She's A 10, But Here's Why Everyone Still HATES The BMW i8 Hybrid Supercar

I rent a 2017 BMW i8 to grand tour Southern Florida with my wife. Here's what we found out about the BMW i8 after traveling in it for nine days.

[@tecno8335]

I just came to say nobody hates the i8.

[@rollingstocks]

The i8 is a spectacular car. I believe most people would dig it.

[@GiftedDee]

Right nobody

[@paulthorpe766]

I have had 3 i8s and none have failed me. I own a 4k mile Roadster at mo. Massive investment potential. In 2021 Autotrader (UK on line No1 selling site) had 234 coupes and 67 Roadsters for sale - in Feb 2023 there are just 123 coupes and 20 ROADSTERS. when they get down to 6 or 7 cars values skyrocket just like my SLS, Z8, CLS, 996.1 gt3 did....get one now while just over half retail as they'll be back at retail in 5-6 years and twice retail in 10-15 years !

[@rollingstocks]

Dude, you have a Roadster!? Nice! Ok, in all honesty, the i8 Roadster is something I would consider putting in my garage. They don't seem to be coming down in value, and really, the car is INSANE for the price. There's so much tech in it. I think you're right - hold on to that car!

[@tolgalini]

nice review! I can pretty much relate to what you were saying. Was a bit scared at the beginning watching all those rants on youtube, but finally decided to buy one anyway (but with some warranty).

[@rollingstocks]

Congratulations on getting one! I think as long as one accepts the maintenance costs, owning an i8 would be a dream. Warranty is good too, haha! Would love to know what your ownership experience is like 🙂

[@tolgalini]

@@rollingstocks thanks a lot! I got a few years warranty, so i hope i'll be fine. 😃i bought with around 700km and drove already 500km more, so far a really really nice car!

[@hussilveridico3002]

@@tolgalini can I ask how much did u spend?

[@magicmike1122]

Just because they're 50k used doesn't mean it wasn't 150k to start with, therefore it will have the maintenance costs of a 150k car. Assuming a car should be no more than 10% of your income, that means you shouldn't be buying an i8 unless you make at least $200,000/ year. I have a feeling, the people complaining about the maintenance costs are making severely less than 200k, and thus are not able to "afford" this car.

[@rollingstocks]

VERY true.

[@wrth]

realistically most people would be comfortable stretching it slightly more, in which case you could somewhat comfortably afford it when earning $60k after tax but realistically $80k or more is ideal for the maintenance costs

[@looneyyang1326]

I make 108,000 a year. I drive a paid off 2011 yaris for $7000. Only 24,000 miles.

[@magicmike1122]

@@looneyyang1326 that is very smart assuming you’re also not wasting money on eating out and unnecessary things, and investing 30-50% of your income. You’ll be a millionaire in 10 years if you’re not already

[@stevejung6470]

​@looneyyang1326 lame car...

[@MatthewRSimpson]

I just came to say about the (alleged) AC issue. I have kind of debunked this as being not as severe (if an issue at all) as people make out. In fact show me ONE person that this has happened to (where it has broken and put metal filings in the AC unit to the point the whole lot had to be replaced). Pats garage reported on it, but only from information he had been told. I had the exact same issue on my 2014 i8 (its on my channel). It sounded like a tyre inflator that you plug into the cigarette lighter. Everyone i spoke to on forums said that my AC had broken and to get it replaced. I took it into an AC specialist and he said straight away that it just needed a re-gas. He said that the AC pump has a solenoid and when the pressure gets low it opens and closes quickly, making this noise. He measured the gas in it and it should have 630g where mine had 70g inside it. He re-gassed it and the noise went away and it has worked fine ever since. Those who take it into BMW under warranty, will probably have BMW say that the AC pump is broken, as its in their interest to change that over for a few £1,000 than £80 for a re-gas. AC units should be re-gassed every 2 years, but i bet most dont get touched, thats why they make this noise.

[@rollingstocks]

Thanks for the information! Hopefully it will help some i8 owners.

[@mondvogel6124]

driver side mirror coming down is a comfort feature to assist with not hitting the curb during reverse parking. its a standard feature for many cars these days

[@rollingstocks]

Yep, that makes sense. The problem here was that the mirror would point directly at the ground underneath instead of the curb. In effect, I couldn't see the curb or anything else that I needed to see during the parallel parking maneuver. It is an example of a great idea turned terribly wrong when not implemented properly. Maybe there was a way to adjust that, but I never figured it out.

[@mondvogel6124]

@@rollingstocks gotcha. Typically the setting can be adjusted by going into reverse gear, letting the mirror get into its "reverse position" and then adjusting it. It should then go back to this adjusted position with each next reverse. But thats just my experience with BMW, it might be different or a bug/issue in your case

[@rollingstocks]

@@mondvogel6124 Ah, I didn't try that, but it makes sense. Good information for i8 owners out there, thank you for sharing 🙂

[@MatthewRSimpson]

@@rollingstocks It can also be adjusted in bimmercode by adjusting it in percentages.

[@rollingstocks]

@@MatthewRSimpson Thanks for the tip! There's a chance I may own one of these someday and I'd certainly like to know how to get the mirror to stop reflecting the ground directly under it when I'm trying to parallel park.

[@Steve-gn4hk]

Nice video, still my dream car.

[@rollingstocks]

They're great cars, and they're not unobtainium. I'm sure you'll have one at some point in time 🙂

[@XtergoBlue]

This is the best modern day review on this car

[@rollingstocks]

Thank you 🙂 I am grateful for the opportunity to drive such a cool car.

[@mannienicholas3693]

I have a 2017 protonic red edition. The car is great on maintenance n some repairs are kinda expensive. However it’s extremely reliable if u get at least a 2016 n up. 2014 n 2015 models had some issues. I highly recommend it anyone who somewhat wants to experience a exotic car with some supercar handling n somewhat v8 power.

[@rollingstocks]

Great information, thank you for sharing 🙂 If I ever get one, I will consider getting one 2016 and up.

[@agsdjklshadsabn]

what problems exist in 2014/2015 models that got solved in 2016? i was going to get a 2015 but i'll get a 2016 if you're right

[@Gadne92.5]

@@agsdjklshadsabn Dunno what the OP means but one of the most expensive jobs is IF the AC compressor goes kaboom, scattering metal fragments inside the refrigerant lines which will need to be completely refurbished. This happens mainly in the very warm climate like Midwest US and similar, rare in EU for example. But even the HV battery pack is not as expensive job, IF done outside of main dealer. Those are the 2 main things, everything else is plain sailing. The engine (B38) is reliable, the gearbox too, brakes etc are normal BMW stuff. The windshield may crack out of heat / tiny stone chip. Normal servicing annually very cheap, nothing special in these compared to cars like Ferrari or Maserati or even Porsche 911.

[@agsdjklshadsabn]

@@Gadne92.5 unfortunately it's around 70 degrees year round where i live, reaching over 90 pretty regularly in the summer. what is the exact problem with the AC compressor in this weather? is it inevitable, or with good maintenance can you prevent it?

[@Gadne92.5]

@@agsdjklshadsabn BMW did update the AC compressor few times over the years. Latest revision is from 2018 while most prone to fail are the early ones, 2014-2015 cars. Either preventive maintenance (replacing AC compressor before it goes kaboom) or buying i8 MY2018 onwards. OFC most safest way would be to get 3rd party or BMW / Dealer warranty. Other than said thing these are rather reliable cars. Even the battery packs are original (here in EU) for cars driven like 65-100k miles (100-160k km). In BMW forums there's really no talk about HV battery packs gone "ka-boom", only the AC compressors and windshield is prone to crack even after tiny rock chip.

[@rogermu6917]

I have 2016 I8 I still driving, but I love it

[@rollingstocks]

Very nice car, congratulations on your ownership 🙂

[@TommyMcDermott]

Very nice review. I own this car and love it. Was my daily driver for a year and a half. 😊

[@rollingstocks]

Thank you! Congratulations on your ownership - I would daily drive an I8 if I had one. They're amazing cars.

[@Andy.petion1234sing]

Is something wrong with the doors what are you gonna park next to the car and just open the door it would hit the car and break it

[@keithgray4891]

I certainly don’t hate the car at all.. I have 5 series and soon to purchase a 4 series and would definitely buy a 1’8

[@rollingstocks]

The i8 is a really cool, fast, and beautiful car. If it had a better service reputation, it would be much more appealing to me.

[@hunterunknwn]

how far can you move the front seat? is it far enough to fit children and adult legs / feet? EDIT: oh I just saw how much room there is when you moved the seat in 8:01 . I'm a small person so I don't need that much of leg space while driving.

[@rollingstocks]

It would be pretty tight, but I think a SMALLER sized adult could squeeze themself into the back with the front seats in the forward setting.

[@yvesparis7556]

« People hate this car » says who? I have one and LOVE it!

[@rollingstocks]

I honestly can't recall exactly where I heard this. I've heard it referred to on some other channels, and I've seen some videos of angry owners regarding their service experiences, but I've never heard it myself. They're great cars, for sure.

[@philipwoodford6286]

The best looking car BMW has made imo including the M1

[@rollingstocks]

The M1 is a great looking car, but I have to agree. The I8 is my favorite BMW, and it's not even close.

[@GotherYT]

No actually I love it. I want one, and I know what to expect. this is a 100k+ supercar, of course the parts and the work is always gonna be a lot more than a normal car but you're paying for a unique luxurious and exciting experience. Also, the value went down a lot from its spot in the market not having a real obvious purpose or focus, but it will go up again as people realize the lower price is a good deal, and they get less common.

[@rollingstocks]

I agree with you on all these points. I would love to own an i8 Roadster.

[@okeyogiose9229]

I'll never get the hate this car receives. First off it's not a supercar and was never made to be one. It's just a futuristic concept car. It has aerodynamic design elements that a futuristic sports car would. I think it gets hate because its placed in the supercar category among the car community but doesn't have the performance stats needed to earn a spot in the supercar category so its seen as a poser supercar when it's not even trying to be a supercar in the first place. But it's a beautiful car think it actually looks better than a lot of actual supercars

[@rollingstocks]

I agree that it's a beautiful car. I would love to own one, but I have too much experience with BMW the brand to make it happen. I think the "hate" is more for BMW the company for making a 8 cylinder engine that periodically fails because of plastic chain guides, etc...

[@kavishmunian2711]

It my dream car l pray god for that bro

[@rollingstocks]

Keep on visualizing it and working towards it, and you'll have one eventually ;-)

[@Rooster4Grain]

definitely one of my goals to own one of these in the future

[@rollingstocks]

@@Rooster4Grain It's a good goal to have! Keep making good financial decisions and you'll be there soon enough ;-)

[@Sphyxx]

@@Rooster4Grain same here, absolutely fell in love with it when I got to try one.

[@gx4012]

Want it too but apparently any issues you have with this car BMW are barely any help which makes me not wanna buy

[@gx4012]

Cant choose between this and a 2020 Mercedes GLC AMG

[@lauragrace3270]

This

[@rollingstocks]

Those are pretty sweet. I guess it depends how many family members you have, haha! In all seriousness, the MB would probably be a far superior choice, unless you're crazy about depreciated super cars like me (I would choose the i8 myself).

[@nishchaiydakhane9846]

Nice review buddy

[@rollingstocks]

Thank you, it was a blast to be able to drive one of these and make a video about it.

[@OneLovePsych]

Who in the actual hell said they don’t like the look of the car?!?!

[@rollingstocks]

I'm not going to name any names, but I remember watching another (famous) KZbinr saying that the car looked weird, and that the back especially looked like a car giving birth to a Porsche. Personally, I really like the way the i8 looks.

[@margaretburnham5683]

I love the look of that car

[@rollingstocks]

Me too. It looks like it's from the future.

[@artlorddavis5836]

Why repairs are pretty much expensive is cus they stopped production already. Why don't you people get that by now

[@rollingstocks]

That makes perfect sense, however, it's not just the parts that seem problematic, but the lack of willingness of BMW service centers to give owners a reasonable repair experience. I can't say so first hand, but KZbin seems to be filled with i8 owners with terrible BMW service experiences.

[@Sphyxx]

Most people hate it before they even try it

[@aaronsanders7145]

I have a Fisker Karma Ev /gas hybrid made in Finland the best car ever…. I’m glade I didn’t get the i8 ….I’m the only one with an Fisker in the metroplex and I can’t go anywhere without having to explain my car

[@rollingstocks]

Those are beautiful cars, I remember the first time I saw one on a desert mountain road and thought it was the sexiest sedan I've ever seen. I hope Fisker can survive. If they don't, where will you take your Karma when it needs maintenance?

[@SBZ147]

i live in florida what this is crazy

[@rollingstocks]

Lucky you! I love Florida and want to move there!

[@erolcoulson8982]

The i8 is a beautiful car

[@rollingstocks]

I concur.

[@Sphyxx]

Stop calling me short in so many ways

[@asriazmi]

you made the decision based on youtube comments?

[@rollingstocks]

What decision would that be?

[@hussilveridico3002]

Great Car

[@rollingstocks]

It really is!

[@HLXP]

Yooo bro 😎😎😎😎🥶🥶🥶🥶

[@timcausey5278]

I guarantee if you can't get laid with this car you need to re-evaluate everything you're doing. 😆 Seriously though this car is hot as fuck. Anybody who hates it is a moron. It looks cool, it's good for the environment, it has excellent gas mileage/range since it's a hybrid and it's still got speed and zip when driving. My only real complaints would be that the back seats are so small they might as well be used for storage or groceries and the trunk space is minimal (this is a sports car so what do you expect) but other than that this car is awesome. And of course being a BMW the handling and overall driving experience is fun and responsive. I've only seen a few of these while out and about but when I do it's a head turner and I take notice. One of my favorite cars out there.

[@rollingstocks]

I've driven a handful of cars since this one, and the i8 definitely remains near the top of my favorites as well. It looks like it's from the future, gets the same gas mileage as a Prius, has the acceleration of an electric car, but with no range anxiety. Oh, and it has billionaire doors, which is a huge plus ;-)

[@timcausey5278]

@@rollingstocks Completely agree. I love those doors. You look like a rock star getting in and out of the i8. Definitely an attention getter. And since they're not being produced anymore they'll become more and more of a collectors car in the coming years. I'm just in love with this car.

[@josephferrer2711]

what year is this car

[@rollingstocks]

This one is a 2017.

[@josephferrer2711]

@rollingstocks I might pick this up I'm hoping this car last and is a better daily driver then a corvette

[@DeltaXMusic]

I love this thing

[@rollingstocks]

I definitely want one.

[@linx9068]

im buying it for the doors

[@rollingstocks]

Ha ha, good enough reason to me!

[@jerryrn5571]

What year was this BMW I8?

[@rollingstocks]

This one is a 2017.

[@katieadams5860]

The main problem is because its underpowered. And way overpriced

[@PatsGarageOnline]

9:55 YUP!

[@rollingstocks]

Ha ha. The only reason I probably will never have one of these, sadly.