MotorDeets

2009 BMW 7 Series: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2009 BMW 7 Series: 2 recalls, 9 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
9owner complaints
0mention a crash
17best combined mpg
2009 BMW 7 Series
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Equipment Vehicle recall #10V047000 · 2010 · 1,040 vehicles

What's wrong: 110 "tire selection and rims." these vehicle's are equipped with a tire pressure label indicating that the vehicle's seating capacity is five (5) passengers. The actual seating capacity is four (4) passengers. The tire size, tire pressure, and vehicle capacity weight on the label are correct.

Why it matters: The tire label does not conform to fmvss 110.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners and authorized BMW dealers will replace the tire label free of charge. The safety recall began on April 16, 2010.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #11V521000 · 2011 · 32,084 vehicles

What's wrong:

Why it matters: This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on December 19, 2011.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine3
Transmission & drivetrain3
Body & structure2
Fuel & propulsion2
Exterior lights1
Brakes1
Electrical1
Stability control1

What owners describe

The 2009 BMW 7 Series has 9 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 17 7 Series model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 7). Complaints peaked in 2016 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 67,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (11 complaints, 1 recalls), 2010 (2 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.4 L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive152217Premium
4.4 L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive142117Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 BMW 7 Series.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2009 BMW 7 Series manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2009 BMW 7 Series manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2009 BMW 7 Series manual

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FAQ

Does the 2009 BMW 7 Series have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2009 BMW 7 Series. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2009 BMW 7 Series problems?

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (3), transmission & drivetrain (3), body & structure (2).

What gas mileage does the 2009 BMW 7 Series get?

EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2009 BMW 7 Series repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 7 Series years

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