IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2023 BMW i5 (G60E)

The i5 saloon launched in the UK in October 2023 with eDrive40 and M60 xDrive models, an 84.3kWh battery and standard rear air suspension.

What changed for 2023

  • •eDrive40 rear-drive 340PS and M60 xDrive 601PS at launch.
  • •84.3kWh battery with DC charging up to about 205kW.
  • •iDrive 8.5 Curved Display, Interaction Bar and standard rear self-levelling.

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Tyre wear and sidewall damage from the car's 2.2-tonne kerb weight.
  • !Rear suspension sitting unevenly or on the bump stops after air-spring leaks.
  • !Brake disc corrosion where regenerative braking is used almost exclusively.
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Known Issues
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Serious
1
Moderate
2
Minor

All Known Issues

Rear Air Suspension Height Sensor Calibration Drift

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The standard self-levelling rear air suspension can experience height sensor linkage drift over severe speed bumps, resulting in a slightly uneven rear ride height prompt.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£350
Warning Signs:

"Chassis control: ride height restricted" warning, Uneven left-to-right rear stance when parked, Air compressor cycling frequently

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect rear air suspension sensor linkages for corrosion or play
  • Check ride height calibration via diagnostic tool
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

High-Voltage Battery Thermal Pre-conditioning Software Hang

MinorElectrics & Electronics

On early iDrive 8.5 software builds, selecting a DC rapid charger in the navigation system occasionally failed to trigger automatic battery thermal pre-conditioning, leading to slower initial charging speeds in cold weather.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Software update)
Warning Signs:

DC rapid charge rate capped at 75kW instead of 205kW, Cold weather charging delay, Battery temperature preparation icon missing

What to Inspect:
  • Confirm iDrive 8.5 software release is 03/2024 or newer
  • Test manual battery pre-conditioning button in EV menu
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Interaction Bar Dynamic Lighting Segment Communication Dropout

MinorInterior & Trim

The full-width backlit crystal Interaction Bar can suffer intermittent LIN-bus communication drops, causing ambient light segments to freeze in white or fail to acknowledge driving mode changes.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Warranty / £350–£750)
Warning Signs:

Crystal bar fails to change color with MyModes, Flickering LED segment on passenger side dash, Hazard button requires firm second push

What to Inspect:
  • Switch between Personal, Sport, and Efficient modes to observe lighting transitions
  • Check for body electronics control unit software updates
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2023 BMW i5 (G60E)

  • Ask for a high-voltage battery state-of-health report and check the software version.
  • Test DC charging and confirm the car pre-conditions the battery.
  • Check the Interaction Bar and all screens for dead segments or flicker.
2024
Check a 2023 BMW i5 (G60E) by Registration