2019 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe
The 2019 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe is a high-performance luxury vehicle that blends the comfort and elegance of a four-door coupe with the power and handling expected from Alpina. It is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners typically praise the B6 for its exceptional performance, luxurious interior, and exclusive styling. Common criticisms include its high price point and the potential for expensive maintenance and repairs.
Engine
4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, typically observed around the valve cover gaskets or the oil filter housing. Oil spots on the garage floor and/or the smell of burning oil may be present.
- Solution: Replacing the valve cover gaskets or the oil filter housing gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, often originating from the coolant expansion tank or various hoses. Low coolant levels may cause the engine to overheat.
- Solution: Replacing the coolant expansion tank or the leaking hoses.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- VANOS Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Variable valve timing (VANOS) malfunctions, resulting in rough idling, reduced power, and potential engine stalling. Error codes related to the VANOS system may be stored in the ECU.
- Solution: Replacing faulty VANOS solenoids or performing a VANOS system overhaul, including replacing seals and components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
- Rough Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when shifting between gears, hard shifts, or slipping gears, particularly at higher mileages.
- Solution: Replacing the transmission fluid and filter, or a software update may be required in some instances. In more severe cases, transmission repairs or a replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $7,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The vehicle may sit unevenly, the ride may be excessively bouncy or harsh, or the air compressor may run constantly. Error messages related to the air suspension system might be displayed on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacing faulty air struts, the air compressor, or ride height sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain, especially when the vehicle is parked for extended periods. This can lead to difficulty starting the engine or a completely dead battery.
- Solution: Identifying the parasitic drain source (e.g., faulty module, aftermarket accessories) and repairing or replacing the affected component.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- iDrive System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system may freeze, crash, or exhibit intermittent functionality. Common issues include navigation problems, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and display glitches.
- Solution: Software updates, or replacement of the iDrive control unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions of various sensors, such as parking sensors, headlight sensors, and other sensors associated with driver-assistance features. These failures can lead to warning lights on the dashboard and affect the proper operation of vehicle systems.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Adaptive Headlight Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Adaptive headlights may fail to adjust properly, causing poor visibility at night. Error messages related to the adaptive headlight system might be displayed on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty headlight assembly or related control modules.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Heater Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters may fail to heat or may overheat. This can be due to a faulty heating element or a problem with the seat heater control module.
- Solution: Replacing the heating element or the seat heater control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2019 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe, while offering exceptional performance and luxury, can be susceptible to certain issues. Engine-related problems, particularly oil and coolant leaks, are relatively common. The transmission can experience rough shifting at higher mileages. Electrical issues, such as battery drain and iDrive system malfunctions, can also occur. Suspension issues with the air ride system can also be expensive to fix. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs, and the associated costs can vary significantly, potentially reaching several thousand dollars. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and carefully inspect the vehicle before purchase.