2016 Bmw I8 problems

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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.

2016 Bmw I8

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Common 2016 Bmw I8 problems

The BMW i8, a hybrid sports car introduced in 2014, has been praised for its unique design and performance. However, as with any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.

  • Coolant Pipes and Battery: The i8's complex powertrain, which includes a three-cylinder engine, electric motors, and batteries, can lead to issues with coolant pipes and battery systems. These components are critical for the proper functioning of the vehicle, and any problems could result in significant repair costs.
  • Air Conditioning Compressor: The i8's air conditioning system has been reported to have issues with the compressor, which can be extremely expensive to repair, with costs potentially reaching up to £16,000. This is a critical component for keeping the batteries cool while charging, and any problems could affect the vehicle's performance and range.
  • Steering Rack: Some owners have reported problems with the steering rack, which could require a complete replacement, adding to the overall repair costs.
  • Electrical Issues: While the i8's electrical systems are generally reliable, some owners have reported issues with warning lights, which may require dealership visits to address. However, these issues tend to be isolated rather than common to all i8s.
  • Doors: The butterfly doors of the i8 can be a challenge in tight parking spaces, requiring a lot of room to open. Some owners have reported difficulty in opening the fuel tank due to high voltage and electronic systems, which need to equalize pressure before the tank can be opened.
  • Reliability and Maintenance Costs: The i8's complex powertrain and advanced technology can lead to higher maintenance costs compared to other BMW models, such as the Z4 or 4 series. Additionally, the i8's reliability may be a concern for some potential buyers, as it has a higher sensitivity to overheating and requires careful maintenance to ensure its longevity.

It is important to note that these issues are not universal to all BMW i8s, and many owners have reported positive experiences with the vehicle. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider them when making a purchasing decision.

2016 Bmw I8 engine

Are i8s 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.

Is an i8 expensive to maintain?

BMW i8 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost. The annual maintenance cost of a BMW i8 is $979. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

What is the lifespan of a BMW i8 battery?

Typically, car batteries have a lifespan of 3-5 years. If your BMW's battery falls within this timeframe, it's prudent to have it tested and potentially replaced.

How many miles does an i8 last?

The maximum driving range of the BMW i8 on a full fuel tank and with a fully charged battery was more than 500 km (310 mi) in COMFORT mode, which could be increased by up to 20% in ECO PRO mode.

Are i8s 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.

Is an i8 expensive to maintain?

BMW i8 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost. The annual maintenance cost of a BMW i8 is $979. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

What is the lifespan of a BMW i8 battery?

Typically, car batteries have a lifespan of 3-5 years. If your BMW's battery falls within this timeframe, it's prudent to have it tested and potentially replaced.

How many miles does an i8 last?

The maximum driving range of the BMW i8 on a full fuel tank and with a fully charged battery was more than 500 km (310 mi) in COMFORT mode, which could be increased by up to 20% in ECO PRO mode.

2016 Bmw I8 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw I8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Bmw I8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2016 Bmw I8 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Bmw I8.

2020-05-20

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-04-02
  • 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

Negative 2016 Bmw I8 car reviews

  1. Johann Williamson 2025-01-09

    Firstly, let's start with the positives - and there are many to mention about the i8. The car looks absolutely stunning and turns heads wherever it goes. The doors are a real showstopper, with exposed carbon and electric locks that never fail to impress both kids and adults alike. The overall design of the car is futuristic and a joy to look at every day. The 'open space airflow' below the trunk is a unique feature that adds to the car's appeal. The interior is functional, good-looking and to the point. Lastly, the concept of 'power on demand' is fantastic. You can cruise around on battery power and then switch to the left for some serious oomph when you need it. Brilliant!Now, let's talk about the areas that could be improved. While the i8 is not slow by any means, it may not be as fast as some other high-performance cars like the Nissan GTR or 911 Turbo. However, it is still a 4-second car, which is impressive. The battery range of 18 miles may not be as much as promised, but it is still a decent range for an electric car. The i8 is not meant to be a supercar, but rather a unique and innovative hybrid sports car. The rear seats may not be practical for everyone, but they do add to the car's versatility. The little trunk in the back may not be very spacious, but it is still useful for storing small items. Overall, the i8 is a fantastic car that offers a unique driving experience. While it may not be perfect, it is still a great choice for those who want a stylish and eco-friendly sports car. I really hope that the next 911 turbo is a hybrid and that it is done right. In terms of reliability, based on my experience, it's pretty standard for BMW - it may break down, but the question is how bad. Unfortunately, I had to take it to the shop for a fuel tank valve replacement. The damn thing wouldn't let me open the fuel tank! Can you imagine being at the gas station with no battery and no fuel, and the cap wouldn't open? I was super upset... In fact, I stopped buying BMWs about 10 years ago because they always seemed to be in the shop. I guess they're still figuring things out.

Positive 2016 Bmw I8 car reviews

  1. Walter Beahan 2024-09-20

    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.

  2. Elvis Schinner 2024-08-19

    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 for me. Otherwise, it can be a bit pricey.

  3. Jerel Stehr 2024-08-02

    Hello! I just wanted to share my thoughts on the BMW I8. As someone who previously owned a BMW 645CI, I have to admit that my review might be a bit harsh on the I8. However, I want to focus on my experience as a driver. First of all, I have to say that getting in and out of the car can be a bit of a pain at first, but you do get used to it. The gas mileage is good overall and you won't have any complaints. Driving on electric only is kind of fun and the car is very quiet, except for the sound of the road. I was able to get about 16 miles on e-Drive only, so it's great for short trips. The car comes with all the nice interior features that all BMW's come with. It did take me some time to get used to the controls (starting the car and changing modes). Now, onto the ride. I found the I8 steering to be very good, but the ride was a bit hard and bumpy (the 645CI I rode on was smoother). While it does have power, at times it feels like it is lacking. As a daily driver, the I8 works very well and you should have no problems, other than parking issues at times if someone parks too close to you and you are not able to open the door. The other minor issue you will have is the looks and questions on the car or wow that's a cool car quotes from everyone. Overall, the I8 is a good car (not great), but you should be pleased if you get one. I think in the future, BMW will improve on their e-cars to the point where they are on the same level as their gas cars.

  4. Charles Rogahn 2024-05-12

    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.

  5. Nico Kutch 2024-02-07

    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

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2016 Bmw I8 problems:

No kidding, how reliable is the I8? - BMW i Forums
No kidding, how reliable is the I8? - BMW i Forums
https://bmwi.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1682866

... I8? BMW i8 General Discussion. ... in general, what do you guys do about the warranty issue? ... 2016 falls into the early dev phase with nice amount of issues.

Used BMW i8 - 2014-2020 Reliability & Common Problems | What ...
Used BMW i8 - 2014-2020 Reliability & Common Problems | What ...
https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/i8/coupe/used-review/n876/reliability

Aug 17, 2022 ... The i8 wasn't included in the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, but BMW as a brand ranked 16th out of 32 manufacturers. BMW i8 infotainment ...

Ridiculous i8 issues on the road - BMW i Forums
Ridiculous i8 issues on the road - BMW i Forums
https://bmwi.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1312224

BMW i8 General Discussion Ridiculous i8 issues on the road. buddenfan 02:30 PM 10-07-2016. I got my 2016 i8 in May of this year and at 5,000 miles it has ...

Are there a lot of issues in a preowned BMW i8 | BimmerFest BMW ...
Are there a lot of issues in a preowned BMW i8 | BimmerFest BMW ...
https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/are-there-a-lot-of-issues-in-a-preowned-bmw-i8.1411370/

May 14, 2021 ... I am looking at some 2015 and 2017 BMW i8s, the 2015 has low miles and the 2017 has about 18,000 miles and is a CPO for 16 months.

i8 Reliability and Maintenance : r/BmwTech
i8 Reliability and Maintenance : r/BmwTech
https://www.reddit.com/r/BmwTech/comments/sf6smz/i8_reliability_and_maintenance/

Jan 29, 2022 ... We are an independent bmw repair facility and there is very little information about them. I was actually talking to my matco distributor today ...

Other years of Bmw I8

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