IllustrationVehicle History & Initial Defect: I took delivery of a used 2025 BMW i5 in November 2025 (~1025 mi). Upon delivery, the vehicle immediately displayed a persistent "Acoustic Pedestrian Warning" failure. This was a direct violation of FMVSS No. 141 (Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and EV). Despite dealer assurances that a so…
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Vehicle History & Initial Defect: I took delivery of a used 2025 BMW i5 in November 2025 (~1025 mi). Upon delivery, the vehicle immediately displayed a persistent "Acoustic Pedestrian Warning" failure. This was a direct violation of FMVSS No. 141 (Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and EV). Despite dealer assurances that a software update would resolve the issue, the failure persisted through multiple repair attempts in late 2025 and early 2026. Critical System Failures (Jan-Apr 2026): On January 18, 2026, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic drivetrain failure while in motion, displaying the messages: "Stop. Apply parking brake. Drivetrain malfunction. You cannot continue driving" and "Stop carefully now. Faults. Do not continue driving." The vehicle was rendered inoperable. Subsequently, the vehicle has been subject to five (5) total repair attempts for these and related electronic faults, including "Phantom Warnings" of the hood and trunk being open while traveling at highway speeds. Unintended Emergency Braking Event (April 4, 2026): Within 48 hours of a 31-day repair stay (where the manufacturer insisted the vehicle was safe), the Driver Assistance Professional Package (DAPP) failed. While driving on a high-speed highway, the system prompted me to place my hands on the steering wheel. I complied immediately, yet the vehicle failed to recognize human intervention. The car then initiated a sudden, unintended emergency braking maneuver in active traffic. There was a significant lag before the system relinquished control, nearly resulting an accident. Manufacturer Negligence: Despite these life-threatening failures and the vehicle meeting the 30-day out-of-service threshold under California law, BMW North America has formally denied a repurchase on 3Apr26. They have failed to warn of continued safety risks and persist in claiming the vehicle is repaired despite repeated recurrences of the same failures. I have declared a "Safety Stop Use" on the vehicle.