2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 Gran Coupe
18" wheels
Electric Sedan · AWD
Based on battery health, build quality, owner data, EPA range, and market pricing
Above average for 2024 EV Sedans (class avg 69 · top 32%)
Personalize this scoreIs a low score bad?
Last scanned 12 days ago
The 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 Gran Coupe (18-inch wheels) is rated at 396 hp, 307 miles of EPA range and a 81 kWh battery, and a mid-pack composite means the records-and-test-drive call matters more than the headline.
Score read
A 72/100 makes this worth pursuing if the price is sane. Do not let the composite hide this split: software and driver-assist score is 84/100, while range and efficiency score is 63/100. Reddit threads cluster around build quality and software tech — verify both against the service records. Documented completion matters more than the recall count itself.
Is it a good deal?
Used examples are running around $38,200 against a $62,595 original sticker, about 61% of new. A reasonable spot for the score, but condition matters more than the headline number; verify recall completion, battery health, and service history.
Who this is for
✓ Good for
- ⏱ Daily commuter ≤50 mi/day, predictable charging
- ↦ Road tripper Long trips, needs DC fast network
✗ Avoid if you are a
No persona-level disqualifiers — fits broadly.
Gotchas
- Serviceable Recall paperwork has to match the exact VIN.
Mitigation Use NHTSA and the automaker lookup, then require repair records instead of a verbal promise.
- Built in Range is the easy place to overbuy this trim (63/100).
Mitigation Check your commute, winter margin, and fast-charge plan before you assume the EPA number fits your use.
Pre-purchase inspection
- 1 Run the exact VIN through NHTSA and the automaker recall lookup before discussing price.
- 2 Compare the dashboard range estimate with the EPA 307-mile rating after a full charge.
- 3 Confirm how much of the 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty remains and whether it transfers.
- 4 If road trips matter, run a short DC fast-charge session and watch whether speed tapers normally.
- 5 Map your normal highway route and winter margin against the EPA range before you treat it as a road-trip car.
VIN status first This model has 3 NHTSA recall records. The exact VIN lookup decides whether the car in front of you is clear.
Complaint context This scan found 22 NHTSA complaint records (4.9 per 10K VINs, low for any vehicle class). Read the themes below before treating the raw count as the verdict.
Price anchor Current market range is $38,200-$38,200. Use that range to compare listings for the same trim, mileage, and condition.
Pricing & Market Value
A72-rated trim trading 39% below MSRP. Higher discounts on higher-quality vehicles score better — this signal is orthogonal to the TrimIndex composite, not part of it.
Score Breakdown
What matters most to you?
Drag the sliders to prioritize what you care about. Your TrimIndex Score recalculates instantly.
Vehicle Specifications
EVs at your price point that match or beat this trim
Price-gated peer set: vehicles within $30.6K–$45.8K market value (±20% of $38.2K). 4 outscore · 2 score within ±2. Mixed across makes — no "spend more, score better" comps.
Model 3
- ✓ +56 mi more range
- ✓ Better safety score
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
i4
- ✓ Better owner satisfaction
Ioniq 6
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
- ✓ +9 mi more range
- ✓ Better safety score
G80
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
- ✓ Notably better build quality
Air
- ✓ +162 mi more range
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
- ✓ Better build quality
Model 3
- ✓ +39 mi more range
- ✓ Better build quality
- ✓ Better safety score
The federal $4,000 used-EV credit ended Sept 30, 2025.
But 10 states still run their own used-EV rebate programs — some up to $5,000. Pick your state to see what's available for this trim.
Source & disclaimer
Dealers make ~$10,530 on the average car loan.
After the price is set, the finance manager runs four plays to rebuild margin. Every buyer without a pre-approval is a target. Here's exactly what they run — and what stops each one.
78% of dealer loans carry a hidden +1.13% markup above what the lender actually charges. You never see it — it's buried in the contract. · CFPB
Dealer must match or beat your lender — they can't add margin invisibly. The markup play is dead on arrival.
Once you answer, they stretch the term to hit your number. Median result: $4K less off the price, 12 more months on the loan. · Industry avg
Financing is done. Only the sale price is on the table — and the dealer knows it.
Back-office F&I profit averages $1,975/vehicle, up 8.5% YoY. These products exist — but dealer markup is 4–10x what you'd pay elsewhere. · Dealership Guy
Dealer GAP runs $500–1K. Your insurer sells the same coverage for $100–250 over 5 years. Now you know.
"Your loan fell through — come re-sign." This pulls your APR up +5% on average. It's legal. It works because you've already driven the car home. · Ctr for Responsible Lending
A lender commitment letter means the deal is final. "Pending dealer approval" doesn't apply. You can't be yo-yo'd.
That's 19 months of your car payment — handed to the dealer's finance department for nothing.
Takes 2 minutes. No obligation to use it — but you'll walk in with all the leverage.
Pre-approval is a soft credit inquiry — no score impact. FICO treats all auto-loan hard pulls within 14 days as one, so you can still shop rates at the dealer.
NHTSA Recalls (3)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2025 i4, 2022-2024 IX, 2023-2024 I7, and 2024 I5 vehicles. The electric drive motor software may shut down the high-voltage system, causing a loss of drive power.
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govBMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 i4 eDrive40, xDrive40, and M50 vehicles. The left-side longitudinal beam may crack, compromising the structural integrity of the chassis.
Reduced structural integrity may result in damage to the high voltage battery during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 i4 xDrive40, i4 M50 and i5 eDrive40 vehicles. The high-voltage battery module may contain insufficient weld seams, which can result in the battery overheating.
An overheated battery module increases the risk of a fire.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govNHTSA Complaints (22 total · 4.9 per 10K US vehicles · low for any vehicle class)
The contact owned a 2024 BMW i4 eDrive40. The contact stated that while slowing for a traffic signal, as he slowed down to approximately 10 MPH and was coming to a full stop, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that he was still depressing the brake pedal when the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into the rear end of the vehicle in front and stopped at the traffic signal. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's front end and hood were crushed and bent in towards the windshield. The contact stated that all of the air bags had deployed, front, side, and knee air bags. The contact stated that he was not injured nor was his wife who was seated in the front passenger seat, his daughter who was sitting behind his wife in the rear passenger seat complained of some back pain. The contact stated that the person in the vehicle in front of his vehicle was also not injured. The police arrived on the scene and filed a report. The contact stated that EMS was also at the scene and had examined his daughter who was transported to the hospital and later released with no injuries only soreness. The contact stated that his vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact was not sure of what happened to the other vehicle. The contact stated that his insurance provider had declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated that the manufacturer had contacted him to request permission to have two investigators check his vehicle. The contact was advised that the electrical system had been tampered with. The contact had recently received a recall notice from the manufacturer for another vehicle he owned, a 2024 BMW 530i, for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control - ESC, Service Brakes Hydraulic). The contact related the failure of his 2024 BMW i4 eDrive40 to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
The contact owned a 2024 BMW i4 eDrive40. The contact stated that while slowing for a traffic signal, as he slowed down to approximately 10 MPH and was coming to a full stop, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that he was still depressing the brake pedal when the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into the rear end of the vehicle in front and stopped at the traffic signal. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's front end and hood were crushed and bent in towards the windshield. The contact stated that all of the air bags had deployed, front, side, and knee air bags. The contact stated that he was not injured nor was his wife who was seated in the front passenger seat, his daughter who was sitting behind his wife in the rear passenger seat complained of some back pain. The contact stated that the person in the vehicle in front of his vehicle was also not injured. The police arrived on the scene and filed a report. The contact stated that EMS was also at the scene and had examined his daughter who was transported to the hospital and later released with no injuries only soreness. The contact stated that his vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact was not sure of what happened to the other vehicle. The contact stated that his insurance provider had declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated that the manufacturer had contacted him to request permission to have two investigators check his vehicle. The contact was advised that the electrical system had been tampered with. The contact had recently received a recall notice from the manufacturer for another vehicle he owned, a 2024 BMW 530i, for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control - ESC, Service Brakes Hydraulic). The contact related the failure of his 2024 BMW i4 eDrive40 to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Crashed my car because brakes failed.
Crashed my car because brakes failed.
On March 2, 2025, while driving my BMW i4 with my daughter, the vehicle suddenly spun out twice into oncoming freeway traffic during a routine lane change, violently crashing into an embankment. Thankfully, we weren’t physically hurt, but my daughter was deeply traumatized. We brought the car to Stevens Creek BMW immediately. What followed only made things worse. Rather than investigate the serious safety failure, the service team blamed us—citing the i4’s heavy battery as the cause. They admitted it causes accelerated tire wear but denied any responsibility. They also falsely inflated our mileage to 22,892 miles (actual: 15,109) to justify the wear and shift blame. BMW is now demanding over $10,000 in repairs and has threatened $110/day in storage fees—pressuring us as we seek a fair solution. As longtime BMW customers, we trusted the brand with our safety. That trust is gone. A car under a year old should not spin out from normal driving. This is a clear safety defect. Efforts to escalate through BMW Consumer Services failed: the listed support email bounced, and the Consumer Advocacy page led to a dead link (screenshots available). That page has since been removed—highlighting a broken system. Unprofessional Conduct & Lack of Transparency At the dealership, I was treated dismissively for raising concerns and forced to return the loaner car despite no resolution. We’ve had to rent a car while still paying $776.64/month for an undriveable lease. BMW also refused to share the inspection report allegedly conducted by BMW USA engineers—despite initially promising it. BMW staff admitted the i4’s heavy battery causes premature tire wear—a known risk never disclosed at lease signing. This vehicle should never have been released without warning consumers. We no longer feel safe in this vehicle. We respectfully request: Lease Termination & Buyout — BMW to fully cover the lease as nothing they've offered us reflects the trauma, risk, or poor treatment we’ve endured.
On March 2, 2025, while driving my BMW i4 with my daughter, the vehicle suddenly spun out twice into oncoming freeway traffic during a routine lane change, violently crashing into an embankment. Thankfully, we weren’t physically hurt, but my daughter was deeply traumatized. We brought the car to Stevens Creek BMW immediately. What followed only made things worse. Rather than investigate the serious safety failure, the service team blamed us—citing the i4’s heavy battery as the cause. They admitted it causes accelerated tire wear but denied any responsibility. They also falsely inflated our mileage to 22,892 miles (actual: 15,109) to justify the wear and shift blame. BMW is now demanding over $10,000 in repairs and has threatened $110/day in storage fees—pressuring us as we seek a fair solution. As longtime BMW customers, we trusted the brand with our safety. That trust is gone. A car under a year old should not spin out from normal driving. This is a clear safety defect. Efforts to escalate through BMW Consumer Services failed: the listed support email bounced, and the Consumer Advocacy page led to a dead link (screenshots available). That page has since been removed—highlighting a broken system. Unprofessional Conduct & Lack of Transparency At the dealership, I was treated dismissively for raising concerns and forced to return the loaner car despite no resolution. We’ve had to rent a car while still paying $776.64/month for an undriveable lease. BMW also refused to share the inspection report allegedly conducted by BMW USA engineers—despite initially promising it. BMW staff admitted the i4’s heavy battery causes premature tire wear—a known risk never disclosed at lease signing. This vehicle should never have been released without warning consumers. We no longer feel safe in this vehicle. We respectfully request: Lease Termination & Buyout — BMW to fully cover the lease as nothing they've offered us reflects the trauma, risk, or poor treatment we’ve endured.
Lost control of the car while parking. It accelerated automatically and run into my garage. Car was out of control and damaged my home
Lost control of the car while parking. It accelerated automatically and run into my garage. Car was out of control and damaged my home
My car when when my spouse was pulling in parking spot at local hospital suddenly accelerated. I did brake which didnt work and car flew across 2 parking lanes and landed in 3rd lane. Luckily there was no vehicles or persons crossing in the path of sudden acceleration. She has driven similar gas BMW 335 i for last 12 years. She has been driving this car i4 for last 11 months. Car towed to the dealer in Chattanooga and I have informed them to look into it and also check with BMW USA
My car when when my spouse was pulling in parking spot at local hospital suddenly accelerated. I did brake which didnt work and car flew across 2 parking lanes and landed in 3rd lane. Luckily there was no vehicles or persons crossing in the path of sudden acceleration. She has driven similar gas BMW 335 i for last 12 years. She has been driving this car i4 for last 11 months. Car towed to the dealer in Chattanooga and I have informed them to look into it and also check with BMW USA
While approaching a T-intersection from a side street into a main road, the car was brought to a full stop at the stop sign near the intersection with my foot on the brake pedal. Suddenly, the vehicle launched, on its own, into full acceleration onto the main street. Luckily, there were no traffic or pedestrians on its path. I tried to control the vehicle and placed it into the lane, pressed the brakes to control speed. At this point, the vehicle came back under control. Had been traffic on its path, it would have led to a serious injury. There were no warning lamps or messages shown on the dash board. No police report was filed. The car brought, the very next day, to the dealer who has engaged the BMW national service group. After approximately a month, they responded with what appears to be a form letter not addressing the subject of complaint, saying that no faults were found. The vehicle was driven only for less than 700 miles prior to the incident. The vehicle can be made available to NHTSA for inspection upon request.
While approaching a T-intersection from a side street into a main road, the car was brought to a full stop at the stop sign near the intersection with my foot on the brake pedal. Suddenly, the vehicle launched, on its own, into full acceleration onto the main street. Luckily, there were no traffic or pedestrians on its path. I tried to control the vehicle and placed it into the lane, pressed the brakes to control speed. At this point, the vehicle came back under control. Had been traffic on its path, it would have led to a serious injury. There were no warning lamps or messages shown on the dash board. No police report was filed. The car brought, the very next day, to the dealer who has engaged the BMW national service group. After approximately a month, they responded with what appears to be a form letter not addressing the subject of complaint, saying that no faults were found. The vehicle was driven only for less than 700 miles prior to the incident. The vehicle can be made available to NHTSA for inspection upon request.
The mount of the accelerator pedal of the car at the bottom broke off while driving, and the pedal fell to the left and got lodged behind the break pedal.
The mount of the accelerator pedal of the car at the bottom broke off while driving, and the pedal fell to the left and got lodged behind the break pedal.
Vehicle accelerated on its own as i was pulling into garage. Causing damage to the car, to my other parked car and house.
Vehicle accelerated on its own as i was pulling into garage. Causing damage to the car, to my other parked car and house.
I had a rear-end collision on [XXX}. The car was scheduled for repair on 3/19/2026. On [XXX] at ~70,000 miles, my 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a drivetrain malfunction with reduced speed. The dealership diagnosed an internally faulty A/C compressor with metal shavings contaminating the system and recommended replacement of the compressor, condenser, chiller, expansion valve, and system flush. BMW denied goodwill repair and my insurance claim was also denied. I have filed a complaint with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and request NHTSA document and investigate this defect due to potential safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I had a rear-end collision on [XXX}. The car was scheduled for repair on 3/19/2026. On [XXX] at ~70,000 miles, my 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a drivetrain malfunction with reduced speed. The dealership diagnosed an internally faulty A/C compressor with metal shavings contaminating the system and recommended replacement of the compressor, condenser, chiller, expansion valve, and system flush. BMW denied goodwill repair and my insurance claim was also denied. I have filed a complaint with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and request NHTSA document and investigate this defect due to potential safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle experienced two sudden and complete losses of power, on December 29, 2025, and again on February 18, 2026. In both instances, the vehicle became inoperable while in motion and required towing. These failures created hazardous roadside situations.
The vehicle experienced two sudden and complete losses of power, on December 29, 2025, and again on February 18, 2026. In both instances, the vehicle became inoperable while in motion and required towing. These failures created hazardous roadside situations.
The contact owns a 2024 BMW I4. The contact stated that while driving 25-50 MPH in the intended lane, the vehicle vibrated and was drifting out of the intended lane. The contact was able to correct the vehicle back into the intended lane. Additionally, the contact stated while driving and approaching a wall or a gate, the Forward Collision Avoidance front sensors failed to function as intended and did not warn the contact of a potential crash. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle jerked forward. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while shifting into park(P). Additionally, the contact stated that the front passenger's side door handle required to be pulled several times for the door to open as intended, and the parking brake failed to disengage as intended on one occasion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no issue was found; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
The contact owns a 2024 BMW I4. The contact stated that while driving 25-50 MPH in the intended lane, the vehicle vibrated and was drifting out of the intended lane. The contact was able to correct the vehicle back into the intended lane. Additionally, the contact stated while driving and approaching a wall or a gate, the Forward Collision Avoidance front sensors failed to function as intended and did not warn the contact of a potential crash. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle jerked forward. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while shifting into park(P). Additionally, the contact stated that the front passenger's side door handle required to be pulled several times for the door to open as intended, and the parking brake failed to disengage as intended on one occasion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no issue was found; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
•August of 2023: BMW i4 leased from BMW of Gwinnet place. During the sales process, the customer was assured that BMW has many years of expertise in electric vehicles. Trade in vehicle valued for $11,000 as a downpayment. •July 25, 2025: Customer notified of a recall for BMW i4. During interactions with BMW of Gwinnet sales team, customer was assured that this is a “simple programming fix”. Vehicle dropped with service department on the following Monday for recall fix. •October 11, 2025: First Powertrain failure message received while operating the vehicle, vehicle delivered to service department the same day. BMW Gwinnett service team was prompt and accommodating with a loaner vehicle. oService technician notified customer that he depended on BMW Germany to troubleshoot and fix the car. oCar returned to customer on October 29. When asked if the electrical power cells were tested the answer from service technician was negative. •October 31, 2025: Second alert on i4 dashboard “Possible Drive Train”. Message disappeared on its own but certainly does not make customers feel safe driving the vehicle. oExchanged text messages with service technician on November 3. According to text, BMW Gwinnet service manager instructed customer to keep driving the car “to see if the warning light comes back on”. •November 17, 2025: Third message, stating “drive carefully, drive train fault”. Customer delivered vehicle to BMW Gwinnet service department for the third time in 4 months. Vehicle has been with the dealer ever since. Attempt to chance controlling unit did not work. BMW NA denied request for trade assistance, car is still at the dealership as of 12/17/25.
•August of 2023: BMW i4 leased from BMW of Gwinnet place. During the sales process, the customer was assured that BMW has many years of expertise in electric vehicles. Trade in vehicle valued for $11,000 as a downpayment. •July 25, 2025: Customer notified of a recall for BMW i4. During interactions with BMW of Gwinnet sales team, customer was assured that this is a “simple programming fix”. Vehicle dropped with service department on the following Monday for recall fix. •October 11, 2025: First Powertrain failure message received while operating the vehicle, vehicle delivered to service department the same day. BMW Gwinnett service team was prompt and accommodating with a loaner vehicle. oService technician notified customer that he depended on BMW Germany to troubleshoot and fix the car. oCar returned to customer on October 29. When asked if the electrical power cells were tested the answer from service technician was negative. •October 31, 2025: Second alert on i4 dashboard “Possible Drive Train”. Message disappeared on its own but certainly does not make customers feel safe driving the vehicle. oExchanged text messages with service technician on November 3. According to text, BMW Gwinnet service manager instructed customer to keep driving the car “to see if the warning light comes back on”. •November 17, 2025: Third message, stating “drive carefully, drive train fault”. Customer delivered vehicle to BMW Gwinnet service department for the third time in 4 months. Vehicle has been with the dealer ever since. Attempt to chance controlling unit did not work. BMW NA denied request for trade assistance, car is still at the dealership as of 12/17/25.
I was parking my car and there was a car that was car parked beside the place I pulling into to. I had backed up and when took my foot off the brake the car took off and struck the corner of the parked car. It literally took off. I had zero control of the car and it didn’t brake until after I hit the car. Where I was parking was on an incline that was going up. It happened again when I was pulling into another parking spot. I was not close enough to the curb and that car felt the same way. It felt like it was just going to take off. I just put it in park at that point. When I restarted it was fine.
I was parking my car and there was a car that was car parked beside the place I pulling into to. I had backed up and when took my foot off the brake the car took off and struck the corner of the parked car. It literally took off. I had zero control of the car and it didn’t brake until after I hit the car. Where I was parking was on an incline that was going up. It happened again when I was pulling into another parking spot. I was not close enough to the curb and that car felt the same way. It felt like it was just going to take off. I just put it in park at that point. When I restarted it was fine.
I am experiencing recurring safety issues with my 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 Gran Coupe. •On three separate occasions, the driver’s side door did not fully close, leaving a gap large enough for my hand to fit through. •At the same times, the hood (bonnet) also failed to fully latch. •During these events, the windows stopped working. •On one occasion, the entire main screen went completely black while driving. These are not minor inconveniences; they are serious safety hazards. A door and hood that do not close properly, or a blacked-out screen while driving, put me, my passengers, and others on the road at risk. I have already taken the car to the dealership once for these issues, but the problem has not been resolved. I have also contacted BMW North America twice, but my concerns about safety have not been directly addressed. In addition, I live with diabetes and other health conditions. These repeated failures have caused me significant stress and fear while driving. I should not have to constantly worry about my safety or health when operating a brand-new BMW. This is a brand-new vehicle, and I am very concerned about my safety and the safety of the public if these issues are not investigated immediately.
I am experiencing recurring safety issues with my 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 Gran Coupe. •On three separate occasions, the driver’s side door did not fully close, leaving a gap large enough for my hand to fit through. •At the same times, the hood (bonnet) also failed to fully latch. •During these events, the windows stopped working. •On one occasion, the entire main screen went completely black while driving. These are not minor inconveniences; they are serious safety hazards. A door and hood that do not close properly, or a blacked-out screen while driving, put me, my passengers, and others on the road at risk. I have already taken the car to the dealership once for these issues, but the problem has not been resolved. I have also contacted BMW North America twice, but my concerns about safety have not been directly addressed. In addition, I live with diabetes and other health conditions. These repeated failures have caused me significant stress and fear while driving. I should not have to constantly worry about my safety or health when operating a brand-new BMW. This is a brand-new vehicle, and I am very concerned about my safety and the safety of the public if these issues are not investigated immediately.
I am reporting a serious and recurring safety issue with my 2024 BMW i4, which I leased new in December 2023. The vehicle currently has approximately 20,000 miles and has stalled multiple times at high speeds, displaying a drivetrain malfunction warning and issues related to the power supply and high-voltage battery system. This is extremely dangerous, especially in high-risk driving environments such as highways, bridges, and tunnels in Manhattan. A sudden stall compromises power steering and braking and could easily lead to a fatal crash. I have already had the vehicle towed to the service center three separate times, yet the issue remains unresolved. Given the repeated nature of this failure in a relatively new vehicle, I am deeply concerned this may be a broader defect in the i4 model and urge the NHTSA to please investigate. This issue has happened three separate time within the span of only 2 months. I am extremely worried and do not trust the car nor feel safe to operate it. I've included the two repair invoices I've received from BMW so far and the vehicle is currently at the service center for it's third attempt.
I am reporting a serious and recurring safety issue with my 2024 BMW i4, which I leased new in December 2023. The vehicle currently has approximately 20,000 miles and has stalled multiple times at high speeds, displaying a drivetrain malfunction warning and issues related to the power supply and high-voltage battery system. This is extremely dangerous, especially in high-risk driving environments such as highways, bridges, and tunnels in Manhattan. A sudden stall compromises power steering and braking and could easily lead to a fatal crash. I have already had the vehicle towed to the service center three separate times, yet the issue remains unresolved. Given the repeated nature of this failure in a relatively new vehicle, I am deeply concerned this may be a broader defect in the i4 model and urge the NHTSA to please investigate. This issue has happened three separate time within the span of only 2 months. I am extremely worried and do not trust the car nor feel safe to operate it. I've included the two repair invoices I've received from BMW so far and the vehicle is currently at the service center for it's third attempt.
When: [XXX] approximately [XXX] AM Where: [XXX] coming down from office complex [XXX] While driving approximately 25-30 mph down a winding road with a moderate hill, my 2024 BMW I4 suddenly accelerated as if the accelerator pedal was suddenly floored, causing me to struggle to keep the car in control, and only several seconds after slamming on the brakes was I able to stop the car. No warning lights ever came on in the dash at any time. It was only luck that someone wasn't injur]ed or killed. Fortunately there were no other cars near, and I didn't run off the road or crash the car. I immediately drove slowly to Bob Smith BMW in Calabasas. They have the car and BMW North America is looking into it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When: [XXX] approximately [XXX] AM Where: [XXX] coming down from office complex [XXX] While driving approximately 25-30 mph down a winding road with a moderate hill, my 2024 BMW I4 suddenly accelerated as if the accelerator pedal was suddenly floored, causing me to struggle to keep the car in control, and only several seconds after slamming on the brakes was I able to stop the car. No warning lights ever came on in the dash at any time. It was only luck that someone wasn't injur]ed or killed. Fortunately there were no other cars near, and I didn't run off the road or crash the car. I immediately drove slowly to Bob Smith BMW in Calabasas. They have the car and BMW North America is looking into it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving on the right lane of [XXX] I received a notification on the screen stating "DRIVE TRAIN: FAULT PULL OVER FOR SAFETY" and just as I attempted to turn the steering wheel to enter the shoulder lane of the highway, the car stopped. I was stuck in the right lane of the highway with cars and huge semi trucks swerving around me at 60+ MPH while I was on the phone trying to get help from roadside assistance BMW and 911. I was unable to start the car or put it in neutral to even try to move it off the road. I climbed out of the passenger side of the car to get far away from the car until the state police arrived. Officer K. Kelly of Elizabeth NJ state police arrived after a few minutes and blocked traffic behind me with his police lights and called a tow truck for me because I was also unable to locate where I was to call one to my location. I had to have the car towed off the highway, then call a town truck again to have it towed to the dealer. I can understand if this was an issue and I was stuck at home in my driveway, but in the middle of the highway and not allowing me a chance to turn off into the shoulder for safety is UNACCEPTABLE. I am contacting BMW North America as well and going to further escalate this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving on the right lane of [XXX] I received a notification on the screen stating "DRIVE TRAIN: FAULT PULL OVER FOR SAFETY" and just as I attempted to turn the steering wheel to enter the shoulder lane of the highway, the car stopped. I was stuck in the right lane of the highway with cars and huge semi trucks swerving around me at 60+ MPH while I was on the phone trying to get help from roadside assistance BMW and 911. I was unable to start the car or put it in neutral to even try to move it off the road. I climbed out of the passenger side of the car to get far away from the car until the state police arrived. Officer K. Kelly of Elizabeth NJ state police arrived after a few minutes and blocked traffic behind me with his police lights and called a tow truck for me because I was also unable to locate where I was to call one to my location. I had to have the car towed off the highway, then call a town truck again to have it towed to the dealer. I can understand if this was an issue and I was stuck at home in my driveway, but in the middle of the highway and not allowing me a chance to turn off into the shoulder for safety is UNACCEPTABLE. I am contacting BMW North America as well and going to further escalate this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mechanical failure on the car air suspension especially on back left of the car. Car parked overnight and it automatically lowered and driving it out of the drive way there was no error that popped out on low suspension until driving out of drive way. That caused the scratch on left side under carriage. Dealer refused to run diagnostics to determine true cause of issue until we pay for the diagnosis although this car is newly purchased and covered under warranty period. Dealer is trying to put the blame on me although it is a malfunction with the cars air suspension. Read that this problem happens to i4’s often on forums and I don’t feel safe driving the car until this issue is resolved but I’m unable to proceed without proper diagnosis from BMW service.
Mechanical failure on the car air suspension especially on back left of the car. Car parked overnight and it automatically lowered and driving it out of the drive way there was no error that popped out on low suspension until driving out of drive way. That caused the scratch on left side under carriage. Dealer refused to run diagnostics to determine true cause of issue until we pay for the diagnosis although this car is newly purchased and covered under warranty period. Dealer is trying to put the blame on me although it is a malfunction with the cars air suspension. Read that this problem happens to i4’s often on forums and I don’t feel safe driving the car until this issue is resolved but I’m unable to proceed without proper diagnosis from BMW service.
I encountered the safety issue on a test drive. The VIN which I supplied is typical of this model. The design of the gear selector lever makes it easy to inadvertently and unintentionally shift into Reverse, when Drive or Neutral is desired. A single click of the lever can engage either Reverse or the desired gear, depending on the engagement status of the brake pedal and the speed of the car. There is no Reverse gear lockout button, a standard safety feature on other vehicles. I almost backed into the vehicle behind me, when a red traffic light turned green. When the brake pedal is untouched, a single upward click of the selector lever engages a shift from Braking (B) mode, to Drive (D) mode. I had stopped for the red light in Brake (B) mode, and desired to shift into Drive (D) mode. I clicked the lever upward one time, while holding the brake pedal down. Unbeknownst to me, Reverse was engaged. A similar condition occurs when attempting to shift from Drive (D) mode into Neutral (N) mode. In normal driving, a single upward click of the lever engages Neutral, to allow (for example) coasting up to a red light without engaging regenerative braking. When stopped with the brake pedal depressed, that same single upward click engages Reverse gear. This condition could be remedied by: - Providing a reverse lockout button. - Altering the control algorithm to make sure that gears are sequentially engaged (R-N-D-B) with each click of the lever. The current algorithm skips different gears in the sequence, based on the rolling status of the car and the position of the brake pedal.
I encountered the safety issue on a test drive. The VIN which I supplied is typical of this model. The design of the gear selector lever makes it easy to inadvertently and unintentionally shift into Reverse, when Drive or Neutral is desired. A single click of the lever can engage either Reverse or the desired gear, depending on the engagement status of the brake pedal and the speed of the car. There is no Reverse gear lockout button, a standard safety feature on other vehicles. I almost backed into the vehicle behind me, when a red traffic light turned green. When the brake pedal is untouched, a single upward click of the selector lever engages a shift from Braking (B) mode, to Drive (D) mode. I had stopped for the red light in Brake (B) mode, and desired to shift into Drive (D) mode. I clicked the lever upward one time, while holding the brake pedal down. Unbeknownst to me, Reverse was engaged. A similar condition occurs when attempting to shift from Drive (D) mode into Neutral (N) mode. In normal driving, a single upward click of the lever engages Neutral, to allow (for example) coasting up to a red light without engaging regenerative braking. When stopped with the brake pedal depressed, that same single upward click engages Reverse gear. This condition could be remedied by: - Providing a reverse lockout button. - Altering the control algorithm to make sure that gears are sequentially engaged (R-N-D-B) with each click of the lever. The current algorithm skips different gears in the sequence, based on the rolling status of the car and the position of the brake pedal.
The contact owns a 2024 BMW i4 equipped with Pirelli Tires, Tire Line: P Zero XL, Tire Size: 255/40/19, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the passenger's side rear tire had a blowout. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence of a friend. The following morning, the contact purchased another tire and replaced the tire. While the tire was being replaced, the contact inspected the tire and became aware that the tread on the inside of the tire was separating, which caused the failure. The contact researched and became aware that the failure was a common failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that it was a common failure and that the failure occurred due to the angle of the design of the tire. The tire was replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
The contact owns a 2024 BMW i4 equipped with Pirelli Tires, Tire Line: P Zero XL, Tire Size: 255/40/19, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the passenger's side rear tire had a blowout. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence of a friend. The following morning, the contact purchased another tire and replaced the tire. While the tire was being replaced, the contact inspected the tire and became aware that the tread on the inside of the tire was separating, which caused the failure. The contact researched and became aware that the failure was a common failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that it was a common failure and that the failure occurred due to the angle of the design of the tire. The tire was replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Summary of the Problem: While driving my leased BMW i4 M50 on the highway on [XXX], the rear passenger tire suddenly exploded without any prior warning or impact. This caused me to lose control briefly and nearly resulted in a serious accident. I was forced to pull over in unsafe conditions on a busy roadway. Details of the Incident: The tire failed suddenly while traveling at highway speed. No pothole, debris, or curb impact occurred prior to the blowout. I contacted BMW Roadside Assistance immediately, but was told it would take at least two hours before anyone could arrive, leaving me stranded in a dangerous location. The vehicle was towed the next day, [XXX], to BMW of Sacramento. The service department dismissed the issue and told me it was not their problem, refused to cover the tire failure, and even told me to go rent a car from Enterprise instead of providing a loaner. Safety Concern: This is a new EV leased vehicle and the sudden tire failure presented a serious safety hazard. A tire blowout at highway speeds could easily have caused a crash with severe injuries. The lack of immediate roadside support further increased the danger. The dismissive response from the dealership raises concerns about whether BMW is properly addressing potential tire or component defects in this vehicle. Action Requested: I am reporting this incident because I believe this may represent a defect or safety issue that warrants investigation. A sudden tire explosion on a new BMW EV, combined with BMW’s inadequate safety support, puts drivers and the public at significant risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Summary of the Problem: While driving my leased BMW i4 M50 on the highway on [XXX], the rear passenger tire suddenly exploded without any prior warning or impact. This caused me to lose control briefly and nearly resulted in a serious accident. I was forced to pull over in unsafe conditions on a busy roadway. Details of the Incident: The tire failed suddenly while traveling at highway speed. No pothole, debris, or curb impact occurred prior to the blowout. I contacted BMW Roadside Assistance immediately, but was told it would take at least two hours before anyone could arrive, leaving me stranded in a dangerous location. The vehicle was towed the next day, [XXX], to BMW of Sacramento. The service department dismissed the issue and told me it was not their problem, refused to cover the tire failure, and even told me to go rent a car from Enterprise instead of providing a loaner. Safety Concern: This is a new EV leased vehicle and the sudden tire failure presented a serious safety hazard. A tire blowout at highway speeds could easily have caused a crash with severe injuries. The lack of immediate roadside support further increased the danger. The dismissive response from the dealership raises concerns about whether BMW is properly addressing potential tire or component defects in this vehicle. Action Requested: I am reporting this incident because I believe this may represent a defect or safety issue that warrants investigation. A sudden tire explosion on a new BMW EV, combined with BMW’s inadequate safety support, puts drivers and the public at significant risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
What Owners Are Saying
"Moved from Tesla Model 3 LR to BMW i4 eDrive 40. Thoughts so far... Hi all I posted some time back about moving from a Tesla Model 3 to an i4 and the general consensus was 'do it'! My i4 eDrive 40 arrived Monday, and I have fallen in love already. Many of the quirks I disliked in the Tesla are just not present here. I thought I'd share a quick comparison for those looking to change- hopefully they'll find this useful / interesting! 1. Interior quality. The i4 is leagues ahead here- there are no rattles or creaks and everything seems very well put together. The general fit and finish is much higher too. 2. Infotainment. I have the tech pack, so have HK and the HUD. The HK is not as loud as the premium system in the Tesla, but, to my ears it sounds more balanced and I actually enjoy the Logic7 processing. The Tesla system punched harder, but then the doors used to resonate, making it sound terrible, so the HK wins for me here. I have also tried the Hi-Fi system in a 4 series and enjoyed this too, but the HK is a definite tick for those who like their music. 3. Assisted driving tech. Mine has adaptive cruise presently, I think this is a 3 month trial as I don't think it's as standard in the non-M Sport pro / tech plus cars. It works so much better than the Tesla. It's smooth, keeps a good distance and is far less intrusive. I never used this in the Tesla as the harsh acceleration and braking was just uncomfortable. I haven't tried full self drive in the i4 as I don't have it, so can only speak for my spec. 4. Driving and performance. The BMW (in my spec, RWD 335hp) is much nicer and involving to drive. You get a small bit of rear end play, which makes it quite fun, but it is predictable. It also builds speed very differently to the Tesla, possibly due to being RWD and not AWD. It is progressive, there is no gut punch at launch but then after about 25/30 mph, it really gets moving. Whilst the Tesla was quicker, the eDrive 40 is plenty quick enough. The sound isolation at speed is far superior too, at 70mph my Apple watch was reading 69/70dB which is 3 mor 4 lower than the Tesla. Not scientific I know, but it does confirm my thinking. 5. General notes- the i4 is a much better all round package, looks great (Portimao Blue). The App isn't as polished as the Tesla one, but that is a very small price to pay for much better proposition all round. TL:DR - get the i4 over the Tesla."
"First Road Trip with My 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 M Sport Pro – Minneapolis to Dubuque, IA Hey r/BMWI4 community! First-time poster here. I’ve had my 2024 i4 xDrive40 for almost two months now, and I’m loving every minute with it. Just got back from my first real road trip, driving from Minneapolis to Dubuque, Iowa, and the i4 handled it like a dream. Following the BMW app’s recommendation, I made a charging stop in Decorah, IA, about 94 miles from our final destination in Dubuque. I charged up at a Blink DC fast charger at Decorah Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on Hwy 9, but it wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped. The card reader was busted, so I had to download the Blink app and set up an account on spotty LTE. After some hassle, I got it going with a steady 82 kW charge, taking me from 40% to 83% in about 35 minutes. Here’s a quick breakdown: • Energy Delivered: 37.06 kWh • Charging Duration: 35 minutes • Cost: $20.65 (at $0.49 per kWh, plus a $2.49 start fee) Even with the setup issues, the charging was reliable once it got going. Excited to be part of this community! Any route tips or charging advice from other i4 owners? Would love to hear about your road trips with the i4!"
"My first road trip (Memphis to Chicago) **~Taking the Plunge: My First EV Road Trip from Memphis to Chicago~** I recently embarked on my first major road trip in my BMW i4 eDrive35, a journey from Memphis to Chicago and back. This is my third EV, but my first BEV. My first PHEV was a Chevrolet Volt and my second was the BMW 330e. Living in a rural area north of Memphis, I’ve been hesitant about going fully electric because of the lack of reliable infrastructure. I decided to take the plunge into a fully electric vehicle earlier this year and finally had a chance to test it out on a road trip earlier this month. I was excited but also a bit apprehensive about how the trip would go. Would I have enough range? Would charging be a hassle? I'm happy to report that the trip was a success, and I learned a lot along the way. **Link to** EV\_Roadtrip\_Memphis\_Chicago\_2024 **Charging Strategy** Going to Chicago I planned my own route using ABRP and the EA app. I wanted to make the most of the free 30-minute EA charging available. On the way back, I relied solely on the BMW navigation, which included two EA stops, one Tesla supercharger with magic dock, and one Chargepoint. **Charging Challenges** While most of the charging stops went smoothly, there were a few hiccups. At some Electrify America stations, I encountered broken chargers and had to wait for a charger one time. I also learned that driving at higher speeds significantly impacts range. On my return trip, I coasted into the first charge stop with 3% state of charge. This was my own fault because I followed the flow of traffic leaving Chicago, which was well above the posted speed limit of 70 mph. It took a LOT longer for the trip than if I’d been driving an ICE vehicle (12 hours vs. 9 hours predicted). This was due to more frequent stops, not because the stops were that much longer. I didn’t really mind because it gave me ample opportunity to use the restrooms, grab a snack, stretch my legs and talk with fellow EV enthusiasts at the charging stations. **The Joy of EV Road Tripping** Despite the longer drive time and one uncomfortable range anxiety episode, I enjoyed my EV road trip. The quiet and smooth ride of the EV, coupled with the pure joy of watching the car practically drive itself thanks to DAPP, made for a relaxing journey. The frequent charging stops made the trip seem less rushed and more peaceful overall. **Tips for Fellow EV Road Trippers** * ~Be patient.~ Driving an EV on a long road trip is not for those “Cannonball Expressers.” It’s going to require more frequent stops and those stops will take a little time. * ~Speed matters.~ The only issue I had with range was when I was going way too fast following the flow of traffic out of Chicago. * ~Don’t overthink it.~ Plan your route carefully if that’s something you’re into, but don’t sweat it too much. I had a det"
"Some thoughts on switching from Tesla Model S to BMW i4 I recently made the switch from my 2017 Tesla Model S to a BMW i4 e40, and I wanted to share my experience. Overall, it’s been positive, with the pros definitely outweighing the cons. There’s a learning curve, and some differences, but I’m getting the hang of it. Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about moving from Tesla to BMW. It’s only been about three weeks, so I’m still learning. **Cons:** * \*\*Lane Assist:\*\* The i4 lane assist is weaker compared to Tesla’s. Tesla would scream and shake like a mortally wounded banshee when drifting lanes, while the i4 just seems vaguely annoyed. I often don’t even notice the warning. * \*\*360 Degree Road Diagram:\*\* I miss the 360 road diagram while driving. I didn’t get the self-driving option, but I should still be able to see a full view of the road with obstacles around me and lanes clearly defined while driving. It was especially helpful in the PNW where it rains a lot, and seeing lane lines can be tricky, especially at night. Since the i4 has sensors all around the car, I don’t understand why a 360 view while driving isn’t a standard option for the dash view. (It’s not about luxury, it’s about safety.) A 360 degree driving diagram would be much more useful than the G force graph, whatever that is. * \*\*Charging Network:\*\* I haven’t done a long road trip yet, but I’ve seen people struggling with connections and talking to support on the phone at local public charging stations. Tesla was super easy - just plug and go. Also, the DC chargers seem \*really\* heavy and bulky. I think these issues will get better as the public charging network grows, but public charging for the i4 is definitely different from charging with the Tesla network. There’s more friction involved. * \*\*Charging Output:\*\* My 40 amp circuit in my garage usually gave me 11 kWh charging with the Tesla, but I only get 9 kWh with the i4. Not a big deal, just something I noticed. * The i4’s range estimation seems a bit hit and miss. Tesla had more options for true range estimation, like using the last 5, 15, or 30 miles. As far as I can tell, the i4 only has one range estimate number. I’ve heard that BMW tends to underestimate range, while Tesla overestimates. I guess I prefer the former to the latter. * The software learning curve for the i4 is steep. I feel like you can do more with the software, but much of it is hidden behind icons and menus. Maybe that’s just because of the screen size; with the Model S, everything was right in front of you and easy to find. It could also just be familiarity bias, but it’s been three weeks and I’m still figuring out all the options. * I miss the storage space in the Model S. I never thought I’d miss the frunk, but I do. **Pros:** * The BMW i4 just feels better built. It drives sturdy and solid. It’s a more serious car. (Side note: I definitely don’t miss the cringy tech bro features: “Our volume goes to 11!”"
"matth Jul 9, 2025 OTA Update Bricked Car I just went to my car this afternoon after starting the 03.2025 update this morning. The car dinged when I tried to start it and said "Software Update Failed." Thankfully, this happened at home, so I'm not stranded out and about. BMW Roadside Assistance is calling a tow for it to the... 233.1KScottB-LA replied Jul 20, 2025 Software: Updates (OTA), Features, My BMW App, Features, My BMW App") JulianSolo Aug 16, 2025 I am confused as to status of Safety Recall 25V-395 Electric Drive"
"Help BMW i4 can't Receive Software Upgrades Help. Since July 2024, my BMW i4 has not received any Remote Software Upgrades. Despite regularly checking through both the in-car iDrive system and the My BMW app on my iPhone 15 Pro Max (iOS 18.5), it consistently states that the software is up to date. I only realized the system was outdated when a feature (the radio podcast app) disappeared. After contacting my dealership, it was confirmed that the iDrive software hadn’t updated for nearly a year and would now require a manual upgrade at the service center however this might require more than 24 hours and they don't have a loan car for two months! Is there anyway to force those over the air upgrades? Any tricks to downgrade software or force it to sense the upgrades? Why would it take 24 hours ??"
"42.1Kcruzer666 replied Oct 13, 2023 BMW i4 Charging & Batteries Legin Oct 10, 2023 i4 wont charge at Pod point or Gridserve machines but ok on all others? My i4 wont accept rapid CCS charge at a Pod Point Machine or Grid Serve machine but works fine at all others, I've been in touch with Pod Point and they state its the car, I've had the car into the dealers twice and they haven't got a clue and blame Pod Point and Grid Serve, however I've proved... 52.4KLJK replied Dec 17, 2024"
"Tailgate Won't Open Evening all, for the past few months now, I've got this issue where if I unlock my tailgate either on the fob or on the tailgate itself, I can hear it unlock and 70% of the time it won't open more than a couple mm. Before I take it to the garage, has anybody else had this issue? It's not just... 103.2KportimaoXportland replied Jan 26, 2025 BMW i4 General Discussions Forum pndpnd Aug 2, 2024 Rattle in roof My '24 i4 xDrive40 developed a rattle in the roof after about 200 miles. The rattle appears to be coming from the back of the sunroof. Dropped it off at the dealership for repair. They gave me another i4 xDrive40 as a loaner. It has a rattle in the same place. 204.3Ksrbs73 replied Oct 30, 2024"
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