2021 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe

The 2021 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe is a luxury performance vehicle that blends elegant styling with powerful performance. It features a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While lauded for its stunning design, potent engine, and luxurious interior, some owners have reported a few recurring issues. Owners often praise its comfortable ride and spacious interior, while some criticisms include the high price point and occasional electronic glitches.

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may occur from various engine seals and gaskets, leading to a burning oil smell or visible oil spots under the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected seals and gaskets. Common culprits include the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ (depending on the location and severity of the leak).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks are common in the V8 models, especially around the turbo coolant lines and expansion tank.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty hoses, expansion tanks, or turbo coolant lines
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, a transmission fluid flush or valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $2,000+ (valve body replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Hesitation on Acceleration
  • Description/Symptoms: Experiencing a slight hesitation or lag when accelerating, especially from a standstill or at low speeds.
  • Solution: Could be related to transmission control module (TCM) programming, potentially requiring a software update or, in more severe cases, TCM replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Suspension Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Error messages related to the adaptive suspension system (e.g., “Suspension Malfunction”) may appear. This can lead to a harsher ride or uneven handling.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and replacing faulty sensors, struts, or control modules within the adaptive suspension system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+ (depending on the component).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the iDrive infotainment system, such as freezing, lagging, or unexpected reboots.
  • Solution: Attempting a software update first. If the problems continue, a hardware replacement of the iDrive unit might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (iDrive unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning sensors, particularly those related to parking assist, lane departure warning, or blind-spot monitoring, leading to error messages or incorrect readings.
  • Solution: Identifying and replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the sensor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining quickly, especially if the vehicle sits unused for a few days.
  • Solution: Investigating parasitic draws on the electrical system. Could be caused by a faulty module, incorrectly installed aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (diagnosis) - $500+ (battery replacement or fixing parasitic draw).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sensor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with parking sensors, proximity sensors, or camera systems resulting in incorrect readings or inoperability.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected sensor or module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the electric seat adjustment motors, leading to limited or no seat movement.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor or the entire seat assembly in some cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Trim Rattles
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises emanating from interior trim pieces, especially on rough road surfaces.
  • Solution: Identifying and securing the loose trim panels or components. This may involve adding padding or replacing clips.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ (depending on the location and complexity).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe is a generally reliable vehicle but is not immune to issues. Common issues include oil and coolant leaks in the engine, rough shifting from the transmission, glitches in the infotainment system, and sensor failures. The severity of these issues varies, but many can be costly to repair, particularly those related to the engine, suspension, and electrical systems. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision.