Bmw I8 problems
The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car developed by BMW. The i8 was part of BMW's electrified fleet and was marketed under the BMW i sub-brand. The production version of the BMW i8 was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and was released in Germany in June 2014. Deliveries to retail customers in the U.S. began in August 2014. A roadster variant was launched in May 2018. Production ended in June 2020.
The 2015 BMW i8 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds and had an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The 2015 model year i8 had a 7.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivered an all-electric range of 37 km (23 mi) under the New European Driving Cycle. Under the U.S. EPA cycle, the range in EV mode was 24 km (15 mi). The battery capacity of both the BMW i8 Roadster and the i8 Coupe was increased to 11.6 kWh in 2018, allowing the NEDC electric range to rise to 55 km (34 mi) for the coupé and 53 km (33 mi) for the roadster.
The BMW i8 coupé had a fuel efficiency of 2.1 L/100 km (134.5 mpg‑imp; 112.0 mpg‑US) under the NEDC test with carbon emissions of 49 g/km. The EPA rated the i8 combined fuel economy at 76 MPGe (3.1 L gasoline-equivalent/100 km; 91 mpg-imp gasoline-equivalent) and 29 miles per gallon (6.7L/100 km) when running in pure gasoline mode.
By March 2020, global sales of all variants had reached more than 20,000 units, making the BMW i8 the world's top-selling plug-in electric sports car, and exceeding sales of all competitors in its segment combined.
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Common Bmw I8 problems
The BMW i8 is a high-performance hybrid sports car that has been praised for its innovative design and impressive performance. However, like any car, it is not immune to issues and problems. Here are some of the most common problems with the BMW i8 based on complaints from owners of this car.
- Fuel tank not opening: Several BMW i8 owners have reported problems with the fuel tank not opening. This can be a frustrating issue, as it can prevent the car from being refueled. In some cases, it may be caused by a faulty fuel door cable or other mechanical issues.
- Battery size and battery-related issues: Some BMW i8 owners have reported issues with the car's battery, including concerns about its size and longevity. This can be a significant issue, as the battery is a critical component of the car's hybrid powertrain.
- Suspension and steering issues: Some BMW i8 owners have reported problems with the car's suspension and steering systems. These issues can affect the car's handling and ride quality, and may require significant repairs or replacement of parts.
- Recall for hybrid battery short circuits: The BMW i8 has been subject to a recall for hybrid battery short circuits, which can cause a fire hazard. This is a serious safety issue, and affected cars should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Maintenance and repair costs: The BMW i8 has higher than average maintenance and repair costs, with an annual average of $968. This can be a significant consideration for potential buyers, as it can add to the overall cost of ownership.
In summary, while the BMW i8 is a high-performance and innovative car, it is not immune to issues and problems. Some of the most common problems include drive train and overheating issues, fuel tank not opening, battery-related issues, suspension and steering issues, recall for hybrid battery short circuits, and higher than average maintenance and repair costs. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when deciding whether to purchase a BMW i8.
Does the BMW i8 are reliable?
As a member in the German i8 Club I spoke to many owners on our last meeting. Most had no serious issues, many the one with the fuel tank not opening. Pretty good for a car that is this complex and also not standard for BMW. However one guy has still serious trouble with the drive train and overheating.
How many miles can a BMW i8 last?
With innovative hybrid power, the BMW i8 allows for up to 370 miles of driving before needing to refuel or recharge.
Is BMW i8 a good daily car?
Would the i8 make a good daily driver, sure, but at this price point there are a lot of other more exciting options and with petrol at $2 a gallon the benefits of being a hybrid are significantly diluted. On the plus side, the i8 is easy to drive and visibility all around is good.
Why not to buy an i8?
Is it a great sports car? Probably not. It's fun in its own way but it will never provide the driving thrills of a Porsche 911 on a twisty road. However, it's a far more interesting vehicle, one that came up with clever solutions to fast, fun mobility in a time of great environmental concern.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw I8 years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw I8 cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Bmw I8 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw I8 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw I8 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw I8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw I8 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Suspension problems
- Electronic stability control (esc) problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw I8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw I8 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw I8 vehicles.
List of Bmw I8 complaints
Bmw I8 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-11
- VIN: WBY2Z2C53FV
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a significant safety issue with my 2015 BMW i8. I purchased the vehicle from United BMW in Alpharetta, Georgia, on [XXX]. At the time of purchase, the car had 25,000 miles and now has 30,000 miles. Recently, the AC compressor in my BMW i8 failed catastrophically. Initially, the repair estimate was $4,000, which I approved. However, the next day, I received a revised estimate for $26,000 due to additional problems. This sudden increase in repair costs, along with the lack of clear communication from BMW, has been extremely frustrating. What is most concerning is the potential safety hazard posed by this failure. The AC system in the BMW i8 is integrated with the battery cooling system. Without a functioning AC, the batteries can overheat, which could lead to fires or other catastrophic events. This poses a significant risk not only to the driver and passengers but also to others around the vehicle. Despite contacting BMW Genius and being assigned a case manager, I was told that BMW would not assist with the repair due to the car's age, even though it only has 30,000 miles. The lack of empathy and support from both the dealership and BMW corporate has been disappointing. Given the potential safety risks associated with this issue, I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter promptly. This is a known problem with the BMW i8, as evidenced by numerous complaints online. It is crucial that this issue is addressed to prevent any potential harm. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I am available to provide any further information or documentation required for your investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Bmw I8 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-22
- Date Complaint: 2021-05-19
- VIN: WBY2Z6C0XL7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW i8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V601000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CELLS THAT WERE FAULTY. THE BATTERY CELLS WERE REBUILT HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER TWICE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND WOULD BE GOING BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE FOURTH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE A SOLUTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 952.
Bmw I8 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-25
- Date Complaint: 2020-10-03
- VIN: WBY2Z2C51FV
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: VEHICLE IS SAYING CHASSIS STABILIZATION ERROR WHICH I BELIEVE IS THE SAME AS DYNAMIC STABILIZATION. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND MY MAKE YEAR AND MODEL WAS RECALLED FOR THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM. THE BMW DEALERSHIP NEAR ME IS REQUESTING 2,500$ TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WHEN IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE FREE OF CHARGE. WHILE I STARTED MY VEHICLE ONE MORNING THE LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS NOT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. IT FIRST SAYS INITIALIZING STABILIZATION AND THEN IT SAYS MALFUNCTION.
Bmw I8 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-02
- Date Complaint: 2020-05-20
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I PURCHASED PIRELLI P ZERO SUMMER SPORTS 245/40 IN THE REAR AND DROVE ABOUT 300 MILES SINCE, AND THEY LOOK WORN-OUT AND THE CAR SLIPS PRETTY BAD IN THE RAIN. JUST AFTER PURCHASING THE TIRES ON A RAINY DAY ON THE HIGHWAY MY CAR SPUN OUT ALMOST RAN INTO THE MEDIAN. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT BRAND NEW TIRES WOULD WEAR OUT SO QUICKLY THAT IT WOULD BECOME SLICK IN 100-200 MILES WITH NORMAL DRIVING, NO TRACK, NO RACING? PIRELLI OR DISCOUNT TIRE IS NOT TAKING THIS SAFETY CONCERN SERIOUSLY AND IS ONLY STALLING. I HAVE CALLED 6-7 TIMES AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME TO CONTACT THE DISCOUNT TIRE, AND DISCOUNT TIRE SAYS I NEED TO CALL PIRELLI FOR MANUFACTURE DEFECTS. *TR *BF
Bmw I8 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-04
- Date Complaint: 2020-01-11
- VIN: WBY2Z2C55EV
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR ONLY HAS 24K MILES SINCE NEW. BMW BULLETIN SUGGESTED REPLACEMENT ON BOTH REAR SUSPENSIONS BUT NO OWNERS WERE INFORMED OF THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. SUSPENSION FAILURES SHOULD BE CATEGORIZED AS CRITICAL LIFE/SAFETY RECALL ITEMS INSTEAD OF JUST A SECRET BULLETIN ITEM.
Bmw I8 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-13
- Date Complaint: 2017-07-11
- VIN: WBY2Z2C56FV
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WHEN I DRING IN TO STREET FROM PARKING LOT, THIS VEHICLE DO NOT SPEED UP, IT IS STOP , NOT MOVING AT ALL FOR ABOUT 3 SECOND THAN KICK UP FAST. IT HAPPEN SOME TIMES NOT EVERY DAY, I WENT TO DEALERSHIP FOR FIX IT LIKE 4 TIME BUT THEY CAN NOT DUPULICATE THE PROBLEM AND CHECK THE SYSTEM BUT IT CAME OUT EVERYTHING NORMAL. BUT I HAVE THOSE PROBLEM LIKE ONE EVERY MONTH SPECIALLY WHEN I'M DRIVING LOW SPEED.
Bmw I8 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-22
- Date Complaint: 2016-06-23
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW I8. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND A WARNING LIGHT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS EXTREME ENGINE HEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE DETAILS OF THE FAILURE WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,600.
Recalls Bmw I8
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Bmw I8.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw I8 2020
- Report Received Date: 2020-09-30
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
- Consequence: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
- Remedy: BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Model: Bmw I8 2015
- Report Received Date: 2015-12-28
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 i8 vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to June 5, 2015. Improperly drilled holes within the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) hydraulic unit may restrict one or more pistons impairing the DSC functions, including braking.
- Consequence: Impaired DSC functionality may negatively impact vehicle handling and braking and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the DSC hydraulic unit, and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Model: Bmw I8 2014
- Report Received Date: 2014-10-27
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 i8 vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2014, to September 16, 2014. A bolt used to attach a ground cable between the tank and the vehicle chassis may not have been properly welded during manufacturing.
- Consequence: An inadequate weld of the bolt to the fuel tank could cause a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could lead to a fire.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank if necessary, free of charge. The recall began in November 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or [email protected].
Latest negative Bmw I8 car reviews
Latest positive Bmw I8 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2015
Outstanding machine! It's fun and comfortable to drive, and it has great looks. I was lucky enough to get an outstanding lease deal, which made it more affordable.
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Vehicle year: 2020
This car is amazing! Although it was a bit expensive when it was new at 160k, it's now going for around 80k in good condition, which is a steal in my opinion. The car has such exotic and futuristic looks, and the butterfly doors definitely make a statement. Even though it only has a 3 cylinder, the sound augmentation is incredible. When you combine that with the whine of the turbo and electric motors, you get a beautiful orchestra of mankind's technology and one of nature's prime forces. The electric motors make it feel much quicker than it really is, which is a great feature. The interior is very high quality and comfortable, with great forward visibility and digital interactiveness. Although the rear seats are only suitable for short trips, and the rear visibility is not great, and the car is a bit wider than you'd expect, overall, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants an exotic daily driver that is sure to be a future classic.
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Vehicle year: 2015
After driving 15,000 miles, I can confidently say that the i8 is an exciting and attention-grabbing vehicle. It's perfect for daily commutes and errands, and as a coupe, it can easily fit 6-8 bags of groceries in the back seat and a few other things in the rear storage behind the gas engine. Charging it at home after dinner is a breeze. However, it's not designed for adults in the back seat. When driving, people often film and take pictures of the car on the road or take selfies when it's parked. I recommend getting winter tires around Thanksgiving if the temperature drops below 40 F. In Indiana, we use winter tires from November to March and summer tires from spring to summer. The car is incredibly quiet and comfortable, and since there aren't many on the road, be prepared to answer questions wherever you go. Overall, it's a great car that handles city and highway driving with ease. The build quality is amazing and it always puts a smile on my face every time I go to the garage. It's the best high-performance car we've ever owned in terms of looks and performance.
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Vehicle year: 2016
This car is great fun to drive and looks sexy, but it can be a bit challenging to get in and out of. I was considering purchasing it until I experienced some discomfort in my back after a few attempts. Additionally, there aren't many seat adjustments available to improve comfort. Ultimately, I decided to purchase a Jaguar F-type instead.
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Vehicle year: 2014
Just wanted to share my thoughts on this amazing car that always turns heads! It's truly the future of automobiles. While the tires may be a bit pricey, you can always switch to wider rims for better handling. If you're considering buying without a warranty, I'd recommend finding a reputable aftermarket shop. But don't worry, there's an 8-year battery warranty to give you peace of mind. Overall, this car is like a mini engine and is known for its reliability. -DFWsCars
Are you having problems with your Bmw I8?
Hassan Mayer 2024-06-07
Vehicle year: 2020
While I understand your frustration with your recent BMW experience, it's important to note that every car brand has its own unique set of challenges. However, I would like to assure you that BMW is a highly respected and reputable brand known for its exceptional engineering and performance. Perhaps it would be worth considering reaching out to a BMW specialist to address any issues you may have encountered. Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.