BMW 7er-Reihe F01/F02 730d, 245 PS, 6-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (2008–2012)

Research for this car

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  A six-cylinder diesel with costly chain risk, so buy only with recall proof and oil and chain records.

• Gearbox guide ZF 6HP 6-speed automatic (BMW Steptronic, Audi tiptronic): problems, costs and what to check

  A workable six-speed when its fluid is changed on time, but mechatronic and bushing wear recur. Buy with service proof and a clean scan.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the engine guide

1. Chain (cold-start test, invoice). Listen for a rattle on a cold start. Ask for a chain job invoice. Bad: a rattle, or no chain record past 100,000 km.
2. Damper (look under the pulley). Check the rubber ring of the crankshaft pulley for cracks or a loose ring. Ask for a damper replacement receipt. Bad: visible cracks, or no record on a car over 100,000 km.
3. EGR recall (check the VIN). Check the VIN with a BMW dealer or the KBA recall list (reference 008124). Bad: an open campaign, or a cooler replaced with no record.
4. Swirl flaps and intake (ask for records). Ask whether the intake was cleaned and the flaps checked. Bad: no record at about 100,000 km, or a flap removed with no proof.
5. EGR and flap faults (scanner needed). Read the fault memory for EGR or swirl flap errors. Bad: any such error, or the engine warning light.
6. Oil history (paperwork). Check the service book for regular oil changes. Bad: long gaps between oil changes.

From the gearbox guide

1. Read the fault memory with ISTA or a BMW or Audi scanner. Bad result: BMW codes 4F85, 4F8F or 4F83, or a past limp mode. A scanner is needed.
2. Ask for fluid and pan service records. Bad result: no change in the last 60,000 to 100,000 km, or no adaptation reset afterwards. Dirty oil adds to mechatronic wear.
3. Drive 15 minutes in town, then under load. Bad result: slipping, flaring, or jerks on 2-3 and 3-4.
4. Hold a steady light throttle at 60 to 80 km/h. Bad result: a shudder or vibration, which points to the torque converter lock-up clutch.
5. Drive under load in 4th and 5th. Bad result: slip under load or jerks on shift, which points to worn bushings.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions