Which Years Of Used BMW X7s Are Most Reliable?
BMW X7 by Alexander Migl - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The BMW X7 is the flagship SUV in BMW’s lineup, representing the pinnacle of three-row luxury. Launched as part of BMW’s X series, the X7 is known for its opulent interior, advanced technology, and powerful performance. If you’re looking for the ultimate in three-row luxuriousness, it’s hard to go wrong with the BMW X7.
The X7’s interior is adorned with high-quality materials, including fine leather, wood, and metal accents. With three rows of seating, it offers ample passenger space, ensuring comfort and luxury in every seat. Features like the panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and advanced infotainment system add to the lavish experience.
It slots nicely within BMW’s extensive lineup as it is the largest and most luxurious SUV. It complements other models in the X series, such as the sportier X5 and the more compact X3.
You have a few options when buying a used BMW X7 since it’s a relatively new model. But which is the most reliable BMW X7 year? Today, we walk you through the current BMW X7 and which are the most reliable (and not so reliable) years of this luxury SUV.
THE BMW X7 YEARS TO AVOID
Every car has its flaws. With so many years available on the market for this car, you might wonder - what are the BMW X7 years to avoid if you’re looking for a new vehicle?
2019-2022 BMW X7
The BMW X7 features a turbo six-cylinder engine and eight-speed transmission, delivering strong acceleration and good fuel economy. The air suspension ensures a comfortable ride, while the handling is agile for its size. Inside, the quiet cabin boasts a richly furnished interior.
Avoid: 2019 BMW X7
General sage advice says that used car buyers should avoid the first production years of any vehicle since initial production may have unresolved design flaws or manufacturing issues. Later production years typically offer more reliability, as manufacturers have had time to correct early problems. That’s the case with the 2019 BMW X7, as it’s one of the more problematic iterations of the SUV.
To be clear, the 2019 X7 doesn’t have too many owner complaints and issues, but it does have numerous recalls, which can be a deal breaker for some buyers. The electrical system is one of the major sore spots of the BMW X7 (and luxury vehicles in general). For instance, several people have reported issues with the SOS system of the car, including:
- Center Display Panel: The SOS malfunction turns the center display panel off, rendering features like satellite radio and navigation inoperable.
- Error Messages: An error message appears on the main dash display and cannot be reset by the driver.
- SOS Device Accessibility: The SOS device box is located in a difficult-to-access area in the rear overhead panel.
- Replacement and Recurring Issues: The dealer replaced the SOS box and Li battery, but the malfunction recurred after three weeks.
- Random Calls to Roadside Assistance: The SOS system randomly calls BMW roadside assistance every few minutes, making the center display screen inoperable.
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So you’re in the market for a used vehicle? We’ve gone ahead and prepped some essential questions to ask when buying a used car.
This model year was also the subject of numerous recalls, including the following:
- Seat Backrest Issue: In a crash, the seat backrest may not fully lock, which puts occupants at risk of injury.
- Sunroof Issue: A sunroof that closes without the key fob inside the vehicle can increase injury risk.
- Rearview Camera Image Malfunction: Missing or reduced rearview image view may lead to a crash or injury.
- No Backup Camera Display Image: The lack of an image in the backup camera display increases the crash risk.
- Improperly Installed Head Airbags: The head airbags may be impaired during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Overall, the 2019 X7 is a tough sell for us due to the issues mentioned above. Approach this model year with caution.
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Buy: 2020 BMW X7
The 2020 BMW X7 fared better in reliability than the debut model. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2020 X7 has only 17 owner complaints and ten recalls. The low number of complaints is undoubtedly a plus, but the numerous recalls can be a valid concern for buyers.
The 2020 X7 has mostly received complaints regarding minor issues or was fixed with various recalls. For example, many people complained about the X7’s body integrity issues, particularly with the sunroof. A problem with the roof function control unit allows the vehicle’s sunroof to open or close even when the key FOB is not present. This represents a specific security concern, as the sunroof should ideally only operate when the FOB is nearby.
As you might expect, this model year also received a few complaints regarding its electrical system. An incident involving an X7 owner driving at 70 mph on the freeway saw the steering and brake system lose responsiveness, with the electronic console displaying multiple warnings. These alerts included a cross-traffic warning, temporary unavailability of the four-wheel-drive system, restraint system malfunction, and a possible chassis malfunction.
Another owner reported a malfunction with the personal protection device in their BMW X7. While driving, the computer screen indicated a malfunction, and within 10 seconds, the car’s rear burst into flames. The fire inspector from the owner’s insurance company traced the cause of the event to the fuse box.
However, remember that these are reports made by one or two persons, and there’s no indication that these are widespread issues. Overall, the 2020 model deserves consideration as the most reliable BMW X7 year.
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Buy: 2021 BMW X7
If you want to buy a newer X7 model, the 2021 iteration might be your best bet. The 2021 BMW X7 is a luxurious SUV that excels in many areas but has room for improvement in handling and interior space.
One of the X7’s greatest strengths is its performance. The 2021 BMW X7 features diverse engine options, including the entry-level xDrive40i with a 335-hp turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine known for its smooth and torque-rich performance. For those desiring more power, the M50i variant has a robust twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine, delivering an impressive 523 horsepower.
Reliability-wise, the 2021 X7 has received little to no complaints. Plus, reputable websites like J.D. Power gave strong reliability scores to this model, with an 83 out of 100 rating for Quality & Reliability. It’s clear that the 2021 BMW X7 is a shoo-in contender in the large high-end SUV market.
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