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2024 BMW i7

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2024 BMW i7 is a flagship luxury sedan that represents BMW’s commitment to electric mobility. It is available in several configurations, but the i7 xDrive60 is the most common. It boasts a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing a combined 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of torque. Other powertrains include the M70 xDrive, which increases the horsepower and torque significantly. People generally appreciate the i7’s opulent interior, advanced technology features, and smooth, quiet ride. However, some common dislikes include the bold (and some say controversial) exterior styling, the high price tag, and the complexity of the infotainment system. Some people feel the acceleration, while impressive, isn’t as neck-snapping as some other high-performance EVs.

Electric Motor

i7 xDrive60 (Dual Motor)

  • Electric Motor Failure (Rare)
    • Description/Symptoms: Complete loss of power, vehicle unable to start or move. May be preceded by error messages related to the electric motor. This is a rare occurrence, but some owners have reported it.
    • Solution: Replacement of the affected electric motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $15,000 - $25,000+ (includes labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Battery

All i7 Models

  • Reduced Range Under Cold Weather Conditions
    • Description/Symptoms: Significant drop in driving range during cold weather (below freezing). This is a characteristic of all EVs due to the chemical processes within the battery being less efficient in cold temperatures.
    • Solution: Pre-conditioning the battery before driving, parking in a garage, using seat heaters and steering wheel heaters to reduce reliance on cabin heating. This is more of a characteristic limitation than a defect.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: N/A (characteristic of EV tech)
    • Recalls: None Found

Charging System

All i7 Models

  • Inconsistent Charging Speeds at Public Charging Stations
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle charges slower than the advertised maximum charging rate at some public DC fast-charging stations. This can be due to variations in charging station performance or communication issues between the car and the charging station.
    • Solution: Trying a different charging station or contacting the charging network provider to report the issue. Ensuring the charging cable is properly connected.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies; could be a charging station issue (no cost to the vehicle owner) or a vehicle charging system issue ($500-$2000).
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

All i7 Models

  • Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system occasionally freezes, lags, or spontaneously reboots. This can disrupt navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
    • Solution: Software update from BMW (if available). If the problem persists, the iDrive control unit may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1500+ (control unit replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Driver Assistance System Malfunctions (e.g., Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking)
    • Description/Symptoms: False alerts or unexpected activation of driver assistance features. System temporarily disables itself.
    • Solution: Recalibration of the sensors. Software update. In some cases, sensor replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (recalibration/software update) - $800+ (sensor replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

All i7 Models

  • Automatic Door Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The automatic doors sometimes fail to open or close properly, requiring manual operation. The sensors that detect obstructions may be overly sensitive.
    • Solution: Software update to adjust sensor sensitivity. Recalibration of the door mechanism. In some cases, door motor replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1000+ (motor replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

All i7 Models

  • Rear Theater Screen Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The 31-inch BMW Theater Screen in the rear may experience issues such as flickering, lines on the screen, or failure to deploy/retract correctly.
    • Solution: Software update for the screen controller. Replacement of the screen or deployment mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $3000+ (screen replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Massage Seat Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Massage seats fail to operate correctly, massage functions fail to activate or the massage intensity does not change.
    • Solution: Replacement of the seat or the seat motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000+ (motor replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

All i7 Models equipped with Air Suspension

  • Air Suspension Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle sits lower than normal on one or more corners. Air compressor runs frequently or continuously. Error message related to the suspension system.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaking air strut or air line. Repair of the air compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+ per strut (includes labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2024 BMW i7, while a technologically advanced and luxurious vehicle, does have some reported issues. The most concerning are the potential for electric motor failures, which are rare but extremely costly to repair. Electrical glitches with the infotainment and driver assistance systems are more common and can be frustrating. Suspension issues are less common. Overall, the severity of potential issues ranges from minor software glitches to major component failures.

BMW, i7
BMW i7 2024
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