BMW 745e G11 Reliability - Problems & Costs

BMW's plug-in hybrid flagship 7 Series LCI. Combines the robust B58 inline-6 with an electric motor for around 50 km EV range. A 2020-2021 Samsung high-voltage battery recall for fire risk affects many units. Hybrid repairs are expensive with limited specialist support outside dealers.· more· less

Robust B58 petrol engine Smooth luxury and EV-only commuting

Samsung battery fire recall risk Hybrid repairs dealer-only and costly

Buy if: You want a refined luxury PHEV flagship, can verify the battery recall is completed, and have budget for dealer-level hybrid servicing.

Avoid if: You want low running costs or cannot access a BMW specialist familiar with PHEV high-voltage systems.

Maintenance costs

€2,100 - €3,900/year

15,000 km/year

Fixed costs

€1,500-2,700

Risk buffer

€600-1,200

Common Problems

High-voltage battery cell contamination (Samsung recall)

€0 - 12,0001 of 5

2020-2021 Samsung battery cells contaminated with debris, fire risk recall · more· less

BMW recalled 4,500+ plug-in hybrids in late 2020 (expanded in 2021) for Samsung battery cells contaminated with debris during manufacture, posing a short-circuit and fire risk. Affected units had a sales stop, and owners were told not to charge or use Sport mode until repair. Most recall work is now complete and free of charge, but unrepaired examples remain on the used market. If completed under recall the cost is zero; out-of-warranty HV battery replacement runs €10,000-12,000+ at BMW dealers. Verify recall status with VIN before purchase.

Electric water pump and thermostat failure

€800 - 1,8002 of 5

B58 electric water pump typically fails between 120,000-160,000 km · more· less

The B58 uses an electric water pump that is a known wear item. Failure causes overheating warnings and can damage the engine if ignored. Plastic thermostat housings also crack and leak from heat cycling. Combined replacement at a specialist is around €800-1,200; BMW dealers charge €1,500-1,800. The PHEV cooling system has additional circuits for the hybrid components which adds labor complexity.

Air suspension leaks and compressor failure

€1,200 - 4,5003 of 5

Two-axle air suspension airbags develop leaks, compressor then overworks and fails · more· less

All G11 7 Series have two-axle air suspension as standard. Airbags typically develop leaks between 100,000-150,000 km, often visible as the car sitting low after parking overnight. The compressor then runs constantly trying to compensate, eventually failing itself. Replacing one airbag at a specialist is around €600-800; a compressor adds another €600-1,000. BMW dealers can charge €4,000+ for full system work. Always diagnose and fix the leak before replacing the compressor.

12V battery drain and electronic gremlins

€300 - 1,5004 of 5

Without an alternator, parked 745e drains 12V if SME contactor opens · more· less

The 745e has no alternator. It uses the electric motor as a generator and a DC/DC converter to charge the 12V system from the HV battery. If the SME (battery management) module faults and opens the high-voltage contactors, the 12V will drain even while driving. Owners report random warning messages, infotainment glitches and parking-assist faults; many are resolved by firmware updates at the dealer. A replacement 12V AGM battery is €300-400 fitted; SME diagnostics can run €800-1,500.

Hybrid charging port and onboard charger issues

€600 - 3,0005 of 5

Charging port and onboard charger occasionally fail, parts dealer-only · more· less

Reports of failed charging ports, water ingress into the port cavity, and onboard charger faults appear on owner forums. Parts are not stocked at independents and typically require BMW dealer ordering. Diagnosis can be lengthy because the charging system spans several modules. Repairs range from €600 for a charging flap or sensor up to €3,000 for an onboard charger replacement.

Complex flagship PHEV with high repair costs out of warranty

The 745e combines a robust B58 engine with a complex hybrid system, two-axle air suspension and extensive electronics. Most reliability issues are manageable under warranty but become very expensive once out of coverage. The Samsung battery recall is the single most important pre-purchase check — confirm it has been completed using the VIN. Budget realistically for dealer-level hybrid servicing.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

General checks

Service history
Complete BMW dealer or independent specialist records essential. Verify hybrid-system inspections.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear. Run-flats are mandatory and expensive.
Cold start
Start engine fully cold. Listen for cooling system noises and check for warning lights.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including full EV-only operation, highway and stop-start traffic.

Specific for this vehicle

Verify Samsung battery recall completed
Critical: contact BMW with VIN to confirm 2020/2021 high-voltage battery recall remedy has been applied.
Confirm EV-only range under load
Drive at least 20 km in electric-only mode. Compare actual range against claimed ~40-50 km.
Check air suspension levelness overnight
Park flat for 12+ hours. Car should remain level. Sagging indicates airbag leaks.

+ 3 more checksShow less

Inspect charging port and cable operation
Open the charge flap, look for corrosion or moisture, and complete a full home-style charge cycle if possible.
Scan for stored fault codes
Hybrid systems often store historical faults. Have an independent BMW specialist scan SME, EME, DME and chassis modules.
Check coolant level and condition
Two cooling circuits (engine + hybrid). Low coolant or staining points to electric water pump or thermostat housing leaks.

Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

High-voltage battery fire risk - Samsung cell contamination (2020-2021 PHEV models) Critical - verify completed

Starter motor fire risk recall (2026) Verify completed

Takata airbag inflator (where applicable) Verify if applicable

Contact a BMW dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The Samsung high-voltage battery recall is critical for the 745e - do not buy without proof of completion.

Warranty Status

Factory warranty (2 years) Expired on all 745e

High-voltage battery warranty (8 years / 160,000 km) May still apply on 2021-2022 cars

BMW Premium Selection extended warranty Available through BMW dealers

Original 2-year factory warranty has expired on all 745e. The 8-year / 160,000 km hybrid battery warranty may still cover 2021-2022 models. Verify exact coverage with BMW using the VIN before purchase.

Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.

This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.

BMW 745e G11

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