BMW, I am so breaking up with you

The author, not previously a car enthusiast, leased a BMW i4 electric vehicle attracted by its understated design, color options, and rarity compared to other EVs. Initial impressions were positive, with the car’s aesthetics and smooth ride impressing them. However, over nearly two years, the relationship soured due to persistent and significant software problems that undermined the car’s reliability and usability. Key issues include frequent failures of the BMW Digital Key app, making it difficult to unlock the car, and an overly complex user profile system that disrupts Bluetooth and playlist preferences when others drive the vehicle. The CarPlay integration is unreliable and sometimes dangerous, with software updates breaking functionality and the backup camera performing poorly, especially in low light. Additionally, a “pseudo-sleep mode” causes the car’s exterior lights to remain on after parking, draining the battery and raising safety concerns. The 2022 i4 model also faced six recalls in its first year, including a serious fire risk, compounding the author