I8's down at mid- £30k. Seriously tempted
Discussion
I had one for a year and took it for incredible road trips across France. At the time I still lived in London so I enjoyed being able to avoid paying the congestion charge. However I'm in two minds about it - the main issue is it looks way more striking than it drives and I got bored quite quickly, it lacks drama and theatre and I got tired of the lack of noise and the fake sound pumped through the speakers. At these prices they look incredibly tempting though
Some ‘man maths’ on the economy of running an AM Vantage and a BM i8:
Fuel consumption: 16 + 50 / 2 = 33mpg average
Road Tax: £695 + £0 / 2 = £347.50 average
So, ignoring the purchase price, quite acceptable economy!
And I enjoy the sounds; both are civilised when pottering about and manic at full chat.
Fuel consumption: 16 + 50 / 2 = 33mpg average
Road Tax: £695 + £0 / 2 = £347.50 average
So, ignoring the purchase price, quite acceptable economy!
And I enjoy the sounds; both are civilised when pottering about and manic at full chat.
Have you been to see any yet? As always, it’s best to view a few, especially as the early cars are getting on for 10 years old now. Conditions do vary!
The first three I was interested in looked great in the ad’s but were getting a bit tatty when viewed up close. Not what I was prepared to pay £40-45k for. The one I eventually bought had the spec I wanted, was immaculate, had a full BMW-SH. Strangely, it was also the cheapest!
If I was looking now, on here and Autotrader, then the only one that interests me atm is this one.
And as that is only £50 less than I paid last August, I’d hardly say that prices (for good ones) have tanked!
The first three I was interested in looked great in the ad’s but were getting a bit tatty when viewed up close. Not what I was prepared to pay £40-45k for. The one I eventually bought had the spec I wanted, was immaculate, had a full BMW-SH. Strangely, it was also the cheapest!
If I was looking now, on here and Autotrader, then the only one that interests me atm is this one.
And as that is only £50 less than I paid last August, I’d hardly say that prices (for good ones) have tanked!
t photographer. PinkHouse said:
I had one for a year and took it for incredible road trips across France. At the time I still lived in London so I enjoyed being able to avoid paying the congestion charge. However I'm in two minds about it - the main issue is it looks way more striking than it drives and I got bored quite quickly, it lacks drama and theatre and I got tired of the lack of noise and the fake sound pumped through the speakers. At these prices they look incredibly tempting though
Never quite understood how a car can lack theatre, can you be specifc?Wicker Man said:
Mirinjawbro said:
what about 70 mph motorway?
I guess if you were to set the cruise control to 70mph and drive 100 miles then something like 100mpg is possible, given the low profile and slippery body work. But where's the fun in that?Edited by Wicker Man on Thursday 15th February 15:10
After 40 miles, the reading was 54mpg. So now I really cant see how 100+mpg is achievable, except maybe downhill with a tail wind.
I have done 96,000 miles in mine bought it as an ex demonstrator with 1.2k mile on clock - paid full list price - those we the days
The battery if fully charged and then driven with holding "state of charge" until engine warmed up on flat roads did 17 miles - with the air con and fan off - on a warm day - therefore there is some derogation I would think around 15% to 20% - never really charged it on a daily basis
Had no issue at all ( aside from the petrol flap failing to open ) until 95,000 miles when a drive train error popped up, and I paid £5,500 to have it fixed
I have a 2nd generation NSX and in many ways on a long journey I prefer the i8
On a long run in eco pro observing speed limits you can get early 40 MPG - in sports mode with your foot down - 25 MPG
Prices have been quite stable of late, a 100,000-mile car will get around £22k to £25k , but a 60,000-mile car I suspect will command £32k to £35k
It is simply staggering that the power comes from a 1.5 liter engine augmented by electric motors
The battery if fully charged and then driven with holding "state of charge" until engine warmed up on flat roads did 17 miles - with the air con and fan off - on a warm day - therefore there is some derogation I would think around 15% to 20% - never really charged it on a daily basis
Had no issue at all ( aside from the petrol flap failing to open ) until 95,000 miles when a drive train error popped up, and I paid £5,500 to have it fixed
I have a 2nd generation NSX and in many ways on a long journey I prefer the i8
On a long run in eco pro observing speed limits you can get early 40 MPG - in sports mode with your foot down - 25 MPG
Prices have been quite stable of late, a 100,000-mile car will get around £22k to £25k , but a 60,000-mile car I suspect will command £32k to £35k
It is simply staggering that the power comes from a 1.5 liter engine augmented by electric motors
Always loved these - they look amazing on the road - but I can't help thinking they'd be hopeless to live with on a day-to-day basis. Nowhere to put shopping or luggage, other than the rear seats, which I guess is fine as there doesn't appear to be enough space in the rear for humans. Lousy range if you want to do a big trip. Batteries at the afforable end of the price spectrum must be on their last legs. BMW Insured Warranty for one of these is £1,709 a year and the Ts&Cs explicitly state battery not covered, so factor in the cost of a new one and suddenly they don't look like such a bargain. Nice thought for those flight-of-fantasy moments but an F82 M4 at the same price point looks like a wholly more sensible proposition... which isn't something you'd expect to find yourself saying about an M4!
Edited by MitchT on Sunday 7th April 23:14
Had mine since new 9+ years ago, and it’s been pretty faultless. BMW factory warranty is £995 per year (£250 excess, includes the traction battery) and only had one “claim” for a GWS ECU whatever that is. Fuel flap frequently messes about but there is a simple manual open process.
Long term mpg is 51. Rear tyres don’t last (8-12k), front do last. Servicing is (normally) cheap - much cheaper than comparable performance from other brands. Insurance is sub £300. Traction battery is fine, range not noticeably reduced. But don’t let the 12v go flat, it’s a real pain - first one failed six months ago. It’s a second car for me (20k miles).
Light interiors look best and nicest to sit in IMHO and stand-up well to wear. Tech is dated compared to modern stuff, but ample. More space inside than you’d think - decent sized rear seats double as storage space and usable boot (but gets warm). Dog (whippet) often travels in the back and he loves it.
Unbelievable what a boosted 1.5 litre motor assisted by clever tech and a couple of leccy motors can achieve in sub 1600kgs. As fast as you need in the UK, drives well in the snow/bad weather and quiet as a mouse on long-distance stuff.
Still looks like it’s from the future and rare as a rare thing. Can’t find anything to replace it with, so sticking with it. Highly recommended.
Long term mpg is 51. Rear tyres don’t last (8-12k), front do last. Servicing is (normally) cheap - much cheaper than comparable performance from other brands. Insurance is sub £300. Traction battery is fine, range not noticeably reduced. But don’t let the 12v go flat, it’s a real pain - first one failed six months ago. It’s a second car for me (20k miles).
Light interiors look best and nicest to sit in IMHO and stand-up well to wear. Tech is dated compared to modern stuff, but ample. More space inside than you’d think - decent sized rear seats double as storage space and usable boot (but gets warm). Dog (whippet) often travels in the back and he loves it.
Unbelievable what a boosted 1.5 litre motor assisted by clever tech and a couple of leccy motors can achieve in sub 1600kgs. As fast as you need in the UK, drives well in the snow/bad weather and quiet as a mouse on long-distance stuff.
Still looks like it’s from the future and rare as a rare thing. Can’t find anything to replace it with, so sticking with it. Highly recommended.
Edited by MrOrange on Sunday 7th April 23:38
VeeTenM said:
What are the batteries like on the cars with 100k+ miles on them? are they even worth it? or do they need a warranty in case the battery goes pop
As I said in my post, I think at 96K miles the battery is showing some derogation, but there is ample in there to power the motors in acceleration. Manufacturer's warranty in respect of the main EV battery is for 8 years Unless there are a specialist - and I assume their day is fast coming - who can replace or repair the cells within the main EV battery as opposed to a complete replacement, then that is a drawback with the car . But then an ICE performance car whose engine needs a rebuild/ replacement you will again be looking at significant costs.
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