Affordable Dream Car: Why Did The BMW i8 Depreciate So Badly, and is it Worth Buying One Now?

The BMW i8 was a revolutionary car. It had genuine concept looks, an innovative powertrain coupling a three cylinder turbo with a potent electric motor and the promise of low emissions.
But, the cars failed to hold money, with examples in the UK losing tens of thousands of pounds of value in the first year. What went wrong, and now you can pick one up for less than half their new price, should you?
#BMW #i8
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[@Vonstroke]

There's no dual clutch 'box in this car James. It's a traditional torque convertor.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

You are quite right and I am quite embarrassed. I am doubly shocked that it is so slow to react in town, traditional autos are usually decent

[@Vonstroke]

@@JayEmmOnCars No problem, happens to the best. And you're right, that shouldn't be the case. Esp considering it has some sort of torque fill from the battery.

[@stu4181]

Seems like if it had had the zf 8 Speed it could have made the car, the M135 had it in 2013 so weird this didn't!

[@marcnobel3938]

@@stu4181 Not possible in this Engine/Chassis Configuration.

[@stu4181]

Marc Nobel it just wont fit? I guess they did show the concept before everyone realised how good the zf-8 was. Maybe if they’d have known they’d have made it work... I must admit I’ve driven a zf 8 m140 I’d still take a manual no auto box can ever predict what whacky gear you fancy at that moment so there is always a small lag in normal driving I find !

[@crazyfroggie6546]

Still think this is one of the better looking BMW exterior designs.

[@TackierPenguin]

I agree

[@sonypd9842]

Thank Richard Kim

[@aftermathmathematic4175]

looks like it was made in 2020 lol, so futuristic

[@ReggieK-hn1uy]

Agreed, it looks superb, but as said previously the new car price is ridiculous.

[@naturallyawesome6723]

It *looks* good. It’s so impractical though. No boot space, non-roadster edition can barely fit a 6ft person in the back, interior is slightly outdated AND the engine is a 1.6L 3-cylinder from a Mini Cooper... with the sound being amplified inside the car so it sounds like you’re driving a sports car :/ the car isn’t loud whatsoever and they want over £100k for this brand new?! BMW will always be a terrible brand, and the people who buy M140i, M2 and M3’s are all cunts in the UK too.

[@Nathan93Baker]

The problem was the cost. The hybrid demographic cant afford such a car. The car community would rather get something else for that money.

[@SirenS550]

Cars with 650+ base HP for 50k: “why is everyone looking at us?”

[@fastben23]

Nathan93Baker the problem is that people didn’t drive it but just focussed on the 3-cylinder. But It drives great, looks special and I bought it over a 911. I also didn’t want a hybrid and laughed at the cost. but when I drove it just out of curiousity and didn’t want a 911 anymore. It is a fast spaceship and really different.

[@carreragt8516]

Exactly. People who want hybrids now want normal cars circa £30k-£40k not a £100k sports car

[@amithargun]

The 2020 version has an OTR price of £105,000 GDP.... incredible amount of money for only a hybrid...

[@amithargun]

Update. Its actually £115,000.....its too much £££

[@cullen2467]

I rented an i8 a little while ago and I want to give my truly honest perspective. This car is drastically misunderstood in the wide scheme of what it is and what it delivers. It receives hate because of its powertrain, but the powertrain is what allows a lot of people to own something that's outside the class of McLaren or a Lamborghini. Sure, those are amazing cars with a very driver-centric feel and deliver the true supercar experience. The powertrain allows you to own the car with much lower maintenance costs than the exotics that it competed with at MSRP. It was much easier on the wallet that way. Was it super great with acceleration? Not really. Did it pull you back so you did feel something fun though through the eBoost torque? Yes. That's what makes it fun. The mid engine configuration and weight distribution is great. There isn't a mid engine option for this price other than a base model used Cayman. Absolutely incredible in the canyons. If you don't care only about straight line speed, then this is an amazing drivers car in the canyons and mountain roads. Brings a smile to your face. Very planted, very predictable. In the way of it being a daily, it can be done if you're not concerned about too much space. The fuel economy is crazy and you can practically live off just the eDrive mode alone if you're going to and from work within your city. But I wouldn't necessarily say that this car deserves the "supercar" title. I'd say something along the lines of "Exotic GT Coupe." This car doesn't really compare with the exotics in it's original MSRP range. This is more like a comfortable GT style car that allows you to live under the "supercar" esque status but for less than half the price. The way that this car makes you feel while you're behind the wheel, approaching it, and leaving it is a whole different experience than what you're used to in a normal car. During the time of renting it, I had people pulling out their phones rolling down their windows yelling at me how crazy cool the car was, and coming up to me and asking me if they can have pictures in it. I even had someone come up to me in the gym expressing how cool the car was while it was parked out front, and how it was the most interesting thing he'd ever seen in his 65 years on this earth. This car is a unique bridge between being able to live under the supercar status without having to pay the exorbitantly high supercar price tag. It absolutely was not worth the original MSRP from when it was released. I see why no one would have ever thought about buying that car when it was new. Is it worth it for around 50-70k as it is? Absolutely. Would I buy this as my daily driver? No. I wouldn't. My Porsche Macan GTS is faster and a lot better as a daily than the i8 is. But the i8 delivers something special. It makes you feel a way no other car could and nearly holds its own class and in it's depreciated market state. It's incredibly worth it. I'm buying one in 2 weeks (from the time I'm writing this comment.) Sorry for the long rant, I just wanted to be completely transparent! Hope this helps if there's someone here unsure about how to feel about the car or if you're in the market for one.

[@cullenjones2815]

Bro is talking straight facts 🔥🔥

[@MatthewRSimpson]

@@andrewthornhill4229 You do know the car road tax is free on these dont you?

[@andrewnorris5415]

Personally, I like the styling.

[@Quagmire925]

Same. 👍

[@pollumG]

Same but when I was driving out of London I was behind one. I was thinking that it looked really good then a aston Martin vantage pulled next to it and tbh it suddenly looked like shit...#overstyling

[@samcourt6228]

Same, I think it’s a great looking thing. It was a bit ahead of its time. Those that buy them seem to love them.

[@keithsim2914]

Yeah. Like most people who like biceps and not legs. Good for Instagram.

[@v1nigra3]

It’s amazing

[@bigdundee12345]

Its a modern day delorian

[@relentless1379]

So a future classic

[@joem5140]

Wow. The best five word description of this car ever. I could see the good doctor strapping a time flux capacitor to it also. Now I really want one.

[@josephlarmor550]

Big dundee Do you mean a DeLorean?

[@snelle_tomos]

@@josephlarmor550 no he means Scania.. 🙄

[@audioisgood]

Bad analogy. The DeLorean was much much slower, far less reliable, had horrible driving dynamics, and was only in production for 2 1/2 years.

[@thedrivebygg]

You have to love what BMW did, this was probably developed in 2013, they were years ahead of any other manufacturer and even today it’s a great car

[@rcajavus8141]

stop talking and start buying, show us what morons we all are for no appreciating a overpriced piece of shit

[@moody_3394]

@@rcajavus8141 chill out why are you so aggressive

[@tiborvisi7438]

@@rcajavus8141 Did you ever have an i8?

[@ulyssesgunt]

@@tiborvisi7438 probably spends most of his time in his mother’s bedroom ...

[@Enthusiastlist]

@@moody_3394 he’s never driven one, I’d be mad too.

[@michaeljamisontigers]

I bought one 4 months ago , and I love it , I bought it too keep it , but mine seems to be the last 2018 that was available mileage is now at 5555km . I do forget how to fuel it up because you never do it . If you want to be happy with it get the one with Laser lights , Display key and a theme to it , Black edition for instance .I am very happy with it , if You feel the power even if You change gears at 3000 rpm You will understand

[@krist759]

Can you confirm the long delay when getting going?

[@want2cLOTS]

krist759 I bought one a year ago and have done a little over 2000 miles in it on all types of roads. The delay JM talks about doesn't exist in my car at all: it pulls away absolutely fine.

[@michaeljamisontigers]

@@krist759 Hi , I tested it out today ,I think what He meant was the starting up of the engine when You put Your foot down in comfort mode , The engine starts up while You are already accelerating with the electrical system . But still it starts up immediately and just ads power , I don't think it takes more than 0.2 - 0.4 seconds from start to full torque added . It could be that it was improved over the years with software .I still am very impressed with the car . There is nothing I want to change on it . My other car is a 4.3 V8 R8 and 6.0 L UTE as well as the 6.0 Chevrolet Lumina SS and then a LS turbo porsche 911

[@tiborvisi7438]

@@krist759 Can you buy it...?

[@tiborvisi7438]

@@michaeljamisontigers Thanks a lot for the insights from a real owner 👍

[@baladan7433]

This was perhaps one of the most generous reviews of the i8.

[@GuerrillaGorilla023]

Sad but true

[@rodgerlee7302]

You haven't read many reviews then. There are many more generous.

[@tiagob0592]

Why did the i8 depreciate so badly? Because it's a car.

[@greathey1234]

Limited edition cars usually go up and up. Your logic is flawed

[@greathey1234]

@@notlNSIGHT I meant the logic that all cars are losing their value is flawed. 4000 is still relatively small.

[@Harry-TramAnh]

@@notlNSIGHT "some cars go up in value" then you proceed to list some of the rarest cars ever made. There are 23,000 i8 and they are still a new car with a lot for sale, supply and demand for you. Think how many millions are cars are produced each year, how many are appreciating as a percentage?

[@nearlyretired7005]

@@greathey1234 I have an S1 Lotus Exige -600 built. A good one is probably worth more than when it was introduced 20 years ago. It was overpriced.,so it never sold well!

[@Bruce.-Wayne]

@@notlNSIGHT .....that's right

[@evanrice5361]

The design is beautiful and is still within modern style of today’s cars

[@ttboosted7634]

Idk I don’t really like the design, I’m a simple man with simple standards. I love me my Dodge Challengers, 350Z, shit like that. This car idk it doesn’t seem very modifiable

[@SilliusSodus]

Three cylinders sounds genuinely good when done well. I kinda like the gruff sound.

[@wayneelliott8277]

It has a fake noise generator. Basically a back box with a subwoofer. Watch Rich Rebuilds

[@8PMFORMULA]

You don't know the sounds on the I8 is fake? Wow. You must be a trump voter.

[@johansamazon3949]

3 cyl sounds good if it is a high revving motorcycle engine, (triumph speed/street triple or yamaha MT09

[@tim1polman]

@Clement Le Ba i did like the 3 cil (115bhp version ) in the latest VW Polo. Kinda sounded like an entheusiastic terrier.

[@n54lyfe9]

8PMFORMULA ok lol

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I agree with your review of the i8. I have daily driven this car for 16 months as of today and do my own maintenance and modifications on it. BMW left out a lot of things that this car should have had while attempting to give the car things the buyer didn't want: better fuel economy, lower emissions and a quiet experience. Widening those front tires eliminates the under-steer and tuning the mid-engine eliminates it's torque limitation in low RPMs. Setting the intake and exhaust valves open so the engine noise is actually audible in the cabin is a very welcome change. These minor changes, along with others for aesthetics, makes the car more enjoyable and exciting. That's one thing I missed when switching from the Corvette to the BMW i8.

[@OsellaSquadraCorse]

"BMW left out a lot of things that this car should have had while attempting to give the car things the buyer didn't want, better fuel economy, lower emissions and a quiet experience" Ah, a 21st century car maker then!

[@carlgeorgtsigakis498]

Great Insight and tips for a owner. Thanks! Ohh found your channel as well, subscribed.. :)

[@paulthorpe766]

Did you do the belts at 4 yrs yourself ?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

@@paulthorpe766 I didn't change the serpentine belt because the service manual doesn't have a change interval for that. I'm keeping an eye on it to see if it cracks or degrades. The procedure is to drain coolant, remove the REME and starter/generator. I think I can get away with it just removing the starter/generator and save myself the hassle of messing with the REME. It's water cooled, thus the need to drain the coolant. I am tinkering with the intake muffler/resonator (the i8 has one) right now, by straight piping it so that I can hear more turbo noise through the intake. The procedure to remove that resonator in the service manual made it much harder than just removing the right rear wheel and cooling fan. After that, it was so easy to deal with. So, the service manual procedures may not always be the easiest way.

[@tiborvisi7438]

@@OsellaSquadraCorse So are you 😆

[@user-ov2fc5sd1e]

He looks like the straight version of James Corden

[@CharizardPlayz]

James Corden has a wife lol

[@jonas_security_kolinski]

@@CharizardPlayz r/whoosh

[@geordiiedave8539]

Tony Ha so did Elton John...🤷🏼‍♂️ HaHa

[@user-ov2fc5sd1e]

@@geordiiedave8539 exactly my point

[@josephmclaren2789]

or a talented version .......

[@10Tenths]

A sportscar that looked forward and to the future but kinda had its priorities backwards! 😅

[@allensaunders449]

True super looks very pricey but under performs

[@whaletime69]

@@allensaunders449 It really does, it's a car that looks cool but fucking sucks

[@keithsim2914]

Yeah. Like a huge muscular man who eats soy all day.

[@ImmrtlPhnx]

I worked at a BMW dealer here in the US in 2014 when the i8 was being hyped up and eventually was rolled out. From the outside, it looks striking and definitely garnered reactions. Fundamentally it's a car that never quite made sense: it was trying too hard to be a hybrid at the cost of not being sporty like a BMW. It was more expensive than a Tesla Model S which used no gasoline and can go further on a full charge. It's a chore getting in and out of it because it's so low to the ground--and the seating position felt more awkward than natural/ergonomic. Not sure what BMW were thinking with this one; nevertheless the car looks awesome from the outside and, if nothing else, they gave it a good effort.

[@Ross6041]

a lot of BMWs are low to the ground. A 4 series M sport has 4cm of ground clearance

[@samcourt6228]

I really like these, I still think they’re a cracking looking thing, it’s a bit confused but also kind of ahead of its time. It seems the people who actually buy them love them and they make a loved sense for commuting into places like London. Running costs seem pretty good too.

[@carlmaissan4340]

The whole BMW "i" launch was a massive missed opportunity. The i3 was a fundamentally a good car for its time and would've sold double if it looked desirable not Prius fugly. The i8 couldn't decide if it wanted to be a junior supercar (against the R8) or a GT (alternative to 6-series or S-class coupe), and ended up appealing to neither camp. Combined, they blew what could've been a big lead for BMW in the mainstream-brand EV game

[@EvilMmM]

i3 looks like damn Multipla...

[@AjmerPhull]

and it wasn't so extortionately expensive for a teeny tiny car with the same range as my old torch

[@Guanaalex]

The Nr. 1 reason why BMW is not Tesla today is the arrogant BMW HR team. They were not able to keep the “I” Design team on board. That behind the scene reason led to a vacuum of skills and a big vacuum in the EV development between the years 2014 and 2018. We in Germany can do design and engineering. What we can’t do is politics and team up for common goals. This way we often throw out any engineering advantages out of the window because of retarded, corrupt internal politics with a very healthy dose of envy.

[@enemdisk6628]

True

[@n30a]

The i3 has amazing tech and the way its constructed is really cool. Think it was very expensive to make for BMW. Too bad range is a bit lacking and looks are meh.

[@ianmowbray3284]

Way over price , should have been a lot cheaper when they first came out.

[@davidoldridge3138]

Although BMW probably lost a substantial amount on every one they sold

[@allensaunders449]

Under powered too

[@TheFlyingClutchman]

Well they did pioneer the hybrid drive train in a sports car with this so RnD and the carbon chassis are probably drove the price up

[@allensaunders449]

@@TheFlyingClutchman doesn't matter what a car company pioneers if you don't get it right. An unloved car. But you right about the drive train pushing the price up. If bmw just gave the car alot more hp to boot might of changed the cars history. Does need alot more though

[@DamoDrives]

Allen Saunders I found it had plenty of power to have fun, the numbers don’t do it justice really, I really enjoyed the roadster driving around with the roof down in this sun 😊

[@R-Tap]

Beemers struggle when over 100k. Then there is the fear of the tech being superceded the day after you purchase. Nobody wants last year's laptop.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I do, they're usually cheap as chips and plenty as good as this years laptop

[@slideways8022]

Bib The Boulder, same,

[@chrisroberts1440]

That applies to full EVs too though.

[@doalwa]

Rob Tap I’d happily buy last years laptop...last years smartphone on the other hand? 🤔 That’s the Problem with modern cars, they’re rolling smartphones.

[@DamoDrives]

Rob Tap M5 is over £100k and that is a legendary and truly brilliant car (possibly the best car they make)

[@DamoDrives]

I reviewed the roadster version and that was fantastic, cruising around in the summer with the roof down in all electric was fantastic and a slightly strange experience. Like the looks and the scissor doors. I agree with the pointless rear seats in this model but no rear seats in the roadster but no additional boot space as it’s taken up with the folding roof

[@23airrazor]

Iv just recently bought one of these, there is nothing wrong with it. It’s as fast as you would ever need, it’s like driving two cars when u use the different modes i.e eco pro or sport, which in my opinion is great because it keeps it interesting and fun. Plus the attention you can get in one of these is insane. Btw being inside an i8 at night is where it’s all at because the lighting and design is stunning

[@elsingon7464]

Yeahh but that engine sound.... That's the only thing that has me going back and forth on the decision to whether buy it or not... I just love sports car that has sexy sound to it .. I'm looking into the C7 Z06

[@gx4012]

This or a jaguar F type v6 S?

[@rickydeleon6987]

This is my dream car I want it so baddd

[@ghostpsgaming5871]

How're the maintenance costs?

[@andrewwhalley1839]

Agree. Fabulous car. I’ve owned mine for longer than I’ve ever owned a car for.

[@TheFPF422]

I really like the i8... really, really... but as it all crashed for me in 2010... no i8 for me... (btw, the back seats were perfect for my dog)

[@tenan757]

just going off looks alone, this looks better than 90% of cars coming out today

[@tenan757]

@Nazi KZbin nope

[@tenan757]

@Nazi KZbin okay you think it's ugly and i think it's not, move on, not the end of the world haha

[@leondreamcast]

Facts this car still turns heads, my friend has one, and any time he is driving in town since the car is so uncommon everyone knows it’s him. I never seen so many females flock lol

[@michaelc2254]

@Nazi KZbin Enjoy the electric range of your amazing NSX with million dollar technology.

[@TheCheeseMan123]

This is my dream car. Drove one of these at a track day and it was just beautiful to drive. I’ll happily pick one up for 20 grand in a few years time!

[@renegadezen7841]

Ill be there with ya buying one in the 20's. Im wrapping mine

[@ticstewart6884]

@@renegadezen7841 a never be 20 grand especially since they discontinued them this year

[@markcozzie]

Have better dreams 😭

[@JKennedy442]

Sorry to crush your dreams but I agree with Donte...not sure you will ever see these at 20k. Take a look at m5's for example...after they hit 35k or so, they crawl to lose their value. So 35-40k? Maybe in a couple years. After that, don't count on it, even in 10 years.

[@renegadezen7841]

@@ticstewart6884 you are probably right but never say never when it comes to depreciation. But i agree and think they will bottom out on their depreciation curve at around 35k

[@superchargedpetrolhead]

some mod shop should get the i8 either rip out the engine put bigger battery in it and make it a fast EV or take out the battery, engine etc and put in a v8 in it and make it a proper sports car.

[@dylan-nguyen]

Supercharged Petrolhead you won’t be able to fit in a V8 nor modify to remove the batteries. It’s a carbon fiber chassis. No way to modify it afterwards. Plus the gauges etc are all digital.. you might as well make your whole own custom car at that point

[@dshiznit148]

@@dylan-nguyen when the "petrolhead" doesnt have the automotive awareness to realize this

[@campkira]

it would cost too much..900 horse power, -Upgraded Engine -Upgraded hybrid batteries

[@ReplicantBattyman]

@@dshiznit148 bUiLt NoT bOuGhT!!!

[@ramk2443]

Costs an arm and a leg to maintain , headlights cost 4k$ to replace

[@mattsbeamer]

I did see one for over £5000 lol. But I’d buy secondhand at 500

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Have you had a headlight failure on your i8? I'm curious what the cause was for the failure. I DIY maintain my i8 and share other's experiences with maintenance.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Suddenly the £600 Jag want for a replacement front light unit on my XK seems a bargain.....

[@richardsellers8671]

@Commendatore Have you heard of one being replaced? I haven't. Also, as the battery pack carried an eight year warranty, NONE are yet out of warranty.

[@barriewright2857]

Ouch....!

[@p.informatico1320]

I don't think the deprecitation stopped, it's already on freefall.

[@phil4986]

Nobody wants the BMW checkbook rape job repairing this one of a kind BMW will be. People would be passing the hell out when the batteries fail and that cost is told to them for replacement. "I'll just buy another car."

[@winrx]

P. Informático How much does one go for now? Need to get me some babes.....

[@Randomguy-kn3nv]

winrx u don’t need cars to get women dude lmfao

[@PatsGarageOnline]

@@winrx You can get them used in the high $50k USD range. Based on my experience, this car attracts 99.9% dudes.

[@EvoIan]

random think he was joking

[@macca720s4]

When it first came out it looked very cool until you realise that it is powered by an tuner “Mini Cooper” engine... at that absurd sticker price 99.99% of people went for the R8...

[@macca720s4]

Sorry Jay but it’s slow as hell... especially compared to other cars at that sticker price when new... the guys that bought it must have shot themselves by now ...horrible car ... all flash and no substance

[@bimmer8602]

@@macca720s4 lmfao true. I seen at least 4 young people in their 20s drive these around Los Angeles in the past week. Wouldn't doubt it if they bought it themselves, these depreciated so much.

[@macca720s4]

Jay...any response to the numerous comments thus made?

[@JOhnDoe-nl4wj]

cherry picked. mini is owned by bmw, every mini has a bmw engine. bmw's mini engines won best engine for like 8 consecutive years or so. The engine is frankly the best in a mini. Also, it's not like there is only a mini engine in an i8.. there is en electric engine too.

[@macca720s4]

JOhn Doe A mini engine is a mini engine is a mini engine ... with hybrid or not.... call a spade a spade John Doe (great name btw)

[@ImperialDiecast]

I remember cracking jokes at how this car already existed by 2015, and probably the only production car out there that would have looked remotely like anything from the 2015 of the Back to the Future timeline, giving Marty and the Doc a surprise when they arrive here from 1985

[@bmw3-er]

And the new nsx

[@gutcassidy]

Subscribed, this is a good review. I’ve owned a 2015, 11k miles, £41k, for 8 weeks. It’s a second car but it is great, electric for the city and the back seat for shopping only. As a second car that does not matter and it sounds and looks amazing as well as being an utterly unreal drive.

[@Fc-cb3tn]

I've heard of i8 owners in Hong Kong swapping in wider tires onto their cars (245 front, 275 rear, Michelin Sport Cup 2) and they say that solves the issue of pitiful handling.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Correct. I've done it on my i8. Even with all season Continental DWS06, it handles so much better and I actually get feedback in the steering wheel, now.

[@FRITZI999]

well, like on every poor handling Car - no secret !

[@fbboringstuff]

That is the first thing AC Schnitzer did.

[@antb3334]

In English please? I may have to do this to mine ? ...

[@fbboringstuff]

Ant B try here first. www.ac-schnitzer.de/en/bmw/i/i8-coup-roadster/wheel-tyre-sets.html

[@lavablock1999]

About two years ago I was driving to work early morning and saw one of these fly by me and for a split second, I honestly thought it was a space ship. Had to look at it for a few seconds to realize it was a car.

[@calamityyy]

The i8 should've had a beautiful V10 in it, the looks definitely match it.

[@Indskret]

Honestly the S65 with a flat plane crank would’ve been better, to try and relate a connection to the old Sauber Days

[@thedrivebygg]

I test drove one when they came out and loved it, BMW did a great job on one of the first hybrid cars and this could end up a decent buy in the long run.

[@davidnl8206]

Fantastic scenery, what a beautiful area! I think the i8 doesn't look old or dated, still a very impressive sight and a technical masterpiece.

[@nailsupplies]

I have an i8 almost 1 year and i'm loving it (and also the interior ;-) ). I had a few porsches (and porsche turbo,and other fast cars ..... ) , but i never would change the i8 for them...

[@wernerdanler2742]

This was actually a pretty good review. Good data about the car. I still think you do not show enough of the cars you review.

[@Skrenja]

I have a gut feeling these will appreciate like mad in 10 or so years.

[@anton3682]

Alpina planed a Bi8, but sadly it didn't made it into production. They made a Prototype with a 4 Cylinder Engine (328 PS) instead of the 3 Cylinder Engine (231 PS), so the Bi8 had a combined Power of about 460 PS.

[@rusik19871]

I used to own one for few years and it was actually the best sport car I had.

[@dominicpaterson5897]

Which other sports cars have you had out of curiosity?

[@Bukmanpoderrojo]

Do you consider a Prius a sportscar?

[@moham1287]

The whole point of the drivetrain is to, for example, drive on eco to work, and then charge it up by racing it on the way back - driving it in both styles alternating behind fast and normal actually helps the economy.

[@SimVRRacing]

at sub 40k, I'm tempted to get one for a year - edit: wow, just looked at various finance packages....BMW aren't at all confident about it's resale value. This thing is still depreciating like a damn rock.

[@luxurycargirl]

I love how reliable they are! Owned mine for 2.5 years and no issues!

[@ViralKiller]

I'm buying one this week.....60k for this? amazing

[@JustJoshBruh]

This may be a weird question but how old are you I want to get one of these in the future but I want to see the main age people end up buying cars like these at

[@JoannnTV]

@Ahmed Tupajic Me wanting to buy the car at 16 and i am 13

[@ViralKiller]

@@JustJoshBruh I'm 38 right now, but look younger 🤣

[@ViralKiller]

@@JustJoshBruh I could have bought a supercar at 31-32, just waited another 7 years

[@jakhariwilliams3377]

I'm trying to get one next year, hopefully I can catch up to you

[@iantownsend500]

I’ve always liked them. In copper orange they look stunning

[@connorbrooks1102]

The technician availability I think was a killer. My boss had one and it had to go into the garage but due to no one at that BMW garage being qualified it was sat there for 6 months untouched.

[@thatpersonsmusic]

As a kid this was my dream car

[@HotTakeHQ]

I’ve always felt the multi color approach on this bmw ruined a really pretty car. Always wonder what it would look like in bog standard bmw colors they already offer. I bet in a cherry/wine this car would be gorgeous. What say you?

[@visionist7]

Never liked the cheesy two tone effect. An all over ochre yellow with grey wheels might looks cool

[@Anonymouseys]

Definitely. I'd never thought that before, but you are completely right.

[@barriewright2857]

I just like it anyway, but have to agree it probably would have been good, in a basic colour scheme.

[@HotTakeHQ]

Roger Dodger I get it. You’re right It’s striking and beautiful regardless.

[@mattkaz88]

I rented one on Turo and thought I wouldn't like it. But surprisingly it became my favorite BMW of all time, even more than the M3. If you temper expectations I think you'll really enjoy the car. Next I got a roadster, less cargo room and no backseat but it's the most fun option over the coupe. Love the doors and how it drives, just lag at the stoplight when taking off.

[@Galaxtacy]

Watching you drive in the left lane with oncoming traffic gives me anxiety (from the US)

[@Hamza-oy1dp]

U snowflake, grow up already

[@S3NDP13]

@@Hamza-oy1dp Calm down Karen.

[@Hamza-oy1dp]

@@S3NDP13 another snowflake, like grow up already

[@Hamza-oy1dp]

@@dixztube why u moved in us then or were ur ancestor bought to us

[@Hamza-oy1dp]

@@dixztube fair enough

[@ianbrown1255]

I bought a 2015 model in 2019 with 5k miles from a BMW dealer for £44k….however, I only kept it for a few weeks as the battery wouldn’t charge properly and the dealer didn’t want to know so I returned it and got my money back. I loved the performance and looks and would consider and may buy one day!

[@ericbown1551]

One of the reason I bought my i8 is because of the rear seats...there bigger and more useable than say 911. And it looks far better than most cars in this category ...as daily driver. Very cheap to run too.

[@FASTU-mz3tm]

YEAH JUST LOOKS NOOO GOOO, I would never spend this kind of money just for looks, i rather go into a c8

[@ericorozco4017]

Exactly why I bought my i8 too. More useful with back seats. I do my Costco trips in it. Looks awesome. Super fast. And now that I wired the sound system to a controller I can turn the engine sound off and drive quickly in silence. I love my i8

[@xosupermarc]

Everyone complains about the back seats. I LOVE the back seats in mine. Perfect for groceries, or a toddler. I couldn’t imagine daily driving a McLaren, but this is the “best of both worlds”.

[@Guanaalex]

I always wanted i8, but there have been tons of reasons why not to get one in my situation. Instead I go that quirky i3s fully loaded about half a year ago. Its awesome and very quick for the mega city's. The i8 has better looks, but for every day commuting, a fully electric i3s of the later production years would be much recommended. So far I am super happy with the i3s.

[@dawgwiddaglasses]

How has the reliability been on your i3? I’d rather have that than a Prius. I’m happy with my E90, but man, THE GAS.

[@Guanaalex]

@@dawgwiddaglasses Since mine was close to new, so far it’s absolutely flawless. As with every EV, the degradation is collected over time and expressed in the lifecycle and life expectancy of that battery. Surprising to me, BMW has extended the guarantee of i3 batteries to 8 years now for most models. Rumors are that the Battery Management System works better than expected. Breaks don’t wear out because of recuperation, having basically one pedal driving. In some forum I have read complainers about that range extender of earlier models. The later model such as mine doesn’t have that any more, so less complexity means more reliability here. Time will tell.

[@josephmclaren2789]

i took one for a test drive in 2015 at BMW Pompey- slipped over getting in and decided it wasn't for me- so I bought an MP4 a year later - not slipped out of it yet

[@Punisher9419]

The fuel consumption they claimed was complete bullshit. It was more like 40mpg not 130mpg.

[@rajjy1976]

The 100+ mpg that phevs claim to achieve is a mixture of EV only mode and regular hybrid driving. It’s a very cheeky marketing ploy. They say a considerable chunk of phev owners never plug their cars in anyway. It’s just a way to avoid huge road tax on regular cars. Like how the government made diesels attractive and have now backtracked lol 🤪🤪

[@BigUriel]

It's the same with any hybrid, and is this still news to people? The driving cycle that new cars are tested on is short enough that they can do the entire urban driving portion on electric mode only, and only use the ICE for the road part. Hybrids get silly high mpg results that you can't really replicate in real life because if you actually drive the car around town for an extended period of time the battery will drain and the ICE will have to kick in.

[@erics418]

Kuddlesworth NA 60 mpg over 6 years of owning 3 of them

[@andrewpreston5046]

Hi Jay, I have the Roadster version, it inspired me to tour 12k miles this year all over Europe's mountains and passes from Portugal to Austria. As you say curious car and it has taken me a while but I think I now get it. I would summarise it as a Carbon Fibre Monocoque Touring Supercar and as a roadster what else comes close for functionality. NIce to see them also holding in value now around the 60-70K mark for Roadsters. The roadsters are also 3.6 times more rare, exclusive that a Lamborgini Gallardo, so perhaps rare and funky enough to be a future classic. A couple of comments on your vid. Lift off at junctions is OK in comfort mode with a light foot, too much and it will have a think so avoid that by pushing the stick left to pop into sports mode. This ensures fast getaway. I usually chuck it into Sports mode on roundabouts junctions if I have any inkling of desire / need. I don't experience any of the real understeer you mentioned, certainly not unless I'm way too fast, balance is equal and only some lateral slide when you are going really too fast around corners. Maybe i'm too light on the gas at the corner exit. Even so my car leaves behind other sports cars, eg Porsche Cayman, Lotus Emira on UK roads, it is proper quick and proper fun, I think a deserving nod to the Carbon fibre Monocoque stiffness, balance, handling and the 4wd , 3rd 4th gear launch out of corners. It isn't the most hardcore ( had Lotus , TVR and Prosche previously ) but it has a true sports car handling, fun on tap. Add that to the easy roof off, other touring benefits it has inspired / delivered a quite unique Carbon Fibre Monocoque Touring Supercar experience. All the best.

[@bobkilla430]

Always seemed like an experimental car for bmw in building a sports car carbon fiber chassis (vs the i3) that was never going to sell well. The 5 and 7 series now have alot of carbon fiber in their chassis and I'd bet the new i4 will have alot as well.

[@tetsuokasei]

I love love love your 80s themed endings!! Oh how I love the 80s!! Fantastic quality vids mate!

[@Rhowhat]

These cars never do anything for me but I was happy to keep watching because of the roads. I miss the Peak District, instantly recognisable.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Me too. I used to live in Darley Dale....beautiful place.

[@chrisogrady28]

Living in Sheffield is really nice, I can drive from my city centre apartment to the Peak District border in 10 mins

[@brianm.5822]

Ultimate driving machine, when they aren’t in the shop. We’ve tried X5, 3 series and the X1, service on these vehicles is outrageous. Kinda like owning a snowmobile in the 70’s and 80’s, fun to ride when they weren’t broke. Three strikes and your out, no more Beamers for us.

[@MrNanah38]

I feel the same

[@marcnobel3938]

When I was with my Friend in the BMW Dealership last year the brand new convertible i8 was easier and cheaper to lease than a Hybrid 5-Series. They gave really everything to get those cars out of the door.

[@GuerrillaGorilla023]

When you put the two cars side by side the only thing that would probably tilt you towards the i8 is the look. A car like that tends to bring unwanted attention anyway. Easy choice if you ask me.

[@UKMike2009]

I always liked driving the i8 and the roads around that part of Derbyshire are spectacular when they aren't full of caravans and tourists - my old stomping ground.

[@tomcardale5596]

"hexus grey which bears more than a passing resemblence to" ... primer.

[@mjj5276]

That's exactly what I think of everytime I see a car with this new fangled grey.

[@jonm8423]

Tom Cardale hexis is the brand name not the colour name,

[@AndrewSmall963]

Same with Mini's grey. They even made it the default non-cost colour at one point, which almost literally made paint an option.

[@tomcardale5596]

@@jonm8423 ah, I hadn't realised that :) To me it looks very similar to the primer grey that seems to be very popular on Audis. I'm really not a fan of grey cars despite most of my cars having been so.

[@bednar23]

Amazes me these weren't more popular. If I had the cash I'd have one in a heartbeat

[@MTechGuy]

They should have built a version with a modern equivalent of the S85 V10 where the back seats are, and called it the (new) M1!

[@alexmartinez280]

An i8 with an S85 V10 engine swap would be amazing. Pulling all the battery, associated wiring loom and electric motors would provide an amazing lightweight chassis and a proper home for possibly the best engine to come out of M. I will keep an eye on salvage yards now

[@DwainDwight]

I have had one for 2 years and love it. Ditched the 599 and have not looked back.

[@alexandercheng9800]

I really hope BMW can use the exterior of this i8, remove the back seat, place a 4.0L V8 that produce 450hp into that space, a 6-speed MT or a 8-spd auto, rear wheel drive.

[@johnnyng8527]

It could hv seriously been a next gen M1. Dumb BMW

[@AbdullahHood]

Under appreciated car. I doubt any of the negative comments in here are based on real life experience. I disagree with with James. The sound is very nice and quite amazing for a 3 cylinder. 9:49 - that’s real sound. I driven through tunnels to actually check what noise is coming out the back of the car. When you step on it sounds quite like a 6 cylinder. There is plenty of performance and it pulls strongly in the mid-range. I had a GTR so I know what good looks like. Design inside and out is unique and the doors add some fun. Handling despite the narrow tire is excellent and it goes around corners faster than most would dare. Downsides: I don’t like the quality of the plastics inside the car and the MPG numbers are total BS.

[@slideways8022]

It’s way overpriced from a performance stand poin

[@AbdullahHood]

Slide Ways agreed the numbers on paper don’t look great but as James says in the review, it’s fast. It pulls really well. Also, you buy a car like this not just for speed. When it comes to presence and looks it feels like a super car.

[@2702simmo]

Funny enough I was talking about these yesterday with the owner of my Bmw indy. He says to drive one of the best driving cars he’s driven but for some reason they aren’t a desirable thing and I have to agree

[@paulthorpe766]

@Mr.BigBoss7 I've driven and mostly owned 308,348,f12,996gt3,Evo,22b,makinnen5, integrate, lotus s3,SLS coupe,612 scag,360,sl65black,tvrseac450, sagaris, 993rs,205gti,a610,Clio wiliams, rs2 RS4,RS6,clkblack,JagSvr,s65 brabus,cls,amv8,r500,aerialatom,cstradale,Grantourismogts,arnarge red,overfinch RR, exige,r5turbo,968cs,focusrs,R32,458 Speciale,964 turbo,997 turbo,997c4s,AMG GTR,ur quattro,F40,400i, ftypeR,etype1.5,metro turbo, cliov6,996 Carrera cup, 360 challenge cup car ,e63,C63,m3comp,SLS roadster, panterra, murcielago,575,Vanquish s and I think the i8 is one of the best I've driven too... but I need to drive a few more too no doubt!

[@paulthorpe766]

@Mr.BigBoss7 I supplied cars to Evo Magazine 98-02 you'll see me in some articles eg Targa Floria in Jan 2001 in my 99 GT3 LHD first one in UK. In a nutshell perfect engine and gearbox match-up, lightness of feel when on it, traction in rain, exact amount of power you need not too much for UK b roads, steering response (not feedback) low running cost, modulation of braking not too heavy or over assisted, no body flex even in Spyder, beguiling Ducati Desmo type sound, 3-4000rpm smooth growly feel, no vibrations in car, Amazing ride quality and lack of any rear axle weight transfer, Rolls Royce type utter quietness with hood down at fast fast, utter surefootedness in wet (like a RS3) perfect driving position and peddle offsets, nil stops at petrol stations, not too much grip so you can play with chassis a tad, Zero creaks rattles or off-putting build quality niggles, okay seats but they could wrap torso better and a low low cost with a £50k discount and high chance of going up like my M1 did over 40 yrs ! Hope that helps 😊

[@fettywap1738]

Mr.BigBoss7 you got bodied there mate

[@OnurKennethYumurtaci]

Do dealers and manufacturers lend you cars to test? If they don't, they should. Your ability to talk while driving puts you in a completely other league of car KZbinrs, which I think should garner more recognition.

[@chrismalloy7688]

I often got one of these i8’s from my BMW dealer when my 7 Series (2 in succession 740Ld & M760Li) were continuously in for warranty claims due to very poor build qualities. At first it was quirky, quick, good to drive but not throwing it around either and it ticked a few boxes. The grandkids loved it, especially the looks and the doors and at the time it was forever the centre of attraction when parked. BUT as mentioned in the vid. The overall concept was a total disappointment as I was forever thinking that for the same money you could get a 911 or similar and have a more everyday car and albeit it was fitted with a motorcycle engine which did sound good, it wasn’t fast by super car standards. The last time I drove one I had it for 3 days. 1st day was great, hadn’t had one for a few months and it was again different. 2nd day was - getting sick of the doors and the trouble getting in and out and at 5’ 9” and 75 kg, it wasn’t a struggle but more a pain and it was getting tedious to drive. 3rd day - couldn’t get it back quick enough to the dealership. Sales manager asked “do I want one”? “Not a chance, it is a Sunday run car and BTW, Porsche have nothing to worry about”. Mind compared to my M760 depreciation it is a lot better but compared to a 911 low depreciation, you will wonder, what on earth did I buy that thing for.

[@computerhelpcc]

Very helpful! 911 cab manual driver here with two kids and sometimes I see something and wonder about renting for a few days vs spend the $ on 911. I’ll leave the i8 as best appreciated at the curb.

[@QuentinStephens]

Interesting. One of the reasons I was interested in one was that despite being 6'4" I could fit into it comfortably - I had headroom and legroom. And it was relatively easy to enter and exit compared with many other cars.

[@herrfister1477]

How much is your house worth mate?

[@OverlandTT]

Love the drive around the Peaks with the last run back towards Castleton

[@A861967]

In Oz this car was over $350k then in a year they changed the price to $250k so people lost $100k in 1 year just from BMW price changing, now they sell for $125 used interesting to see how low a price they will go☺️ nevertheless an interesting design with performance to go with. Great review 👌

[@My_Old_YT_Account]

72k here in Canada despite our currencies being roughly worth the same

[@Officialsavotv]

Such an underrated KZbin.. I’ve recently started a channel I hope I’ll be as good as this man

[@gazzaman28]

Nice concept, but the i3 was much better executed. Unfortunately BMW seem to have lost a lot of interest in EVs and they've been overtaken by Tesla & so many other manufacturers. Imagine the i8 with a full electric drivetrain and the performance & range of the fastest Model S - that would be awesome!

[@freddieparrydrums]

No that would suck

[@Dez456]

A mate of mine worked for a recovery company, that had a contract with a particular BMW OPC, and he said that many i8s had to be recovered, due there being a problem with the fuel filler caps not opening and thus the cars running out of fuel. I must say that I do like them though..

[@paulthorpe766]

That is totally true of 14/15 cars BMW fixed it though as warranty issue - never re occured and no other issue at all in 6 years driving mine !

[@eldoc6394]

Did you know that the interior speakers turn on when you accelerate to give you a sound effect that you're going fast 😑

[@benmarr352]

Thank you James for again looking at the real world experience on the road. I was surprised at the gap on perceived performance to your Evora.

[@Dwelijan]

People say the car was overpriced - you can see that they have no idea of car industry. The development cost of the whole i-project (i3 & i8) was a massive investment with no promise of return and way ahead of it’s time as BMW hoped people are ready for (semi-)electric cars which turned out to be not true unfortunately. Tesla sold their very first car - a slightly modified electric Lotus Elise - for just under a 100K and they sold okay. But from a then unknown brand. I wish there would have been more pioneers & early adopters who bought the misunderstood i8. In my opinion one of the most progressive cars of the decade & a massive future classic. They will go up in price soon, pretty sure.

[@Prototyp3m1nd]

It didn't really do a good job of marketing itself as the well-to-do hybrid, though, did it? Tesla was supposed to be the wealthy way to save the environment and pave the way for electric affordability for everyone else. BMW marketed this thing in Car & Driver and everywhere else as the end all new age sports car and didn't deliver. Surprise, surprise, it failed miserably.

[@joeparker4355]

I considered one of these.. but the complexity of the drive train and repair bills if anything went wrong put me off.. I settled for a 2017 ttrs.. very happy with it.

[@nelsonclub7722]

I sat in a black one of these with red highlights in a dealership when they first came out and what struck me was 1) how small it was inside, 2) how basic it was and 3) this would only look good if you also had a Batcave. Other than that I thought it was utterly overpriced and pointless

[@philipwoodford6286]

BMW nailed it with this design I’d love a used one! I’m just not sure about reliability ?

[@blaketindle4703]

Beautiful car! Would love to own one but not after the factory warranty expiration lol

[@InspirationSessions]

This car was ahead of its time

[@HG504X]

The styling worked the powertrain was uninspiring at that price, they should've used at least a straight 6 or V6 hybrid MINIMUM to attract buyers.

[@sealand9049]

BMW was planing to put v6 v8 v12 and even v10 but they abandon it

[@dragos9134]

Why would you make a 3 cylinder supercar... this should have had the 4.4 V8

[@Andrew-qb3oq]

I'd consider one now days as a secondary car, since they are just starting to go under $50k in the states. I've been DDing a i3s for a number of years, I see quite bit of similarities. The only issue I see is I think they are going to have to go lower to really spark interest on the used market, because the sports car market is such a small segment these days. Even if the savings may be huge now, things like used Audi e-tron GTs are going under $60k now, which an overall faster and more useful car, especially if you are looking for a hybrid/EV with some personality.

[@Czechbound]

I LOVE how these look. But I'd feel very self conscious getting out of a car with doors like that

[@ericorozco4017]

My dad always says that. He always resists driving it. And yeah, sometimes I go places and I don't really want the attention. Have to suck it up or get a backup car. You do get very good service from employees who ever watch you get out of the car lol. Unfair advantage

[@dagnut]

My mate got one of these last year for 50k, 12 months old ,5k miles 120k new price..serious bargain so special for 50k

[@JIMMYBUSHIDO]

It was the epitome of " more money than Sense " 120K..... that's taking you into Aston Martin territory 🤔

[@BIG2hats]

Who would buy an Aston Martin?! 😂

[@JIMMYBUSHIDO]

Ditto on the Beemer🥴

[@BatkoNashBandera774]

My heart always jumps in these segments because you lads drive on the wrong side of the street.

[@milanvillan]

The way your lips move when you speak with the external car cam, it reminds me of something like Half Life 1

[@VladoT]

Every new video is better than the previous, good job 😀

[@phil4986]

One of the best car reviews I've ever seen. I LOVE the styling of the I8...and now that's just about all. Thanks for the outstanding rundown of the BMW that was committee (d) to death. I can see the few brilliant people at BMW who pushed through this great idea as the exec vice presidents there completely compromised the performance of the car. Here's a beer to those BMW engineers with their hands still on their foreheads. GREAT VIDEO.

[@dgreatll]

Love how your opening car is a 190e/w201 so underappreciated and underrated

[@darrylwebb3625]

I'm really enjoying your channel, James. Your well-informed insight makes me feel like I'm getting to experience these cars. The only other reviewers who do that for me are Chris Harris, or perhaps Todd and Paul at Everyday Driver. Great work, keep it up, please!

[@Sweaty__Sheep]

It's an old school review too. Like early early Top Gear

[@christophervan6966]

Nice review. Not cynical. Finds the positives.

[@kk4649k]

It’s a bmw. That’s why it depreciates so badly. Most of their lineup depreciates so dam fast it’s insane. For a good reason too.

[@agungpratomo3857]

Let's see the real case with Z4 and Supra twins that most people assume the Toyota badge will hold its resale value better than the BMW even tho in essence they're exactly the same under the hood, BMW engines as their hearts, what a shame

[@younghentaii1772]

Cost too much to maintain, might as well buy a new car

[@hyweltthomas]

Spot on. I've always liked driving BMWs but their stupid servicing prices have always put me off.

[@leondreamcast]

The reason they depreciate is because they always get leased. The average person doesn’t have 100 racks to drop out of pocket or finance on a whip. That’s with all foreign or luxury cars not just BMW. ROlls Royce is made by BMW too and they those depreciate by 50% within two years and start at 300k

[@Avstract23]

Search up for e46 m3 (2000-2005) or the e39 m5 (2000s) matter infact the older u go the more they cost a e30 ( first m3) could go anywhere from 30-60k depending the condition

[@AjmerPhull]

It was the most difficult car to get in and out, and the opening when the door was open was just big enough for a A4 letter