Buying a used BMW i8 - What I look for before buying

[@mabialaemile8541]

I left the video and 1hr later i realized that i didn't give a thumb up, so i came back for it, your content is truly great

[@ryanr8287]

18 months after purchasing my BMW i8 LCI, a drivetrain error occurred. BMW UK refused to provide any support (even advice) as the car was taken out of the UK. Repairing the issue took a considerable amount of time because multiple parts has to be imported. The root cause of the error was the failure of not one, but three battery modules! Each BMW i8 LCI has six modules, and each module contains 3 temperature and 16 voltage sensors. The plastic lid covering the modules is easily removable, revealing the sensors with are stuck to the surfaces with epoxy. The problem was traced back to defective thermistors (made by Samsung), responsible for monitoring temperature. These thermistors can be replaced by soldering on new ones, which cost about 4 USD each. You can check what the correct resistance of the thermistor by using a meter on a working unit. Apparently defective thermistors are not uncommon, affecting both the BMW i8 LCI and other hybrid BMW models. The main challenge lies in accessing the modules, as it necessitates the removal of the entire battery train and refrigerant lines. This was quite a stressful experience, but eventually, the problem was resolved, although BMW UK provided absolutely no support all the way through. They easily abandon you!

[@williamegler8771]

You accurately described a great many used BMW owners. They stretch themselves financially to drive a car they really can't afford to maintain or repair to impress people they will never meet. My brother in law is a BMW Master mechanic and often talks about customers who have to use multiple credit cards to pay for repairs and maintenance. Or vehicles that sit for weeks until the owners can scrape up enough to pay for repairs.

[@watsonanthony8438]

BMW M are easy to fix. Supposed to go to the dealership for repair

[@markgoldberg2872]

Great video lesson. The 12 volt battery on my BMW i8 went out. Simple problem... right? NO!!! The dealer did not have replacement batteries on hand and had to send off to Germany for it. They didn't have any and I had to wait 6 weeks for them to make some. I couldn't drive the car without it. Luckily my car has a full bumper to bumper warranty so it didn't cost me a thing. I think it would have cost thousands if I had to pay out of pocket. Also Pat is right about the weather stripping. Mine started to come off. My dealer noticed it and it took 3 days to fix. My warranty covered it and I didn't have to pay anything. I also don't know how much my regular maintenance was since it was all covered by the warranty. It is a great car, but I recommend getting a full warranty and not buying the car if you can't get that.

[@MalikTrades]

What company do you use for your extended warranty?

[@paulmacapagal]

Awesome video.... much appreciated! As someone who is in the market for an i8, this video came in super handy.... I also have a friend that works for BMW corporate and another piece of advice he gave me was to stay away from the model launch year....and your advice on warranty is spot on.... I have noticed that cars out of warranty are Significantly less expensive. And cars with the warrantee are significantly more expensive. And if you find a late model car without a warranty and you wanted to add a warranty to it you’re actually paying more than a newer model car that already has a pre-existing warranty. That’s been my experience shopping for these at dealerships

[@PatsGarageOnline]

It's true that first model year cars can be problematic. However the 2014 model owners haven't had a different experience. And BMW has not deprecated many parts on the i8. So, a 2014 i8 shouldn't be much more of a risk than a 2015 like I have. There were a few options unavailable like comfort lock/unlock by just holding your hand over the sensors are the door. But it is a cookie cutter with the other i8s. And you're right about CPO costing more. Dealers often pay $4k for the extra year warranty.

[@peterhowardsantarosa]

This is the most information I8 video I have seen. It is very helpful and consistent with what I was told by a BMW dealership service foreman today when inspecting a 2016 I8 I was considering buying. This may be a great and flashy car under warranty, but for those out of warranty - if a problem develops - it could be VERY expensive and disabling. I ended up buying instead a 2016 M235 IX convertible with 5 year - 50,000 mile add on warranty.

[@kinglouis970]

Thank you for this helps me feel comfortable to buy an i8 i took so much notes. I went to look at one the people at the dealer didn’t know nothing about the car 🤦🏿‍♂️I came home saw your video and feel comfortable. Now deciding between the I8 & r8 . You got a new new follow

[@rickbivins3400]

Did you get an R8 with a v8?

[@ShaqWigginsvlogs]

This video made me wanna buy the i8! Thanks boss you inspired me to record it and put a video up

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Congrats on the i8! Just checking out your video now. Nice i8!

[@rebeccajordan4765]

I love the honesty in your videos. I would like to buy an i8 but I'm afraid of it being a ticking time bomb. I love my i3 and it has been great!

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thank you. I would only suggest an i8 under warranty. That way you can mitigate the risks of ownership.

[@rebeccajordan4765]

@@PatsGarageOnline I agree 100%. I have a question about popping the hood. Didn't opening the hood void the warranty? I've heard that somewherr before.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

@@rebeccajordan4765 opening the hood does not void the warranty. Some dealers actually tell buyers this. It's nonsense. I had my hood open a lot of times and still, my car was accepted for warranty repairs

[@rebeccajordan4765]

@@PatsGarageOnline it's unfortunate that dealerships spread misinformation to their customers on a regular basis. Thankfully your channel is here to share knowledge and factual information.

[@armandoaldape6830]

I love this review!👏I wanted to buy an i8 but after this video hell oh no! the warranty & repairs just scared me… so more i8 4 me 😅

[@Evapors]

Gotta head over to the i8 Facebook page and meet my people!! 🙏🏾🛸

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I'm glad you joined!

[@GetExhausted]

So much quality i8 content

[@xosupermarc]

I used your guide when I bought mine. Thanks for this content. I made a video about my purchase, hopefully it helps others as this video has helped me.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thank you!

[@Evapors]

Marc I believe if you keep up that cool vlog style and push the i8 into the untapped space a few days a week you're going to blow up! Myself and my pal Pat are here for ya! 🙏🏾🛸

[@allenjackson6197]

Pat, I would like to take you with me when I purchase my I8. Bring the check list and negotiation skills. I'll buy dinner. lol... Hey, I'm trying not to damage the savings you just help me get. Great video again...

[@eyadabbas9659]

Hurray! Pat uploaded!

[@Funcentric]

Thanks for going in such depth about this subject. Perfect video. I think you scared me out of it though.

[@adrianfowles7250]

The video I've been waiting for 😁Thank you very much Pat, truly appreciated 👍

[@bumbettowheels8729]

Ooo

[@tjhaynes4262]

Awesome! Thanks for the info. Thinking about making a Christmas purchase.

[@urbansoldier1]

if you can not enter the car in case of dead battery in your remote-key (when you close it with remote-key before) and you pull out and use the emergency metal key ...the alarm goes loud.. so enter fast the carr and hold the remote- key next to the mark on the cover of the steering column. (right side.) to start the car.

[@Bluesky513]

Thankfully to video to Understand a BMW I 8

[@malachi4321]

Pat, Great Video my friend. I am looking around now for a i8 and you definitely have me things to consider. Thank you

[@nicco6951]

Can't thank you enough for all the knowledge that you have shared.. Best to you

[@getreal3336]

This video was awesome! I sincerely thank you for it. My biggest concern before your video was how to get out of it in tight spots so as not to hit the cars on either side of you. As a result of your vid, I am buying the BMW M850 I have on hold today. Thumbs up and TY again. Edit: To the 12 people who thumbed this down and to any others who have the audacity to thumb this down after all the time this guy put into this great video...shame on you! You're all clowns.

[@thewiseguy7100]

I flip cars for a living . I buy all my cars from auctions. I’ve owned new 2015-2019 Audi’s A5,A6,A7. Mercedes E Class and BMW 4-5- and 6 series.. Currently own a 2019 Maserati SQ4, and will buy an I8 in a month or so. People always think I’m wasting money but they don’t realize I make money from ANY car I buy.

[@ChasingTheApex]

Great video, ti's nice to see someone taking the time to walk through the buying process.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thank you!

[@krypto9095]

Omg great review

[@FATBOY2222]

Thanks for the great video! I was looking at one of these but I think I’ll pass. I’ll just enjoy my rental experience on Turo this weekend. God bless

[@black12212]

I am INLOVE with the BMW I8 😍😍😍😍

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

A Motorad dealer told me that a low voltage charge state in the battery can fry the control modules' electronics (ABS, etc.). So, never let the voltage fall due to lack of use! I predict the i8 has a similar caution.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I haven't heard of that happening to any i8 owners and I read about a lot of things failing in these cars. I wonder if BMW programmed good controls to prevent that from happening.

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

The conversation started with the salesman talking about frying a Raspberry Pi accidently. I speculate the issue is that, when the voltage falls from a partially discharged or damaged battery, the current draw through the semiconductors in the controllers is too much for them to handle (power demand is fixed, regardless of voltage, and Power=Voltage x Current). I believe no amount of software would fix this, and only a under-voltage protection circuit would help (I have a mechanical engineering degree, not electrical). Fantastic video @@PatsGarageOnline

[@PatsGarageOnline]

@@DumbledoreMcCracken thank you. Yes, I was implying some type of program to shut it down based upon what voltage is sensed.

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

Having lived in Germany, I look at it this way: German engineers blame the operator when a part of the device fails. The operator should have taken better care of the needs of the device. A Japanese engineer works long hours and hard, and takes pride, in engineering ways that will make the device not-fail despite the efforts of the operator to ignore the needs of the device (except power plants apparently). TÜV inspection is one means to ensure that the device has been taken-care-of by the operator, and to punish him if he has not! @@PatsGarageOnline Anyone who owns a German product should be prepared to exactly follow the *_unwritten_* maintenance schedule for the device, and use the device regularly, and exactly as intended. This sounds silly, but you should consider German attitudes akin to those of an autistic person (without being autistic).

[@robtron3]

The last 7 minutes are panic attack inducing 😂

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Yep. Very much so.

[@HiroNguy]

At that point just LS swap it 😆

[@christiaanvorster1988]

Drivetrain error pull over normally occurs when uou prettyuch ran out of fuel entirely in my experience , after refuelling its gone entirely

[@robtron3]

Such a great video! Severely needed!

[@philtrickey]

Hi Pat - thank you so much for such an informative and helpful video! I pick my i8 up tomorrow and can’t wait. 😁

[@lindypride]

How the i8 life since the pick up? 🎉

[@netayconnection6236]

Yeah hows the car been treating you?

[@teletubbypo318]

Thanks for this video! Really helpful, I’m seeing a bmw i8 next week but I’m buying from an official dealer so hopefully it doesn’t haven’t anything wrong with them

[@raysyd5643]

Great video, just bought a protonic frozen black one. I wish I would have thought about the difficulty of fixing the matte black paint and easily removing scratches. The one I bought was in good condition except for a very small wind noise issue that I'm working on now.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Congrats on your purchase. It looks fantastic. Those protonic colors are something I have no experience with. I've done some paint work years ago, and paint corrections, but that's going to be a super hard finish to work with. I hope you get to enjoy your i8, thoroughly!

[@sergeylyubarsky8201]

Be very careful! I have an I8 that I got in September of 2019 and the battery just died!!! They are telling me its not covered by warranty and I have to pay 1007 for the battery and 700 for the installation!!! On a leased $174,000 car!!!! BE VERY CAREFUL!

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks for this information. This is the first case I've heard of a battery failing under lease requiring the owner to pay for replacement. I would like to hear what you experienced. Did you have this trouble while driving? Were there any specific errors or warnings? Was the vehicle in extreme heat or cold? Do you have the repair invoice with the part numbers that were replaced? Did your lease have a service contract requiring you to pay a deductible? Thank you very much in advance.

[@Evapors]

@@PatsGarageOnline i would love to know too!

[@sergeylyubarsky8201]

@@PatsGarageOnline Hey, Just saw this, Yep, I was shocked too. They said I haven't used the car in a while and the battery died. I showed them a video of me driving it a week prior which didn't matter because "our computer shows". So yeah. Thats that.

[@sergeylyubarsky8201]

@JAILEN ROBINSON yes

[@manasdas9461]

​@@sergeylyubarsky8201 do you still have the car?

[@ducky_garage]

Hi Pat, I haven been watching a lot of your video and it is very helpful. I'm planing to buy an 2014 i8 with 14k mile from a friend of mine. The car is very well taking care of. But the only thing I'm worry is that the car is out of warranty. I'm really interested in owning an i8 and wonder if there is an issue I should be Concern about this car. Thank you in advance

[@Fortnite_bawls]

Only issue i've had is the cable in the door splits, it causes no issues but just exposes the wires to whatever get's into the door

[@maxboya]

You should do a trim level video with the different trim levels! I believe you have the Terra but not the top tier since your front end doesn’t have the blue accents to match the seatbelts. I may be incorrect.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I should do that video, yes. I have the Pure Impulse World and you can tell those cars because they have the i8 symbol on the threshold where you enter the car. Blue seat belts as well. The accents on the exterior of the car can be blue or gray and still get any interior trim level.

[@WachoDude]

In other words you need to double check everything, Thanks

[@trivialgame]

Mmmm.... I was 50/50 with the GranTurismo... I'll go for the Masi

[@detansinn9882]

Tail pipe "smoke" color key Blue - OIL Black - FUEL White - WATER (condensation, normal when cold) Thick white - COOLANT

[@tudorcotoi7011]

Someone pin this man’s comment!

[@kiddeucewardsnowden_bd]

Pat's Garage Online thank you so much Pat, I’m looking to do a father-sons project on fixing up a used i8 or salvaged kind one day soon! This video is so informative! Just what I needed!

[@PatsGarageOnline]

That sounds like a great project. If you decide to upload your project to KZbin, please let me know. I'd love to see the process you're going through. If not, feel free to send me some photos and videos to [e-mail] as I'd love to see the progress.

[@kiddeucewardsnowden_bd]

Pat's Garage Online Absolutely! I saved your videos on my favorites as well so we’ll definitely keep in contact. I liked your video & also saved the email. This has always been my dream car since it was first seen in the Mission Impossible movie (it was hybrid love at first sight ha-ha). We’ll definitely keep in touch! Oh I DEFINITELY will let you know & email if I post on KZbin too. During these tough times we’ve all been enduring struggles so whenever you take the time out of your hectic schedule to check out & hopefully help donate to a jaw-dropping & inspiring story whenever you get the convenience- gofundme.com/a-heartfelt-hand-for-hope

[@Evapors]

that would be dope!!!

[@mansafitness3399]

Thanks you so much ! You saved my money and time,

[@karengill8234]

Great video Pat. Many thanks from the UK. …

[@petercarey6883]

Well, I watched your whole upload Pat, from stem to stern and from port to starboard. OMG🤦🏼‍♂️ All I can say is that I have whole new appreciation for my Yugo.😉 In all seriousness though, if I'm in the market for a used I8, I'm calling you to negotiate a price for YOU to inspect it. You might think about hanging out a shingle to offer your services for such an inspection. I'd rather pay you $1,500. ahead of time than run the risk of having to spend multiples of that to possibly end up with $150,000. boat anchor.⚓ Save the Wave🙋🏼‍♂️

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I'm available at that rate. Let me know when you want to buy one. ;) Any sports car comes with post-warranty risk. As we see more technology in these cars, including the C8, the days of low cost repairs are going to truly be a thing of the past.

[@petercarey6883]

Agreed. I don't know a thing about technology, but I sure do love it . . . . . . . . . when it's all working properly! At the rate the industry is going, our insurance policies will have to grow proportionately so that not only our new cars can become Total Losses simply because of destroyed fender, but so that the insurance companies can also declare the car a CTL when there is massive computer melt-down. I may not live to see it, but you may. Can you say "Disposable Vehicle?"

[@PatsGarageOnline]

@@petercarey6883 It's true. Insurance companies don't want to cover the Tesla because they control the market on collision parts, more parts of the car are integral to the frame due to weight savings, and if you rebuild a salvage Tesla, they've been updating your computer over the air to prevent you from getting supercharging. See Rich Rebuilds channel as he posted recently about this. It's total crap. Disposable vehicle is the way things are going.

[@petercarey6883]

@@PatsGarageOnline I'll check out the channel you suggested. I'll end with this though. In our current environment, being "disposable" doesn't just apply to our current topic either. Have a good rest of the week Pat and enjoy every minute. Latin was not my best subject, but let me leave you with this aphorism. "Illegitimi non corborundum."

[@cooldudezain]

Pat with the superb i8 content!!! Thank you :D

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks!

[@GetExhausted]

He’s one of the best shadetree i8 mechanics out there 💪🏻💪🏻

[@C_Franc2000]

una gran gran video, GRACIAS el mejor video que he podido ver, sobre este modelo de coche me encanta este modelo , pero da miedo comprarlo

[@hood-deeksfamily362]

You would never buy any car after watching one of Pats videos 😄

[@Angeleno2064]

Thank you for this information and video

[@Team512]

Great video Pat! I know I’ve said it before...but I love the Sport Trac!

[@PatsGarageOnline]

LOL, thanks! I did some transmission service on it and have video to edit on that. I might save it for an upload while on a vacation.

[@alirezahamidifayegh]

Hi. My brother, good luck

[@roxaschen9449]

Thanks for all the information 👍

[@Bluesky513]

Thanks!

[@abedj1220]

Nice video. Every comprehensive.

[@jaxxbrat2634]

Had same issue with my Yamaha Grizzly .. Limited use ATV but does not store well.. More modern junk

[@Mr.J.T.]

Man! I just bought it yesterday before I watched this video.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Sorry I was a day late

[@Mr.J.T.]

Hahaha that’s ok. Great video 🙏🏻

[@cameramanfrank]

Jirat Tangkhaprasert hows yours ?

[@callmesenpaidesu1506]

How's the car?

[@spankeyfish]

Step 1: check the ownership history to make sure Samcrac has not previously owned it

[@PatsGarageOnline]

🤣🤣🤣

[@youndrip2955]

First thing the speakers

[@evolv.e]

BMW continues its reputation as one of the most expensive vehicles to maintain, and more so with the i8. Beautiful car but hard pass. Y’all can have this maintenance nightmare. ✌🏼

[@oswaldogonzalez2625]

Can you please give me some information about where tu buy the carbon fiber steering wheel? Please. I cant find it anywhere. By the way. Thank you so much for the video. It has tons of important information.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I found Dinmann online in California who did a great job on my wheel. He is dinmanncf on Instagram. Carbontastic is also in California and does an excellent job but I saved money with Dinmann.

[@oswaldogonzalez2625]

Thank you so much

[@sam-sl4lb]

Awesome car! Take the front license plate off. It would look a lot better.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks! I have a quick detach removable plate mount called the Sto N Sho. I use the plate when I'm driving but typically pull the plate at events.

[@sean14760]

I was curious if you are planning on doing a custom exhaust install. I am going to be buying an i8 shortly and was wondering your thoughts on which custom exhaust you think is the best?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I personally dislike the sound of aftermarket exhausts on this car. There is a video on KZbin called the i8 exhaust challenge where you can hear 10 different exhaust sounds. I want to avoid the i8 sounding like a diesel or a lawnmower. ;)

[@magicmike1122]

In other words, don't buy a 150k car unless you make > $250,000 per year (i.e. payment is 10% of your salary) I think what happened is a lot of people who didn't make over 250k bought this car, and now can't afford the maintenance, and thus is selling it for pennies on the dollar.

[@yettiman8941]

False discontinued by bmw also who makes more then 250k a year and wants to drive a hybrid car, not many bud also idk what payments you make kiddo but you should have a down payment so the whole 10 percent thing is out the window also don’t know how you got that number.

[@magicmike1122]

@@yettiman8941 false. Plenty of people that make even 250k per month want a hybrid, for example ferrari sf90. (I have one in my family. Still waiting for delivery been over a year) 2nd, discontinuing a product decreases the supply, therefore price should actually go up. Look at rolex GMT, when it got discontinued, price went up 300%. 3rd my math is perfectly fine. I have my masters in math and teach college mathematics. 4th, I’ll be buying an i8 this year!

[@watsonanthony8438]

Your income is a factor but you bank account is one as well. Also your credit score as well.

[@glynnjohnson2194]

I wanted to purchase a 2015 i8. Now I don't. Thanks for the video. There exist way too many things that can go wrong. Extended warranty are way way too expensive in California. Why would anyone want to spend $55,000 to $70,000 for a car so cutting edge but so vulnerable for catastrophic failure and heavy repair expense.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

You're welcome. I wanted to make sure I let folks know what they were getting into and if this helped make a decision, even to avoid the car, I feel better knowing I provided valuable info. I drove simple cars for many, many years and always did my own service. Frankly, I got bored and wanted something exotic. With this kind of car, or any exotic, the potential for failures is something the buyer needs to know about before buying one.

[@christiansmalley7138]

You need a clear wrap over the parts that get stone chips

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Since some of my body panels were repainted, I didn't want to install paint protection film, that has the potential to pull paint off the surface if I have to have the PPF removed and replaced. So, I do my own touch up on chips.

[@kiddeucewardsnowden_bd]

Pat's Garage Online thank you so much Pat, I’m looking to do a father-sons project on fixing up a used i8 or salvaged kind one day soon! This video is so informative! Just what I needed!

[@christiankalala840]

Very helpful!

[@Ch0py90]

Thank you very much for the video! It’s a great help before I start looking for the perfect model. Maybe just two questions that could sounds weird: does it make sense to have this car if I don’t have any possibility to charge it at home? And during cold season (I live in Switzerland) does the car can face big issue due to freezing weather?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

You're welcome. You don't have to charge it at home. If you use sport mode, it will charge to about 70%. That's good enough and I recommend, if you're not driving it for a few weeks, definitely drive it around until you reach capacity. There are lots of folks from Switzerland who own the BMW i8 and drive it in all conditions. Please join us at facebook.com/groups/bmwi8group

[@kemac3331]

Can u tell me which car would u choose over the i8 and the Ferrari California roadster???? Would like your input thanks!

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I don't want to own the California, so I wouldn't personally choose it. Nothing wrong with it, just not my style.

[@nikhowlett1336]

i appreciate this detail. hit the like button.

[@watsonanthony8438]

That’s a common issue will all vehicles 😂 hitting curbs and sidewalks

[@PatsGarageOnline]

@@watsonanthony8438 truth. I shouldn't have even mentioned it.

[@jtalant7055]

ohh wow you from md me too now we can do i8 meet up group

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Yep! I typically visit Hunt Valley Horsepower and Katie's cars and coffee events

[@WachoDude]

6k for a headlight?!?!?!

[@jrodriguez7157]

Great video!!!

[@ronalvalerio1195]

Thank you, great video/advice

[@stevereilly]

The paint chips easier because of the plastic used rather than any paint issues.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

That makes sense. Although I've only seen large pits of paint missing on cars that have had poor resprays. I've had paint chips in my bumper but they didn't look like craters (like the bumper shown in my video). That was a subscriber's car I went to check out before he bought it.

[@stevereilly]

@@PatsGarageOnline My i3 does the exact same, the relative strength of plastic v's aluminium or steel and properties make it a pane for stone chips.

[@vishalb84]

Very helpful!! thanks pat

[@kt10208]

So Scotty was right.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Of course. I lived by the Scott method for many years, did my own work on them, but got tired of driving boring cars. This car isn't for everyone, but if it is the car someone wants, I definitely wanted to let them know what they were getting into.

[@SimonStuff2000]

a Used BMW i8 is near 60k EUR,seriosly? a new one is 150k EUR..

[@51THEUFO]

10k per year?¡ I had an Lamborghini Huracan for 3 years and i have paid less than 8k in maintenance and a few problems ...

[@51THEUFO]

And why don't buy an extended repair service???? it cost 4.900 euro and it covers all repairs of the car until 200k kms or 5 years.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

In the US, we must buy the extended warranty before the original warranty expires. It will cost about $8500 USD to extend to 5 years. The reason to have that kind of reserve is due to the potential problems. I've received messages from i8 owners who have had AC compressors fail, causing metal fragments to spread throughout the refrigerant lines. Those same lines cool the high voltage battery. That repair is $8000 minimum with a potential to $16000 if it damages all lines requiring replacements. Less common are coolant leaks at $4000 and shock replacement at $3000. These seem to happen at random and anyone that has these issues will need the cash on hand for the repairs. Especially the Air Conditioning, as the car will be disabled if that system is inoperable.

[@51THEUFO]

@@PatsGarageOnline Every car can have problems, but you can always repair them by other ways, not necessary BMW, there's a lot of professionals and 2 hand parts to repair it for 80% less. Anyways here in Europe we can buy the extended warranty after the original expires, so its not a problem.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

@@51THEUFO I agree, there is always a better way than BMW and in the EU, you are very lucky to have the extended warranty coverage. I recently received DMs from two folks with catastrophic failures. One had an AC Compressor fail with metal in the system and was quoted $18,000 USD to repair, since the AC system cools the high voltage batteries, and complete battery enclosure was required. Another had an undetected coolant leak leading to the mid-engine overheating and cracking between the head and the block and was quoted $30,000 USD for that replacement. Both were 2015 models and had around 30,000 miles. I'm going to be doing follow up videos on these issues so that people are very aware of what they are getting into when they buy an i8 and it is out of warranty.

[@karlo1507]

In 10 years this used i8 will be worth 2x price of now

[@mechanicjobs]

6 thousand for a headlight? Ya I’ll pass on that car.

[@HARLEMHEFNER]

My question is with bmw i8 being discontinued. is it good idea to buy an i8 if it needs repairs or certain parts? will you have problems getting it fixed. Like was I told if you take the hood off you have to go a BMW dealership to put it back on in the cost is 5k

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Typically, manufacturers have spare parts available for about 10 years after manufacturing of a car model is stopped. Usually, an aftermarket supplier jumps in to fill the gap. Either way, BMW has likely worked on a plan to have skilled technicians on hand to work on these cars. Sometimes, they require BMW in Germany to connect remotely via the Internet to help assist in troubleshooting. I don't see BMW giving up this practice as it yields revenue. I'm not sure who told you it would cost 5k to have the hood reinstalled on the i8 but no one who has ever opened or taken it off has had to do this, nor were they charged because they did it.

[@HARLEMHEFNER]

@@PatsGarageOnline thank for the info this was the only thing holding me back from buying one

[@supercharged2414]

Third review and nobody opens the front hood. Why?????

[@PatsGarageOnline]

@@supercharged2414 I did a whole video on opening the front bonnet before doing this video so I felt it would be redundant

[@roshglock]

Very informative

[@lazaroregalado8924]

Hey pat I had a question I have an I8 as well I was wondering if you knew how to un restrict the reving so I could rev it in neutral or park Bc I installed an exhaust on it.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Unfortunately, this soft rev points are not able to be recoded to remove that restriction.

[@lazaroregalado8924]

@@PatsGarageOnline I’ve some videos of people reving there I8 though

[@PatsGarageOnline]

@@lazaroregalado8924 Yes, there's a soft rev limit that people are revving against.

[@lazaroregalado8924]

@@PatsGarageOnline and how do you do that?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

@@lazaroregalado8924 Press the Start/Stop button and then touch the gas pedal. The mid-engine will start and you can rev it.

[@kingdre1522]

Pat quick question the black on the hood is that vinyl or is that paint?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

All black parts are paint. The grill itself is plastic but housing is Jet Black BMW color

[@kingdre1522]

Oh ok my i8 has the white hood w/o the black paint guess I just gotta live with it as is, btw thanks so much for the videos will continue to watch 🙏

[@PatsGarageOnline]

​@@kingdre1522 if your hood doesn't have black paint, it's possible that it was either repainted or there's a white wrap on the hood. If you're comfortable lifting the hood (I have a recent video on my channel) there should be black overspray on the bottom of the hood. It will either be covered in white paint or vinyl.

[@HCJServices]

If you got a read up on how bad a car is you probably don’t need to buy it.

[@Yamakasi_]

What kind of smart wacth are you wearing?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Fitbit Versa 2

[@Ray-g5k]

Not sure if you still see comments on this vid but was wondering what watch is that you're wearing

[@PatsGarageOnline]

It's a Fitbit

[@merlin01794]

Just about to buy a very cheap 2014 high mileage i8 - then saw this! Should I stick with my 2003 Honda S2000 Pat?!

[@PatsGarageOnline]

That's a personal decision. As long as you have cash in the bank for the repairs, anything is possible. I just want folks to be aware of that, going in. Like any exotic, it's not cheap to fix.

[@merlin01794]

@@PatsGarageOnline Thanks Pat. I've decided not go for the i8 even though I love the looks. I just prefer something more basic that I can work on - and I can actually see and get to tinker with the lovely engine on the S2000! Great video though!

[@davidbell1683]

Hi Pat, is it difficult to change road springs on the i8 roadster, my car came fitted with aftermarket springs which are simply not suitable for the roads I drive on, I have purchased a new OEM springs but can not find anyone willing to fit them? Thanks in advance David.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Please check out RDDC's video on the spring swap. You can follow his directions or shoot a comment into his video if you need help. I've never done it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWWldZpoZctjn80

[@phady2088]

I see BMW i8 use with 80000mile good or not for use

[@gregorynp]

Thanks. I won't be buying one now

[@kelliallen206]

How do I get my ambient lights to work I tried going to light settings and it still won’t work

[@PatsGarageOnline]

If they are not working, there may be a problem with a module, wiring or the LEDs themselves. I suggest BMW diagnostic

[@Kelli-rl9pl]

@@PatsGarageOnline thank you

[@worldisawesome6789]

Question. Is the roof full carbon?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Yes, the roof is carbon fiber

[@worldisawesome6789]

@@PatsGarageOnline Nice, that mean if you step on it you won't make any dents on it? When I will own an i8, I will stand on the roof with the doors open This is the biggest flex I will ever do on instagram lol

[@malhotraroger9106]

How many things can go wrong on these cars ? 😟

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Bmw used leading edge engineering on this car. They didn't have a whole lot of testing and longevity to be able to predict the problems that would come up. Sadly, they never were able to fix these issues in future generations because they stopped making this car.

[@malhotraroger9106]

Does that make it a deal breaker?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

@@malhotraroger9106 I wouldn't buy one again

[@malhotraroger9106]

@@PatsGarageOnline thank you 👍

[@reggiesparks4357]

Make sure the exhaust speaker is workng.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

That thing is super quiet. Once you do the valve mod to keep it open, the exhaust over powers the speaker

[@ก้องดีเซล]

The best👍👍👍

[@volooooo]

I’d like to know if I can fit a roller board in the rear behind the front seats. I wanted to know about possible storage space when leaving the airport. This video failed and I’ll have to watch other videos to try and get the answer wtf

[@AuroraEmpire]

Is it true that there are smog issues with the i8? I went to an independent car dealership and they said they have to bring it specifically to a bmw smog shop. That was after they brought it to a non bmw smog shop. They said it failed due to some issue with being locked out of the computer and bmw only has access to it.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I'm unaware of smog issues. In MD, the state emissions center pluged their equipment into my i8 and it passed. So I'm not sure what other states are checking for.

[@danielstehura9657]

Wow Scary Car! RUN RUN RUN