Post
Research the Car Logo

2018 BMW 640i xDrive Gran Coupe

The 2018 BMW 640i xDrive Gran Coupe is a stylish and luxurious four-door coupe that blends performance with practicality. The 640i xDrive Gran Coupe comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options include the 650i’s 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine, as well as the M6’s tuned version of that same engine. People often praise the 640i’s sleek design, comfortable interior, and smooth ride. Common complaints include the high cost of maintenance and repairs, as well as the complexity of the iDrive infotainment system, and the overall cost of the vehicle compared to more practical sedans.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-Six (B58)

  • Oil Filter Housing/Cooler Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak is visible under the car. Coolant leak can be visible and result in engine overheating. The leak originates from the gasket that seals the oil filter housing/oil cooler to the engine block. The smell of burning oil can also be present.
    • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket and potentially the cooler itself if warped.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • VANOS Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, rough idling, check engine light. Diagnostic codes related to VANOS system performance.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty VANOS solenoid(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (per solenoid)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks (Various Locations)
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant level decreasing, overheating, visible leaks around hoses, expansion tank, or radiator.
    • Solution: Identify the source of the leak (hose, tank, radiator) and replace the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the location and complexity.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

  • Rough or Delayed Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, hesitation when accelerating, delayed engagement when shifting between Park, Reverse, and Drive.
    • Solution: Mechatronic unit replacement/repair, valve body service, or full transmission replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $6,000+ depending on the severity and chosen repair.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine revs increase without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, particularly noticeable during acceleration.
    • Solution: Full transmission replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $9,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, error messages related to the air suspension system, compressor running excessively or failing.
    • Solution: Replacement of air springs, air compressor, or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per corner, depending on the component.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushing Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Vague steering feel.
    • Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings, or the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,200+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • iDrive System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response, random reboots, connectivity problems with Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay.
    • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the iDrive control unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ depending on the issue and fix.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Car requires frequent jump starts, the battery drains overnight, or after the car sits for a short period.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the parasitic drain. Common causes are faulty modules, aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the drain.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not leveling properly, error messages related to the adaptive headlight system, headlights flickering.
    • Solution: Replacement of the headlight control module or the headlight assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+ per headlight
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat does not move in one or more directions, grinding noises from the seat motor.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof jamming, not opening or closing properly, excessive noise during operation.
    • Solution: Lubrication of the sunroof mechanism, or replacement of the sunroof motor or track components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the severity and chosen repair.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 BMW 640i xDrive Gran Coupe can be a rewarding vehicle to own, offering a blend of luxury and performance. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for costly repairs, particularly related to the engine, transmission, air suspension (if equipped), and electrical systems. Some issues, like oil leaks and rough shifting, are relatively common. Address any issues immediately, and do preventative maintenance and repairs before the issue gets worse. Overall, the 2018 BMW 640i Gran Coupe can have its share of problems, so perform a thorough inspection.

This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.