2014 BMW 640i xDrive

The 2014 BMW 640i xDrive is a luxury grand tourer known for its blend of performance and comfort. The 640i xDrive came equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine producing 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The engine option was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the car’s sleek styling, comfortable ride, and powerful engine. However, some common complaints include high maintenance costs, electrical gremlins, and the car’s large size making it less agile than smaller sports cars.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (N55)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common, often originating from the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, or oil pan gasket. Symptoms include oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected gasket is the typical fix.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the location of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found
• VANOS Solenoid Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system can experience issues due to solenoid failures. Symptoms include rough idling, decreased engine performance, and error codes related to the VANOS system.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty VANOS solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks can develop from the mechatronic sleeve, which seals the electrical connector to the transmission. This can cause transmission slipping and shifting issues.
  • Solution: Replacing the mechatronic sleeve and potentially servicing the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing rough or jerky shifting, especially at lower speeds.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission software update can resolve the issue. In other cases, more extensive repairs like valve body replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (Software Update) - $2,000+ (Valve Body Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Malfunctions (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: If equipped with adaptive dampers (Dynamic Damper Control), the system can experience malfunctions, leading to a harsh or uneven ride. Error messages may also appear.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per damper (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to a variety of reasons, including a faulty alternator, parasitic drain from aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery. Symptoms include difficulty starting the car, frequent jump starts, and error messages related to low voltage.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the source of the drain and repairing or replacing the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the cause)
  • Recalls: None Found
• iDrive System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failures.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In other cases, the iDrive control unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (Software Update) - $1200+ (Control Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Issues (Comfort Access)
  • Description/Symptoms: If equipped with Comfort Access, the door handles can fail to lock or unlock the car properly.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty door handle(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per handle (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seat motors can fail, preventing adjustment of the seats.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ per motor (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 BMW 640i xDrive, while offering a luxurious driving experience, can suffer from a range of issues, particularly as it ages. Oil leaks, transmission problems, and electrical gremlins are some of the more common and potentially costly concerns. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchase decision, including budgeting for maintenance and repairs. Pre-purchase inspections by qualified BMW technicians are highly recommended.