IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2019 BMW 7 Series (G11/G12)

BMW's mid-cycle update for the G11/G12 arrived for 2019, bringing a much larger grille, revised headlights and bumpers, an updated iDrive with a larger central display and expanded driver assistance. UK sales continued with the update until the G70 replaced the model in 2022.

What changed for 2019

  • •Bigger kidney grille and restyled front and rear end
  • •Newest iDrive generation with a larger touchscreen and improved voice control
  • •Revised engine range with 48V mild-hybrid assistance on most variants

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Camera, radar and lighting faults that require calibration after bodywork
  • !Suspension warnings and air spring leaks on higher-mileage cars
  • !Tyre condition on large-diameter wheels with 7 Series load ratings
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
2
Minor

All Known Issues

Air Suspension Compressor

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

The standard 2-axle air suspension system compressor and solenoid valve block can suffer air leaks or thermal burnout, causing the car to drop on one corner or sit unevenly.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Uneven stance or front-to-rear ride height disparity after sitting, "Chassis restricted" error message on instrument cluster, Air suspension fails to raise when pressing height control switch

What to Inspect:
  • Cycle the air suspension through normal and raised height settings
  • Listen for air hissing around valve block under car
  • Confirm compressor runs quietly and shuts off within 20 seconds
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Active Grille Shutters

ModerateCooling System

The motorized aerodynamic flap shutters behind the front kidney grilles can stick open or closed due to grit accumulation or internal stepper motor failure, triggering an engine check light.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£600
Warning Signs:

Engine check light illuminated on dashboard, Active grille slats jammed permanently open or closed, Clicking noise from behind front bumper on vehicle unlock

What to Inspect:
  • Check that grille shutters move freely without resistance
  • Scan for OBD fault code 138102 or 138104 (lower/upper radiator shutter)
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Display Key Battery/Screen

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The optional BMW Display Key with its colour touchscreen has a delicate lithium battery and micro-USB port that degrades quickly, leading to touchscreen unresponsiveness or refusal to charge.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£400
Warning Signs:

Display Key screen remains black or flickers, Key battery depletes in less than 24 hours, Failure to establish remote vehicle communication

What to Inspect:
  • Confirm both standard physical keys and the Display Key are present
  • Charge the Display Key via USB and test touch functions and battery indicator
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Massage Seat Malfunction

MinorInterior & Trim

The optional multi-contour massage seats use multiple pneumatic bladders and an electric air compressor inside the backrest that can leak air or blow valves, leaving massage functions dead.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£800
Warning Signs:

Massage programme cuts out after 10 seconds, Whirring compressor sound inside seat without bladder inflation, Pneumatic lumbar adjustment deflates slowly on motorway drives

What to Inspect:
  • Test massage programmes on both front and rear seats through the iDrive menu
  • Check that all massage intensity settings inflate properly
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2019 BMW 7 Series (G11/G12)

  • Compare the pre- and post-update cars side by side, because the price gap is often small for a real technology gain
  • Confirm the infotainment is on the latest version, as several improvements came via update
2016–20182020
Check a 2019 BMW 7 Series (G11/G12) by Registration