thermostat or compressor clutch.
• The switch has malfunctioned more than once, preventing the AC from turning ON.
• Bacterial buildup in the evaporator coils can result in a loss of cooling or heating.

What to check if the AC doesn’t work:

• Check the gas pipe temperature; it should be cold in low-pressure lines and warm in high-pressure lines. If not, then there could be a problem with the air conditioner.
• Inspect the compressed air system to see if the refrigerants are compressed to the required pressure.
• Check the wind speed on the AC.

If nothing else works, get the vehicle inspected by a mechanic for advice or any necessary replacement.

Electric Window Malfunction

Electric windows are a safety measure that indicates the car is secure while driving. But sometimes, the BMW X7 can have a little trouble with the passenger seat window.

It’s allegedly reported by drivers that there’s a fault in the vehicle’s electrical system which threatens the safety of the passenger and the driver.

The windows of the vehicle either remain shut or get stuck open while it’s running.

Here’s why it could happen:

• A blown fuse can make the window stuck when it’s rolling up or down.
• A faulty window switch could be the cause behind that.
• If the window motor makes a humming sound when you press the window switch, then there could be a faulty window motor problem.
• Check the window regulator. Pressing the window button too much can cause a strain on the regulator and the motor.

You can get the regulator or motor replaced if the issue becomes consistent. Usually, window motors and regulators are changed simultaneously.

This is to avoid any further damage or strain on both of the components. You can do this by yourself or take the car to a service station.

The BMW X7’s VANOS Rattle

The BMW X7 offers Variable Valve Timing which significantly improves the engine’s performance and gas mileage. But there can be a rattling issue with it which can be heard from within the cabin of the vehicle.

This issue can develop due to wear in the valve gears. Due to wear, the axial is in play, which makes the rest of the components rattle.

Mostly, removing the VANOS piston axial play can reduce the rattle. In many cases, even though the rattling sounds very bad, it doesn’t result in any sort of damage to the engine or poor performance.

Here’s how you know there’s something wrong with VANOS of the BMW X7:

• Loss of torque or horsepower during driving.
• The car reacts very slowly upon pressing the gas pedal.
• Problem with the vehicle’s computer system after running the engine.
• Limp mode
• Decreased driveability
• Rough idling
• Inconsistent idling

Suspension Problems with the BMW X7

Despite being a highly reliable vehicle, the BMW X7 has some minor issues with the suspension. There can be suspension damage due to wear and tear to the suspension system.

This makes the suspension slow.

A few drivers report that the suspension on the vehicle turns whenever the modes tell it to. Besides, there’s a steering rack pinion teeth that can crack under heavy pressure.

Rusted and weakened suspension parts, if ignored, can trigger multiple problems.

The Default Hydraulic Unit Of The Braking System

Although the default hydraulic system of the braking unit was meant to improve the braking system of the BMW X7, a few drivers said that it made the braking more limited.

It was also reported that the default hydraulic system increased the braking distance which could lead to multiple on-road accidents due to the disability of the ABS system.

General Pros And Cons Of The BMW X7

Pros:

• The BMW X7 has attractive styling and excellent road presence.
• The vehicle’s twin-turbocharged engine continues to impress because, even at higher speeds, it has the power you need to drive smoothly.
• The safety suite of the BMW X7 is flawless.
• The iDrive touchpad controller is a quality for those who want things done within a swipe of the hand.
• There are parking sensors in the front and rear that enable the car to park itself.
• Another safety measure, the driver-assist features like the rearview camera and adaptive headlights just make the experience worth it.
• Quick acceleration.

Cons:

• Alloy corrosion
• High-pressure fuel pump failure
• Leaky oil filler gasket
• Electric window malfunction
• Suspension damage
• Faulty default hydraulic unit of the braking system

Please also check out our article about the best and worst years for the BMW X7.

What Do The Reviews Say?

The BMW X7 is surprisingly insulated, which makes it soundproof enough for a very comfortable drive. The engine is not only powerful but smooth. You can’t tell from the sound if the speed is accelerated.

“The driving experience is awesome – particularly in sports mode. The pickup from 50-80 miles per hour is impressive and makes passing a breeze. And technology is fantastic. The center council is very well done. It’s easy to navigate and the sharpness of the screen is tough to beat.”

Source: (www.edmunds.com)

“Transmission: very suave, no jerks. The paddles are quite easy-to-use. If you’re new, it will help to automatically revert back to driving. Recommend sports mode unless you’re on a road trip, then go Comfort. Head-up display: this is HUGE, it has everything you need: navigation, directions, digital speed, limits, tachometer, like a dashboard on top of a dashboard.”

Source: (www.edmunds.com)

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Used 2020 BMW X7 Customer Reviews (edmunds.com)

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