2017 BMW 650i xDrive
The 2017 BMW 650i xDrive is a luxury grand tourer known for its powerful engine, elegant design, and comfortable ride. The standard engine is a 4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8 producing 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. People generally appreciate the car’s strong acceleration, luxurious interior, and advanced technology. Downsides often mentioned are the high maintenance costs and occasional electrical issues. The 2017 650i xDrive came with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Engine
4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, specifically from the valve cover gaskets or the oil filter housing. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
- Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or the oil filter housing.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on the location of the leak and if additional components need to be replaced.
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the turbochargers, reduced engine power, and potential check engine light. This can be related to wastegate issues or turbocharger failure.
- Solution: Diagnose the turbocharger system, potentially replacing the turbocharger(s) or related components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+ (for turbocharger replacement).
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
- Rough Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Hesitation on acceleration, failure to shift, or rough shifting between gears. May be more pronounced at lower speeds.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change, software update to the transmission control module (TCM), or transmission rebuild/replacement in severe cases.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $7,000+ depending on the severity of the issue and the chosen repair method.
- Recalls: None Found
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission slipping, or complete loss of drive. Check engine light might be illuminated. The Mechatronic unit is the control unit located inside the transmission.
- Solution: Replacement of the Mechatronic unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sagging, longer time to level after starting, a warning light indicating suspension malfunction.
- Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Air Strut Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: The vehicle sits lower on one side, a noticeably bouncy ride, and hissing sounds near the struts.
- Solution: Replacing the air struts
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- iDrive System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive screen freezes, reboots unexpectedly, or loses functionality. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle settings.
- Solution: Software update for the iDrive system, replacement of the iDrive controller, or replacement of the entire iDrive head unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ depending on the root cause.
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not in use. This can be caused by a faulty module not shutting down properly or an issue with the charging system.
- Solution: Diagnose the source of the battery drain, replacing faulty modules, or repairing the charging system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the drain.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Adaptive Headlight Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Headlights not leveling properly, error messages related to the adaptive headlight system.
- Solution: Recalibration of the headlight system, replacement of the headlight control module, or replacement of the entire headlight assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ depending on the cause and components needing replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Motor Failures
- Description/Symptoms: The power seats do not adjust properly or stop working altogether. This can be due to a faulty seat motor or a problem with the seat control module.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor or the seat control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2017 BMW 650i xDrive, while offering a luxurious and powerful driving experience, has potential issues that owners should be aware of. Engine and transmission problems, particularly oil leaks, turbocharger issues, and rough shifting, can be costly to repair. Electrical issues with the iDrive system and battery drain are also common concerns. Suspension issues relating to the air suspension system can also be expensive to resolve. Overall, while many owners find the car enjoyable, the potential for significant repair costs should be considered when purchasing or maintaining this vehicle.