Bmw I4 Years to AvoidThe weakest years — and the one you should buy instead
After reviewing every Bmw I4 we've analyzed (4 years), these are the 1 weakest. Each one has either an absolute low reliability score, chronic repair issues, or unusually high ownership costs relative to other I4 years.
Proceed with caution
2023 Bmw I4
The 2023 BMW i4 is an exciting entrant into the premium EV market, offering strong performance and typical BMW luxury. While its core EV components show promise, buyers should proceed with caution given the model's relative newness and the inherent complexities of cutting-edge automotive technology. Expect a well-engineered package with potential for early software quirks.
Why this year scores low
As a new EV platform, the i4's HV-BMS can experience initial software calibration issues, leading to incorrect range estimations, charging inconsistencies, or even intermittent power reductions. This is often addressed via over-the-air (OTA) updates or dealer re-flashes.
Early EV models sometimes face issues with the onboard charging unit or the physical charging port itself. This can manifest as slow charging, failure to initiate charging, or communication errors with various charging stations. While not widespread, it can be an inconvenient failure point.
BMW's advanced iDrive 8 system, combined with numerous driver assistance features, can be prone to software glitches. This includes screen freezing, random reboots, sensor malfunctions (e.g., parking assist, adaptive cruise control), or connectivity issues. Most are resolved with software updates but can be frustrating.