2017 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe
The 2017 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe is a luxury four-door coupe that blends performance with elegance. This model year offers a potent 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine, producing 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available is an 8-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciate the car’s powerful engine, comfortable ride, luxurious interior, and distinctive styling. Common complaints revolve around the high cost of maintenance and repairs, some electronic glitches, and the relatively cramped rear seating for a car of its size.
Engine
4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks commonly originate from valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gaskets, and oil pan gaskets. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets is the primary fix. This may involve removing various engine components to access the gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on the location of the leak and the labor involved.
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from the expansion tank, radiator hoses, or the water pump. Symptoms include low coolant level warnings, overheating, and visible coolant puddles.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty component is the solution. The cooling system should be pressure tested after the repair.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+, depending on the component.
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The turbochargers on the 4.4L engine can experience issues, including wastegate actuator problems and oil leaks into the turbine housing. Symptoms include reduced power, turbo lag, and unusual noises from the engine.
- Solution: Depending on the severity, the turbocharger may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+ for turbocharger replacement, less for a rebuild.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)
- Rough Shifting/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly between certain gears. Hesitation when accelerating can also be an issue.
- Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and software update may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 for fluid flush, $1,000 - $3,000+ for valve body replacement or transmission rebuild.
- Recalls: None Found
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit controls the hydraulic actuation of the transmission. Failure can result in erratic shifting, limp mode activation, and difficulty engaging gears.
- Solution: Replacement of the mechatronic unit is the standard fix.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Problems (if equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicles equipped with the optional air suspension may experience problems with the air struts or the air compressor. Symptoms include a sagging ride height, uneven ride height, and a malfunctioning suspension warning light.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty air strut or air compressor is the typical solution.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ per strut, $800 - $1,500+ for the compressor.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- iDrive System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system can experience glitches, including screen freezing, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and navigation problems.
- Solution: A software update may resolve some issues. In other cases, the iDrive control unit may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for software update, $1,000 - $2,000+ for control unit replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as those for the parking assist system or the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), can fail. Symptoms include error messages on the dashboard and malfunctioning systems.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor is the fix.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor, depending on the type and location.
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to a faulty module or a parasitic draw. Symptoms include difficulty starting the car, a dead battery, and warning messages.
- Solution: Identify and repair the source of the parasitic draw. This may involve replacing a faulty module or repairing wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the source of the draw.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Adaptive Headlight Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Problems with the adaptive headlight system can cause the headlights to malfunction, flicker, or display error messages.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty headlight unit or the headlight control module may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per headlight unit.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Motor Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The seat motors can fail, preventing adjustment of the seats.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor is the typical solution.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can experience problems such as failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, or leaking.
- Solution: The track or motor might need replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2017 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe can be a rewarding vehicle to own, but potential buyers should be aware of the potential for costly repairs. Engine oil leaks, transmission issues, and electrical glitches are among the most common problems. While some issues may be relatively minor, others can be quite expensive to fix, particularly those related to the turbochargers, air suspension, or iDrive system. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified BMW mechanic is highly recommended to identify any potential problems before buying.