My first year of BMW i8 ownership: Costs, issues, concerns and the future.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Please check out Heidi and Franny's first year review of their BMW i8. They covered a lot of subjects I did not cover in their review, so this is incredibly useful information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJLRqGSse8R7mas

[@richardwhaley8495]

Hi Pat, I wrote recently to H & F to comment on my own one year ownership of an i8, and you replied. Thank you! I was aware of the car since the introduction of the concept and then production in '14 but at the new car price, not for me. So last year when cars became available at 50% off, the hook was set! I had good equity in a 911 so traded it. I'm more of a GT than a sportscar guy anyway so have really enjoyed the i8, especially owning such state of the art technology. I appreciate the efficiency both in it's design operation and it's manufacture. I see that you also like Corvettes as I do, had a C4 then a C6 and have been watching reviews on the C8. Tempting but not yet willing to part with the i8 and not so sure I want to go back to a big, loud, inefficient ICE- V8 . What about you? Thank you for your Vlog, it's well done and helpful in solving the problems that inevitably come up. RW

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thank you for the kind words! I was also attracted to the i8 based on it's looks and technology as well. It's a very good car and from what I've heard, it cost BMW to make it than they sold it for. We got a lot for our money. I've taken it on road trips extending over 6 hours one way and it was a joy to drive the entire time. And the thumbs up from passing motorists was nice as well. I've been following along intently on the rumors and progress of the C8. I went to Corvettes at Carlisle, Pennsylvania and examined the cut-away chassis. I saw that there were close out plates installed over the inside of the steering kuckles. That was the first sign that I knew this car would have a front drive line. A closer look at the center tunnel and room up front shows signs of a hybrid infrastructure. I follow Horsepower Obsessed here on KZbin. I've met him several times and he and I share enthusiasm with the Corvette as well. If you haven't seen his channel, check it out.

[@TekMoliGy]

wow this guy is great. He just goes over the facts and figures plain and simple. so many videos like this are just pure clickbait and never actually cover the actual info like this guy does.

[@Cruiselord]

10:05 that’s when he discusses problems

[@empowermph]

fvck obsessing over problems, anything foreign, get a warranty, or dont get it at all until you can.

[@IAMHe777]

Thanks fam 💪🏾

[@IAMHe777]

@@empowermph not really, bruh just letting people know so they can cut the bs & get to the point. We may be here for different reasons. As for me I'm an American car guy but mission impossible 4 brought me here 🤷🏾‍♂️ so I'm never buying a mercedes or bmw. I can definitely afford it but like my v8 Camero.

[@watsonanthony8438]

Common with many cars

[@brickhouzepizza4877]

sitting right next to my i8 listening to you talk about all these warranty covered issuers I’m happy I have warranty

[@michaelharris4269]

This has been one of the best explanations and descriptions that most people never tell you or keep track of like you did. Great job

[@fredduncan1610]

This video just cured me of my desire to buy an i8.

[@youknowwhothisis1341]

Wow, appreciate the openness, I was so fixated on this car and now seriously doubting my judgement

[@acethehuskystar]

@@youknowwhothisis1341 right.. I was thinking about one, but makes me rethink it

[@grahamjones2759]

Thanks for taking the time to produce such a comprehensive video - and also for being so honest about the risks / rewards / costs.

[@distracted_visions7095]

Pat has a lot more patience than I ever would!

[@ChazJacksonTV]

Just FYI i8 owners to make it a lot louder go in sports mode and click it to manual. Makes huge difference with the sound and response is much better. Thanks for this vid I’m a yr in w mine

[@nineeleven8655]

David from Spain.I ve seen many ownerships reviews of many car along KZbin.Yours is transparent ,honest and documented.I guess there are some cars that we must buy by heart rather than practicality..Please continue teaching about i8.The i8 is not only a car,it is a new concept about cars in the future and thanks to you it is right here right now.

[@julianowen4]

Thanks for sharing the TRUTH about the ownership experience. Especially the financials! Didn’t realize how large of a depreciation hit these cars take.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thank you! It's possible that depreciation is starting to level off, but we won't know until after it's happened.

[@twrcrew8852]

I'd say that the I8 is such a unique car in it's own right that the depreciation is temporary. Outlandish (but highly attractive) styling, an attempt at innovation and poor sales are all hallmarks of a future classic

[@hazardeur]

thta's why you buy it used

[@jamesaron1967]

@@hazardeur Buy used providing you're absolutely sure the car is well maintained, otherwise lease a new one.

[@hazardeur]

@@jamesaron1967 well, I usually lease used ones (sportscars) which have less than 15k km's on them. I found it's the best value for money. The cars are still basically new, way cheaper than new, still have factory guarantee so I can sleep at night and best of all, once i decide to get rid of the car I don't need to talk to 50 assholes that only want to testdrive. I can simply give it away. love it. Yeah, I pay more with the lease, of course, as there is interest, but back when I sold cars I owned, I always had to go down on price if I wanted to get rid of it in a timely fashion so it's a no brainer for me. Not a lot of people who buy sportscars around here and most of them I rather avoid if possible

[@zenitsu3760]

I love how transparent this was. Keep up the awesome work

[@disinverted]

What an honest and well reasoned review. Very wise advice, smart guy.

[@jasonstewart1227]

Thanks for sharing. In Feb of 2022 I purchased a 2019 CPO roadster with 8.5k miles. 1 owner, no issues, org MSRP was $167k and as CPO was $116k. I looked at 10 I8’s and like you I picked the gem over anything. I have 12 months of factory warranty and an extra 1 year of CPO. I wrapped the warranty for an extra year on top of it at $3.5k. The Terra World Package takes the sterile BMW interior and makes it look worthy. The car is a statement piece and not for everyone. As my second car (I drive a Range Rover and it’s my 3rd) I’d say this is a fun toy but I’m amazed at how much of a daily driver it can be. I want to drive it just to drive it. Love it. I also believe this is a future classic. Love the doors and the tech that actually works vs quirky Range Rovers. There was also a tax credit. I looked at a 911 and refused to pay original sticker price for a 3 year old 911 and had 18k miles. I felt the I8 offered more “car” for the money. It’s truly unique tech and was designed to prove a point on possibilities. You can always get a Porsche. You won’t be able to get an i8-It’s now or never to get a CPO. I’d recommend the car for someone who wants a statement piece, a second car or does not need room but wants what is the most reliable exotic looking car by comparison. Only get a CPO and one that looks good and not abused. Appreciate your story and insights. Nothing scared me just validated what I would already expect for a high-end exotic.

[@allenjackson6197]

Thanks. You really helped me make my mind up on if I wanted to buy this car or not. I really just like the look of the BMW I8, so if I can find a really good deal, I'll still buy it. Really good informational video...

[@Djsatile]

Earned a subscriber this the most detailed car review I seen on bmws

[@ajpardilla]

Hey pat I recently bought mine less than a month ago, I did extensive research before I pulled the trigger on 2016 CPO. I pulled the service history and saw fuel pressure gauge replacement which is a notorious problem on all i8. The cpo warranty ends next year which gives me peace of mind but so far so good no issues yet, I wish I found your channel during research phase it would’ve made it easier, great job and big contribution to i8 community

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks for the kind words. Yes, that fuel pressure sensor fails repeatedly, which leads to the inability to open the fuel door on the i8 (per my last video). There are many other things I've read about on the forums and hope to upload more videos talking about some of these issues. Having that CPO warranty helps transfer the risk to BMW. After our CPO runs out, we need to decide whether to take on that risk or sell the car.

[@eyadabbas9659]

The i8s have been hitting near the top of their depreciation curve - they’re struggling to go much lower than 55k-62k regardless of mileage. I think in general it will struggle to go much lower than that as well. Getting it certified pre owned around $60k and flipping it to a private buyer over the course of a year may not be a bad idea.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Very good points. I have been watching CarGurus and found 2014 i8 cars with higher mileage in the high $40k to low $50k range. Those have sold already but they were out there.

[@empowermph]

yup i think it's at the bottom. the much older, primitive Audi R8 is holding at $60K bottom too.

[@personacallida101]

I'm still predicting that the value will lower further in 2024 onward when the last bits of drivetrain warranty expire.

[@domenicsaporito]

Great video Pat. Thanks for the time and effort you put into it. Helps punters like us (with limited finances) understand that we need to think very carefully before buying our dream car. :)

[@maryrafuse3851]

Don't jump down my throat but my opinion only is that the good old Ford Mustang represents tremendous value and fun. My 2015 is going strong and other than oil, gas & tires it has cost me nothing to maintain. Kind of like the model T in its time. All I can say is the Mustang, for me, is a good car that is fun to drive.

[@dadtype2339]

I like how other comments are like Ooo, wow, I'll stick to my Honda, lol okay, Honda can have problems too, but yeah they will be cheaper to repair, just like with Lamborghini, you will have an exotic car with exotic prices, and the i8 is considered an exotic car and being a BMW of course it's going to be pricey. Thanks for putting this together thumbs up. I've been tracking them for sometime now on places like Guru cars, and although they have dropped in price but most of them are still in the high 70ks to 80ks, and some with less than 2k miles are in the 100k so they have held up really well in my opinion. And I believe, especially the roadsters, these will be very collectable and sought for by 2025-2030. And of course their price will go up. The end note on these is you are getting an exotic car without the exotic fuel costs lol. No other out there right now in the exotic department can get about 30 miles to the gallon. And considering how much power they squeezed out of a little 3 banger, that's very impressive. Again thanks for putting this up subscribed btw.

[@TreesOnTheBeach]

Really good, honest video. I was thinking about one of these, but that kind of maintenance is just too much. I think I'm moving on. Thank you for posting.

[@Whateva67]

Can’t wait to see the video on costs for his NSX over the years,should be a good one.

[@XxDrac13xX]

I keep forgetting how much car parts are without an employee discount. The spark plugs I use, E3s, usually cost about $29-30 per plug but I pay $5-8 per plug. Wiper blades are normally 2 for the price of 1. I paid $14 for 2 Bosch Icons for my 300.

[@hidemiyabi4233]

i appreciate your time! i was just about to grab one of these tomorrow and now i think im going to think it over, im the same way with buyers remorse haha...at the dealer you really really want it then when you get home you start to think hard

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I'm glad this video helped. It is an exciting car to behold at first sight.

[@Imshawnbond]

I just purchased a 2017 and honestly since this video was made price has actually gone back up maybe because of the crazy gas prices but a 2015 with good mileage are more around the 70k mark and I was having a very hard time finding any across the nation under 67k

[@Sigma.6]

I was ready to trade my Z4 for an i8, but after watching this I realise my 2.5 straight 6 engine is bulletproof. Ive only had to change a bulb in 8 years, plus the normal running costs. I'll keep my Z4. 🎉😂😂

[@paulmoe1]

Hi Pat. Great video. Good info and very factual. You did, however, bummed me out when you hinted that it may not be worth keeping when the warrant runs out. It's a valid statement and concern. You're right that owning a car such as this is expensive when it time for some sort of repair. It seems that the more expensive the car the more it costs to repair it. Even maintenance is expensive. But, who cares about rational and logical thinking when one is in love with the car. Keep up the great work. I've learned a lot of great things about the i8 from your videos. You are the guru of BMW i8's. Thanks.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thank you! It's truly a dilemma for me, keeping or selling. There are a lot of very cool sports cars out there with similar post-warranty concerned as well. So, we shall see. I still have more i8 content planned in the future. So, stay tuned.

[@SyVlogs]

$100 a month for insurance?!? In Canada im paying $350-$400 a month on a ford fusion and thats the average cost here.. you guys have it soo cheap with insurance there im jealous LOL

[@Younotus455]

Lol I pay 125$ for 2 drivers, man Canada is crazy with insurance. It’s a scam, claim all you want on Insurance. Because your premium goes up with each claim. Then you just end up paying for an accident 2x as much. Someone should put a stop to this huge pyramid scam

[@FreeSmokeEA]

Nice car bro sounds like it held up good and the repair prices weren't as high as I thought except for the cost for the dash reset but you made a good choice because for everyone saying get a Corvette they dont know corvettes are having transmission problems and differential problems because they don't have one. Sounds like only little stuff has been goin wrong with the i8

[@ImperialHDGaming]

Love your videos and the way you clearly explain the problems etc. I’m in the market for one here in the UK and you can pick one up 2014-15 between 35-50k miles from £37,000-£43,000. But I will definitely be getting an extended warranty if I do go ahead and purchase one!

[@JohnSmithx22]

Hi, I'm currently looking at buying a 2015 i8, 50k mileage, for£35k. Did u go ahead with your i8 purchase? How has it been? Thnx

[@ImperialHDGaming]

@@JohnSmithx22 Hi Stuart, I ended up getting a 14 plate E63 AMG, completely different car but still have my eyes on the i8 every now and then, interesting car for sure, maybe one day.

[@rlbnll123]

Ladies and gentlemen, let this be a lesson...this is exactly why you LEASE BMW and don’t buy these types of cars. If you can’t afford to lease one, then don’t bother purchasing a used one

[@jamesaron1967]

True indeed but that's the rub isn't it? Prospective parties who can't afford to lease opt to buy a greatly depreciated ostensibly 'affordable' used vehicle instead; so thus, receive the bad end of the bargain with limited to no warranties and consequent repair bills...

[@looneyyang1326]

Facts!!!!!!!

[@flymrpate]

Thanks for the honesty. So many good and valid points Pat. My previous car was a Mercedes C63 coupe, I do miss the 'raw' power you talk about. However, I think the i8 is a great compromise with regards to performance, economy (gas mileage) and the attention it gets. Mine is a late 2016 model and lucky I haven't had any major issues with mine. I've only owned it since Sept 2019 and all I've had is a rattle from the exhaust when the engine starts up and the door struts which I only noticed thanks to you. Ps, I like the way you refer to hitting a deer...like it did! I suppose you've seen the pictures on my Instagram :/

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thank you! And, yes, I remember that Instagram story!

[@charaznable2950]

As a previous Aston Martin V8 and V12 owner, I had pretty similar problems. Things will break on the car, parts are expensive. I had both Aston without any warranty so I basically ate all those bills by myself. Insurance of the i8 sits around the same as my v8 Vantage and the V12 Virage cost a bit more. So in January, I decided to end the Aston ownership and went into a 2020 Supra. There are definitely things you'll miss when going into a different class of cars but I think the idea of getting into a car that is built to be more reliable is good for the long run. I can't say definitively but as far as I know, the build quality of the i8 just isn't great. The Aston was just not designed to be used as a daily ca and for me with only one garage space and in need of a daily, I choose the less power, cheaper to deal with, maybe not as good looking Supra. Since you said you were a corvette guy, try the new C8. It definitely has a Walmart Ferrari 430 taste to the look but at least the power is there and so is the warranty. I can't say I am happy with the downgrade to this similar acceleration front mid-mount rear-wheel drive Supra because I miss the styling of my Aston and I truly hope there is more power. To you going from this mid-engine into the C8 mid-engine, all you loose is the styling so I think it's a trade-off you should be able to handle.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Aston Martins. I believe there comes a time when we transition from desirable ownership and undesirable ownership and that time happened for you. The same happened with me with the 78 Corvette that I had and a 97 Corvette is what I needed, which was a totally different platform. It sounds like the transition to the Supra was just what you needed and I hope that it gives you many years of good ownership! And, to your point, the C8 Corvette may be a better platform for me. I've sat in one of the pre-production cars at Corvettes at Carlisle, Pennsylvania this summer. And my initial reaction was: "It's cramped. I can't see over the console as well as the i8. The armrest and center console are closer to my torso than the i8. This car feels like it's designed more for someone who wants to track the car." So, I compared it to the i8 because I can't remember what it felt like to sit in and drive a Corvette, because I had to sell it 10 years ago. However, I haven't driven a C8 yet, and that needs to happen for me to be able to fully understand what it would be like to use the car. I want a performance car that also suffices as a daily driver, and for me, the Corvette felt too special to do that. If I do get one, I hope I don't fall back into that mindset.

[@McDagger90]

Appreciate your honesty. Hope you’re enjoying the car!!

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks! So far so good. :)

[@robteichman3046]

I bought a CPO 2015 i8 from a NJ BMW dealer. I bought it a year ago (so around the same time as you) but I paid $62,000. It had 18,000 miles on it. So far the only repair I needed was the coolant level sensor. I’m not that far from you (in Philly) so we have similar climates. I did have to work very hard though to get the car at the price I got it. Lots of dealers in our area wanted way over $70,000 and would not negotiate but I noticed out west the car was selling much closer to $60,000. That knowledge and not bing in a rush allowed me to get one for the price I did. Considering these were $130,000 cars when new, the depreciation is terrible. I’m just hoping that we have reached a point where the depreciation slows down dramatically.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks for stopping by and letting me know your purchase experience. I've spent time in the Philly suburbs shopping for i8's and am familiar with how much more expensive they were in that area compared to other's in the US. You did a great job with the negotiation by shopping nationally. I never made an offer on a car in the Philly area because the ones that were available when I was shopping were in dire need of cosmetic repairs. I remember saying things like, "It's going to cost me $10k just to get the car looking like it should be in the showroom, but I know you're not going to come down that much, so there's no point in us wasting each other's time." I believe that the prices were depreciating too quickly for even the dealerships to invest much in prepping the car for proper display. I paid up for the model I have but it was the only example that appeared flawless, cosmetically. Still, to this day, I'm very happy with the condition and it's been doing very well over the past year. I'm in the middle of a paint correction and ceramic coating process and am still thrilled with it. I hope you enjoy your i8!

[@chase_vaseleou]

I almost purchased a 16 i8. I wanted a 3 season play car. BUT then I found Polaris Slingshot. Once turboed, it has more fun factor, better gas mileage, and a car that is very "visible" for 40k less. Pretty happy with my choice so far.

[@neilxdavis5359]

Isn't it easy to steal?

[@jacobmulligan5962]

3 years later the i8 seems to have slowed in depreciation. They're still sitting around 60k to 70k and I cant imagine them going down any further.

[@watsonanthony8438]

It might go up 😅😅.

[@LuisCastillo-o6q]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I will reconsidered the idea o buying this vehicle.. I am in the same situation, I’m between a C7 or i8

[@funkyguy0]

Hi Pat, thanks for these amazing videos. Learned a lot and got my i8 last month. I have a question, my AC has gotten that musty smell, the smell during the summer heat like bacteria is brewing in there. I know most cars you can spray a can of lysol to help with that smell, what do you suggest with the i8?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I'm not sure what to suggest. You may have a clogged condensation line so it may be necessary to have that cleared out by a mechanic as I don't know exactly where it's located

[@Banks160]

Wow man, great video. Very detailed with everything and very useful information. Didn't know they can be so expensive to maintain. You should make a video on your experience owning a Corvette. I am planning to buy one in the future and could definitely use information like this one. Btw you just got a New Subscriber!

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks! I hadn't owned a Corvette in 10 years so my memory is foggy. Please check out YellowVette04, Team512, Horsepower Obsessed, D'z Rides. They are Vette owners and friends who have a ton of ownership experience and DIY videos.

[@roshill2010]

Wow I am happy with my 2006 Corolla still runs great. Got it serviced after 2 yrs I normally get it done regular. It give ok milage. Main thing is it's comfortable and I never have to think about replacing anything. Barely anything needed servicing.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I had the same experience with my 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. There are definitely great cars out there that cost very little to maintain and give us great and reliable transportation. The exotic platforms are definitely much costlier.

[@roshill2010]

@@PatsGarageOnline Yes, most definately the car does look beautiful. You would think it's the other way around when pay alot of money you should get something more put together. But, I guess the more complex the car is more things there are to break on it. I am planning on getting a suv myself too soon enough. Although my dream cars would be the New BMWs and Mercs. Everytime I look up the upkeep cost it puts me off a little but, the enjoyment you get out of owning them is priceless. Ford Everest is what I am looking at. The depreciation is not too bad on em. Will be using it to offroad quite a bit next year. Let's hope this Pandemic clears up for all our sakes. And Job well done on the video really detailed. i8 is definately an eye catcher. I hope the prices stabalize soon enough.

[@fryreartechnology7611]

My son has one and he was having so much fun with it until the 6 volt battery died but I did get it at goodwill for $20 without a charger... go go power wheels!! However I would love to have one my size like yours.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Nice!!! 🤣

[@lefuedebout]

An interesting and informative video not to say somewhat frightening too. Interesting presentation style, all it needed was the occasional " my, my my " ! :-)

[@ms23540]

Hi Pat. Hope your good. Thank you for your informative video. Just a quick question….. what’s the mpg been like? Love your channel! 👊

[@blaek745]

New owner here.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Awesome! Welcome!

[@kasperbreese]

This has helped me think of getting one🎉

[@scammer9348]

This man straight finessed bmw with that warranty 😂

[@watsonanthony8438]

Not bad for 10 year old car

[@wisam111]

I was thinking about getting one of these thanks for talking me out of it. I’ll stick to buying a C8, GTR, or hellcat challenger.

[@watsonanthony8438]

Booo

[@wisam111]

@@watsonanthony8438 well now I’ve had a c8 for almost 2 years I’m keeping the c8 and possibly still getting the I8 mostly for the looks since not a fast car.

[@gregh3256]

Great review Pat! With regards to the painted panels, how did you find that out? Did you use a paint meter or something? Second question is with regards to the door struts. Did you really have to replace the struts twice already in one year? I believe that they "should" be covered under warranty since you yourself had the dealer replaced them once, so why did you not have them replace it the second time? I need to replace mine as well.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks! I found overspray and some orange peel that didn't look like factory paint. The closer I looked at panels, the more I could see orange peel. I used to paint years ago. I didn't get a depth gauge due to the panels not being magnetic, as the gauge would be expensive. The dealer replaced the struts last year and I just replaced them again this year because they were sagging, so they lasted 12 months. I'm currently covered under CPO warranty so wear items are not covered.

[@leondreamcast]

Thank you for this video I’m from and live in Baltimore too this made this video even more relatable and perfect lol!!

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Hi neighbor! Glad the video was helpful.

[@tmass1]

are you aware of any of these issues that were fixed or addressed in 2019 later models?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

None that I'm aware of.

[@petercarey6883]

As always, I really enjoy your "Fireside Chats," 😉 that you post from time-to-time, but in listening to this one, I must say that your "enjoyment" of ownership, is in vehicle "enjoyment" and is not limited to just I8 ownership. Your enjoy all aspects of ownership. Whether it's driving it or maintaining it. So, maybe there are others out there like me, but I for one do live a bit vicariously through you because I admire your total enjoyment.👍 Changing topics, I see you're knocking at the 600 subscriber door. I'm looking forward to your breaking into 1k subscriber list so that your COMMUNITY tab will become active. I kinda like that "tab," in that I view it, as a technology challenged individual's (me) equivalent to Instagram.😉 Save the Wave.🙋🏼‍♂️

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks Peter. I appreciate the kind words. It's been quite the experience with the i8. Heck, I take it to Walmart, Home Depot, Grocery store and never have a problem bringing everything home. I need to do a video on practicality! And one on public perception. You've sparked my creativity! Looking forward to that 1k mark. I'm not working for it, I'm working for the viewers, but it's a nice milestone to achieve.

[@petercarey6883]

I here what you're saying Pat, but I'm pushing for your subscribers to mulitply like rabbits. I have an ulterior motive. That's where the money is. More money means more content, more content might mean more vehicles. More vehicles might mean A CORVETTE! Yeah baby! 👍😁

[@PatsGarageOnline]

You're right, Peter. There might be a Corvette on the channel. Or an Alfa Romeo 4C. I'm not sure yet. LOL

[@petercarey6883]

An Alpha!? Tell me it's not so! Oh the humanity!🤦🏼‍♂️ I did find out the real reason you bought an I8 though. Take a look at the following upload: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mV7ccmdur92ChJI The owner has a reputation as a "Swinger," but I doubt the owner can swing dance. Then again, in this case, would it really matter?😕🤭

[@NormanHenderson-h4k]

Pat have do you remember what the common fix is for regenerative braking fault warning light? The problem resets after every restart but wanted to know if you have diagnosed the root cause?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I never investigated this fault so I don't know what to suggest.

[@shahnawazvlog6266]

Great video very helpful Beautiful no matter what! You experience about BMW repair bill we all do they never cheap

[@olalesio9260]

Thanks for this! Makes me feel better as an i8 owner. I am 1 yr in too!

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Glad to hear I am not alone. Thanks!

[@cipher978]

How has it been so far? I’m looking to get one and after these videos I’m kind of thinking of backing out

[@Reelz2012]

His voice kinda reminds me of Casey Kasem.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I have been told this by a few people all my adult life. That made me chuckle. Thanks for posting!

[@klausnielsen7102]

A part of the depression is you consuming the warranty. In fairness you should deduct the cost covert by warranty from the estimated depreciation!? I am one month into ownership of my 2020 i8 Roadster and in my marked(Norway)it’s covert by 5/8 years 200,000 km. of factory warranty! I know that I am going to take a big hit on depreciation but there won’t be any additional cost.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks! Yes, this is a very valid concern. The CPO warranty which takes me to 5 years and unlimited miles costs dealers approximately $4,000 USD. I can deduct that from repair costs. However, beyond this warranty, the number help me decide how much money I need to have in reserve in order to keep driving the vehicle. So, I'm a little anxious for the future

[@martinshelton1247]

Love your video. I love BMW there no other car I like then the BMW. I like the I8 also, but new it over 150,000 and above. I would be scared to buy a used one. But I wish you the best, it seem you will keep the vehicle for 10 years it doesn’t matter because it’s a BMW.

[@awaisraza308]

Even if the maintenance is free. This sounds like TON's of work keep this.

[@johnbarcelo2191]

Hey Pat ! Upon your purchase of the i8 did you buy this one outright? Deciding if I should go outright or finance as far as keeping this car in the long haul

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I bought this one outright after saving up for 10 years but do what's right for you, economically.

[@1234Tubie]

Thanks much for a honest i8 owner experience

[@ShaqWigginsvlogs]

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

[@daveredman5575]

Only 18k depreciation :) I’m looking at 90k .. mine was new.. not planning on selling though I love it. I’m running an ECU tune and custom 21” Vossen wheels. Keep considering an exhaust - now I’m thinking your intake and exhaust valve mods might satisfy that desire for a bit more noise. I had a 2019 M5 .. loved the raw power, it replaced a 2014 5.0 X6 with and ECZu tune and 5k meisterschaft exhaust. I replaced the M5 with a Porsche Taycan Turbo .. completely artificial sound, but I love driving that car too.

[@Mark.D.H.]

Thanks for the interesting and honest report. However, at what point does the constant concern over reliability and potential ruinous repair costs overtake the enjoyment of the car?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

As long as it's under warranty and BMW provides loaner cars, it's OK. I decided to extend my CPO warranty for 2 years, otherwise I would have sold it.

[@trodd77]

They love you Pat.

[@0BLACKESTFUN0]

loss value is hard , and the parts also very exclusive for a hybrid bmw since they not much out

[@Jfoster6928]

You just scared me out of getting one thank you

[@PatsGarageOnline]

After owning the car nearly 2 years, I believe it's still a good car, but only under warranty. I spent a bunch of money at my dealership to extend it 2 years. I now feel more confident keeping it in my garage.

[@adrianfowles7250]

Thank you for another excellent video. I now know a lot more about what to look for and the potential pitfalls for i8 ownership

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks! I'm working on another video of things I think prospective buyers need to consider before buying. Stay tuned.

[@watsonanthony8438]

That’s with any vehicle. The maintenance is cheap compared to other cars

[@twrcrew8852]

the only thing more hilarious than german engineering is german incompetence. bmw has this in spades.

[@slkret123]

Hi Pat . Im considering an I8 and am intrigued by the "free" oil and filter deal. But I can't find the link for the PayPal free return shipping. Could you aim me in the right direction? Thanks Steve

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks for asking. PayPal stopped offering free return shipping.

[@watsonanthony8438]

No bad for the labor and price.

[@thewiseguy7100]

If guys think this car maintenance is expensive, think again. A Maserati SQ4 windshield is $1,800 dollars, no aftermarket. Oh an oil change is $600 dollars, not local European shops do maintenance on these cars. I like the BMW I8 but the fake exhaust and sluggish horsepower made me not get one. Only 353 horsepower for 100k+ sticker price? My Maserati SQ4 has 424 Horsepower.... The interior on the BMW I8 is very basic. Leather is cheap, exterior body looks awesome but that’s it.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

The Maserati SQ4 is a great vehicle. I haven't had the chance to ride in one or drive one, yet. They have a great road presence and sound great. The i8 had become so dull and quiet to me, that I have been trying to get it to sound and perform better. I was honestly planning on dumping it until I performed an exhaust valve mod and intake valve mod on the i8 and it now overrides / sounds better than fake engine sound. I learned that BMW wanted to make the car as quiet and futuristic as possible, but I'm a car guy and it was boring. Also, the BMW numbers for HP/Torque are wheel numbers, so expect more at the cranks. I was able to dyno tune the car and squeeze another 18HP and 34ft-lbs out of it. I'm seeing sub-4 second 0-60 times but it doesn't feel like it helps the car on the top end. I still need to take it to the strip. The mods have renewed my desire to keep it, but it's truly not a car-guy's car. It's closer, now, with mods, but I still long for an Alfa 4c. 😉

[@thewiseguy7100]

Pat's Garage Online Nice man, if you get the chance drive a Maserati SQ4 not just the base Ghibli. They have totally different engines.

[@Jesse-Jackson]

Hi would you recommend a 2017 or 2018 CPO i8 I ask because it seems the newer the model the better it will hold up perhaps in addition to the performance upgrade HP-wise in the 2018 model. These seem to be going for around the price range 70-75k currently with the climate we are in now in 2020. What are your thoughts on which year should target? Mileage (definitely looking sub 20k rn)? Thanks!

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Hello and thanks for the question. The 2017 and 2018 model years are essentially the same car. If you have the choice between two, I'd pick the one with the later CPO date. Also, i8's have been on the road 60k+ miles without anything specific breaking. Lower mileage typically means higher value. Expect depreciation to hit hard the first year you get a used 2017 or two years for the 2018. If you have the cash, get the 2 year extended CPO warranty. You don't have to buy it the same day you get the car. You can extend CPO right up until your CPO runs out. Negotiate with your dealer.

[@geraldcole3315]

Sorry about the depreciation for you but hopefully it will be good for me as I hope to get on in the next year or so. Starting to see nice looking examples ( drivers not show cars) in the mid 50's.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

It is definitely a great buyer's market. And we shall see where the prices go over the next year or two. I have a feeling that since they no longer make this car and there should be no replacement for this car that it actually might see some demand, and prices will begin to rise. It's hard to say, especially since not many people are interested in a three-cylinder engine hybrid car, but it definitely gets a lot of great attention and many people like that along with fuel economy. High voltage battery life should top out at 8 years, so we will have to see what happens in the aftermarket to ensure that this car will always have enough battery power.

[@shake6911]

Hey Pat Love your content, I did like and subscribe! I am in deep thought about purchasing a roadster, and your videos are a huge help, and so insightful. Thank you so much.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thank you!

[@DjDobleU809]

Now I understand why BMW discontinued this model. The i8 was a nightmare to the warranty company. Just those 3 repairs he described would have been 10k+. All covered with $0 out the door to the customer. That was obviously not a recipe to make profit for BMW.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

True. I had also heard that every i8 was sold at a loss to BMW when you factor in the years of R&D and the costs associated with bleeding edge tech. This often happens when manufacturers have a halo car like this.

[@trainerwagner]

I even learned about a real value loss when I purchased my Tesla Y in nov 2023….$30k in less than 1yr!!!

[@trainerwagner]

Pat… do you still have that 2015 i8?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I sold it in 2021

[@trainerwagner]

Hi Pat , wonder if you and other i8 owners could tell me how difficult is to get in and out of the car inside of a regular 2cars garage? I don’t have much space … how much space between cars or wall to door open without hitting? Thank you much…

[@Steve-gn4hk]

Can you make a video on changing the brake pads? I enjoy your channel 😎

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks! It may be a few more years before I need to replace my pads, so I'll provide the service manual links, below, which may help provide the steps you need to take in order to replace the pads: Front pad replacement: www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/i12-i8-cou/repair-manuals/00-maintenance-general-note/00-00-maintenance/1VnYBqPHq0 Rear pad replacement: www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/i12-i8-cou/repair-manuals/00-maintenance-general-note/00-00-maintenance/1VnY5y9Lvm I've picked up the caliper expanding tools online, but have not yet used them. I read that these will do the job in place of the special tools referenced in the service manual: Front caliper spreader: amzn.to/2wTvdPB Rear caliper rewinder: amzn.to/2PvA141

[@syouanis]

how do you get the warranty? if i were to buy a 2016 or 2017 what would you recommend getting and how would i do so?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I would talk to BMW and use their warranty as it covers most things. If the car is out of factory warranty, BMW won't give you any extended warranties. So, you'll have to find something still under warranty.

[@Djsatile]

Bmw turbos always have issues don’t matter the car 😂😂and yes I’m a Beemer boy for 15 years now still love them

[@PeterRoos]

High depreciation is kind of typical with exotic cars ... comes with the territory. I have to say though that for a car that is only 5 years old, it has design issues which are $$$ to maintain. Very nice looking car, but it wouldn't be for me, I'm quite happy with my gas guzzling 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. If gas mileage is your goal you could also get a Prius! But best of luck, hope you'll enjoy it as long as you can.

[@watsonanthony8438]

Not too bad for maintenance

[@paradisecityashram5240]

thanks for helping me make my decision.

[@marshallme9382]

Wow, thank u so much for the details 🙏

[@devinh.6422]

I am wondering which front license plate holder you are using on you i8? Is that The Law by chance?

[@PatsGarageOnline]

It is the Sto n Sho and MD requires the front plate. I leave it on there unless I'm at a car show or photo shoot. amzn.to/2CA73gl

[@kiashennayagar2632]

Hi Pat! Thank you for your videos :) I'm considering buying a 2017 i8. However, I'm a bit concerned now that BMW has decided to discontinue the brand. I would like to know how you feel about this? What do you think this will mean for the depreciation of the older models? Will it be difficult to get the spare parts for this vehicle? Perhaps this needs a video on its own?! Nevertheless, I would highly appreciate your trusted and valued response :)

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Thanks for the questions. BMW never intended for the i8 to continue, long term. It is loaded with technology and as newer cars come out with better tech, this one appears older and less appealing. This will result in lower prices for the used i8. Some speculate that this is the bottom of the depreciation curve due to it no longer being produced. That often happens with a desirable car. Spare parts, by law, will be available for 10 years after the end of production. I might do a video on this. Thanks!

[@paulthorpe766]

Will go out in value after 5-8 yrs unquestionably

[@chase_vaseleou]

Two directions, it falls fast further and bottoms out at $10k or it become a collectors car and value eventually goes up. I've noticed an up tick recently and stabilization in price. However after videos like this I stopped my search for an i8, went with a Slingshot.

[@justinlink1616]

Great video, thank you for sharing your experiences!

Hang on to it there will be tuner parts for the inverter and the battery pack. Your maintenance should be low.

[@supercar-junction]

Love this car would love to see me in one

[@NBNAKITA]

Pat is sooo good looking

[@persezyra]

ive heard it was crap made to compete against the Audi r8, still i feel you would have as many issues on a vette. sick mpg for the bang tho, those fake engine sounds tho aaaaaaahhhg.

[@rrobinson001]

So Pat what do you think about the discontinued connected drive for bmw's 2016 and older. I just got the email that you have until Feb 22, 2022. Also are you looking at work arounds.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Sadly, there are no workarounds. We'll have to live without this feature in the future.

[@333KINGPIN33]

Generally, no car is a good investment. I got lucky with a Lexus ISF, bought it 5 years old, sold it 5 years later after doubling the mileage for only a ~6% hit. As for repairs, just oil and coolant replacement. I understand it's no i8, but it's not too bad with a V8 400hp+.

[@cavalos1997]

Do you still own this car? Thoughts on buying a 2016 i8 model in 2024 ? Thank you

[@PatsGarageOnline]

I don't own an i8 anymore. All i8s have the same potential problems.

[@sdrob6374]

Maryland plates. I see them all over San Diego.

[@dannygo4230]

Did you include sales tax on the $78000 sale? In Los Angeles, sales tax would be close to $7800 (you will not get that back). So the cost of ownership would be $78000 - $65000 + $7800 .... over 20K. Did you look to buy the car through private party?

[@Spritualsection]

I was thinking about getting i8 but I change my mind and have Porsche Cayman now ,fucking love it .Cayman can beat the i8 in many ways for sure .BMW i8 great car when you are living in Europe because parts are cheaper there and you can find in many places ,but here they will take your arms and legs

[@watsonanthony8438]

Cayman = knock off 911. The i8 is plug in hybrid which is totally different from a boxster weak engine. More interior space than Cayman and more exotic looking. Maintenance is still cheaper as well. 😂😂

[@AlejandroAguilar-zx2tz]

I haven’t watched the entire video yet but would you recommend leasing or buying this car. I’m thinking about getting the roadster.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Leasing is good if you don't intend to go over mileage. It reduces your risk since BMW would be responsible for fixing and maintaining the car. You could truly enjoy the car and return it after the lease. The value of the car vs what you'd have to pay after lease-end is so wide that it wouldn't be wise to buy the car at the end of the lease. The same holds true for a roadster which hasn't depreciated yet. You'd likely lose more money on depreciation during your ownership than you would on a lease, but you'd have to run the numbers.

[@AlejandroAguilar-zx2tz]

Pat's Garage Online thank you that makes a lot of sense. I just want to use the car when I go to business meetings or out to nice places.

[@zbruh7268]

Windshield is cracking because the design of the A pillar is insufficient to hold the weight of the doors so it flexes just so subtle to stress the windshield. Just speculation of course im no expert but it makes sense

[@PatsGarageOnline]

This is the most logical explanation.

[@zbruh7268]

@@PatsGarageOnline im pretty positive I've seen these cracks before in cars where they converted to lambo doors without reinforcing the A pillar. It was when that trend was in so its hard to remember

[@deathknight777]

Love the video. Better at 1.25 speed

[@pharoah1200]

Thanks 👍👍

[@DigitallFlesh]

I've owned a few bmw's and had good luck with them up until about 100k miles, and then the constant repairs. The engine and transmission were solid, it was always the cooling systems, and electrical problems, and accessories. Even those accessory items will cost you out your ass. I had the blower motor and blend motors fail and they wanted 3 grand to rip the dash out and replace it all. I just got rid of the car at that point. I always found the BMW I8 to be a really cool looking car, something out of demolition man as far as looks. I don't think I would ever own one though. The problems these cars have are probably 10 fold that a normal BMW would have.

[@PatsGarageOnline]

Out of warranty, it's definitely not a keeper, that's for sure. I bought the extended CPO warranty to go another 2 years