Featuring the smallest internal combustion engine, the BMW i8 was more of a showcase car than a sports car. On top of that, it was the world’s first series-produced vehicle to be fitted with innovative laser headlights. But like all cars, the BMW i8 also had several issues to deal with.
But what are the common problems with the BMW i8? The BMW i8 faces problems such as fuel leaks, a faulty sensor, airbag problems, engine overheating, large doors, and electrical issues. Generally, the BMW i8 was a fine car with little pollution as it is a plug-in hybrid car.
What are the common problems with the BMW i8?
Fuel leak
One of the common problems of the BMW i8 is a fuel leak. This issue comes about as a result of a bolt utilized to connect a ground cable between the tank and the car’s chassis not being welded as needed during manufacturing. Because of this, the fuel tank can cause a fuel leak.
What’s frightening is that if there is an ignition source, a fuel leak could lead to a fire. Note that this issue is more common in the 2014 BMW i8 models manufactured between May 16, 2014 ad September 16, 2014. It was reported that more than 223 BMW i8s had this issue and some were recalled.
Large doors
BMW i8’s butterfly doors are sleek and stylish, but they can also be a huge problem, especially when it comes to parking in public parks with minimal space to maneuver. Most BMW i8 owners have complained about having issues opening the butterfly doors as they need a lot of space.
So, if you intend to park the i8 in a car park, you may be forced to park at the end of the line so that you can have an easy time opening the door.
Electrical problems
Another common problem on most BMW i8s is electrical issues. Note that most of the electrical problems that BMW i8 owners face are linked to the BMW i8’s high voltage battery. When these issues show up, the warning lights come on. However, not all BMW i8s have this problem as it is only a select few model years.
Airbag problem
This problem is common in BMW i8s that have been in an accident. If your car was in an accident and the codes are not reset, then you will have airbag issues. Note that the error codes that come on cause the seat belts to lock and the airbags to fail. You will have to correct this issue by doing an airbag module reset.
Faulty sensor
The engine coolant temperature sensor is a vital part of your engine. So, if it’s damaged, worn-out, or broken, it may cause several issues. Some of the signs of a bad sensor include warnings about lights coming on, poor engine performance, and engine overheating.
If you discover that you have a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor, you will have to replace it as soon as possible to avoid further problems.
Engine overheating
It is important to keep watch on your engine to ensure a longer lifespan for your car. With that said, engine overheating is another common problem that BMW i8 users should be ready to face. Some of the reasons why BMW i8’s engine overheats are due to coolant leak, a failed thermostat, or a failed radiator.
Ensure to replace the bad parts to avoid further damage to your engine. When the engine overheats for long, it can die or break down, which can end up being costly to fix.
FAQ
Is the BMW i8 a reliable car?
BMW is known to provide some of the least reliable cars on the market. However, the BMW i8 is quite reliable as it registers a few issues. Nonetheless, owning this car is still quite challenging as the cost of repair, maintenance, and spare parts is quite high.
How long is the battery life on the BMW i8?
Even though BMW offers a standard three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty to the car, it covers the high voltage battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles. So, the BMW i8 battery will last for more than 8 years, but it won’t be as powerful as before after hitting over 100,000 miles.
Is it expensive to maintain a BMW i8?
The BMW i8 is one of the most reliable BMW models on the market. However, it is still costly to repair and maintain because of the costly parts and high cost of service. Also, some parts may have to be sourced from Germany, which can add up costs. Overall, it is one of the cheapest plug-in hybrid cars to maintain.
On average, the BMW i8 will cost you around $979 to maintain. Nevertheless, this may vary according to the model, year, age, and location.
How many miles will a BMW i8 last?
The BMW i8 can last for more than 150,000 miles. However, it is important to know that the high voltage battery will become less powerful after the car hits 100,000 miles. So, between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, you may have to replace the battery to enjoy running the car on electricity.
How much does it cost to replace a BMW i8 battery?
The cost of replacing the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid high voltage battery is between $2,677 and $3,020. Apart from the initial cost, it also has a replacement cost of between $1,320 and $1,665. Finally, parts will cost you about $1,355. Note that this cost does not include taxes or fees. Also, it will vary according to your BMW i8 model year.
Conclusion
Despite the BMW i8 has several issues to deal with, most of them can be reduced or prevented by taking good care of your car. Ensure to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended scheduled maintenance service. What’s more, fix issues in time to avoid escalating them and ending up with costly repairs.
Overall, the BMW i8 is a nice and luxurious car with top-notch features. It also saves the environment as it does not emit a lot of gases into the atmosphere, since it is a plug-in hybrid car.
