IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2020 BMW 7 Series (G11/G12)

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2020 BMW 7 Series (G11/G12). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

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 2020 BMW 7 Series (G11/G12)

  • Check the air suspension system by raising and lowering the car; ensure the compressor isn't noisy and the car sits perfectly level.
  • Test the complex Display Key; ensure it holds a charge and can successfully communicate with the car, as replacements are very expensive.
  • On diesel models, check the EGR cooler recall status, as early G11s were affected by the same coolant leak and fire risk as the 5 Series.
  • Verify the operation of the active grille shutters, which can stick open or closed due to debris and cause engine warning lights.
  • Inspect the interior trim and leather for heavy wear, particularly the driver's seat bolsters, as the soft Nappa leather requires care.
  • Ensure the touchscreen and gesture controls work flawlessly, and check that the advanced driving assistance cameras are clear and functional.
20192021–2022
Check a 2020 BMW 7 Series (G11/G12) by Registration