2023 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe

The 2023 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe is a luxury performance vehicle that blends sporty driving dynamics with elegant coupe styling and the practicality of four doors. It comes standard with a powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. What people generally like about this car is its potent acceleration, luxurious interior, and comfortable ride. Common dislikes often include the high price tag, complex infotainment system, and potentially high maintenance costs.

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are a recurring issue reported in various BMW models with the N63/S63 engine variants (which the 4.4L V8 in the M850i is related to). Oil can leak from valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gaskets, or the rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the car, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty gasket or seal. Thoroughly cleaning the affected area is also essential.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+, depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks may occur from various locations, including the coolant expansion tank, radiator hoses, or water pump. Signs include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant puddles.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking component and topping up the coolant. Pressure testing the system to confirm the repair is recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500, depending on the component needing replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported turbocharger issues, including premature wear and failure, leading to reduced engine performance, excessive smoke, or unusual noises from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing occasional rough or jerky shifting, particularly during lower gear changes. This may be more noticeable when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) can resolve the issue. In other cases, a transmission fluid flush or replacement may be necessary. In severe cases, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild might be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $5000+ (transmission rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Hesitation or Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation or slipping during acceleration, particularly at higher speeds, can be a sign of internal transmission wear or failure.
  • Solution: A thorough inspection of the transmission is necessary to determine the cause of the slipping. Repair options range from fluid flush and filter replacement to complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid change) - $8,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Suspension Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The M850i features adaptive suspension, which can experience malfunctions. Symptoms include ride height issues, failure to adjust to different driving modes, or warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the specific issue (e.g., faulty sensor, air strut leak, control module problem) and replacing the malfunctioning component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+, depending on the component needing replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system can be prone to occasional glitches, such as freezing, crashing, or unresponsive touch screen.
  • Solution: Performing a system reboot or updating the software may resolve the issue. In some cases, hardware replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1500+ (hardware replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Failures of various sensors, such as parking sensors, rain sensors, or driver assistance system sensors (e.g., blind spot monitoring), can occur, leading to error messages and/or malfunctioning systems.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report issues with the seat motors, leading to difficulty adjusting the seats or complete failure of the seat adjustments.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof/Moonroof Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling, creaking, or failure to open/close properly.
  • Solution: Lubrication, realignment, or replacement of sunroof components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2023 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, while a luxurious and high-performance vehicle, is not without its potential issues. The most prevalent concerns revolve around the engine (oil and coolant leaks, potential turbocharger issues) and transmission (rough shifting). Electrical glitches and suspension malfunctions are also noted. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for major engine or transmission work. While there are potential issues to be aware of, many owners experience few or no problems with their M850i Gran Coupes. It is recommended to have a thorough pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic experienced with BMWs.