Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | typical | 2 | — | Few |
| 2024 | 2 | 1.5× | 2 | Engine | Few |
| 2023 | 0 | −20% | 3 | — | Few |
| 2022 | 7 | 4.0× | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 2021 | 0 | −50% | 5 | — | Few |
| 2020 | 4 | — | 7 | Steering | Few |
| 2019 | 0 | — | 2 | — | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median 840i year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW 840i problems
Latest BMW 840i recalls
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge.
Electrical system › Starter assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM) › Software
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models.
Remedy: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical system › Software
BMW of North Americal, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 8 Series Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, Alpine B8 xDrive), 2 Series Coupe (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i xDrive, M2), and 2022-2023 Z4…
Remedy: Dealers will update the software for the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), free of charge. In addition, the digital key function via cellular service and Wi-Fi capability will be deactivated until the vehicle is updated…
Back over prevention › Software
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW 840i should you avoid?
None of the BMW 840i years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the BMW 840i?
2021 has the fewest complaints compared with other 840i years at the same age, followed by 2023. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common BMW 840i problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (7), engine & cooling (4) and wheels & tires (2). Electrical complaints peak in the 2022 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW 840i had?
9 recalls across 2019–2025. The model year with the most is 2020. See all BMW 840i recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.