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BMW · Mid-Size · 2021–2026

BMW i4 G26

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Engine Overview

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

eDrive35 · Elektro· 286 PS
2023 2026
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
eDrive40 · Elektro· 340 PS
2021 2026
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
M50 · Elektro· 544 PS
2021 2026
Good Choice 5 weaknesses

The BMW eDrive35 (Elektro, 286 PS) has the BMW-Gen5-Single (Elektromotor Gen5) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW eDrive40 (Elektro, 340 PS) has the BMW-Gen5-Single (Elektromotor Gen5) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW M50 (Elektro, 544 PS) has the BMW-Gen5-Dual (Elektromotor Gen5 Dual) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known 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
Electrical
3 ⚠ 2
Other
2 ⚠ 1
Backup Camera/Sensors
2
Collision Avoidance
2
Tires
2

Top Reported Issues

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

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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