BMW i4 Buyer Checklist

2022–2026·Last reviewed 6/9/2026

BMW's electric Gran Coupe. Shares architecture with the 4 Series. Generally trouble-free; check for any high-voltage battery recall.

Used EV battery health →

Paperwork

  • VIN on dashboard matches title, window sticker, and finance contract
  • Window sticker (Monroney) included and matches the build you ordered
  • Confirm tax credit eligibility paperwork (IRS Form 15400 / time-of-sale report)
  • Owner's manual, key fobs (usually 2), and any included charging cable present
  • Warranty booklet shows correct in-service date and original-owner status

Exterior

  • Walk around in good daylight before signing — note panel gaps front, rear, hood, frunk, doors
  • Paint inspection: no swirl marks, orange peel beyond factory, or buffing burn-through
  • All glass clear of cracks, chips, or pitting; windshield not previously replaced
  • Tires match build sheet, manufacture date within ~6 months (DOT code on sidewall), even tread
  • Wheels free of curb rash; center caps and lug covers all present
  • Underbody check for transport damage and that the battery skid plate is undamaged
  • All exterior lights, turn signals, and reverse lights work

Interior

  • Seats free of stains, tears, scuffs; all seat motors and heaters/coolers function
  • Headliner, pillars, and trim properly seated with no visible gaps
  • All buttons, switches, window controls, sunroof/moonroof operate smoothly
  • Cabin smells clean — no chemical, smoke, or musty odor
  • Floor mats present and correct part numbers
  • Cargo cover, parcel shelf, or tonneau included as ordered

Tech / Software

  • Infotainment boots without errors; no warning lights on cluster
  • Latest over-the-air software version installed before delivery
  • Cameras (front, rear, surround) clear and aligned; parking sensors active
  • Bluetooth pairs, CarPlay/Android Auto connects, USB ports power
  • Driver-assist features (adaptive cruise, lane keep) verified on a short test drive
  • Account / app paired correctly to YOUR profile, not a dealer demo account

Charging

  • Battery state of charge at delivery (note %) and indicated full-charge range
  • Charge port door opens, closes, and locks; LED indicators function
  • Test AC (Level 2) charge on-site if possible — connector seats, current ramps up
  • Mobile / portable charger and adapters included as ordered
  • Confirm CCS / NACS / Tesla port and any included adapter

i4 specifics

  • iDrive 8 boots clean; curved display fully functional
  • Adaptive cruise / lane-keep verified
  • BMW Connected app paired
  • Wheels match build sheet (multiple options affect range materially)

Known Issues

Curated from NHTSA, manufacturer TSBs, and owner-forum patterns.

  • Major

    High-voltage battery short-circuit recall

    BMW recalled certain i4 / iX vehicles for a battery cell defect that could short. Verify completion or replacement.

    Source: NHTSA 23V-642
  • Minor

    Charging session aborts on some DCFC

    Owners report compatibility issues with certain older EVgo and BTC chargers; usually resolved by retrying.

Active NHTSA Recalls

Live from the NHTSA Recalls API, refreshed nightly. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov.

No active NHTSA recalls in our database for this model. We refresh nightly from nhtsa.gov. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Checklist for BMW i4 (2022–2026). Last reviewed 6/9/2026. evcostpermile.com — not affiliated with any manufacturer. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.