Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 60,000 mi.
| Every 60,000 mi | Spark Plugs (replace) |
| At 120,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 740LI xDrive.
The 2012 BMW 740Li xDrive is a passenger car built on BMW's F02 platform, pairing a six-speed automatic transmission with EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 city, 25 highway, and 20 combined mpg. The engine's 9.0-quart oil capacity — filled with 15W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30 oil to API SJ specification — points to a substantial, hard-working powertrain. In terms of reliability, this model year carries 7 total owner complaints with the engine as the top complaint area alongside 2 recalls, a relatively low complaint count that places it among the more trouble-free years for this generation, though prospective buyers should pay particular attention to engine condition given where the complaints cluster.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 49 · 900 CCA battery, OE oil filter 11428683168. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11428683168 alt 11428637820 |
| Engine air filter | 13717571355 |
| Spark plug | 12120037244 |
| Battery | 61217639053 |
| Front wiper blades | 61612147361 |
| Thermostat | 11538671517 |
| Cabin air filter | 64319175484 alt 64119272642 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 17 / 25 / 20 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 115 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 14 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 9.0 qt of 15W-40 / 10W-40 / 10W-30 API SJ engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | BMW part number 83222152426 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 10.5-11.5 |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 1.2 Pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 1.8 Pints |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | 15W-40 · API · 10W-40 · 10W-30 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 9.0 qt |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 18 ft-lbs |
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | AT: 92 ft-lbs, MT: 89 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 11 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 15 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 103 ft-lbs |
| Front Wheel Hub | 310 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 49 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 900 cca |
| Optional BCI Group Number | 49 |
| Optional BCI Cranking Performance | 850 cca |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 49 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 900 cca |
| Pressure Test | 21.7 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 28-32 psi |
| Pressure Test | 21.7 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 26-30 psi |
| Engine Compression | 203-232 PSI. 29 maximum variation. psi |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 26 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 81 ft-lbs |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.145; Rear: 0.145 pads |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness From | 0.787 in / 0.945 in / 1.417 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness To | 0.787 in / 0.945 in / 1.417 in |
| Rotor Minimum Machining | 0.031 in |
| Rotor Discard at or Under | 0.692 in / 0.882 in / 1.354 in |
| 1 | 15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 137 | 15 ft. lbs |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | Bolts 1-10 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 4 | 45 degrees | 45 degrees |
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 1 | 15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 70 | 15 ft. lbs |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 60,000 mi.
| Every 60,000 mi | Spark Plugs (replace) |
| At 120,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
For the 2012 BMW 740LI xDrive, federal data indicates a complaint profile led by engine issues (2 complaints), alongside singular reports of fire-related, power train, and combined suspension/power train problems. While the target year recorded zero crash complaints, the presence of a fire complaint is a notable concern, though the data does not specify its root cause. In the context of the generation's arc, the later 2014 and 2015 model years demonstrate declining technical service bulletins (from 257 to 208) alongside minimal complaint volumes, suggesting ongoing manufacturer refinements that improved reliability over time. Because the 2012 model predates these later, presumably more sorted iterations, it inherently carries a higher risk of the unresolved engine and power train issues that prompted those extensive service bulletins. Consequently, this is not a good year to buy, and prospective owners should strongly consider the later 2014 or 2015 models to bypass the early-generation risks associated with the 2012 version.
All 7 complaints on record, top 6 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017…
Showing 5 of 315 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B110614 | 2025-03-27 | Engine | This bulletin outlines the Customer Care Package program that has been designed… |
| B131110 | 2024-09-16 | Fuel/Propulsion System | Only fuel nozzles with the recommended “specified” diameter for diesel engine passenger… |
| B510819 | 2024-01-16 | Electrical System | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| B611305 | 2024-01-11 | Electrical System | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process… |
| B160623 | 2023-12-20 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
9.0 qt of HIGH PERFORMANCE MINERAL OILS: ABOVE 5 degrees F: 15W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, -5 degreesF TO 68 degrees F: 10W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, 5 degreesF TO 50 degrees F: 10W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 50 degrees F: 5W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 32 degrees F:, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined mpg.