Breaking Up With BMW: A Farewell

A Disappointing Transition to Electric: My BMW i4 Experience

To begin, it’s important to state that I’ve historically not been an automotive enthusiast. My past vehicles have been primarily chosen for practicality, encompassing a well-used Volvo and subsequent models like a VW Golf and a Mazda SUV, which served my family faithfully for twelve years. A recent lease of a BMW i4 electric car marked a departure from this pattern.

The i4 initially appealed to me due to its design. Unlike some electric vehicles with futuristic aesthetics, BMWs maintain a more understated appearance, which I found appealing. Furthermore, their relative scarcity compared to other EVs in Northern California was a factor. The availability of a wide range of colors, including “Brooklyn Gray” – a detail that surprisingly pleased me – contrasted favorably with Tesla’s limited options. Despite reading reports of early software glitches, I optimistically dismissed these concerns.

The initial drives were genuinely enjoyable. The vehicle’s beauty and smooth ride created a positive impression, fostering a sense of anticipation for future journeys. However, nearly two years later, I find myself eagerly anticipating the end of the lease, a sentiment I never anticipated.

A Deteriorating Relationship with Technology

A frustrating experience has unfolded, stemming from fundamental functionalities. Simply accessing my car has become problematic. On numerous occasions, I’ve been unable to unlock the doors using the BMW Digital Key, despite its intended purpose. This is particularly inconvenient when burdened with groceries, creating the appearance of attempted theft.

These digital key issues are widespread, prompting BMW owners to share complex troubleshooting steps resembling bomb disposal instructions. These involve a series of actions, including app logins, iDrive sign-ins, phone placement, and repeated authentication attempts.

The user profile system presents another challenge. Creating guest profiles results in my own profile being relegated to the lowest priority. Consequently, any other driver’s phone automatically connects and plays their preferred music. BMW’s profile system is overly complex, lacking the intuitive automatic linking that would be expected.

CarPlay integration is inconsistent, ranging from subpar performance to outright danger. Software updates frequently disrupt CarPlay functionality, necessitating complete iDrive system reboots. A particularly irritating issue involves the reverse camera; shifting from reverse to drive while using CarPlay navigation returns the display to the home screen instead of the navigation directions.

The backup camera’s performance is inadequate in low-light conditions, and the screen itself often becomes excessively hot to the touch.

Persistent Issues and Safety Concerns

Another recurring problem involves the exterior lights. If I forget to manually lock the car, the lights remain illuminated, draining the battery. Initially attributed to oversight, it became clear this is a “feature” – a “pseudo-sleep mode” that keeps systems running unnecessarily. Many owners report the same issue, discovering their vehicles lit up and consuming power.

Beyond these daily frustrations, there are legitimate safety concerns. The 2022 i4 was subject to six recalls within its first year, including one advising owners to cease driving due to fire risks. Subsequent recalls addressed battery control units that could cause sudden power loss.

BMW releases software updates every few months, but these updates are often problematic. They frequently disable connected services, impacting access to traffic information, weather data, remote parking, and the MyBMW app.

The over-the-air update process is unreliable, with updates often stalling and requiring dealer intervention for manual installation.

A Premium Price for a Flawed Experience

What is particularly frustrating is that BMW markets these vehicles as premium products. The i4 starts at over $50,000, with higher-end models exceeding $70,000. In contrast, owners of more affordable vehicles, such as Hyundais and Lexus models, report seamless connectivity and user experiences.

It appears the company may have rushed these vehicles to market without sufficient testing of their digital systems, effectively using customers as beta testers. However, I am not explicitly making that accusation.

I genuinely hoped for a positive experience. The i4 is visually appealing, drives well, and initially seemed to embody everything I desired in an electric vehicle. However, I cannot sustain a relationship where basic functions – unlocking, phone connectivity, navigation – demand excessive patience.

Even my technologically proficient husband, typically quick to attribute issues to user error, recently expressed the need for meditation after a particularly frustrating software failure.

A Return to Practicality

Car ownership should not be a constant source of frustration. I shouldn’t need a mental catalog of workarounds for features that should function seamlessly. I shouldn’t dread software updates for fear of disrupting existing functionality.

Therefore, BMW, I’ve reached my limit. You’ve created a beautiful car, but undermined it with substandard software. I envisioned a fulfilling journey together, but I am now returning my i4 to the dealership as soon as my lease concludes. And, surprisingly, I am looking forward to it.