Which is cheaper to maintain, the BMW i4 or the BMW i4?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the BMW i4 is cheaper to maintain — about $0 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the eDrive35 Single Motor RWD and the eDrive40 Single Motor RWD?

Across 8 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the BMW i4 or BMW i4?

The BMW i4 has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The BMW i4 has 0 open recalls. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

2026 BMW i4 vs 2026 BMW i4 — Labor Times, Costs & Recalls

Specifications

Year

2026

Engine

eDrive35 Single Motor RWD

eDrive40 Single Motor RWD

Drivetrain

RWD

Transmission

automatic

Fuel

Powertrain

Engine output, acceleration, top speed, handling, braking — and Nürburgring if either car ran one.

Horsepower

281hp

335hp

Torque

295lb-ft

317lb-ft

0–60 mph

—

Quarter Mile

—

Top Speed

—

Skidpad

—

60–0 Braking

—

70–0 Braking

—

Performance specs synthesized from manufacturer figures and instrumented magazine tests (Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Road & Track). MPG from EPA fueleconomy.gov. Numbers flagged as "low confidence" by AI generation are conservative estimates from related platforms.

Cost of Ownership

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$4,190

0.07 $/mi

5-Year Maintenance

$4,190

0.07 $/mi

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Front brake pads

1.6 hrs$640 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.6 hrs$620 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.3 hrs$470 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

1.0 hrs$330 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.3 hrs$300 / 5yr

12V battery

0.5 hrs$275 / 5yr

Cabin air filter

0.4 hrs$255 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.

Fluid Capacities

BMW i4

brake0.90 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 4 LV

coolant9.00 qt · BMW Coolant BMW 83 19 2 211 191

power_steering · none — electric power steering

transmission_auto1.60 qt · BMW MTF-LT-5

washer3.20 qt · Windshield washer fluid (all-season)

BMW i4

brake0.95 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 4 LV / ISO 4925 Class 6

coolant6.30 qt · BMW N 600 69.0

power_steering · none — electric power steering

transmission_auto1.80 qt · BMW LongLife MTF-EV

washer3.20 qt · Windshield washer fluid concentrate or premix

The Verdict

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Across cost of ownership and recall count, neither vehicle pulls decisively ahead. Pick on personal preference — drivetrain, transmission feel, brand loyalty, or the engine that puts a smile on your face.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.

BMW i4

eDrive35 Single Motor RWD

View dashboard →

BMW i4

eDrive40 Single Motor RWD

View dashboard →