2025 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 2025 EV Sedans (class avg 69 · top 6%)
Personalize this scoreIs a low score bad?
Last scanned 12 days ago
The 2025 BMW i4 xDrive40 Gran Coupe (18-inch wheels) packs 396 hp, 287 miles of EPA range and a 81 kWh battery, and the score gets it into the conversation; battery and service records decide whether to make an offer.
Score read
A 77/100 makes this good enough to inspect, not good enough to skip diligence. Do not let the composite hide this split: software and driver-assist score is 93/100, while range and efficiency score is 47/100. Owners on Reddit repeatedly cite software tech and owner satisfaction as recurring problems. Documented completion matters more than the recall count itself.
Price context
Used examples are running around $60,600. This trim started from $62,300 new, though options can push the actual sticker higher; treat the market number as your negotiation floor and pull a current KBB Fair Purchase before naming a price.
Who this is for
✓ Good for
- ⏱ Daily commuter ≤50 mi/day, predictable charging
- ★ Weekend driver Performance, fun, low mileage
✗ Avoid if you are a
- $ Bargain hunter Best TCO, reliability + low depreciation
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 (47/100).
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 287-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 2 NHTSA recall records. The exact VIN lookup decides whether the car in front of you is clear.
Complaint context This scan found 9 NHTSA complaint records (2 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 $60,600-$60,600. Use that range to compare listings for the same trim, mileage, and condition.
Pricing & Market Value
Score Breakdown
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Vehicle Specifications
EVs at your price point that match or beat this trim
Price-gated peer set: vehicles within $48.5K–$72.7K market value (±20% of $60.6K). 1 outscore · 4 score within ±2. Mixed across makes — no "spend more, score better" comps.
i4
- ✓ +31 mi more range
- ✓ Better owner satisfaction
Air
- ✓ +133 mi more range
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
i4
- ✓ Better bang-for-buck
- ✓ Better owner satisfaction
Air
- ✓ +119 mi more range
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
Air
- ✓ +193 mi more range
- ✓ Better infotainment UX
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 ~$14,608 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 16 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 (2)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2025 I4 EDRIVE40 vehicle. The connection between the positive battery cable and the rear power distributor may become loose.
A loose positive battery cable connection could lead to the vehicle stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a loose battery cable can overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Check VIN status at NHTSA.govBMW 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.govNHTSA Complaints (9 total · 2 per 10K US vehicles · low for any vehicle class)
On November 18, 2025, I was driving a 2025 BMW i4 eDrive, VIN [VIN], at approximately 10–15 mph in slow traffic. I applied the brake pedal firmly when the vehicle in front of me slowed, but the vehicle did not decelerate as expected. The vehicle continued moving forward, resulting in a rear-end collision with the car in front of me, which in turn struck another vehicle. Prior to this incident, the vehicle occasionally exhibited brief reductions in forward drive power that were subtle and initially attributed to drive mode (e.g., comfort/eco or battery status). At the time of the incident, the vehicle was subject to Safety Recall 25V-395, but I had not received any recall notification prior to reporting the incident to BMW. This appears to be a potential vehicle safety defect involving braking performance or interaction of propulsion and braking systems, as the vehicle did not stop when brake input was applied under normal conditions. I am reporting this to NHTSA for investigation of a possible safety defect. Related documents, including accident reports, repair invoices, and correspondence with BMW regarding ongoing investigation and requested diagnostics, are available upon request.
On November 18, 2025, I was driving a 2025 BMW i4 eDrive, VIN [VIN], at approximately 10–15 mph in slow traffic. I applied the brake pedal firmly when the vehicle in front of me slowed, but the vehicle did not decelerate as expected. The vehicle continued moving forward, resulting in a rear-end collision with the car in front of me, which in turn struck another vehicle. Prior to this incident, the vehicle occasionally exhibited brief reductions in forward drive power that were subtle and initially attributed to drive mode (e.g., comfort/eco or battery status). At the time of the incident, the vehicle was subject to Safety Recall 25V-395, but I had not received any recall notification prior to reporting the incident to BMW. This appears to be a potential vehicle safety defect involving braking performance or interaction of propulsion and braking systems, as the vehicle did not stop when brake input was applied under normal conditions. I am reporting this to NHTSA for investigation of a possible safety defect. Related documents, including accident reports, repair invoices, and correspondence with BMW regarding ongoing investigation and requested diagnostics, are available upon request.
I am writing to formally report a serious and ongoing safety defect with my BMW i4, present since the beginning of ownership. The vehicle pulls and skids to the right while driving and intermittently swerves, making it unsafe to operate and posing a clear risk to both myself and other road users. This is a safety-critical issue, not a comfort or preference concern. Despite repeated repair attempts, the defect remains unresolved. To date, the following actions have been taken without success: Six (6) tire replacements Two (2) wheel alignments Multiple inspections and service visits at BMW of West St. Louis All work was performed while the vehicle is under warranty, yet I have also incurred out-of-pocket expenses attempting to correct this safety issue. After these failed repairs, I escalated the matter to BMW of North America. A case manager was assigned, but after one initial call, I received no response despite more than seven follow-up emails and three voice messages. Only after I indicated that I would contact consumer protection agencies did BMW respond and offer a little monetary amount credit. I want to be clear that I am not seeking goodwill or compensation. I am seeking a safe and reliable vehicle. Due to the unresolved safety defect and lack of effective support, I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle. I remain loyal to the BMW brand and am willing to purchase another BMW; however, given the repeated failed repairs and ongoing safety risk, I am requesting that BMW repurchase this vehicle and provide a replacement or buyback solution. This matter involves vehicle safety and requires urgent attention. I respectfully request prompt assistance and a fair resolution. Numerous incidents that occurred and tire burst with steering tight and goes on left and right hand side. Documents attached. Two major incidents out of 6: 1st - Car first time swerving: [XXX] - No crash-Fire-Injury-Police Report. 2nd: [XXX] mentioned in additional details.INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
I am writing to formally report a serious and ongoing safety defect with my BMW i4, present since the beginning of ownership. The vehicle pulls and skids to the right while driving and intermittently swerves, making it unsafe to operate and posing a clear risk to both myself and other road users. This is a safety-critical issue, not a comfort or preference concern. Despite repeated repair attempts, the defect remains unresolved. To date, the following actions have been taken without success: Six (6) tire replacements Two (2) wheel alignments Multiple inspections and service visits at BMW of West St. Louis All work was performed while the vehicle is under warranty, yet I have also incurred out-of-pocket expenses attempting to correct this safety issue. After these failed repairs, I escalated the matter to BMW of North America. A case manager was assigned, but after one initial call, I received no response despite more than seven follow-up emails and three voice messages. Only after I indicated that I would contact consumer protection agencies did BMW respond and offer a little monetary amount credit. I want to be clear that I am not seeking goodwill or compensation. I am seeking a safe and reliable vehicle. Due to the unresolved safety defect and lack of effective support, I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle. I remain loyal to the BMW brand and am willing to purchase another BMW; however, given the repeated failed repairs and ongoing safety risk, I am requesting that BMW repurchase this vehicle and provide a replacement or buyback solution. This matter involves vehicle safety and requires urgent attention. I respectfully request prompt assistance and a fair resolution. Numerous incidents that occurred and tire burst with steering tight and goes on left and right hand side. Documents attached. Two major incidents out of 6: 1st - Car first time swerving: [XXX] - No crash-Fire-Injury-Police Report. 2nd: [XXX] mentioned in additional details.INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
The backup camera at night is very dark and unsafe. I can barely see anything. It’s a major safety issue even though sensors can warn you, I almost ran over my neighbor while backing out of the garage. My wife has a 2025 X5 that does not have this issue at all. I see online forums where tons of people are complaining about the same issue, making it very unsafe.
The backup camera at night is very dark and unsafe. I can barely see anything. It’s a major safety issue even though sensors can warn you, I almost ran over my neighbor while backing out of the garage. My wife has a 2025 X5 that does not have this issue at all. I see online forums where tons of people are complaining about the same issue, making it very unsafe.
On September 10, 2025, while my son was driving, the lane assist system activated twice during a single drive without a cause. The first activation was manually corrected, but the second caused the vehicle to veer into a roadside barrier. There were no environmental or road condition that would justify the intervention. The vehicle was declared a total loss by our insurance provider. (Please see attached Vehicle Safety Complaint Report pdf for more detail) I am concerned this may reflect a defect in the lane assist system and could pose a risk to other drivers. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether similar incidents have been reported.
On September 10, 2025, while my son was driving, the lane assist system activated twice during a single drive without a cause. The first activation was manually corrected, but the second caused the vehicle to veer into a roadside barrier. There were no environmental or road condition that would justify the intervention. The vehicle was declared a total loss by our insurance provider. (Please see attached Vehicle Safety Complaint Report pdf for more detail) I am concerned this may reflect a defect in the lane assist system and could pose a risk to other drivers. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether similar incidents have been reported.
While parking the car it accelerated up over the curb and into the bushes in an office parking lot. The sudden unintended acceleration occurred in B mode with the automatic cruise control system setting to follow the posted speed limit when activated. The cruise control was not activated by the driver at the time of incident. The car went from 0mph to full acceleration while the parking distance system was activated. I am reporting this issue to make others aware of the accident, in case a similar issue happens with other cars. The car is new and only has about 250 miles on it at the time of accident. The insurance company has received the initial claims info and is fixing the car. No warning, messages or indicator preceded the accident.
While parking the car it accelerated up over the curb and into the bushes in an office parking lot. The sudden unintended acceleration occurred in B mode with the automatic cruise control system setting to follow the posted speed limit when activated. The cruise control was not activated by the driver at the time of incident. The car went from 0mph to full acceleration while the parking distance system was activated. I am reporting this issue to make others aware of the accident, in case a similar issue happens with other cars. The car is new and only has about 250 miles on it at the time of accident. The insurance company has received the initial claims info and is fixing the car. No warning, messages or indicator preceded the accident.
On March 23, after driving approx 2 miles, I was at a red light. The light turned green and I began accelerating. There was a loud "bang" from under the car toward the rear, the car abruptly halted, the displays turned red with a message (all caps) DO NOT DRIVE. I power cycled the car a few times and the error cleared, but my state-of-charge had dropped from 77 to 59%. I drove the car the 1 mile home and called BMW Roadside Assistance. The rep asked for permission to pull logs from the car, told me he would be sending a flatbed Monday morning and advised me, in no uncertain terms, DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR. I asked if I could pull the car out of the driveway and he said no; he would send skids with the driver. Friday afternoon I was advised there was nothing wrong and to pick up the car. The work order is blaming an LA DWP 50KWh charger I had used 2 days prior to charge from 65 to 81% and recommends avoiding this charger. Just to be clear, I charged 15% on 3/21 and the car went "bang" on 3/23, and that was the fault of the charger.
On March 23, after driving approx 2 miles, I was at a red light. The light turned green and I began accelerating. There was a loud "bang" from under the car toward the rear, the car abruptly halted, the displays turned red with a message (all caps) DO NOT DRIVE. I power cycled the car a few times and the error cleared, but my state-of-charge had dropped from 77 to 59%. I drove the car the 1 mile home and called BMW Roadside Assistance. The rep asked for permission to pull logs from the car, told me he would be sending a flatbed Monday morning and advised me, in no uncertain terms, DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR. I asked if I could pull the car out of the driveway and he said no; he would send skids with the driver. Friday afternoon I was advised there was nothing wrong and to pick up the car. The work order is blaming an LA DWP 50KWh charger I had used 2 days prior to charge from 65 to 81% and recommends avoiding this charger. Just to be clear, I charged 15% on 3/21 and the car went "bang" on 3/23, and that was the fault of the charger.
My 2025 BMW i4 has experienced two distinct but related tire safety issues involving abnormal wear and repeated structural failures. Issue 1: Extreme Accelerated Tire Wear The factory-installed tires on my new vehicle were fully worn out in approximately 4 months and ~5,000 miles. All four tires required replacement. This level of wear is far outside normal expectations, including for heavy EVs or performance summer tires, and indicates abnormal loading or alignment behavior. Issue 2: Repeated Structural Failures of Right Rear Tire After replacement tires were installed by the BMW dealer on 12/04, two separate right rear tires developed holes/structural failures within a short period. One failure occurred by 01/09, approximately 30 days after installation, while the tire was nearly new. Damage was located at the inner shoulder/inner sidewall transition area, not consistent with normal tread wear or road damage. The recurrence of structural failure on the same wheel position strongly suggests a localized vehicle-related cause rather than tire defects or driving behavior. The dealer stated there were “no issues with the vehicle” and attributed both problems to normal EV weight and summer tire wear. No documented alignment measurements, wheel runout checks, or suspension diagnostics were provided. After the repeat right rear failure, the dealer proposed reinstalling the same tire type without offering any corrective action. The replacement tires installed were summer-compound tires during winter conditions, which increases brittleness and susceptibility to structural damage on heavy EVs. A nearly new tire developing a hole presents a blowout risk. The combination of extreme accelerated wear of all four tires and repeated structural failure of the right rear tire represents a predictable and ongoing safety concern.
My 2025 BMW i4 has experienced two distinct but related tire safety issues involving abnormal wear and repeated structural failures. Issue 1: Extreme Accelerated Tire Wear The factory-installed tires on my new vehicle were fully worn out in approximately 4 months and ~5,000 miles. All four tires required replacement. This level of wear is far outside normal expectations, including for heavy EVs or performance summer tires, and indicates abnormal loading or alignment behavior. Issue 2: Repeated Structural Failures of Right Rear Tire After replacement tires were installed by the BMW dealer on 12/04, two separate right rear tires developed holes/structural failures within a short period. One failure occurred by 01/09, approximately 30 days after installation, while the tire was nearly new. Damage was located at the inner shoulder/inner sidewall transition area, not consistent with normal tread wear or road damage. The recurrence of structural failure on the same wheel position strongly suggests a localized vehicle-related cause rather than tire defects or driving behavior. The dealer stated there were “no issues with the vehicle” and attributed both problems to normal EV weight and summer tire wear. No documented alignment measurements, wheel runout checks, or suspension diagnostics were provided. After the repeat right rear failure, the dealer proposed reinstalling the same tire type without offering any corrective action. The replacement tires installed were summer-compound tires during winter conditions, which increases brittleness and susceptibility to structural damage on heavy EVs. A nearly new tire developing a hole presents a blowout risk. The combination of extreme accelerated wear of all four tires and repeated structural failure of the right rear tire represents a predictable and ongoing safety concern.
The contact owns a 2025 BMW I4 EDRIVE40. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced pulling and skidding to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle became unsafe to drive and was a severe safety hazard to the driver and other motorists. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the failure was replicated. The dealer replaced the tires and performed a front-end alignment, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the dealer had replaced seven different tires and had performed 2 front-end alignments, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 22.
The contact owns a 2025 BMW I4 EDRIVE40. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced pulling and skidding to the right. The contact stated that the vehicle became unsafe to drive and was a severe safety hazard to the driver and other motorists. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the failure was replicated. The dealer replaced the tires and performed a front-end alignment, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the dealer had replaced seven different tires and had performed 2 front-end alignments, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 22.
Nuna had a major recall for their rava convertible car seats as your organization is aware of. However, there are two main issues that I'm having that Nuna has refused to address nor do they have a viable solution for. The first is that with the recall fix which was new material they sent out, the harness button is covered by Fabric and when the rava is in rear-facing mode it becomes almost impossible to reach the harness release button. Nuna recommended using the leg rest to address the issue, however, the issue does still persist. In a time of emergency, it would be incredibly difficult to get the child out quickly, and normally it is just very difficult. I have attached image so you can understand what I'm talking about. The second issue is that the Fabrics that Nuna has issued for the recall do not match the Fabrics of the original purchased equipment. This is a huge problem because there are now mismatches in fabric types versus inserts and consumers paid for a certain type of fabric and have only gotten the black or the granite as replacements as part of the recall. For the date that these things happen as is required by this form, I've put in and around the date that I received the Fabrics.
Nuna had a major recall for their rava convertible car seats as your organization is aware of. However, there are two main issues that I'm having that Nuna has refused to address nor do they have a viable solution for. The first is that with the recall fix which was new material they sent out, the harness button is covered by Fabric and when the rava is in rear-facing mode it becomes almost impossible to reach the harness release button. Nuna recommended using the leg rest to address the issue, however, the issue does still persist. In a time of emergency, it would be incredibly difficult to get the child out quickly, and normally it is just very difficult. I have attached image so you can understand what I'm talking about. The second issue is that the Fabrics that Nuna has issued for the recall do not match the Fabrics of the original purchased equipment. This is a huge problem because there are now mismatches in fabric types versus inserts and consumers paid for a certain type of fabric and have only gotten the black or the granite as replacements as part of the recall. For the date that these things happen as is required by this form, I've put in and around the date that I received the Fabrics.
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."
"The other answer is very thorough, but I love driving my i4 so much so I’ll tap out my opinion anyway! 1. Yes, I get 180-220 from 80%. 300 miles from 100% is possible too even in winter, so if you need good range there’s nothing wrong with charging to 100% and using it. Early opinions are that battery degradation isn’t as much of a worry as first thought, and leaving the car parked for days at 100% is what does the most damage anyway. 2. Yes, you can set a timer or just use the app to precondition for up to 30mins. It takes at most 10 mins to clear frost off the windscreen for me. 3. The MyBMW app is fine, I don’t use it much but it does the job and very rarely fails to connect to the car. Features include charge level, tracking, cabin preconditioning, battery preconditioning, lock/unlock, odometer and trip records. 4. The BMW nav is good, I prefer Google on CarPlay but like you asked about I use the built-in navigation occasionally in low signal areas and it works well, adding traffic and recalculating as the cellular signal improves. Most importantly the i4 is a pleasure to drive. It may not be as feature rich as other EVs but it’s very very good at what it does, being fast and comfortable. Get one with the Harmon Kardon audio and Adaptive Cruise Control if possible, they are also extremely high quality features and add a lot to the luxury feel. Edit: one last thing, in an age where cars make you turn a bunch of safety features off every single time you start the car, BMW have done well. You hold a physical button on the steering wheel for two seconds to turn off speed limit pings, lane guidance settings are persistent and if set off will stay off."
"Sorry based on your comments, this car isn't for you. BMW build quality is infinitely better but all your Tesla creature comforts you crave aren't there. Range is a bit less and the autopilot featues aren't nearly as good. That said I would take my i4 over a Tesla every time. ."
"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... 253.2KFish Fingers replied 17h ago Software Modification - Bimmercode Alexpapas Jul 11, 2025 OTA Software Upgrade - Download Stuck At 49%"
"I love the M50, but BMW is still in the dark ages regarding software. Things that Kia and Toyota do easily and flawlessly are a huge challenge for BMW. I downloaded the latest version of the software for the car, 03/2025.71, to my iPhone and then followed the instructions to upload it to the... 936.4KAlexpapas replied Sep 9, 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 I have a 2024 i4 eDrive40. Like most of us, I received a letter this week regarding the Safety Recall, and the letter indicated that the upgrade could be undertaken over the air. Both my phone app and the car (in settings "Software Upgrade") state that as of 8-15-2025 the software is up to..."
"> Steel\_Sloth said: > > Okay, not really relevant to the car being reviewed, but: > > Can we just not? I DO live on a hill (~400'/122m) somewhere that DOES get a lot of winters, and I'm just fine with my RWD car on winter tires. Hell, both daughters have happily driven up/down the hill in a FWD Mini with all-seasons, occasionally laughing at spun-out AWD/4WD vehicles as they go. > > (Edit: To clarify my point, I'm referring to most of the AWD cars out there that would do just as well with 2WD and a decent set of winter tires as they don't have the ground clearance to handle situations where you objectively probably need 4WD/AWD.) > > More relevantly, as someone who's owned a ton of BMWs over the years and hasn't been a fan of all of their design decisions, I think they finally lost me when they moved to the new-design kidneys. It sort-of works on the SAVs but just looks too "basking shark chic" on a coupe/sedan. > > > Click to expand... I've driven tens of thousands of miles with a RWD drive BMW and good winter tires. Never had issue. > Flipper35 said: > > Summer tires and AWD are just dangerous so you have to run at least all season anyway, or go really slow. Even on dry pavement summer tires have significantly reduced grip at low temperatures. > > > Click to expand..."
"> full metal baal said: > > 5,000 lb curb weight, ~260 miles range out of >80kwh usable, 205kw max charging, 5.1s to 62mph. > > Those are not really class leading stats for an EV in 2025; weight and acceleration in particular are pretty bad for a BMW. > > Would love for somebody that actually understands the trade-offs of these 'combined designs' to weigh in on how much that is a factor in the not-so-great stats. > > > Click to expand... I would say the agnostic platform that the i4, i5, i7 share with their ICE counterparts with 100% why they are heavier than other BEVS, \[and German luxury have always been on heavy side\] They already have all normal crash structure and bracing under the hood, plus extra skid plats and bracing for front and rear motors. and battery. then more bracing for the extra weight. Its was a price BMW was willing to pay to save money on a ground up development of a BEV. (ie VW) With the benefit of not dividing customers with a separate design language for ICE and BEV ( ie Mercedes) and Its seems to be working for BMW. Despite some less than specs they are largely viewed as normal BMW's but just electric. and BMW is leading in number of different BEV models and percentage of Plug in sales vs total sales."
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