BatteryHigh
State of health variation on rapid charged cars
- Typically appears
- 40,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check the vehicle battery health readout and charging history
- Typical repair
- HV battery module work · £1,200–£8,000
Is the 2021–2025 BMW i4 reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
4.3/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the BMW i4 rates 4.3 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 3 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around battery, brakes and software. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 3
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 1
Weak points cluster around battery, brakes, software, suspension.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
HVAC SystemHigh
Lack of cabin heating or cooling due to heat pump changeover valve failure.
- Typically appears
- 20,000-40,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Set the climate control to maximum heat, then maximum cold. Verify a rapid and distinct temperature change at the centre vents within 60 seconds.
- Typical repair
- Air-con regas or compressor · £90–£900
Cooling SystemHigh
High-voltage system coolant leaks at the heat exchanger or Combined Charging Unit (CCU).
- Typically appears
- 15,000-40,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Open the bonnet, remove the plastic acoustic cover, and visually inspect the two coolant expansion tanks for correct fluid levels and any dried white crusting around the hoses.
- Typical repair
- Cooling component replacement · £220–£750
BrakesMedium
Corroded discs from regen braking use
- Typically appears
- 20,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Inspect disc faces for pitting and scale
- Typical repair
- Brakes (discs, pads, caliper) · £200–£800
SuspensionMedium
Bush and damper wear from kerb weight
- Typically appears
- 50,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for knocks and check for damper weeping
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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