BMW i8 as a used buy
Discussion
Been considering a BMW i8 as a second hand purchase, looking at the earlier ones around the £50-55k mark and wondering what they are like to run? Fuel doesn't concern me but general maintenance and reliability do (having had an Aston Martin that had extortionate parts prices, questionable build quality and expensive servicing)
It would be my daily driver, other than the wife's Fiesta which she usually takes to work. I probably do about 4k miles a year.
Depreciation wise, I can't see them dropping much further either surely?
It would be my daily driver, other than the wife's Fiesta which she usually takes to work. I probably do about 4k miles a year.
Depreciation wise, I can't see them dropping much further either surely?
They've sparked my interest too ;
mostly, because I drive past Grange Aston Brentwood every day, and they have a used model for sale - £55k
looks rather nice - very tempted to pop in.
in real terms, what are they like on fuel (daily commute is 80 miles round trip) ?
I'd be interested to hear the good / bad from long term owners
mostly, because I drive past Grange Aston Brentwood every day, and they have a used model for sale - £55k
looks rather nice - very tempted to pop in.
in real terms, what are they like on fuel (daily commute is 80 miles round trip) ?
I'd be interested to hear the good / bad from long term owners
Not owned one, but I looked at them seriously. Two things in particular put me off.
1) lack of luggage space, there really is virtually no boot at all. Enough for a case a little larger than carry on for a flight. Anything larger and you have to use the rear seats.
2) For longer journeys (150 miles+) the fuel consumption is not great. High 30's to low 40's, high 40's if you try really hard. Obviously for short trips this can improve dramatically if the battery is fully charged.
Getting in and out is not dead easy either, did not bother be would be an issue for some.
1) lack of luggage space, there really is virtually no boot at all. Enough for a case a little larger than carry on for a flight. Anything larger and you have to use the rear seats.
2) For longer journeys (150 miles+) the fuel consumption is not great. High 30's to low 40's, high 40's if you try really hard. Obviously for short trips this can improve dramatically if the battery is fully charged.
Getting in and out is not dead easy either, did not bother be would be an issue for some.
RichardM5 said:
For longer journeys (150 miles+) the fuel consumption is not great. High 30's to low 40's, high 40's if you try really hard. Obviously for short trips this can improve dramatically if the battery is fully charged.
For a premium sports car, I would say high 30s is fantastic!This is from my AM when I had a "blunt" conversation with him about the hybrid/i range, in theory and when they are working perfectly they are brilliant (in fact he likes them like me).
Downside is from a more logistical perspective of if there is unfortunately issues then getting them to a location to be repaired and someone qualified to repair them can be an "issue".
For example the dealer I use (who the AM is at) has 12 technicians total. Does not sound bad right? Problem is not all 12 are qualified to work on hybrid or I models, only 5 are allowed to work on a hybrid or i model (in any form). To make that even worse then if there needs to be a battery replacement it drops to only 2 technicians qualified to remove and install a new battery pack.
Other issues he highlighted was getting it recovered as again you need someone with the correct equipment.
He had one i8 awaiting recovery when I last popped in, but was struggling to get the right equipment to recover it. To add to the owners delays the suspected issue was a battery pack (I don't know age and mileage), but it did open my eyes to getting your vehicle repaired, or even worse your battery pack replaced.
Downside is from a more logistical perspective of if there is unfortunately issues then getting them to a location to be repaired and someone qualified to repair them can be an "issue".
For example the dealer I use (who the AM is at) has 12 technicians total. Does not sound bad right? Problem is not all 12 are qualified to work on hybrid or I models, only 5 are allowed to work on a hybrid or i model (in any form). To make that even worse then if there needs to be a battery replacement it drops to only 2 technicians qualified to remove and install a new battery pack.
Other issues he highlighted was getting it recovered as again you need someone with the correct equipment.
He had one i8 awaiting recovery when I last popped in, but was struggling to get the right equipment to recover it. To add to the owners delays the suspected issue was a battery pack (I don't know age and mileage), but it did open my eyes to getting your vehicle repaired, or even worse your battery pack replaced.
I own another make of car, but 100% electric. Bearing in mind the recharge time and limited mileage I am still converted to the idea. However this one is new and on PCP so it will eventually go back.
The big concern I have over a second hand electric car is about when the batteries come to the end of their service life - It seems that this would be a big cost problem - If you like the electric concept and want to buy second hand from a dealer, perhaps you should push them for some guarantee on battery costs in the future to be safe.
The big concern I have over a second hand electric car is about when the batteries come to the end of their service life - It seems that this would be a big cost problem - If you like the electric concept and want to buy second hand from a dealer, perhaps you should push them for some guarantee on battery costs in the future to be safe.
They certainly look tempting at the current price point.
I went to view one at a main dealer (four in stock) and I'm sad to say it didn't do anything for me at all looks wise in the way I imagined.Quite a deflating experience considering the cash was ready and I'm a BMW enthusiast.
It's surprising how many are on the AUC site.
I went to view one at a main dealer (four in stock) and I'm sad to say it didn't do anything for me at all looks wise in the way I imagined.Quite a deflating experience considering the cash was ready and I'm a BMW enthusiast.
It's surprising how many are on the AUC site.
I was tempted by some earlier this year
However the more owners I spoke to the more I heard about persistent issues with drivetrain errors and quality control issues like door seals failing. For a car about 4 years old thats worrying
Personally I've been put off, but if someone was in my position I'd advise them to lease then get rid
However the more owners I spoke to the more I heard about persistent issues with drivetrain errors and quality control issues like door seals failing. For a car about 4 years old thats worrying
Personally I've been put off, but if someone was in my position I'd advise them to lease then get rid
It has been many years since the i8 came out, there is no doubt that good specialists have caught up with tech that the dealers have. The LS460h was complicated, but now if your battery pack fails you can send it off to someone on eBay who will repair for £800 with a guarantee.
As a new buy, the warranty was there, but I think a good specialist near you could cover you for issues. There are always workarounds.
As a new buy, the warranty was there, but I think a good specialist near you could cover you for issues. There are always workarounds.
rayyan171 said:
It has been many years since the i8 came out, there is no doubt that good specialists have caught up with tech that the dealers have. The LS460h was complicated, but now if your battery pack fails you can send it off to someone on eBay who will repair for £800 with a guarantee.
As a new buy, the warranty was there, but I think a good specialist near you could cover you for issues. There are always workarounds.
4 years isn’t that many. I doubt that there are any independents capable of doing much with them, franchised dealers with factory support seem to struggle. As a new buy, the warranty was there, but I think a good specialist near you could cover you for issues. There are always workarounds.
I stand to be corrected.
REALIST123 said:
rayyan171 said:
It has been many years since the i8 came out, there is no doubt that good specialists have caught up with tech that the dealers have. The LS460h was complicated, but now if your battery pack fails you can send it off to someone on eBay who will repair for £800 with a guarantee.
As a new buy, the warranty was there, but I think a good specialist near you could cover you for issues. There are always workarounds.
4 years isn’t that many. I doubt that there are any independents capable of doing much with them, franchised dealers with factory support seem to struggle. As a new buy, the warranty was there, but I think a good specialist near you could cover you for issues. There are always workarounds.
I stand to be corrected.
I've had one nearly 4 years. Awesome car, and extremely reliable. Top build quality. I've had no drivetrain errors - you hear about them but I have heard of less than 10 cars globally that had this.
Fuel pressure sensor is a common failure, but was repaired under warranty.
Brilliant car!
Fuel pressure sensor is a common failure, but was repaired under warranty.
Brilliant car!
rayyan171 said:
REALIST123 said:
rayyan171 said:
It has been many years since the i8 came out, there is no doubt that good specialists have caught up with tech that the dealers have. The LS460h was complicated, but now if your battery pack fails you can send it off to someone on eBay who will repair for £800 with a guarantee.
As a new buy, the warranty was there, but I think a good specialist near you could cover you for issues. There are always workarounds.
4 years isn’t that many. I doubt that there are any independents capable of doing much with them, franchised dealers with factory support seem to struggle. As a new buy, the warranty was there, but I think a good specialist near you could cover you for issues. There are always workarounds.
I stand to be corrected.
I’m sure we haven’t heard of many issues (though there seem to be a few) because many, if not most of them, are still under warranty.
I have just done exactly what you are thinking, will get the car Friday this week. I had a Ferrari FF beforehand which was very unreliable.
Reasons I purchased:
Put through business as company car.
Electric/fuel range.
Free car tax (if registered before April 17).
Congestion charge.
Parking on electric meters (i.e in the marina), free battery recharge.
Very comfortable.
Warranty as used car (I added a further year for £600 as you can only upgrade at the beginning of the term), this will give me more peace of mind or if i decide to sell its a great attraction.
Love the doors.
Most of all, really good fun to drive. I had a demo car for a weekend and the first day I hated it, then 2nd/3rd day fell in love with it, don't ask me why because I'm really don't know.
Watch this space, I will tell you how I get on.
Reasons I purchased:
Put through business as company car.
Electric/fuel range.
Free car tax (if registered before April 17).
Congestion charge.
Parking on electric meters (i.e in the marina), free battery recharge.
Very comfortable.
Warranty as used car (I added a further year for £600 as you can only upgrade at the beginning of the term), this will give me more peace of mind or if i decide to sell its a great attraction.
Love the doors.
Most of all, really good fun to drive. I had a demo car for a weekend and the first day I hated it, then 2nd/3rd day fell in love with it, don't ask me why because I'm really don't know.
Watch this space, I will tell you how I get on.
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