The G11 740i with the B58 engine is generally solid, but transmission cooling issues and turbo-related oil consumption can escalate quickly. The list of documented engine internals work suggests some units have seen catastrophic wear or oil starvation failures, though not epidemic-level common.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission overheating warnings on iDrive, Limp mode or delayed shifts when trans temp climbs, Coolant mixing with ATF (milky fluid) in severe cases
Fix: Replace cooler assembly, flush transmission if contamination occurred. 4-6 hours labor depending on access and whether lines need replacement.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Excessive Oil Consumption / Turbo Oil Feed Issues
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning through a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles, Blue smoke on cold start or under boost, Low oil pressure warnings if neglected, Check engine light for fuel trim or misfire codes
Fix: Root cause varies: clogged turbo oil drain, worn piston rings, or carbon buildup on ring lands. Mild cases respond to catch-can install and frequent oil changes. Severe cases need turbo replacement or short block. Diagnosing properly takes 2-3 hours; short block swap is 20-30 hours.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500 for turbo; $8,000-15,000 for short block
Transmission Mount Deterioration
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or thud on hard acceleration or deceleration, Vibration at idle in Drive, Excessive driveline movement felt through chassis
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, or stumble under load, Long crank or no-start after sitting, Fuel trims way out of spec
Fix: In-tank fuel filter and pump module replacement if clogged or contaminated. Bad fuel or debris intrusion common culprit. 3-4 hours labor for tank drop and module swap.
Estimated cost: $900-1,600
Crankshaft / Main Bearing Failures (Rare but Catastrophic)
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Knocking or tapping noise from lower engine, worsens with RPM, Oil pressure drop, Metal shavings in oil during change, Sudden loss of power, engine seizure in worst cases
Fix: Complete teardown for bearing inspection and crankshaft replacement. Often results in short block or full rebuild. 25-35 hours labor minimum.
Estimated cost: $10,000-18,000
Head Gasket Seepage (Uncommon, but Documented)
Rare · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: External coolant weeping at head/block joint, Slight coolant loss with no visible leaks elsewhere, No mixing of fluids or overheating in early stages
Fix: Head gasket replacement on affected bank. Requires head removal, resurface check, and new bolts. 12-16 hours labor per side if both banks done.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000 per side
Owner tips
Use only BMW-spec oil (0W-20 or 5W-30 per year), change every 5,000-7,500 miles max to protect turbo and rings
Monitor transmission fluid condition and temp; consider auxiliary cooler if towing or driving aggressively
Install an oil catch can to reduce carbon buildup on intake valves and piston ring lands
Check oil level every other fill-up—B58 can consume oil without obvious smoking until it's too late
ZF 8HP transmission needs fluid service every 50,000-60,000 miles despite 'lifetime fill' claims
Solid luxury cruiser if maintained obsessively, but oil consumption and trans cooler issues can surprise you with four-figure bills—budget $2k/year in reserves and verify service history before buying.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required; located in trunk; battery registration required after replacement
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Control Modules — 2016 BMW 740i
Every control module on the 2016-2017 BMW 740i — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Separate modules for driver and passenger. Memory seat, heating, ventilation, massage programming.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2016 BMW 740i 3.0L I6 Turbo B58 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.