Install Chrome Extension Chrome Extension
BMW · Mid-Size · 2021–2026 Custom Search

BMW i4 G26

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Engine Overview

The BMW i4 G26 is available with 3 engine variants — from 204 to 660 hp.

eDrive35 · Electric· 286 PS
2023 2026

Fifth generation of the BMW electric drivetrain with a single motor. High efficiency through an electrically excited synchronous motor without rare-earth magnets. Watch the 12V battery and control unit software.

  • !! Faulty switching valve in cooling circuit (Vitesco) from 30,000 km

    A Vitesco switching valve (64119462114) in the cooling circuit fails, especially in frost. Coolant runs out before the warning light activates. BMW temporarily imposed a global delivery stop on new i4s.

    Symptoms: Coolant puddle under the car; heater fails before warning light illuminates; coolant level warning appears too late.
    300–1,800 $
  • !! Recall: software algorithm shuts down high-voltage system

    A software bug in the HV system monitoring triggers a preventive drivetrain shutdown even when no actual hazard exists. Vehicle loses drive within 15–20 seconds. BMW recalled 70,852 vehicles (i4/iX/i5/i7, MY 2022–2025).

    Symptoms: Warning 'High-voltage system fault' followed by loss of drive; steering and brake assist remain active; car coasts slowly to a stop.
    0–0 $
  • !! Recall: manufacturing defect in HV battery cells (fire risk)

    HV battery cell modules were not manufactured to specification. Module frame can crack, shut down the high-voltage system, or cells can overheat to fire risk. Affected: i4, iX, i7 (production 07.2021–02.2024).

    Symptoms: Loss of drive while moving; HV battery warning; in rare cases smoke or fire.
    0–0 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

eDrive40 · Electric· 340 PS
2021 2026

Fifth generation of the BMW electric drivetrain with a single motor. High efficiency through an electrically excited synchronous motor without rare-earth magnets. Watch the 12V battery and control unit software.

  • !! Faulty switching valve in cooling circuit (Vitesco) from 30,000 km

    A Vitesco switching valve (64119462114) in the cooling circuit fails, especially in frost. Coolant runs out before the warning light activates. BMW temporarily imposed a global delivery stop on new i4s.

    Symptoms: Coolant puddle under the car; heater fails before warning light illuminates; coolant level warning appears too late.
    300–1,800 $
  • !! Recall: software algorithm shuts down high-voltage system

    A software bug in the HV system monitoring triggers a preventive drivetrain shutdown even when no actual hazard exists. Vehicle loses drive within 15–20 seconds. BMW recalled 70,852 vehicles (i4/iX/i5/i7, MY 2022–2025).

    Symptoms: Warning 'High-voltage system fault' followed by loss of drive; steering and brake assist remain active; car coasts slowly to a stop.
    0–0 $
  • !! Recall: manufacturing defect in HV battery cells (fire risk)

    HV battery cell modules were not manufactured to specification. Module frame can crack, shut down the high-voltage system, or cells can overheat to fire risk. Affected: i4, iX, i7 (production 07.2021–02.2024).

    Symptoms: Loss of drive while moving; HV battery warning; in rare cases smoke or fire.
    0–0 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

M50 · Electric· 544 PS
2021 2026

Twin-motor variant of the Gen5 drivetrain with AWD and enormous system output. Up to 660 hp in the M70 version. The high-voltage system and cooling circuit are complex to service.

  • !! Recall: incorrectly manufactured Combined Charging Unit (CCU)

    The high-voltage combined charging unit (CCU) was incorrectly installed in a production batch. A loose component interrupts current flow and can shut down drive while driving. Affected: iX xDrive50, iX M60, i4 M50 (June–September 2022).

    Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive while moving; intermittent high-voltage fault messages; vehicle won't restart after shutting down.
    0–0 $
  • !! Recall: manufacturing defect in HV battery cells (fire risk)

    Manufacturing defect in HV battery cell modules (production 07.2021–02.2024). Frame structure can crack, shut down the high-voltage system, or cells can overheat to the point of fire risk. Affected: i4 M50, iX M60, i7 M70.

    Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive; HV battery warning; in extreme cases smoke or fire at the battery.
    0–0 $
  • !! Heat exchanger valve leaking from 30,000 km

    Same production issue as Gen5 Single. Heat exchanger valve leaks coolant. BMW replaces under warranty, but lengthy workshop visits.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss, fault message, reduced charging performance
    500–3,000 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Recall: High-voltage battery cell module defective

High-voltage battery cell modules were manufactured out of specification. Module frames can fail, causing the HV system to shut down. In extreme cases, overheating leading to vehicle fire.

Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above average
9 complaints · 2021–2026
  1. 01 Electrical
    3 ⚠ 2
  2. 02 Other
    2 ⚠ 1
  3. 03 Backup Camera/Sensors
    2
  4. 04 Collision Avoidance
    2
  5. 05 Tires
    2

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (3 complaints)
Other (2 complaints)
Backup Camera/Sensors (2 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Audi A6 C9

Mid-Size (2024–2026)

Same Segment

Honda Accord XI

Mid-Size (2023–2026)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz CLE C236

Mid-Size (2023–2026)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W214

Mid-Size (2023–2025)

Same Segment

VW ID.7 I

Mid-Size (2023–2026)

Same Segment

Citroën C5 X I

Mid-Size (2022–2026)

Explore more

Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 17 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW i4 G26 (2021–2026) — 11 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Brakes, Suspension. Considered reliable: BMW-Gen5-Dual (Elektromotor Gen5 Dual).

i4 (BMW-Gen5-Single, 2021–2026) — Be Careful: Faulty switching valve in cooling circuit (Vitesco), Recall: software algorithm shuts down high-voltage system, Recall: manufacturing defect in HV battery cells (fire risk). Power: 340 PS.

i4 (BMW-Gen5-Single, 2023–2026) — Be Careful: Faulty switching valve in cooling circuit (Vitesco), Recall: software algorithm shuts down high-voltage system, Recall: manufacturing defect in HV battery cells (fire risk). Power: 286 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW i4? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW i4 G26 have? +
The BMW i4 G26 has 11 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW i4 G26? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: BMW-Gen5-Dual (Elektromotor Gen5 Dual). The most reliable engine is the BMW-Gen5-Dual (Elektromotor Gen5 Dual) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the BMW-Gen5-Dual (Elektromotor Gen5 Dual).
Which BMW i4 G26 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the BMW i4 G26. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 5 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which BMW i4 G26 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW i4 G26 — rated: "Decent". {description} Up to 544 hp, 0–100 in 3.9s — first electric M car. Digitally clean, but fast.
Is the BMW i4 G26 worth buying used? +
The BMW i4 G26 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW i4 G26? +
The BMW i4 G26 is available with engine variants from 204 to 660 hp.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee