2021 BMW 745e
Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints reported by owners of the 2021 BMW 745e, categorized for clarity and accuracy.
The 2021 BMW 745e is a plug-in hybrid variant of the 7 Series, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and fuel efficiency. The 745e is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options for the 2021 7 Series include a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (non-hybrid), a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, and a 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12. Owners generally appreciate the 745e for its smooth ride, luxurious interior, and advanced technology features. However, some common complaints include electrical glitches, complex infotainment systems, and higher maintenance costs associated with the hybrid powertrain.
Electric Motor
Electric Motor Only
- Electric Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced electric driving range, error messages related to the electric motor, complete failure of the electric motor resulting in the vehicle operating solely on the gasoline engine.
- Solution: Replacement of the electric motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000 - $12,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Engine
3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 Hybrid
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant level dropping, overheating, visible coolant leaks under the car, sweet smell of coolant. Potential leak points include the water pump, hoses, and radiator.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the leaking component.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the location of the leak and the parts needing replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Check Engine Light Illumination Due to Various Sensor Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light comes on, potential codes related to oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensor, or other engine management sensors.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the specific sensor issue and replacement of the faulty sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ depending on the sensor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Fuel Injector Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, reduced fuel economy, and potential fuel smell.
- Solution: Fuel injector replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2,500 depending on how many injectors need replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
- Rough or Delayed Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Noticeable hesitation when shifting gears, jerky or harsh gear changes, especially when cold.
- Solution: Software re-programming of the transmission control module (TCM). If the issue persists, valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (reprogramming) to $5,000+ (transmission replacement).
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Failure/Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, compressor running constantly, “Chassis Malfunction” warning. Leaks often occur in the air struts or air lines.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the leak location and replacement of the faulty air strut, air line, or compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut, depending on the shop and parts used.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Glitches
- Description/Symptoms: System freezing, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity issues, navigation errors.
- Solution: Software update, system reset. In some cases, replacement of the iDrive control unit may be needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) to $1,500+ (iDrive unit replacement).
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Dead battery overnight or after short periods of inactivity. Could be caused by a faulty module not shutting down properly or parasitic drain.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the source of the drain and repair or replacement of the faulty component.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1000+ depending on the component causing the draw.
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, etc.)
- Description/Symptoms: Inaccurate or non-functioning parking sensors, false alarms, system error messages.
- Solution: Replacement of faulty sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Adaptive Headlight Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Headlights not leveling properly, error messages related to the adaptive headlight system, flickering or non-operational headlights.
- Solution: Recalibration of the headlight system or replacement of faulty headlight components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Motor/Adjustment Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Seats not adjusting properly, motors making noise or failing completely, limited range of motion.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the seat motor or adjustment mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ depending on the specific issue.
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof gets stuck when opening or closing.
- Solution: Replace the sunroof assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2021 BMW 745e, while offering a luxurious and technologically advanced driving experience, is prone to certain issues. Electrical glitches, particularly within the infotainment system and battery drain issues, are common complaints. Suspension problems related to the air suspension can also be costly to repair. Engine issues, while less frequent, can arise due to coolant leaks or sensor malfunctions. These issues range from minor inconveniences requiring software updates to more significant repairs like replacing electric motors or air suspension components. The estimated cost to fix these issues varies widely, with some repairs costing hundreds of dollars and others potentially exceeding several thousand dollars.