I'm sorry you are having issues. I have the car close to 2 years and haven't had a single issue with it. Its been a workhorse as a matter of fact.

 

Pretty much same for me, with two i4s. I did get the stuck charge port door, fixed quickly, and had a bad driver assist camera since day one, also fixed quickly. But never stranded.

You're two issues are not really "EV" related. A directional stalk and the cooling valve. Could happen on most any vehicle. At least I haven't had an High Pressure Fuel Pump failures, multiple failures of the emission controls on the diesel cars like the DEF injection, DPF Cooler, and DPF itself. On the diesel cars I must say that whatever you might save in higher mpg is quickly lost in making some of the required repairs/replacements once they pass warranty period.

 

Bought the i4 last november and already with my second loaner for repairs. First I got the infamous coolant leak, so I drove a 330i for a full month. Now my direction is failing, stiff, squicking noise in the steering column when turning so now driving a 228i (really nice sound on this one compared to the 330i by the way). Don,t know how long it will be but he said more than a few days for sure so I suspect they need to change the whole direction thing (or whatever it's called). So I'm driving more the loaners than my actual car so far... I don't think I'll keep it beyond warranty now. It's sad because I love this car. My experience with the X6 was not really good either (amazing car but reliability issues) so I'll probably go back to Audi or other options after 4 yrs but I don't want to. BMW is my brand, I want to support it !!

Anyone else had their steering/direction failing problem ?

Cheers all !!

Is there a “Lemon Law” in your country?

 

We do, yes but I dont think it would apply well in this case.

 

I assume you mean the steering gear? I had electric steering on my 2 series and that failed under warranty. Not a common fault, but annoying when it does happen.

 

It's the steering joint apparently and they told me it should be fixed by end of day today or tomorrow. I'm not overly worried but seeing those parts failing so early in the life of the car has me worried about the quality of parts to begin with. Lost thousand$ with my X6 for cheap parts failing (e.g. plastic electric water pump 1000$ repair) and I don't want to go back to this trend with the i4. Happy to see that I'm probably just one unlucky owner and let's hope the future is brighter for me !

 

20 months so far in mine and no issues that weren't caused by other drivers.

 

My i4 has been very reliable, had it since November 2022. Only component that failed was the charging flap which was replaced in a couple of hours. That was a common issue like the coolant leak.

Seems to me you're getting the faulty components out of the way. Hopefully no more issues for yours from now on.

 

Only component that failed was the charging flap which was replaced in a couple of hours. That was a common issue like the coolant leak.

Every time I get lazy and push the flap away from the latch, and it doesn't open first try, my heart leaps into my throat and I think mine has finally failed.

Then I push it in the right spot and it opens.

 

Same here, this is my first brand new car and so far not too impressed regarding reliability. Had mine since June 2023. First a connection-issue, GPS-position, emergency call and several other functions were lost for almost a month. This could be fixed OTA. Then the coolant-valve has leaked twice and at the second occurrence the car also had an isolation-issue on the high voltage-side. 2 months with loaners in total. Great support from the dealer though.

 

Hopefully we don't have any other surprises but like you, I cannot complain about the service I get at Elite BMW (Ottawa), they are amazing and responsive.

 

Zero issues 25k miles and 1 year into my i4. Do you often turn the wheel while the car is not moving? If you're not aware that can damage your steering. Not to blame you for the issues, the coolant leak is certainly not your fault. But just wanted to mention, as I know a lot of people don't realize they shouldn't dry steer their car.

 

I don't do that but even then, I think on a brand new car, you could dry steer for hours without any significant damage. My problem suddenly arise when turning at a green light. It felt like the power steering was off for half a second. Then every day it was getting worst. Then it was on both sides, then it started to squeek when first using it in the morning. The steering joint failed (not sure what that is exactly but they'll change it today).

 

I'm about 1.5 years and just over 15k miles on my '23 m50, and I've had 2 issues. One is the charging door issue, and the other was my failed CCU, which was not a widespread scenario, but it was a lengthy and troublesome issue for resolution. Fortunately, that was 1 month in, and it's been fine since! I don't really know how the reliability will be going forward, but I'm hoping it stays solid.

 

We have a 2023 i4, a 2021 BMW X5 4.5 Hybrid and a 2021 Porsche 911. We've had absolutely zero problems of any kind with either BMW. A year and a half and 8K miles on the i4. Three and a half years and 16K miles on the X5. Wish I had the same story to tell with the Porsche, but I don't. Also three and a half years with now 18K miles on it. Nothing really serious mechanically with the Porsche; but endless rattles and squeaks, a phantom cracked windshield, numerous recalls and a center dash display that randomly boots up incorrectly. Oh and to reset the Oil Change Maintenance Minder (should you wish to change the oil yourself) and you'll need a $400 tool to do that. Can't say I'm in any sort of a mood to recommend a Porsche to anyone.

 

Can't say I'm in any sort of a mood to recommend a Porsche to anyone.

But you can take corners fast with it though don't you? Porsche doesn't build nearly enough cars to offer the same fit and finish as BMW. I've have several issues with my 2017 Boxster S and drove it under 10,000 miles. I had condensation dripping on my feet because the AC flap was stuck and I had used rubber tape all over the doors to keep it from squeaking, other issues as well, but all the cosmetic issues fade in comparison to the superior drive it offers.

 

Of all my cars I have had for the last 40 years - only three have been nearly problem free :

Mercedes Benz 280 SE, 1984, no problems except broken rubber hose in injection system after 30 years.

BMW i3 - 5 Years 115000 KM - no problems, only changed front brake pads after 105000 km

BMW i4 - 1.5 Years 35000 KM - no problems, except delayed delivery (Stop Sale - front motor replacement), and not satisfied with the Subwoofer in the rear - need to look at aftermarket solution for this.

 

not satisfied with the Subwoofer in the rear - need to look at aftermarket solution for this.

someone posted their solution on i4 Reddit earlier this week: https://www.reddit.com/r/BMWI4/s/sJSqLEfVx8

 

Mine is broken now, 2nd time at the dealer for the same issue - AC not working, loud, subwoofer like, vibrations through the whole car after 30-45 minutes of driving, seem to only happen when the AC is on… dealership is not sure what to do, waiting on guidance from bmw na. <6mo old and 4k miles. Not impressed with reliability so far… this is my 4th bmw in the row (I usually keep them 3-5 years max) so I’m a big bmw fan otherwise. Actually out of 3 BMWs in my garage only 1 is running OK at the moment… watch me jinx it 😂

 

And somehow, we still love our cars. Best of luck with your 3rd "running OK" bimmer !! And don't worry about jinxing anything, this is as reliable as any religions.

 

Bought the i4 last november and already with my second loaner for repairs. First I got the infamous coolant leak, so I drove a 330i for a full month. Now my direction is failing, stiff, squicking noise in the steering column when turning so now driving a 228i (really nice sound on this one compared to the 330i by the way). Don,t know how long it will be but he said more than a few days for sure so I suspect they need to change the whole direction thing (or whatever it's called). So I'm driving more the loaners than my actual car so far... I don't think I'll keep it beyond warranty now. It's sad because I love this car. My experience with the X6 was not really good either (amazing car but reliability issues) so I'll probably go back to Audi or other options after 4 yrs but I don't want to. BMW is my brand, I want to support it !!

Anyone else had their steering/direction failing problem ?

Cheers all !!

No problem with the steering. Had the i4 since July last year and about to take my second really long trip this Saturday. Will be driving about 4000 km during two weeks. Apart from this trip, I had a similar one last August and several long trips, but shorter. In between I used the car for normal commuting. Before this one, I had the 330e for three years, which also had similar steering with electric servo, an no issues at all.

I had a coolant valve leak, but that was not dramatic at all. I just called them, got an appointment, left the car for a few hours and after collecting it I never had to look back. Just checked today and no sign of any issues. Why did it take a month for you?

 

They had to order the part from Germany because I think they have a newer version since February that fixes the issue. A lot of people will need to have it fixed a second time if they have the original part installed in the first place. As for my steering joint. It's fixed and the car works great again.. They couldn't understand why the part failed, there was supposed to be grease/lubricant in the part and it was completely dry... so they were clueless as to why it was like that. Hopefully it's not from the manufacture when they built it and forgot to apply this lubricant in the first place. I don't know but it's fixed.

 

To prevent anyone from siphoning electrons, presumably?
Seems dangerous to me, I'd be chicken to try. 😉

 

To prevent anyone from siphoning electrons, presumably?
Seems dangerous to me, I'd be chicken to try. 😉

Fried Chicken!🍗⚡

 

So early here. Thinking of fried chicken already lol.

 

I just bought an i4 e35 one month ago. It’s my 5th BMW in a row, first EV. The A/C failed one week after. They replaced the compressor, it cooled for a week and stopped cooling again. This time they say they have to replace the A/C evaporator which is a big job. It’s crazy that so many parts are failing on a brand new car. I’m really not impressed.

 

It sounds to me like the first Compressor failed and they replaced it. But they did so without taking into consideration the debris the first compressor failure probably contaminated the entire A/C System Refrigerant Plumbing with. Parts Changing at its worst, IMHO. Unless or until they thoroughly flush the entire A/C System AND place a Filter in-line on the Suction Side of the new A/C Compressor this failure will repeat itself quickly or over time, depending on how much debris is floating around in the refrigerant plumbing. If they can't flush A/C components, which is entirely possible, any components that come into contact with the Refrigerant MUST be replaced. An A/C System is a Closed and Circular system. What goes around, gets around. The big chunks will get stopped at the Thermal Expansion Valve, but fine debris can and will make it past the Thermal Expansion Valve. FWIW The A/C system "Plumbing" includes the following components: the Evaporator, the Condenser, all of the Hoses (including the in-line mufflers), the Thermal Expansion Valve and wherever BMW keeps the Receiver Drier. I think BMW has a module they call the "Chiller" which is where the Receiver Drier lives.

 

Do you often turn the wheel while the car is not moving? If you're not aware that can damage your steering.

Is this true? If so, I'm never buying another BMW. I know in the old days (1990) people said this to reduce strain on the steering linkage and power steering pump. Also not good for the tires either. I don't think it is as much of a concern anymore with Rack and pinion steering and modern suspension systems. Yes it will wear slightly more if you dry turn all day. Look at Telsa's when you're playing the video game on the screen, the wheels are turning the whole time.

Don't understand why one would need to lock the charger port? 🧐

I agree. The menu states it is to prevent dirt from getting in the charger. I assume they mean vandalism because I don't see a way for wind or rain to cause the door to open. The plug and car have to handshake before the battery is connected to the charge port. I don't think it would be easy to steal electrons, you'd first have to fool the car that it is a charger...if you can do that you are probably smart enough to get a real job.

 

Is this true? If so, I'm never buying another BMW. I know in the old days (1990) people said this to reduce strain on the steering linkage and power steering pump. Also not good for the tires either. I don't think it is as much of a concern anymore with Rack and pinion steering and modern suspension systems. Yes it will wear slightly more if you dry turn all day. Look at Telsa's when you're playing the video game on the screen, the wheels are turning the whole time.

It's true of every car. A steerring rack is a wear item. It won't last forever. It puts a lot more strain on it when the csr is stationsrg. That video game thinf is one of the reasons people who know cars facepalm at Tesla sometimes.

 

I don't think anyone buys a German car today for reliability. If they do, they are fooling themselves. Any car today should go 100K Miles without a breakdown... to me that is the minimum. A lot of cars can go 150K miles trouble free. I've had 2 cars now gone over 150K miles after 12 years with nothing but maintenance (battery, tires, brakes, and fluids). My honda was never jump started or towed the first 13 years of ownership. There are always outliers, people that get 1M miles on a German car and people that have nothing but problems.

We are early adopters getting an EV, so we should expect more problems than an average car. It sounds like OP got a lemon. EVs are new tech along with new redesign...double bad for reliability. My car has been perfect so far, but until it is 10 years old and 125K+ miles on the odometer, I hope I'm not discussing reliability on it.

When I was young, I was a shade tree mechanic for my friends a few times a year. Just helping people out for free and good bonding time with friends. All my friends could easily afford any new car, but what is the fun in that? They buy the parts. After a breakdown or two, everyone is quick to trade it in to get a new car. Afraid of the lemon or money pit. Most cases after one or two repairs on a car with more than 150K miles, a car usually will go another 3-5 years without anything going wrong.

 

It’s notable that as with more than a few other manufacturers, BMW still don’t offer more than a 3-year warranty. Indeed they still only ‘life’ their cars as three years. Far Eastern manufacturers have been offering 5 & 7 year warranties on cars of far less ‘stature’ than those made in Europe. Modern cars are a made down to a price and there will always be failures. The fail rate is still typically very low - with it must be said occasional outliers (like the cooling valves on the i4) - so the bean counters won’t care.

Modern manufacturing techniques should be able to produce parts with greater longevity. The problem with that is you won’t sell many cars once the market has absorbed a certain number. I’ve been noticing more and more products in the UK now coming with an ‘expected life’ statement in the owners Manual. Not seen it with BMW yet.

 

It’s notable that as with more than a few other manufacturers, BMW still don’t offer more than a 3-year warranty. Indeed they still only ‘life’ their cars as three years.

It’s 4 years / 50,000 miles in the US for bumper to bumper, 8 years / 100,000 miles for the electric drivetrain which included the battery. California even more warranty, any BEV must carry a 10 year / 150,000 mile drivetrain warranty, including the i4.

 

3 years and 60,000 miles for the UK, with the battery being 8 years and 100k miles for the battery only.

 

Does anyone care about rattles?

Most definitely do.

Plus unless you live on a dirt road, most streets are not that bumpy.

You should try driving along some of the streets in the UK. Horrendously pot-holed and scarred urban, A-Roads and B-Roads (Fully surfaced roads).

 

All these posts prove, there is no difference between a Modern EV and an old gas car. The gas engine and EV powertrains are reliable, but it's mainly everything else that breaks.

The only difference of an air conditioner compressor for a gas car vs an EV is the electric motor that drives the compressor vs a pulley off the engine block. This is an internal compressor failure if it affects other parts so it should be the same as a gas car. On an EV, the air conditioner/heat pump does run more often since it is used for heat and cooling of the cabin and powertrain, but not significant compared to a gas car in a hot climate.

It does sound like some incompetent dealers, which is no surprise. The mechanic's hands are often tied on what the manufacturer and dealer are willing to pay for. A lot of dealers are short staffed, so it's hard to do a solid job when you have a line of cars to fix. Most dealers only see new cars and don't often do major repairs like AC compressor changeouts, so they are not as versed as a local car AC company. I've learned, I'll never take the car to the dealer after warranty. Nothing to do with cost and everything to do with competence. Toyota may be the exception, but I don't own a Toyota.

 

All these posts prove, there is no difference between a Modern EV and an old gas car. The gas engine and EV powertrains are reliable, but it's mainly everything else that breaks.

Woah, woah, woah. Nope. EV powertrains are way simpler, under way less strain and will give far less problems over the long run than an ICE powertrain. Do not try to lump them together as the same.

 

I'm totally pleased with the reliability of my 2022 and 2023 i4s. My 2022 had the assist camera fail since very beginning (never worked), very minor issue which I waited almost 2 years to get fixed under warranty. I certainly could have lived without it working. And my charge port door stuck, replaced under warranty. The 2023 has 1 year now with not one issue.

Overall I think this is pretty dam good!

 

All of our ICE BMWs as well as those from other brands have had engine driven AC compressors. They only run when the engine runs. BMW may have fitted some models with electric AC to take load off the engine and keep emissions down.

The same trick is used with electric power steering. No hydraulic pump to ‘load’ the engine.

 

Have(had?) 2 BMWs I4M50s:

- 2022 MY in Brooklyn grey, pretty basic options - not a single issue (drove for 9 months, 12K km)

-2024 MY in Sapphire Black, literally full options with every single possible item ticked - not a single isssue (so far 6 months in, only 3500km though). One time some warning appeared but then went away on next start, probably a glitch.

Have to say BMWs have been most reliable cars for me: 420i, 330e, iX3 and now 2x i4 M50s - not a single issue!