[DenverDon]

I took delivery of a custom-ordered (USA) 2024 X5 xDrive50e on August 8, 2023. I had tracked the car’s build progress daily from order to delivery, about 10 weeks in total, and said goodbye to my 2019 MB GLC43 AMG trade, eager for the comfort and power of my new Brooklyn Grey beauty. While I waited I had a 50A circuit installed and mounted up a Grizzl-e Duo EVSE. The car was awesome to drive, with incredible power, a quiet cabin, great handling for a large vehicle, and loads of next-generation technology.

I squeezed a total of 180 miles from the X5 before it was rendered inert with a DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION: DRIVING NOT POSSIBLE error. Of course, the error appeared contemporaneously with my in-laws first (planned) ride in the fancy new car. “Nice car, Don” were the first words from my mother-in-law’s mouth. Awesome. Where is that bar of soap when you need one? We took their perfectly functioning Ford Maverick hybrid to dinner instead of my gorgeous Bavarian steed.

BMW roadside assistance came through quickly and dispatched a tow driver to my home. Since the car was in the garage and locked in park, this gentleman had to perform a series of amazing maneuvers to float the car above the garage floor on wedges, and eventually load it onto his truck. The whole process took about 2 1/2 hours; it was incredible to watch. The guy was an artist. He even told some dirty jokes.

It took a few days for my local dealer to diagnose the issue in conjunction with BMW: battery cell six had a control module failure. The car has been sitting in the dealer parking lot since August 11, waiting for a part shipped from Germany. It may arrive this week or next, and I’ve been driving an X3 loaner (nice car).

I’ve read about various battery-related issues folks have had with the ‘50e, but I haven’t seen anything along the lines of my experience. I wanted to share with all of you, and I certainly hope my issue is a one-off.

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Originally Posted by DenverDon

I took delivery of a custom-ordered (USA) 2024 X5 xDrive50e on August 8, 2023. I had tracked the car daily

Sorry my stupidity but when I first read this I thought you must be mad to take this giant SUV to racetrack everyday 😅

[Steve737]

Sorry to hear that. I hope they get you fixed up soon. Figured it had to break when family’s there.

[DenverDon]

Hah! Should have said “tracked build progress”. Edited original post.

[tooloud10]

Were there this many reports of brand new 45e models having problems like this when they first came out? Seems like every problem thread is about the new 50e and not the other X5 models.

[Heavyd]

Originally Posted by tooloud10

Were there this many reports of brand new 45e models having problems like this when they first came out? Seems like every problem thread is about the new 50e and not the other X5 models.

Yes. There was a huge recall because of contaminated batteries. My 45e had several issues. They replaced the AC and parts were 3 months back order and I couldn’t have my car back and also some other smaller shit.
But everything got fixed and in the end it was a stable car.

[Bmwx5z]

Originally Posted by Heavyd

Yes. There was a huge recall because of contaminated batteries. My 45e had several issues. They replaced the AC and parts were 3 months back order and I couldn’t have my car back and also some other smaller shit.
But everything got fixed and in the end it was a stable car.

People usually buy new cars to avoid shi* like this.... crazy how this is considered ok

[jad03060]

Forums tend to see posts from people that have problems and looking for a solution or to vent...it tends to be the same thing for all brands and models. What you don't see are the many people that never have a problem. In the industry, BMW lately has been posting fewer defects than many others out there. Now, this certainly could change.

[cobramite]

^^^^^^^Absolutely true.