BMW is recalling 1,150 i4 electric cars because a part of the chassis may crack and compromise structural integrity.
All recalled cars are 2024 models, encompassing three versions of the i4 available for that model year. That includes the base single-motor i4 eDrive40, dual-motor i4 xDrive50, and the range-topping i4 M50.
2024 BMW i4 M50
These vehicles may have been manufactured with a left-side longitudinal beam that “may not have been produced by the supplier according to specifications,” said a recall report from the NHTSA. Specifically, it could crack near the area of a rivet flange used to support the rear wheel arch. In a crash, this could lead to increased deformation of the chassis in the area of the rear seats and potentially damage the battery pack, creating a fire risk, according to the NHTSA.
BMW is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue—which was discovered during supplier quality checks—nor is it aware of any warranty claims or customer complaints related to the problem.
2024 BMW i4 M50
Dealers will inspect the left-side longitudinal beam and replace it if necessary, free of charge. BMW plans to start mailing owner notification letters Oct. 7, 2024. Owners can also contact the automaker’s customer service department at 1-800-525-7417.
Introduced for the 2022 model year, the i4 combines an all-electric powertrain with the body shell from the gasoline BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe. The electric model receives some updates for 2025, including a range boost in certain configurations. BMW is moving away from EVs based on combustion models with its Neue Klasse family, based on a dedicated EV architecture, that’s due to launch in Europe in 2025.