2021 BMW 745Le xDrive

The 2021 BMW 745Le xDrive is a plug-in hybrid variant of the flagship 7 Series sedan, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and fuel efficiency. It features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2021 7 Series include a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo (non-hybrid), a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, and a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 (depending on the specific 7 Series model). All engines are typically paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the 745Le for its smooth ride, luxurious interior, advanced technology, and the ability to drive short distances on electric power alone. Common complaints include the complexity of the infotainment system, the high cost of maintenance and repairs, and occasional issues related to the hybrid system.

Electric Motor

Electric Motor associated with 3.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-6 Engine

• Reduced Electric Range/Failure to Hold Charge
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported that the electric-only range of the 745Le is less than advertised, and that the battery does not hold a full charge. This can manifest as a rapid decrease in indicated range or the inability to fully charge the battery.
  • Solution: The battery management system may need to be recalibrated, or individual modules within the battery pack may need to be replaced. In more severe cases, the entire high-voltage battery pack could require replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies significantly depending on the issue. Recalibration could be $200 - $400. Battery module replacement could be $1,000 - $3,000. Full battery replacement could be $15,000 - $20,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system occasionally freezes, crashes, or becomes unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, climate control, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: A software update or replacement of the iDrive control unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update (if under warranty) may be free. Replacement control unit could be $1,000 - $2,000.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Driver Assistance Systems)
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty parking sensors, or other driver assistance sensors (like lane departure warning), may provide false alerts or fail to function correctly.
  • Solution: Individual sensor replacement or recalibration of the system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per sensor; Recalibration $100-$300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Charging Port Issues (Plug-in Hybrid Model)
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty charging the vehicle, error messages related to charging, or failure to connect to the charging port.
  • Solution: Inspect the charging port for damage or debris. Test with different charging cables and outlets. If the problem persists, the charging port or onboard charger may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500 for port/charger replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof/Moonroof Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof/moonroof may become stuck, fail to open or close smoothly, or make excessive noise during operation.
  • Solution: Lubrication of the tracks, adjustment of the mechanism, or replacement of the motor or sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Adjustment Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seats may fail to adjust properly, or the motors may make grinding noises.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the seat motor or adjustment mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive headlights may fail to adjust properly, display error messages, or have uneven lighting.
  • Solution: Calibration of the headlight system or replacement of the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 BMW 745Le xDrive, while luxurious and technologically advanced, does exhibit some common issues reported by owners. Electrical glitches, particularly those involving the infotainment system and sensors, appear relatively frequent. Hybrid-related problems with battery range and charging are also notable concerns, particularly given the high cost of battery repairs. While most issues are not necessarily severe enough to render the vehicle undriveable, the cost of repairs can be significant, making extended warranty coverage a worthwhile consideration for potential buyers.