2013 BMW 740i Maintenance Schedule & Service Intervals

Key Takeaways

• The 2013 BMW 740i is powered by the N55 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine and belongs to the F01/F02 7 Series family . Major factory-scheduled services include spark plug replacement at 60,000 miles and oxygen sensor replacement at 120,000 miles (repeat at 150,000) .
• BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system dynamically calculates maintenance needs based on actual driving conditions rather than fixed intervals . Service data is stored in the vehicle's remote key fob, which your service center reads to determine the appropriate procedures .
• Brake fluid must be changed every 2 years or when specified by the CBS system . Dark or brown brake fluid indicates significant contamination and the need for immediate service .
• Brake system service is recommended at least once every 12,000 miles or 12 months , with brake pads typically lasting between 30,000 and 40,000 miles .
• The 2013 740i was originally covered by BMW Ultimate Service: 48 months or 50,000 miles of no-cost scheduled maintenance from the original in-service date .

Understanding BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) System

The 2013 BMW 740i utilizes BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, which directs you to required maintenance measures and supports you in maintaining road safety and the operational reliability of the vehicle . Sensors and special algorithms take into account the driving conditions of your vehicle, and based on this, Condition Based Service determines the maintenance requirements . The system makes it possible to adapt the amount of maintenance you need to your user profile .

Service information on required maintenance is continuously stored in the remote control . Your service center will read out this data and suggest the right array of service procedures for your vehicle . Therefore, hand your service specialist the remote control that you used most recently .

Important Note on Storage Periods: Storage periods during which the vehicle battery was disconnected are not taken into account . If this occurs, have a service center update the time-dependent maintenance procedures, such as checking brake fluid and, if necessary, changing the engine oil and the microfilter/activated-charcoal filter .

BMW Ultimate Service Coverage

The 2013 BMW 740i was covered by the BMW Maintenance Program for 48 months or 50,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever occurs first . Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale or the date the vehicle is first placed into service . Any authorized BMW center in the United States or Puerto Rico performed scheduled maintenance services at no expense .

BMW Ultimate Service included :

• The BMW Maintenance Program: No-cost factory-recommended maintenance for 4 years/50,000 miles
• BMW Roadside Assistance: No-cost 24/7 on-the-road assistance for 4 years/unlimited miles
• New Vehicle Limited Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles for defects in materials and workmanship

For vehicles beyond this coverage, owners should plan for out-of-pocket maintenance.

OEM Factory Maintenance Schedule

The following maintenance intervals represent key factory-recommended milestones for the 2013 BMW 740i. Exact intervals are determined by the vehicle's CBS system based on driving conditions .

Engine Oil and Filter Change

The 2013 740i uses the N55 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine. All 2013 model year 7 Series vehicles are factory-filled with BMW High Performance Synthetic oils . BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil for regular scheduled engine oil changes .

Oil Change Guidance:

BMW recommends having your motor oil changed at regular intervals as determined by the CBS system. Your 740i may need an oil change sooner if :

• The check engine/oil change light is on
• You hear knocking sounds coming from the engine
• You sense an oil smell in the cabin
• You see an excess amount of vehicle exhaust

More frequent oil changes may be needed if you regularly haul heavy loads, drive in dusty conditions, or drive at low speeds for long distances .

Owner Guidance: Real-world owner experience with the F01 740i demonstrates successful long-term oil change intervals of 5,000–7,500 miles using quality synthetic oils such as Castrol 0w30LL, 0w40LL, or Mobil 1 Euro 0w40 .

Brake Fluid Service

BMW requires brake fluid replacement every 2 years or when specified by the CBS system . Brake fluid is held in the master cylinder reservoir and in the brake lines that run from the master cylinder to each wheel .

Fluid Guidance: In a normal system, the brake fluid is clear or very light gold in color . Over time and through normal use, brake fluid becomes contaminated—it requires only a couple of years for the fluid to build up enough contaminants that the color begins to change . It will darken over time, changing from clear/golden to a darker gold . Very dark colors indicate that your fluid has collected a significant amount of contamination and might have absorbed moisture, which reduces the system's ability to build pressure and compromises braking performance . Dark or brown brake fluid indicates it is well past time for a service .

Brake System Service

BMW suggests that, at a minimum, front and rear brakes are disassembled and serviced at least once every 12,000 miles or 12 months, including inspecting the parking brake .

Signs of Brake Issues:

• Unusual noises (squealing or grinding)
• Vibration or pulsation in the steering wheel or pedal
• A burning smell near the tires
• Illuminated brake dashboard warning light
• A sensation that something is "off"

Spark Plug Service

The N55 engine uses 6 spark plugs . BMW recommends replacing spark plugs at 60,000 miles (approximately every 4th Engine Oil Service), with a repeat service at 120,000 miles .

Spark Plug Guidance:

• NGK Laser Iridium spark plugs are compatible with the 2013 BMW 740i
• Spark plugs should always be replaced in sets
• Spark plug torque spec for the N55 engine is 23Nm (17 lb-ft)

Oxygen Sensor Service

Oxygen sensors are scheduled for replacement at 120,000 miles, with a repeat service at 150,000 miles . Replacement helps maximize fuel economy and minimize exhaust pollution .

Long-Term Ownership Outlook

With proactive maintenance, a 2013 BMW 740i can achieve high mileage. Real-world owner experience with a 2014 740i (F01 platform, same N55 engine) demonstrated successful high-mileage ownership with diligent maintenance:

• Oil changes at 5,000–7,500 mile intervals using quality synthetic oils
• Rear brake pads replaced at 52,228 miles
• Transmission and motor mounts replaced at 63,281 miles
• Rear differential oil drained and replaced at 75,597 miles
• Transmission oil and filter changed at 90,667 miles

The owner reported no unscheduled service and no unscheduled repairs aside from failed comfort access door handles—demonstrating that with proactive maintenance, a 2013 BMW 740i can achieve high mileage with minimal unexpected issues .

Staying on track with routine service appointments can help your 740i perform better, increase your vehicle safety, and help you avoid expensive repairs . Regular maintenance is an investment that maintains the value and dependability of your car, extends its service life, and increases its resale value.