DecodedCars2009 BMW 7 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 750i 4dr Sedan RWD, 750li 4dr Sedan RWD
- Engines
- 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 15 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 199.6–203.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,531–4,564 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 BMW 7 Series is a large car offered with a 4.4L 8-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,564 lb (750i 4dr Sedan RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 22 highway), 7% worse than the 2009 large car average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,850 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2009
- New body dimensions: 1.6 in longer, wheelbase +3.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 4.8L 8-cyl and 6.0L 12-cyl
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 7 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750i 4dr Sedan RWD | 199.6 in | 74.8 in | 58.3 in | 120.9 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 4,564 lb | 50/50 |
| 750li 4dr Sedan RWD | 203.5 in | 74.8 in | 58.7 in | 122.8 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 4,531 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -7% | $4,850 | 523 |
| 750li | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -7% | $4,850 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 BMW 7 Series under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 BMW 7 Series (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Audi A6 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Lexus LS | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Other Fuel Types › Turbo/Supercharger · Oct 20, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V521000 · 32,084 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 7-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 X5 SAV, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.
- Risk
- THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
- Fix
- BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 18, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V047000 · 1,040 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 7-SERIES AND MODEL YEAR 2010 550i GRAND TURISMO VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 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.
- Risk
- THE TIRE LABEL DOES NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 110.
- 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Not every 2009 BMW 7 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 BMW 7 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 83,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 BMW 7 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 7 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 7 Series | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 7 Series | 28 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 7 Series | 28 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 7 Series | 28 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 7 Series | 27 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 7 Series | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 7 Series | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 7 Series | 24 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 7 Series | 27 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 7 Series | 27 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 7 Series | 27 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 7 Series | 24 | 200.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →