BMW M70
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.
Electric M flagship
653 hp M70 β surprisingly dynamic for a huge luxury saloon.
Engine Weaknesses 5
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 (JuneβSeptember 2022).
Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive while moving; intermittent high-voltage fault messages; vehicle won't restart after shutting down.
Manufacturing defect in HV battery cell modules (production 07.2021β02.2024). 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.
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
Vibrations between 70 and 110 km/h when accelerating and during regenerative braking. BMW carries out a service measure (disassemble front axle, replace bolts). Problem often only reduced, not fully resolved.
Symptoms: Shuddering in steering wheel and seat between 70β110 km/h under load; vibrations also during deceleration (regeneration); occurs from around 10,000 km.
Particularly on the i4 M50, vibrations emerge from the front drive unit that intensify at high speeds and under engine braking. Caused by imbalance or bearing tolerance issues in the front EDU.
Symptoms: Droning or vibration from the front motor area above 100 km/h; vibrations increase under regenerative braking; felt through steering wheel and pedals.
Vehicle Weaknesses 5
The i7 G70 (production from June 2022 to August 2024) is affected by the major BMW IBS recall. Faulty brake electronics can deactivate ABS and DSC. BMW replaces the IBS module free of charge.
A software fault can shut down the high-voltage system and cause drive loss while moving. Approximately 6,000 vehicles worldwide affected. BMW resolves the issue via OTA update or workshop visit at no cost.
Individual high-voltage battery modules were incorrectly assembled, creating stress on the module frame and potentially causing module failure. BMW replaces affected battery modules under recall.
An inadequate ground connection at the steering wheel can prevent the hands-on-wheel detection system from functioning correctly. The system then fails to warn when hands are removed during active driver assistance.
In cold weather, climate control and battery heating significantly reduce range. Real-world range in cold conditions on the motorway is often below 350 km versus the WLTP figure of over 600 km.