BMW I8
Registered from 2011 to 2020.
About this model
The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car developed by BMW. The i8 was part of BMW's electrified fleet and was marketed under the BMW i sub-brand. The production version of the BMW i8 was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and was released in Germany in June 2014. Deliveries to retail customers in the U.S. began in August 2014. A roadster variant was launched in May 2018. Production ended in June 2020.
From the Wikipedia article BMW i8, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2015 1.5 hybrid. 66 of 722 tests failed, 9%.
Better than 88% of 2015 cars. The typical one fails 15%, across 894 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres and wheels | 52% | 34 |
| Body and structure | 14% | 9 |
| Visibility | 12% | 8 |
| Exhaust and emissions | 8% | 5 |
| Lights and electrics | 8% | 5 |
| Plates and identity | 8% | 5 |
The defects inspectors cite
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
- Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction
- Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements
- An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction
- Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
Where it stands out against its peers
- Plates and identity: failed more often than 96% of 2015 cars — 8% of its 66 failed tests, where an ordinary 2015 car has 1%.
Same model year only, at least 30 peer cars, zeros included. Every car has a worst part; this shows which, and how far from ordinary it is. A high share means more to check, not a verdict.
NHTSA's investigations are American; no European regulator publishes an equivalent record, so this section has nothing to draw on for a European car. There is no European equivalent of the service-bulletin register either.
Before you buy one
Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.
- Tyres and wheels — 52% of its failures
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- A tyre seriously damaged
- Exhaust and emissions — 8% of its failures
- Lights and electrics — 8% of its failures
- An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction
- Body and structure — 14% of its failures
- Visibility — 12% of its failures
- Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
- Plates and identity — 8% of its failures
When it starts failing
At 60–80k miles this one fails 14% of its inspections, against the 17% an ordinary car of the same age fails.
| Odometer | Failure rate | Rate | Its age | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–20k miles | 4% | 7% | 98 | |
| 20–40k miles | 8% | 10% | 269 | |
| 40–60k miles | 10% | 14% | 205 | |
| 60–80k miles | 14% | 17% | 114 |
686 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.
Half of these have more than 20k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.
Specification
| Year | Measured |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1.5 hybrid · 228 hp · 1650 kg · 2800 mm wheelbase · 2.1 L/100km (WLTP) · 140 Wh/km |
| 2019 | 1.5 hybrid · 228 hp · 1649 kg · 2800 mm wheelbase · 2.1 L/100km (WLTP) · 61 Wh/km |
| 2018 | 1.5 hybrid · 213 hp · 1630 kg · 2799 mm wheelbase · 2.1 L/100km (WLTP) · 132 Wh/km |
| 2017 | 1.5 hybrid · 188 hp · 1566 kg · 2800 mm wheelbase · 2.0 L/100km (NEDC) · 119 Wh/km |
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
A12/0057/16
Due to a manufacturing fault, the Hydro Unit Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) function could be impaired. The dynamic stability of the vehicle might be affected adversely in critical driving situations.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/0092/16
The power electronics have not been calibrated properly which might increase the recuperation torque during the vehicle's deceleration. In this case, the vehicle might skid in slippery road conditions.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/1587/16
The control unit of the electronic power steering may have been incorrectly manufactured. This may cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked. Furthermore, steering assistance might fail while driving.
Recall of the product from end users