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2020 BMW 745Le xDrive

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By Research the Car 5 min read

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2020 BMW 745Le xDrive, following your specified format.

The 2020 BMW 745Le xDrive is a plug-in hybrid variant of the 7 Series luxury sedan, combining a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Other powertrain options for the 2020 7 Series included various gasoline engines such as a 3.0L inline-six turbo, a 4.4L twin-turbo V8, and a 6.6L twin-turbo V12 in the M760i xDrive. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the 745Le for its luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency in hybrid mode. Common complaints include the complexity of the infotainment system, high repair costs, and some concerns about the long-term reliability of the hybrid components.

Electric Motor

745Le xDrive Electric Motor

  • Electric Motor Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: The electric motor may experience failures, leading to reduced electric-only range, decreased performance, or complete inability to drive in electric mode. Error messages related to the electric drive system may appear on the instrument cluster.
    • Solution: Diagnosis by a certified BMW technician is required. Replacement of the electric motor or related components (such as the inverter) may be necessary. Software updates might address some issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $15,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Battery

745Le xDrive Battery

  • High Voltage Battery Degradation
    • Description/Symptoms: Over time, the high-voltage battery’s capacity may degrade, resulting in a shorter electric driving range and increased reliance on the gasoline engine. This degradation may be accelerated by frequent fast charging or extreme temperatures.
    • Solution: In some cases, individual battery modules can be replaced. In others, a full battery pack replacement is required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000 - $20,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Management System (BMS) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The BMS, which controls charging and discharging of the battery, can experience malfunctions. Symptoms include inability to charge, error messages related to battery health, and erratic charging behavior.
    • Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of the BMS by a qualified technician. Software updates might also address BMS issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Engine

B58 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-Six

  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from various points, including the coolant expansion tank, hoses, and the cylinder head. Low coolant levels, overheating, and coolant warning lights are common symptoms.
    • Solution: Locate and repair the source of the leak. This may involve replacing hoses, seals, or the expansion tank.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaking oil may be visible near the oil filter housing, potentially causing a burning smell and reduced oil levels.
    • Solution: Replacement of the oil filter housing gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 8HP 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Rough Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Drivers may experience harsh or delayed shifts, particularly during acceleration or deceleration. The transmission may hesitate before engaging a gear.
    • Solution: A software update of the transmission control module (TCM) may resolve some shifting issues. In other cases, replacement of valve body components or the entire transmission may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software) - $8,000+ (transmission replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Mechatronic Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit, which contains the transmission control unit and valve body, can fail, leading to erratic shifting, limp mode, or complete transmission failure.
    • Solution: Replacement of the mechatronic unit is typically required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system may fail, resulting in the vehicle sitting lower than normal or unevenly. Error messages related to the suspension system may be displayed. The air compressor, which maintains the air pressure in the system, is a common point of failure.
    • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor is necessary. Leaks in the air lines or struts may also need to be addressed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Strut Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Air leaks in the struts can cause the car to sink overnight or while parked. A hissing sound might be heard near the affected strut.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaking air strut(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per strut
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system may experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure. Connectivity issues with smartphones and other devices are also common complaints.
    • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In other cases, replacement of the iDrive head unit may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software) - $2,000+ (head unit)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sensor Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as parking sensors, adaptive cruise control sensors, and blind spot monitoring sensors, may malfunction, leading to error messages and impaired functionality.
    • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the faulty sensor(s). Recalibration of the sensor system may also be required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per sensor
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive headlights, which swivel to improve visibility around corners, may fail to function properly. Error messages related to the headlight system may be displayed.
    • Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of the headlight control module or the headlight assembly itself.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Motor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: The electric seat motors may fail, preventing adjustment of the seat position.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor or the entire seat assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs may become stuck, leak, or make excessive noise during operation.
    • Solution: Lubrication of the sunroof mechanism may resolve some issues. In other cases, repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, seals, or entire assembly may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 BMW 745Le xDrive, while a luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle, is prone to several issues that can result in significant repair costs. Problems with the electric motor, battery, air suspension, and infotainment system are particularly concerning due to their complexity and potential expense. Owners should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their ownership costs. It’s crucial to have the vehicle inspected regularly by a qualified BMW technician, especially when considering a used model. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures.

BMW, 745Le xDrive
BMW 745Le xDrive 2020
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