Anyone on the forums own a BMW i8 or have any friends that own one? I'm curious how they are. Would love to hear some feedback, criticism or comments. Can't seem to find too much information in terms of actual owner reviews. Curious how people think the value will hold up on them also being that it is just a BMW at the end of the day. Right now all the dealerships here in South Florida are still trying to get over MSRP for them. Seems crazy!
As a service advisor at a BMW dealership in SWFL, I have much interaction and experience on the i8. First of all, I do not know how any dealership is still getting over MSRP on them, especially in South Florida. Our dealership has at least 5 in inventory and cannot get them off the lot! I believe we are currently selling ours for MSRP. Anyways, regarding the car itself, I do highly, highly recommend the i8 to someone who possibly may be looking at a 911 or an R8 also. Both are fantastic cars and would love to own either one but there is something special about the i8. I have lots of miles under my belt in one and heres what I can tell you. Being, 6'8 tall with lots of torso and legs, there is more than enough headroom and legroom for me. I am way more comfortable in the BMW than any Fcar, Pcar, R8, Lambo or Corvette. Getting in and out is a challenge at first but if enthusiastic enough, it is easy and even fun. The exhaust note is hit or miss with a lot of people. The petrol engine is a turbo 3 cylinder which is synthesized by a speaker on both the inside and the outside of the car to make it sound more "pleasing" to the ear but true enthusiasts know there is no exhaust note that is suppose to sound like that. There have been relatively few issues with the car mechanically and electrically like any new car but fit, finish and quality seem to be up there. As for the "value" factor, I don't see it holding or going up anytime soon personally. The Z8 was always a special car to me in the sense that it shared very little switchgear from other vehicle's parts bins and the interior is just something special to me. With the i8, you notice there are certain buttons, switches and plastics that are in my 3-series. For a 140k dollar car, that is just disappointing to me. Overall though, I think the i8 is a great everyday driver. Its comfortable, efficient, quiet when you want it to be and brash when you are feeling spirited. I will say, I am not a fan of the transmission however. The 6-speed auto seems to shift when it wants, doesn't when you want it too and is too damn complicated. But for 140k, what other new car can you get that looks as striking and special is an i8?
Friend has one and loves it. Getting in and out is cave like. Too difficult for me. A deal killer. Perhaps if they had normal doors l would reconsider. Ride is harsh and storage is a joke. Draws lots of attention.
I just leased one after selling my 991 GT3 and F80 M3. I was strongly looking at a 12C or 458, but in the end, as with the GT3, they are way too much car for public roads and my style of driving. The i8 is very unique in terms of looks and driving experience. It is incredibly smooth and drives the way it looks, from the future. I felt it gives the unique wow factor look with usable everyday driving performance. The reviews are accurately in how you need to learn different techniques when hitting turns at high speed, but the car is fun. Also, it is a challenge to drive the car as efficiently as possible to get the most MPG, but a fun exercise as well. My wife has a F10 M5 for our people hauler, and I have the i8 for commute and a 6 speed 987.2 Cayman R for mechanical fun. I am very happy with our little garage. Also, I got $2000 below MSRP with a rebate. It has only been a week, but my god, I look forward to driving it everyday.
The i8 is much a cool car. It's a blast to drive and the attention it gets is off the charts. BMW really hit it out of the park as far as I'm concerned. At $150k it's truly a bargain. I got a great deal on mine. Look around as they're not that hard to get anymore and good deals can be had. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Totally agree, they are a good deal considering the technology and manufacturing involved. It is unique and does not really replace a type of car.
Yup. deal killer for me. But Im fat so its mostly my fault My GF took a 2 minute video of me trying to get out of it !
I've seen a few in different colours now and I find it hard to like them, visually. They look quite nice in white but it's not a car I would go for.
