BMW eDrive35
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.
Electric Gran Coupé
340 hp in the Gran Coupé — genuine driving fun even without a combustion engine.
Engine Weaknesses 6
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.
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.
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.
Production issue on Gen5 electric vehicles. Heat exchanger valve leaks; car can be in the workshop for weeks. BMW replaces under warranty.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, thermal management fault, reduced charging performance
Under sustained full load on the motorway the system throttles drive output to protect against overheating. Documented especially on the i4 eDrive40 and early iX models. Motor and battery temperatures reach 100°C+.
Symptoms: Noticeably reduced acceleration after 30+ minutes of motorway driving; charging performance drops on rapid back-to-back charges; warning 'Drive restricted'.
Heat pump produces loud droning and whirring inside the cabin, especially when heating. BMW issued a software update; problem not fully resolved.
Symptoms: Strong droning/whirring with heating on, vibrations felt
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
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.
A faulty software algorithm or defective cell modules can shut down the high-voltage system unexpectedly while driving. The vehicle loses all drive power within 15–20 seconds.
The iDrive 8 system spontaneously reboots while driving, particularly when using Android Auto or Google Maps. Screen goes black for several seconds before the boot sequence restarts.
Heavy regenerative braking means the friction brakes are rarely used. Rust forms on the brake discs within a few days of standing.
The lightweight aluminium front axle construction generates thumping and clunking noises above approximately 70 km/h. BMW has acknowledged the issue; a driveshaft recall is also known.
Door cards, C-pillar covers and the tailgate can work loose and rattle over poor road surfaces. Warranty visits typically resolve the issue.
Reports & Tests
9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2021–2026). Most reported: Electrical (3), Other (2), Backup Camera/Sensors (2).