BMW i8, again....
Discussion
Back last May, we had a new baby arrival, I had an i8 at the time (which I hadn't had for long) It quickly became apparent the car couldn't be used with the rear facing seat and other baby gubbins! This was sold shortly after.
I had a number of different cars after that, but I didn't take to them like I did the i8, fast forward to this May, and I've gone and got another, this is the first time I've bought the same car twice, but I've missed it since I sold it, such a great blend of looks, performance and economy. This was from a garage that deliver by transporter, during whats happening at the momemt, they took the M4 off as a PX. To me, it feels as quick, and much more dainty round the corners, I should be ok now fitting a front facing seat for the little one after she turns 1.
I wanted another Sophisto grey one, except this one has the frozen grey accents instead of the blue, it also has the Turbine alloy wheels that I wanted originally, and a grey and black interior, this one has 45,000 miles instead of over 70,000 for the last one i had. I forgot how well built this car was and rattle free for an early model, also how much attention it gets! All positive which is nice, even driving along in silence, it still has people looking/kids pointing.
I'm hoping this will be a longer term car now, should become a modern classic at some point!
I had a number of different cars after that, but I didn't take to them like I did the i8, fast forward to this May, and I've gone and got another, this is the first time I've bought the same car twice, but I've missed it since I sold it, such a great blend of looks, performance and economy. This was from a garage that deliver by transporter, during whats happening at the momemt, they took the M4 off as a PX. To me, it feels as quick, and much more dainty round the corners, I should be ok now fitting a front facing seat for the little one after she turns 1.
I wanted another Sophisto grey one, except this one has the frozen grey accents instead of the blue, it also has the Turbine alloy wheels that I wanted originally, and a grey and black interior, this one has 45,000 miles instead of over 70,000 for the last one i had. I forgot how well built this car was and rattle free for an early model, also how much attention it gets! All positive which is nice, even driving along in silence, it still has people looking/kids pointing.
I'm hoping this will be a longer term car now, should become a modern classic at some point!
Wow! I have only just posted about how beautiful your M4 was and now its gone! What prompted the change, I thought you seemed quite pleased with the M4??
i8 looks great value these days, they seem to represent really good value for money - a step change from the RS and the M4 I would think!
The interior ambient lighting - is that standard fare in an i8?
Si
i8 looks great value these days, they seem to represent really good value for money - a step change from the RS and the M4 I would think!
The interior ambient lighting - is that standard fare in an i8?
Si
SiT said:
Wow! I have only just posted about how beautiful your M4 was and now its gone! What prompted the change, I thought you seemed quite pleased with the M4??
i8 looks great value these days, they seem to represent really good value for money - a step change from the RS and the M4 I would think!
The interior ambient lighting - is that standard fare in an i8?
Si
Certainly a bit of a change, the M4 was a great bit of kit, and did get some use with the roof down, I always had this niggling at the back of my mind, so when one popped up in the spec I wanted, I went for it.. I really should have got one instead of the Mi8 looks great value these days, they seem to represent really good value for money - a step change from the RS and the M4 I would think!
The interior ambient lighting - is that standard fare in an i8?
Si
I remember the feeling last time, the i8 does feel faster than the figures suggest, even with the hp value, i thing its the torque and the motors boosting the acceleration that gives it that feeling, also doesn't sound too bad (even if there is some sound enhancement!)
They do seem good value at the moment, hopefully they won't drop much more now, and will appreciate, but a pandemic may not help that..
Yeah, the ambuent lighting is standard, had a play the other night, the lighting can be white, red, or blue, the interior light comes on blue when you first unlock it, but turns to white when you open the door.
Edited by jamesbilluk on Saturday 9th May 07:31
I drove an i8 and M4 back to back.
Preferred the 8. M4 felt lethargic & lacked torque low down by direct comparison.
The i8 even sounds good- even if a little muted with its 3 pot note. Reminded me of a baby v6 Ford Cologne.
My only criticism was the exhaust could have done with being a bit louder when in the sportiest mode
Preferred the 8. M4 felt lethargic & lacked torque low down by direct comparison.
The i8 even sounds good- even if a little muted with its 3 pot note. Reminded me of a baby v6 Ford Cologne.
My only criticism was the exhaust could have done with being a bit louder when in the sportiest mode
chrismc1977 said:
I drove an i8 and M4 back to back.
Preferred the 8. M4 felt lethargic & lacked torque low down by direct comparison.
The i8 even sounds good- even if a little muted with its 3 pot note. Reminded me of a baby v6 Ford Cologne.
My only criticism was the exhaust could have done with being a bit louder when in the sportiest mode
It does feel quite impressive for the engine size, seems to have the same pull in every gear from low down. I recall one reviewer saying its like being in the optimum power band of the M4 all the time. Its lovely to be odimg 40mpg at the same time! Preferred the 8. M4 felt lethargic & lacked torque low down by direct comparison.
The i8 even sounds good- even if a little muted with its 3 pot note. Reminded me of a baby v6 Ford Cologne.
My only criticism was the exhaust could have done with being a bit louder when in the sportiest mode
They have done a good job with the interior sound, and hearing the overtones of the motors as well.
I agree with the exterior sound though, there seems to be a speaker in the rear of the car for that as well! There does seem to be something on the market that can increase the volume of it.
Love these! And that one is identical to my old one, i dearly miss that car, it bugs me to high heaven how people slate these without trying them.
Must annoy BMW a bit more.
All the suspension is M stamped by the way, all made of Aluminium and magnesium, take a front wheel off if you get bored and like a bit of engineering.
Must annoy BMW a bit more.
All the suspension is M stamped by the way, all made of Aluminium and magnesium, take a front wheel off if you get bored and like a bit of engineering.
Richard-G said:
Love these! And that one is identical to my old one, i dearly miss that car, it bugs me to high heaven how people slate these without trying them.
Must annoy BMW a bit more.
All the suspension is M stamped by the way, all made of Aluminium and magnesium, take a front wheel off if you get bored and like a bit of engineering.
LovelyMust annoy BMW a bit more.
All the suspension is M stamped by the way, all made of Aluminium and magnesium, take a front wheel off if you get bored and like a bit of engineering.
How long did you run yours for? How did you get on with the doors? They're the only things concerning me (I've already banged my head on the way out!!) I agree there, when watching reviews, most of the comments were people who always mention only having a 3 cylinder. I knew when Chris Harris and Henry Catchpole were so complementary about it on their original reviews, it must be something special.
Very interesting about the suspension as well, thank you
I may well do that today or tomorrow! And have a look. g3org3y said:
Interesting comments re the i8 vs the M4. New car looks great btw 
What did you decide to use as the baby wagon instead out of interest?
Thank you What did you decide to use as the baby wagon instead out of interest?
We purchased a 2015 Astra for those duties, seems to do the job! And can get everything in it..Its a 1.4 so performance is leisurely.. But it Had to be something the OH could get on her insurance.
jamesbilluk said:
Lovely How long did you run yours for? How did you get on with the doors? They're the only things concerning me (I've already banged my head on the way out!!)
I agree there, when watching reviews, most of the comments were people who always mention only having a 3 cylinder. I knew when Chris Harris and Henry Catchpole were so complementary about it on their original reviews, it must be something special.
Very interesting about the suspension as well, thank you I may well do that today or tomorrow! And have a look.
Hi James, i ran mine for around 18 months and about 14,000 miles, it was a pefect mix of use to showcase its attributes. My commute was 3.5 miles round trip, so on a daily basis id be all electric (i screwed the included three pin plug charger to my garage). How long did you run yours for? How did you get on with the doors? They're the only things concerning me (I've already banged my head on the way out!!) I agree there, when watching reviews, most of the comments were people who always mention only having a 3 cylinder. I knew when Chris Harris and Henry Catchpole were so complementary about it on their original reviews, it must be something special.
Very interesting about the suspension as well, thank you
I may well do that today or tomorrow! And have a look. Then with work I'd be all over, a journey it lapped up was the midlands to scotland, i found it quiet, economical, comfy and effortlessly powerful for overtakes etc. Then once you were in Scotland it was fun round the rural roads, slightly numb steering but that was my only gripe.
The key to getting in was always bum first for me! Go in backwards onto the sill, slide down from the sill to the seat and swing your legs in. Any other way was a bang to the head!
The other key i found was making sure i avoided parking the same direction as other cars. Let me explain that! If you parked the opposite way round to the car on the drivers side you can open the doors up without being limited to the other cars wing mirrors. I found i could clear the door width but often i i just swung the door up i would've smashed my door on the underside of the adjacent cars wing mirror, you'll definitely notice that if you haven't already!
Finally if a car parks too close to the drivers door get ready for climbing over the battery centre tunnel (which is wide!) From the passenger seat to the drivers seat, had to do that a few times much to the amusement of my other half and various passers by!
Enjoy the car, such a head turner!
Welcome back! For reference, the Maxi Cosi Pebble fits into the back, albeit without ISO fix, but does require the passenger front seat to a be a little further forward than usual. That’s how you carry 0-1 around assuming you’ve not got too much other paraphernalia.
My car is a 2016 - same exterior colour as yours - but I went for the dark brown leather.
Mine has 17,000 miles on the clock. We have an i3 as a daily so the i8 is a weekend car. In an ideal world, I’d have a early 911 sat next to it for early morning blasts to Bicester Heritage etc ... one day!
Very pleased with both BMW I products. The i8 in particular represents a good compromise between having the credentials/benefits of an “EV” and the practicality of a ICE - with 911 esque performance and supercars looks. What’s not to like!
My car is a 2016 - same exterior colour as yours - but I went for the dark brown leather.
Mine has 17,000 miles on the clock. We have an i3 as a daily so the i8 is a weekend car. In an ideal world, I’d have a early 911 sat next to it for early morning blasts to Bicester Heritage etc ... one day!
Very pleased with both BMW I products. The i8 in particular represents a good compromise between having the credentials/benefits of an “EV” and the practicality of a ICE - with 911 esque performance and supercars looks. What’s not to like!
Richard-G said:
jamesbilluk said:
Lovely How long did you run yours for? How did you get on with the doors? They're the only things concerning me (I've already banged my head on the way out!!)
I agree there, when watching reviews, most of the comments were people who always mention only having a 3 cylinder. I knew when Chris Harris and Henry Catchpole were so complementary about it on their original reviews, it must be something special.
Very interesting about the suspension as well, thank you I may well do that today or tomorrow! And have a look.
Hi James, i ran mine for around 18 months and about 14,000 miles, it was a pefect mix of use to showcase its attributes. My commute was 3.5 miles round trip, so on a daily basis id be all electric (i screwed the included three pin plug charger to my garage). How long did you run yours for? How did you get on with the doors? They're the only things concerning me (I've already banged my head on the way out!!) I agree there, when watching reviews, most of the comments were people who always mention only having a 3 cylinder. I knew when Chris Harris and Henry Catchpole were so complementary about it on their original reviews, it must be something special.
Very interesting about the suspension as well, thank you
I may well do that today or tomorrow! And have a look. Then with work I'd be all over, a journey it lapped up was the midlands to scotland, i found it quiet, economical, comfy and effortlessly powerful for overtakes etc. Then once you were in Scotland it was fun round the rural roads, slightly numb steering but that was my only gripe.
The key to getting in was always bum first for me! Go in backwards onto the sill, slide down from the sill to the seat and swing your legs in. Any other way was a bang to the head!
The other key i found was making sure i avoided parking the same direction as other cars. Let me explain that! If you parked the opposite way round to the car on the drivers side you can open the doors up without being limited to the other cars wing mirrors. I found i could clear the door width but often i i just swung the door up i would've smashed my door on the underside of the adjacent cars wing mirror, you'll definitely notice that if you haven't already!
Finally if a car parks too close to the drivers door get ready for climbing over the battery centre tunnel (which is wide!) From the passenger seat to the drivers seat, had to do that a few times much to the amusement of my other half and various passers by!
Enjoy the car, such a head turner!
Most helpful! Great to see the photos as well, nice to see M had some input into it.
That sounds brilliant, the way it adapts to different driving environments!
Ah yes, i see what you mean with that, could imagine ut would be easy to catch the door on another wing mirror, if we take the baby out I should be use the parent bays hopefully...
Hmm, I'm slightly dreading that happening, on my journey out yesterday I parked far away as I hadnt mastered It yet, and didn't want any one near me! I havnt managed to get in and out very gracefully yet, I don't think I really match the car!
When I had the first one the OH was late in pregnancy, she didn't appreciate the car at the time.....
Thank you
Will do! Really does seem to be, I thought being darker it would blend in, apparently not.. matty13 said:
Great looking car. These really interest me, if I was to replace my z4m coupe the I think one would be on my shortlist.
Does anyone know if an i8 would fit in a single garage and with the doors would I be able to get out .
I tried to get the local bmw dealer to drive the 2 miles from the dealership to test the car for size in my underground car park as the width and door access in a single parking space was of concern. Never heard back from them despite chasing several times. Shame as I do like the look of these. Does anyone know if an i8 would fit in a single garage and with the doors would I be able to get out .
nickpan said:
Welcome back! For reference, the Maxi Cosi Pebble fits into the back, albeit without ISO fix, but does require the passenger front seat to a be a little further forward than usual. That’s how you carry 0-1 around assuming you’ve not got too much other paraphernalia.
My car is a 2016 - same exterior colour as yours - but I went for the dark brown leather.
Mine has 17,000 miles on the clock. We have an i3 as a daily so the i8 is a weekend car. In an ideal world, I’d have a early 911 sat next to it for early morning blasts to Bicester Heritage etc ... one day!
Very pleased with both BMW I products. The i8 in particular represents a good compromise between having the credentials/benefits of an “EV” and the practicality of a ICE - with 911 esque performance and supercars looks. What’s not to like!
Thank you, couldn't keep away! My car is a 2016 - same exterior colour as yours - but I went for the dark brown leather.
Mine has 17,000 miles on the clock. We have an i3 as a daily so the i8 is a weekend car. In an ideal world, I’d have a early 911 sat next to it for early morning blasts to Bicester Heritage etc ... one day!
Very pleased with both BMW I products. The i8 in particular represents a good compromise between having the credentials/benefits of an “EV” and the practicality of a ICE - with 911 esque performance and supercars looks. What’s not to like!
Looks lovely that! Nd great milage, The dark brown leather looks fantastic as well,
Great that you got the child seat to fit. I've seen a Halfords essentials group 123 front facing seat that looks promising as well,
Perfect 2 car garage that! I3 is a very interesting little car, the 911 would make a great addition as well.
Very true, perfect all rounder really!
matty13 said:
Great looking car. These really interest me, if I was to replace my z4m coupe the I think one would be on my shortlist.
Does anyone know if an i8 would fit in a single garage and with the doors would I be able to get out .
It's a big wide car, so i doubt it. The doors only open outwards as wide as a normal 5 door car, its height that is the deciding factor. However the car is so wide i doubt you'd get it in a single without severe faffage and then get the door open. I kept mine in my double until i got my 944, the length of the thing is also surprising! Does anyone know if an i8 would fit in a single garage and with the doors would I be able to get out .
When i went to keeping it outside it didnt suffer at all, its all plastic and carbon so it lapped it up. Also i used to set the heaters/air con 10 mins before i left for work. The feeling of getting into a defrosted warm car in the winter/cold car in the summer was always a treat!
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