2014 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe

The 2014 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe is a stylish and luxurious four-door coupe that combines sporty performance with comfortable cruising. It features a powerful twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The 650i xDrive Gran Coupe only came equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Many owners appreciate the car’s striking design, luxurious interior, and strong acceleration. However, some criticisms include high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and potential for expensive repairs as the car ages.

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (N63TU)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets and seals. Turbocharger oil line replacement may be necessary if the lines are damaged.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ depending on the location and complexity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, often from the coolant transfer pipe (“valley pan”) located beneath the intake manifold. Symptoms include coolant loss, overheating, and coolant smell.
  • Solution: Replacement of the coolant transfer pipe and associated gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption.
  • Solution: This issue may require more involved fixes such as piston ring replacement or even an engine rebuild in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift. Can be more pronounced at higher mileage.
  • Solution: Replacement or refurbishment of the valve body. Sometimes a software update can help, but often the issue is mechanical.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mechatronic Unit Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to valve body issues, the mechatronic unit (transmission control unit) can cause shifting problems.
  • Solution: Replacement of the mechatronic unit, often requiring programming/coding.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failures (Rear)
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear air suspension can develop leaks in the air springs (bags) or the air compressor can fail. Symptoms include a sagging rear end, uneven ride height, or warning lights on the dash.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty air springs and/or air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Adaptive Damper (EDC) Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: The electronic dampers can fail, leading to a rough or uncontrolled ride. Error messages may appear on the iDrive screen.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty dampers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per damper
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The car can experience excessive battery drain, especially when parked for extended periods. This can lead to a dead battery and difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the parasitic drain and repair or replace the faulty component (e.g., faulty module, door lock actuator).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• iDrive System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system can experience glitches, freezes, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the iDrive module, or repairs to the display screen.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ depending on the severity and parts needed.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with comfort access door handles not functioning properly. The door handles may fail to unlock or lock the doors, and can trigger error messages.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door handle actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per handle.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat motors, which control seat position adjustments, can fail. This can result in difficulty adjusting the seat.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe, while offering a luxurious driving experience, is prone to several common issues, especially as it ages. The engine is susceptible to oil and coolant leaks, and higher than average oil consumption. The transmission can experience valve body and mechatronic unit problems leading to rough shifting. The suspension system can suffer from air suspension and adaptive damper failures. Electrical gremlins, like battery drain and iDrive malfunctions, are also common. Interior issues include seat motor failures. Overall, the severity of these issues ranges from moderate (electrical glitches, seat motors) to severe (engine issues, transmission problems). The cost to repair can be substantial, particularly for engine, transmission, and suspension-related problems, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection crucial.