2014 BMW 650i xDrive
The 2014 BMW 650i xDrive is a luxury grand tourer known for its powerful engine, comfortable ride, and stylish design. It boasts a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While owners appreciate its performance and luxury features, common complaints include higher maintenance costs and potential issues with the engine, electrical systems, and some interior components. Other available powertrains at the time include the 640i and 640i xDrive which have a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine with 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.
Engine
N63TU 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks often develop around the valve cover gaskets, the turbocharger oil lines, and the oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets and seals. Tightening bolts may temporarily alleviate the issue, but replacement is usually necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ depending on the location and shop rates.
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Turbochargers on the N63TU engine can experience failures due to oil starvation or overheating. Symptoms include reduced power, unusual noises from the turbochargers (whining or screeching), and fault codes related to turbocharger performance.
- Solution: Inspect and replace faulty turbochargers and address any underlying issues causing the failure, such as oil supply problems.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ per turbocharger, including labor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Cooling System Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from various points in the cooling system, including the radiator, hoses, expansion tank, and water pump. Overheating is a common symptom.
- Solution: Identify the source of the leak and replace the faulty components. Pressure test the system after repairs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ depending on the component and shop rates.
- Recalls: None Found
N55 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6
No Issues Found
Transmission
ZF 8HP Automatic Transmission
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Shift harshness, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, and general rough shifting. Can also cause the transmission to go into limp mode.
- Solution: Replacement of the entire valve body can alleviate the issue.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500-$3,000+ depending on the shop.
- Recalls: None Found
- Mechatronic Unit
- Description/Symptoms: The Mechatronic unit (valve body) can suffer from wear and tear over time, leading to erratic shifting, delayed engagement, and fault codes related to transmission performance.
- Solution: Replacing the Mechatronic unit and performing a transmission adaptation reset.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ depending on the shop.
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Issues (if equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: The air suspension, if equipped, can suffer from air leaks in the struts or lines, compressor failure, or control module malfunctions. Symptoms include a sagging ride height, especially overnight, a noisy or non-functional compressor, and suspension warning lights.
- Solution: Replace leaking air struts, repair air lines, replace the compressor, or reprogram/replace the control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,500+ for the compressor, and $500 - $1,000+ for control module issues.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain leading to a dead battery, especially after the car has been sitting for a few days. This can be caused by a variety of modules not going into sleep mode or a faulty component drawing excessive current.
- Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic drain using a multimeter and electrical testing procedures. Repair or replace the faulty component.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue and shop rates.
- Recalls: None Found
- iDrive System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system can experience various glitches, including freezing, rebooting, or displaying error messages. This can be caused by software bugs, hardware failures, or communication issues with other modules.
- Solution: Attempt a software update. If that doesn’t fix it, replace the iDrive module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400 for the software update at a dealer. Module replacement is $1,000-$2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Various sensors around the vehicle (oxygen, ABS, crankshaft, etc.) can fail. Symptoms are varied.
- Solution: Replace the faulty sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ depending on the sensor.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Adaptive Headlight Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The adaptive headlights can experience malfunctions, such as failing to level or turn properly. This can be caused by faulty motors, sensors, or control modules.
- Solution: Diagnose the specific issue and replace the faulty components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ depending on the component.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The electric seat motors can fail, preventing the seat from adjusting properly.
- Solution: Replace the faulty seat motor or the entire seat adjustment mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ depending on the motor and labor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may become stuck, make excessive noise, or leak water. This can be caused by a broken motor, damaged tracks, or clogged drain tubes.
- Solution: Clean and lubricate the tracks, repair or replace the motor, or unclog the drain tubes.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the severity of the issue.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2014 BMW 650i xDrive, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, can suffer from various issues, primarily related to the engine, transmission, electrical system, and suspension. The most common problems are oil leaks in the engine, valve body issues in the transmission, air suspension problems (if equipped), electrical issues such as battery drain, and interior component failures. While the severity and cost of these issues can vary, they can potentially lead to significant repair bills, especially if not addressed promptly. Potential buyers should consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic to identify any existing or potential problems.