BMW i4 Lease: A Disaster of Software Issues Marring a Beautiful Electric Car

In the pursuit of a new driving experience, I opted for a BMW i4 electric car, drawn to its understated elegance and lesser prevalence compared to other EVs in Northern California. However, my initial enthusiasm has been dampened by persistent software issues that have transformed my lease into an unwelcome burden.

From the basic functionality of unlocking the car with a phone, to complex processes involving digital keys and user profiles, the BMW i4 has proven to be more frustrating than futuristic. The inability to create guest profiles without demotion, or the need for elaborate workarounds to access one’s own vehicle, are but a few examples of the system’s flawed design.

The car’s CarPlay integration is another source of dismay, with software updates often disrupting functionality and requiring extensive system reboots. The reverse camera issue is particularly vexing; switching from reverse to drive while using CarPlay navigation can result in being redirected to the home screen instead of returning to directions.

The backup camera itself is largely ineffective in low light conditions, and the screen tends to heat up uncomfortably. Furthermore, an unexplained feature that keeps lights and other systems running indefinitely when the car enters a “pseudo-sleep mode” has resulted in several instances of draining the battery.

Beyond these recurring technical problems, there are legitimate safety concerns. The 2022 i4 was subject to six recalls in its first year, including one that classified the vehicles as fire risks when parked and advised owners to cease driving them immediately. Subsequent recalls have addressed battery control units capable of causing a sudden loss of power.

Over-the-air updates for the i4 are released approximately every few months, but the process is fraught with issues. Updates have been known to break connected services, resulting in loss of access to traffic information, weather data, remote parking functions, and even MyBMW app connectivity.

The unreliability of these updates has led to instances where they get stuck at various percentages for days, necessitating trips to dealers for manual installation.

Given the i4’s premium price tag – starting at over $50,000 and reaching well over $70,000 for fully-equipped models – one might expect a seamless user experience. Yet, owners of less expensive vehicles, including Hyundais and Lexus models, report robust connectivity and hassle-free operation.

Despite my initial enthusiasm for the i4’s aesthetics and performance, I can no longer ignore the daily aggravation caused by basic functions that require saintly patience. Even my tech-savvy spouse, who is usually quick to attribute issues to user error, has been driven to meditation following a particularly challenging software meltdown.

Car ownership should not be a constant source of frustration. I should not have to maintain a mental database of workarounds for features that should just function smoothly. I should not dread software updates due to the potential for disruption.

So, BMW, our relationship has reached its end. You’ve created a beautiful car, only to undermine it with software so problematic that it borders on comedic. I had hoped we would embark on an exciting electric journey together; instead, I will be returning my i4 to the dealership as my lease expires. I am surprised to say, I cannot wait.