i8 Battery Repair - What HAPPENED??

[@idrivearttabletennis]

Great video. We've had 5 hybrids now. Each had the big battery and the regular 12 volt. We had one big battery go out under warranty with 99,780 miles on 100,000 mile warranty on a Prius. We had one 12-volt battery go bad out of warranty (3yr/36K) on a Honda CRZ but that was just $170. Glad your expenses were under warranty.

[@pat_freeman]

You have an amazing dealer! That's great that you get a video and status updates from them and that your adviser was so knowledgeable. I'm glad to know that the registration of the battery is necessary to tailor the charging rate. I wasn't sure why that was necessary and considered an off-the-shelf battery swap when mine eventually dies, but I won't do that. I'm also very happy to learn about how to read that date stamp on the battery post. Very educational, thank you! Glad you both have the car back and can enjoy it!

[@HeidiandFranny]

Hi Everyone, Always a little scary when the battery in your plug-in Hybrid won't hold a charge :( So, we set an appointment with BMW and had the car in for service and learned a thing or two. This was our experience. All our service was covered by warrantee, but we listed pricing, so you could see it.

[@stefanjust1912]

Great variety of topics, my dears ! This one showing yet another angle on the whole car topic. Wunderbar !

[@sw651]

The guy at the service desk was awesome. The guy at my dealership is a miserable soul who growls at you. If you are nice to him when he growls it makes him angrier. Lol. I try my best to get him going with kindness. His co-workers seem to enjoy it. Cool features with the video and invoice from dealership. I really like that.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Weird that he growls.

[@Pedal2Metal_on_YouTube]

The old service desk guy at my local vw dealership used to throw your keys across the room when I would drop off my Corrado keys. He was a miserable guy who just wanted to retire and most likely die. He ended up backing my car into an engine block in the shop and never told me. He was fired after thst incident. So its always refreshing to find jolly service desk guys and gals!

[@richardcarter1000]

So true, 'the more crap you have on these cars, the more will go wrong.' Well said.

[@Pedal2Metal_on_YouTube]

Yup

[@johnhowell316]

The BMW people have always been extremely helpful. Even when I just call them for help. Can't say that for every manufacturer. Thanks for sharing. That car is gorgeous!

[@alexmestas2128]

Great video. As a Tesla owner it is a great reminder that there are actually 2 batteries the 12 volt and the the big battery. What’s even more important is as you stated if your not driving the car for a period of time connect the charger to the car. I know Tesla has an adjustment to bring down the amps so it effectively works like a battery tender.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Yup. I suspect BMW uses some of the same battery tech the Tesla does (different type of battery though...) Tesla made that charging system available to other manufacturers and I remember reading BMW took them up on it. I hope the newer versions do away with the 12V battery altogether.

[@elvindelacrur2160]

Hello Heidi the BMW I8 that I'm planning on purchasing is a 2016 looks Exactly like your BMW I8. That incredible

[@713vinh]

Glad to see the "big" battery is ok, I can't imagine having to replace them outside of warranty. BMW = break my wallet

[@thomprd]

Let's not sell a good independent shop short, though. There are some really great ones that stand behind their work and are true experts.

[@HeidiandFranny]

I do not think we did.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Hi Ronald, you are absolutely right! We will be taking the 3.2 Carrera into a local shop shortly to replace a broken sway bar mount. I wouldn't take that to a dealer. They each have their place.

[@illustriousvisions841]

they knew they were being recorded so they put on a show.. maybe i should do that my next service visit..

[@WoolyBuggerPicker]

I know it's a recommended OEM part with a sensor, but over $300 for a 12v battery? yikes!

[@HeidiandFranny]

I agree. It was a bit steep. We were lucky it was all under warrantee.

[@Paulman50]

It would be a deep cycle battery.

[@joubess]

Franny, this is an excellent video! I'm not experienced with hybrids or electric cars and I learned a few new things about them. The check engine light is always a scary signal! Some call it the money light because it may cost a fortune to make it turn off and stay off. I've learned to check the gas cap first, then go from there. I have a 2011 Subaru Forester Limited and it is super picky about the gas cap. Subarus don't play nice with aftermarket parts. (I really don't like this Subaru, and I will likely sell it as soon as I can get my Honda up to snuff, but that's another story). The old OEM cap broke so I put an aftermarket cap on it. Within a week the check engine light came on. I ordered a new OEM gas cap, installed it, and the check engine light went off. I keep the spare cap around in case the cap breaks because it will run a week or so on the aftermarket cap. I'm not sure why the gas caps are so fragile. It is disconcerting for something like a gas cap to only last 8 years and then physically break.

[@geerstyresoil3136]

Registration of a regular AGM 12v battery seems odd to me, I find it strange the system can't determine the quality of a relatively simple 12v on the fly. Seems like unnecessary dealership control to me. I view batteries as consumables like brake pads and tire wear.

[@HeidiandFranny]

It shouldn't be too difficult to integrate a real battery tester (something like a SOLAR tester that shoots an AC signal through the battery). This particular car is more of a prototype for BMW so they can get some feedback on how their hybrid systems perform and last. Hopefully, they will add something in the future - or better yet, get away from the 12V battery altogether. They do consider it a consumable and the registering is a bit like brake pad sensors. But the car should have been aware the battery was bad if it is that important.

[@9adrda]

Thank you Life Of Palos for brining me here! I like your content!

[@HeidiandFranny]

Welcome to the channel!

[@recklesslyarrogant7242]

What a fantastic dealer. I am going to refer all my friends and family to that dealer for all they’re needs.

[@johnspecht72]

The variety and quality of content on this channel keep climbing. Well done!

[@GrimBiscuit]

This is exactly why I'm such a big fan of BMW. I love those damn cars!

[@leeterhar]

I think I'd prefer the high-voltage batteries to go bad in the 2015 i8. The new replacement batteries (assuming that they are the same as those in the 2019 i8) have about twice the juice. With these high-voltage batteries your electric-only range would be up near that of the first generation Chevy Volt. Of course there's a downside: the new batteries, although the same dimensions, are higher density so the weight gain could be 50lbs or so.

[@gjsthreefoursevinoneone8945]

I had that battery reset feature on my 2006 750i. There was a guy I knew who had the codes and software process to reset the battery condition to new. I wonder if the I8 has the same.

[@TuRo-Maserati]

Shame that. I think it's gonna have few issues over the years (I have a 14 Coupe and 19 Roadster) good news is though that they are appreciating now 15 months out of production which helps 'cushion' the physcological cost of keeping on road if it's covered when you sell - I predict that like the E26 M1 and Z8 they'll go up circa 5-10% per year (or 4 times inflation) Nice Vid and Dealership.👍 Ps biggish cost is at 4 year service which includes engine belts and door struts circa at $1700 be prepared - but just $700 at 6 years phew !

[@oldgitst]

not so sure its a super intelligent onboard charging system when it doesn't know if it has a new or old battery attached to it :-o lol, great vids tho guys

[@bbpleg]

Interesting car you’ve got and it makes for some different content, but personally I would stay away from such complex vehicles. Having to take it to a dealer for almost everything would just ruin me financially!

[@snazzullz]

Awesome detailed video!🤙🏼🥳 loves it & ur I8🙌 stay blessed!🙏🏼

[@HeidiandFranny]

Thanks! You too :)

[@MrOnimusha1790]

wow great service. Night and day t experience from a particular Porsche Dealership near me 😅. Way to go BMW!

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Wasn't the software on the car supposed to warn you in advance that your $500 battery needs replacement? If you were on a road trip instead of near the house, you would have been in a world of trouble. My vote is too unload that time bomb while you can and use the money for something 'simpler'. Great video as always.

[@JayBrav0]

Useful info thanks!

[@michaelbrooker1433]

$753.22 for a defective mirror. Technology run amok. KISS. And $356.11 total for the 12 volt battery? That's nuts. Again, keep it simple stupid. When does technology stop serving us and we start serving it? That's $1,109.33 for the most minor things on a car, a quite new car. What happens when it's ten years old? Who could afford to keep the car running then, a highly depreciated car. It'll end up scrapped and that 400 volt battery will cost a lot to process. Green is not what it is cracked up to be, it is high priced virtue signaling.

[@oibal60]

09:18 Oh c'mon, that's like keeping my flashlight plugged in all week just so I can use it for 5 minutes, locating the cat's toy under the dresser.

[@HeidiandFranny]

You'd rather have a dead flashlight?

[@holdupwaitaminute3031]

Life of Palos sendt me here, Love the content

[@HeidiandFranny]

Cool.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Welcome!!

[@steveh5937]

Great video ladies very informative looks like you have a good dealer there ........keep up the good work.......i really like your content just subscribed

[@UhhhhhnooOOo00oO]

Great explanation and detail of pricing. (they are a bit nicer in Colorado....that's interesting to me)

[@troyherring7158]

Thx for that!!!

[@Pedal2Metal_on_YouTube]

Awesome video, and very informative! L of P gave you guys a shout out yest which i thought was cool!!

[@cleanasdirt6832]

Very informative video. One doesn’t see a transparent dealership very often.👍🇨🇦

[@HeidiandFranny]

Dwayne, a friend recommended them and we ask for costs do people would know. They did a good job as far as I could tell. Heidi

[@cleanasdirt6832]

Real pricing was good to see. So many channels just make up prices for click bait. 🇨🇦

[@amill1563]

Do you recommend a Toyota or Honda hybrid for someone that drives many miles? Would you sell it before 100k miles?

[@HeidiandFranny]

We cannot recommend cars we know nothing about. Sorry. :(

[@BobbyDeniroX]

Toyotas better at hybrid then Honda. Unless you are getting the nsx

[@freerkderuiter8822]

Exactly 5 weeks ago I had to replace the battery on my BMW E92. Much simpler car and an easy job, but also here you have to register the battery. You can do that via the OBD II port. Not sure what the situation is like in the US but over here in the Netherlands BMW dealers are very good, I have to say.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Cool. Good to know.

[@empowermph]

if you drive it in sport mode most of the time, that recharges the battery. every time you push the brake, charge. the eco and all electric modes of course require more full recharges and maintenance if that's your mode of driving.

[@rashad9014]

Why those issues are not covered under warranty?

[@HeidiandFranny]

Oh, they were... No problem there...

[@renerebe]

quite a bill for the regular 12V battery, and why I will swap mine myself, anyone know how to do the "registering" DIY in a MINI Countryman? ;-)

[@HeidiandFranny]

Just call MINI and ask.

[@tonys9413]

Bits & more by René Rebe Requires a special gadget, hooked to the OBD port, for registering the battery. They charged Franny $47 to register the battery, my BMW dealer charges something like $120!!

[@renerebe]

@@tonys9413 yeah just what I expected. Imho the intelligent charging just just reset with power disconnect for free :-/

[@sportscarnut]

What will be the cost of replacing the main battery out of warranty?

[@HeidiandFranny]

No clue.

[@HeidiandFranny]

That is a great question... Probably north of $15K? That battery is warranted for 10 years against failure, but also significant loss in capacity. In theory, you should leave that period with a good strong battery that would have gone south way before that. I would think the tech would have improved and maybe you could get a better battery installed and get even more range.

[@brianheffernan8982]

That was an interesting video. I really enjoyed it.

[@MaikEletrica]

Great video!

[@Steve-jq4st]

I have a 12 year old Boxster but the local Porsche dealer treats the car and me the same as if it was new. I also get videos emailed to me so I can see exactly what the problem is before I give the go ahead for repairs. I’ve also had loan cars (worth a lot more than mine) and they always offer a coffee while I’m waiting. They also have special events for customers. Great service like that pays off for the dealer and the customer.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Cool.

[@PirataSports]

As a dealer myself, kudos to the dealer for getting US$450 for a battery - I've made less on a whole car when things are slow.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Battery was 300.

[@krisjones3359]

I wondered when you would get the first big bill with the BMW i8, I didn`t have to wait long unfortunately. Being an engineer like you Franny, I was quite surprised that you opted to buy into unproven technology, I actually think we are 20-30 years away from electric/hybrid cars from being financially viable to the general public. Keep up the fantastic videos girls, love and best wishes from Great Britain.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Well, remember all this was under warranty. As an engineer I applaud unproven tech. Huge props to BMW for working into this arena of combining ICE and electric. That is no small feat. Porsche spent several years working out the 918. With that said, the i8 really is a prototype - a show car. I expect things to go south and, at least in this instance, the parts that failed are common parts that are from any other BMW and not even built by them. The i8 is complicated but all cars are nowadays. I hope these manufactures continue to innovate and push the envelope. Thanks so much for watching! We will keep you apprised on how it goes :)

[@seoneng803]

Hi, I need some of your advise, pls help. I just bought a 8 year bmw i8, and I sent to few garage to check for its condition, despite some minor problems, the engine, hvb battery, and turbo charger are all good. The question is how should I take good care of the hvb battery? Should I plug in charge everytime I use the car. Like daily charge as I use it as daily car. Or use turbo mode to charge it and only plug in charge once a month? Also, for plug in charge, should I unplug it around 6 hours coz normally full charge will take 8 hours, as someone told me that we cannot fully charge the battery always charge to 70% or 80% will be perfect. Pls give me your advise. Much appreciated, already subscribed your ch. Tqvm

[@HeidiandFranny]

We plug ours in every chance we get, mainly because we can barely use any gas when just running on errands around town. We have not had any issues. The main car battery (not accessories battery) is either eight or ten years under warranty from BMW no matter when you bought it. I can't remember, but if it ever misbehaves, contact BMW.

[@robertmontgomery7158]

My Tesla Model S had 4 bad 12 volt batteries in its first 12 months . BMW is fine

[@HeidiandFranny]

Interesting

[@HeidiandFranny]

Hi Robert, four? That sounds like it wasn't the battery... Did they ever mention what was causing the issue? Maybe they used the wrong type of battery for the replacement or the charging system was not configured correctly... The 12V battery on an electric car always gets me... Seems like an easy thing to remove... How do you like your Tesla? Always so much hype I'd love to hear some real-world opinions. Thanks, F

[@danger450]

Guy at the front "Tesla who"?

[@domainmagic2280]

why don't you have extended warranty on this a vehicle this costly?

[@CoreQ]

that's very cheap so many items perform at dealership.

[@jongonegone1262]

oh god---- that feeling of them pulling your baby into the dealer garage. im preying for you guys.

[@randyallen2771]

It's a brave new world 🤔

[@caroad2008]

$1200 is steep on basically replace a 12v battery. I will stick with my gasoline powered Porsche.

[@HeidiandFranny]

The 12V battery was just $300... I know, "just" but... It was under warranty. The big expense was the rear mirror with the HomeLink . Just one button wouldn't accept a program. Glad it was also under warranty.

[@oibal60]

I'm doing a 60K service on my 993. That 12th plug!!!

[@Thebusinessguide101]

IM HAVING THIS PROBLEM RIGHT NOW ON MY I8 I GO TO CUT IT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AN EXTERIOR LIGHTS CUTS ON BUT THE CAR WON'T START EVEN WHEN IM TRYNA JUMP THE BATTERY U BELIEVE I NEED TO CHANGE THE 12 VOLT BATTERY AS WELL ON MY I8 (HOPEFULLY)! ITS THAT AN NOT THE BIG BATTERY 🤦‍♂️

[@HeidiandFranny]

The regular (small) battery doesn't last that long. How old is your car? We bought ours in 2018, replaced it then and I think it needs to be done again.

[@Thebusinessguide101]

@@HeidiandFrannyo ok I have a 2016 I8

[@Thebusinessguide101]

@@HeidiandFranny an is it completely necessary to take it to the dealership to Reset the small battery once you get a new one?

[@HeidiandFranny]

@@Thebusinessguide101 The idea is that the car keeps track of the charging requirements for the battery. As it ages the charging profile is adjusted to compensate. The dealer will reset the charging profile to a new battery when it is installed... At least that is what they told me ;) We didn't bother on the MINI and it was just fine.

[@Thebusinessguide101]

@@HeidiandFranny guess I will have to see first before I tow it in from my garage..🙃lol thank you Heidi I enjoy ya content btw 💪

[@jongonegone1262]

its amazing for the cost of the bmw that they dont use a lithium starter battery and only the high voltage drive battery is lithium. fran hes trying to retrain you !!!!! ha ha ha. or he wants to be famous. this is a common complaint after 4 years on bought new toyota prius vehicles.

[@cwazyeurodrivr]

BMW= Bring Money With ...... for service :-) I spent thousands on service, I had a 2015 X5 3.0d ( diesel) , it was a electrical nightmare , ate tires every 8K miles, and lost the brakes ( drive by wire) on it 3 times, 3rd time it happened the ECU rebooted at 75Mph , locked the steering wheel ( as if you were locking the car to walk away from it) and I couldn't steer, while it was doing 75mph. Engine was on, all lights , HVAC, radio, nothing worked , not even the electronic emergency brake. Needless to say the X5 was totaled after hitting a concrete barrier and rolling over. I demanded the X5 be towed to my house and put in my garage. until I consulted a lawyer . I sued BMW, Then my lawyer demanded to have the blackbox data pulled , They all showed up at my house, and we all witnessed and video recorded BMW factory people pulling the blackbox data and making copies of the data in-case they decided to pull a fast one. The best part was, the battery was dead in the X5 and they used a VW Jetta rental car as a power source to power up the X5) I told the factory reps that were looking at the car while the blackbox data was being pulled , pointed to the Range Rover sport that was also in my garage said " that has 119,000 miles on it , the service history on that fits into a single 2" 3-ring binder. The service history on this BMW, is in (2) 4" binders, and this has 29,000 miles on it.... That says it all about the "ultimate high maintenance machine " he said " no way " I pulled all the binders , the 4 BMW factory techs looked at each other and didn't say a word. I then told them " the 2nd time the brakes went out , you all had it the service department for 67 days throwing parts at it and I had a base 3-series as a loaner". My lawyer then took the binders and said " these also will also be used as evidence , you all can pull the service data from your internal service systems". BMWNA called 7 days after the blackbox data was analyzed and admitted the vehicle was at fault . I also went on BMW forums and found 41 other owners that were having same electrical & computer issues as mine was. My lawyer submitted the forum printouts and I think BMW new I had them by the family jewels.( sorry for the mental image) We went back and forth about settlements , replacement X5 of my choice free of charge, etc. I decided to settle for cash, medical bills paid, they also gave me a BMWNA certificate for $17,000 of a future BMW vehicle which I gave away to a friend that was looking for a new car. I ordered another 17 Range Rover Sport supercharged v8 Autobiography. I'll never have/own a BMW ever again. This past Feb 2019, I decided to go order/upgrade to a Range Rover SVA full size ( 2020 is now my 7th) , and I can honestly say that the last 3 Range Rovers have been 1/4 of the maintenance the BMW X5d was . I literally just got the 2020 L405 Range Rover SVA, 4 days ago , I sold the 2017 sport with 191,712 miles on it (the LR dealer master service tech purchased it from me, " because I know who worked on it and how you drive it... fastest Rover on the road, 99% highway miles). Now yes , passes everything every 8th-10th gas station but I love it, if i keep it under 80mph , it gets 22mpg, when I'm over 80..... it's in the mid to high teens depending on what brand of fuel is in it... and most of all ......the brakes work and don't fail while driving( actual mechanical braking system still), and the dash board isn't the boring or outdated like BMWs are currently. That tablet sticking out of the dash.. is FUGLY. The new 2020 RR SVA sits next to a 2019 Aston Martin DBS superlegga v12 coupe (stunningly beautiful to look at, get compliments on it all the time, but Benz infotainment software/system SUCKKKKKSSSSSS & no apple carplay ), a 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso v12, a 2017 488 Spider, and I also have on order a Porsche Taycan/Mission-e (sedan), because I refuse to purchase a $120+K Mattel/Tonka toy quality, fit and finish Tesla. My advice on your i-8........ be very very OCD about what is going on with your BMW , how it's acting, what it's doing, feeling etc , I know my BMW put my life at risk, and I'd hate to hear about another person putting their life at risk.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Glad to hear you escaped without injury. Great write up too.

[@cwazyeurodrivr]

mac daddy curtain airbag cut my eye and ear open , seat airbag bruised left side of my body from arm pit to knee . Ribs were killing me for weeks after . But thankfully that was the extent of injuries.

[@sw651]

Wow, I'm glad you are all right. Congratulations on your car choices. Those are some of the most beautiful cars made.

[@cwazyeurodrivr]

@@sw651 Thanks! I also made the mistake of going to Lars Automotive Museum yesterday ( south of Boston) for a car show with the 488 , I saw the new Bentley Conti GT convertible... grrrrrrr. I kinda want it lol ... I also forgot to mention I have a friend that also has had many X5 V8s, Now has a 19with 37K on it ( he's in medical device sales , on the road all day long) He's had to carry a case of oil with him at all times, due to the " Big money waste" 5.0L , it drinks 2-3 qtrs of oil between oil changes. Why? because BMW engineered the wrong valve seals rubber , and because the cooling design/system isn't as good as it should be BMW engines run hotter than other vehicles, which degrades rubber quicker hence oil consumption in all the I6, V8 engines.

[@zo4712]

@@cwazyeurodrivr Sorry to hear of your issues with BMW, and glad you survived your accident with only a few "bumps and bruises." Given that you obviously have a bias towards BMWs perhaps its best you not comment on them any further, as your experience is quite unique. I currently own 5 BMWs from 2006-2013. I service them myself, and they run like tops. Mileages range from 76-160K. I generally only add a quart of oil between changes. I'm not sure where you're getting your info from, but I'm not sure BMWs necessarily "run hotter" than other vehicles, or that the supposed higher engine temperatures lead to a breakdown of the piston seals, leading to increased oil consumption. More than likely it's a factor of the tolerances of the piston chambers. Good luck with your RRs. I've always liked them, but they had too many issues before they were bought-out by TATA.

[@oibal60]

BummerMW

[@anthonylee2158]

Bla BLa blah blah , Good !

[@steffydog]

Maths clearly not the strong point in the dealership, 2015-2019 for the battery is 4 years in my world, not 5. Must be a language thing, crap would be taken as rather offensive here. Glad it’s sorted.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Sorry used to be much worse like ‘shit’, but not really very bad. However, maybe you are correct. We will try to watch that or beep out.

[@karlInSanDiego]

I noticed that too. It's an evil truth that he mentioned about too much crap on cars too. BMW has overcomplicated their cars more than others for many years.

[@alanbrand7681]

Of course it broke its German...designed to break

[@chriseason2785]

Shes no supercar blondie...

[@HeidiandFranny]

What do you mean? We are a very different channel than SB. She is great fun to watch, but very different...