Just bought an i8. Thank you Pistonheads,

[notax]

I was recently invited by PH to spend a day with Bmw test driving their i8 and M models. I am a total petrol head and like my engines to be big and noisy and have been lucky enough to own a wide variety. Thanks to my test drive I have just decided to swap my beloved C63 for an i8. I was gobsmacked by how capable it was - and how much fun to drive. With free servicing, no road tax, a warranty, double the fuel economy of the Mercedes and 1.8% finance, it even makes financial sense! Does anyone know of a good i8 forum? I strongly recommend test driving one, you will be impressed...

[wilwak]

I also have one. Like you an amazing deal all round including finance.

It's great fun and quite a head turner.

Completely different to my V8's which is what I liked for a change.

Enjoy!

[notax]

Good to hear from a fellow owner. Do you have any advice about getting the best from the car? Do you have a home charger? Thanks

[trickywoo]

notax said:

it even makes financial sense!

Great car, I'd have one if I could but with the monumental depreciation they suffer they really don't make any kind of financial sense.

[335d]

notax said:

I was recently invited by PH to spend a day with Bmw test driving their i8 and M models.

How did this invitation work - was it a case of go to a dealer and test drive cars that you're interested in (something we don't need an invitation for) or was this something different?

[bad company]

Isn't range still an issue with these?

[anonymous-user]

bad company said:

Isn't range still an issue with these?

Around 350 miles depending on type of driving. 23 on electric alone with no harvesting.

[anonymous-user]

Hi Notax - were you the guy to the left of the BMW lady?

I was on the left of the other younger BMW lady - so across the table from you if that was you.

I have to agree that the i8 blew me away too - never expected that. I'm waiting to hear back from them for a weekend loan as I'm seriously considering one too!

What spec did you opt for?

[notax]

trickywoo said:

notax said:

it even makes financial sense!

Great car, I'd have one if I could but with the monumental depreciation they suffer they really don't make any kind of financial sense.

The depreciation is no worse than for similar value cars - in fact it can be significantly better depending on how much you pay for one. I have opted for a PCP, so no depreciation worries - I can hand it back and walk away in 4 years if it is worth less than £38k...

[notax]

335d said:

notax said:

I was recently invited by PH to spend a day with Bmw test driving their i8 and M models.

How did this invitation work - was it a case of go to a dealer and test drive cars that you're interested in (something we don't need an invitation for) or was this something different?

It was a special invitation only event arranged by Bmw in conjunction with PH. Very well organized, opportunity to drive an i8 and M cars, followed by a dinner hosted by Jodie Kidd (a fellow i8 owner)

[notax]

garyhun said:

Hi Notax - were you the guy to the left of the BMW lady?

I was on the left of the other younger BMW lady - so across the table from you if that was you.

I have to agree that the i8 blew me away too - never expected that. I'm waiting to hear back from them for a weekend loan as I'm seriously considering one too!

What spec did you opt for?

Hi Gary, yes that was me! It will be my daily driver, not sure what clients will make of me turning up in a car with Supercar doors... most were ok with an Aston Vantage so hopefully it'll be ok. Because of the above I've opted for a subtle one and chosen one of ten Protonic Dark Silver special editions coming to the U.K. I had no intention of getting an i8 before that event and the timing is a bit crazy as I am collecting another car with fancy doors the following day! I've just sold my Aston V12S roadster and agreed to swap it for a McLaren

[g3org3y]

Congrats! Do share some pics if you get the chance.

[anonymous-user]

notax said:

garyhun said:

Hi Notax - were you the guy to the left of the BMW lady?

I was on the left of the other younger BMW lady - so across the table from you if that was you.

I have to agree that the i8 blew me away too - never expected that. I'm waiting to hear back from them for a weekend loan as I'm seriously considering one too!

What spec did you opt for?

Hi Gary, yes that was me! It will be my daily driver, not sure what clients will make of me turning up in a car with Supercar doors... most were ok with an Aston Vantage so hopefully it'll be ok. Because of the above I've opted for a subtle one and chosen one of ten Protonic Dark Silver special editions coming to the U.K. I had no intention of getting an i8 before that event and the timing is a bit crazy as I am collecting another car with fancy doors the following day! I've just sold my Aston V12S roadster and agreed to swap it for a McLaren

This? Looks lovely!

[notax]

Yes, identical - although I may get the kidneys and lower side skirt wrapped in frosted blue to make slightly less incognito!

[anonymous-user]

notax said:

Yes, identical - although I may get the kidneys and lower side skirt wrapped in frosted blue to make slightly less incognito!

Nice one Chris, it's a great colour combo.

[gf15]

Nice. Saw one in Liverpool and the wheels looked like solid discs with a few grooves. I did not like them. The one you have selected is much nicer. Enjoy.

[wilwak]

This is mine.

I also bought on PCP.

A good discount, 0% over 3 years.

Very happy with the monthly payment to 'rent' such a car.

I also got a free wall charger installed.

It's not my favourite car to drive but it's a lot better than I ever expected.

[bad company]

wilwak said:

This is mine.

I also bought on PCP.

A good discount, 0% over 3 years.

Very happy with the monthly payment to 'rent' such a car.

I also got a free wall charger installed.

It's not my favourite car to drive but it's a lot better than I ever expected.

Looks fantastic. Hope you have room to open those doors in your garage tho.

[Derek 111S]

This must be the season for it. I collect my Protonic Red i8 next week, and while I shall miss the Vantage, I'm really excited about the i8.

[notax]

Derek 111S said:

This must be the season for it. I collect my Protonic Red i8 next week, and while I shall miss the Vantage, I'm really excited about the i8.

Literally just sold my Vantage too - it was my third (4.3 coupe daily driver, V8S roadster fun car and finally V12S roadster which I had from new and only drove 700 miles in a year! Someone else will benefit from my financial pain) C63 being replaced by an i8 and Vantage by a McLaren - should be a good week