Some expensive cars have a low resale value for unexplained reasons. Whether it’s a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes-Benz, after a few years, some of these companies’ new models may be found for a much less money on the used car market.
The i8 is now the BMW model that has been most negatively impacted by devaluation. The price of a brand-new i8 at the starting level, after taxes and dealer fees, is about $145,000. The automobile is therefore unquestionably pricey. But just a few years later, the cost is less than half of what it was originally. Between $70,000 and $80,000 will get you a 2015 or 2016 model with fewer than 30,000 miles on it. Given the high resale value of manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, Jeep, and Porsche, such a sharp decline is unexpected.
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New vs. Used BMW i8 Automobiles
In comparison to buying new, buying a used BMW i8 that is two years old can save you $15,584 while retaining a relatively new car with lots of usable life left. Your total cost of depreciation for this vehicle would be $34,044 if you intended to keep it for 3 years. To see where this cost is lowest during depreciation, try different vehicle or age/ownership length combinations. Try autos that are between two and four years old; brand-new cars depreciate quickly. Additionally, if purchasing a vehicle a few years ago or another model if this one was just released isn’t an option, you might want to wait till more used i8 models become available.
A carbon fiber chassis was first used by BMW.
The BMW i8 stunned the market when it was originally introduced. It was one of the most distinctive vehicles ever sold at the time thanks to its combination of spectacular appearance, a carbon fiber chassis, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It came before vehicles like the Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 Spyder, and McLaren P1, all of which employed variants of a configuration that BMW had already introduced with the i8 and which sold for literally 10 times the i8’s price. Even better, the i8 employed a two-speed transmission on its front electric motor, something Porsche and Audi currently boast about doing with their Taycan and e-tron GT, respectively. The i8 was innovative for its day.
However, sales data would demonstrate the contrary. The BMW i8 did well enough to support its continued existence for the duration of its life cycle, but not nearly well enough to compete with other expensive supercars and premium sports cars. That was probably greatly influenced by performance, since the BMW i8 was speedy but trailed vehicles like the Porsche 911 and Audi R8, which were about the same price. Even though it featured fantastic looks and an in-the-middle engine like a true exotic, clients found it difficult to spend six figures for a “sports vehicle” with only three cylinders.
Why is the value of the BMW i8 declining on the used car market?
A while back, we discussed the sharp decline in value of old electric vehicles like the BMW i3. For whatever reason, electric vehicles have a terrible resale value and can be purchased used for less than 50% of the price of purchase. And they are not beaters; they are vehicles that are only two or three years old and have extremely low mileage. The BMW i8 is rapidly depreciating in value on the used market, so it appears that one of the best-looking plug-in hybrid automobiles of all time is about to join that list.
The least expensive BMW i8 will cost about $143,000 when brand-new, and that’s before taxes and dealer fees. Therefore, you’re probably talking about $150,000. It is a very expensive, thrilling, and dynamic vehicle that provides an experience that is unmatched by any other mode of transportation in the world. However, if you wait a few years, you’ll be able to get one for approximately $60,000 less—and that’s only at now moment. It appears as though its worth is eroding more.
You can easily find a used BMW i8 with few miles for under $90,000, according to a simple search of used BMW i8 cars in America. The original cost has been reduced by more than $60,000, yet it has hardly been utilized. That has a terrible resale value but is fantastic for used car purchasers.
Since the BMW i8 is still a highly modern and thrilling vehicle, no one is really clear why this is taking place. On forums and other online spaces, there are a few theories, the most popular of which is that most users are treating the i8 like a white good. In other words, when a new model of something like a laptop or iPhone is released, the old one becomes obsolete. People are reluctant to purchase the outdated model as a result, much as nobody wants an iPhone 6 any longer since the release of the 7.
This is a serious possibility since those who purchase these vehicles are the types of people who want to be on the cutting edge of technology and have the resources to do so. Additionally, there is the issue of competitiveness. A rather astounding collection of supercars are available for the price of a used BMW i8, including the timeless first-generation Audi R8, the Porsche 911 Turbo, and even an Aston Martin Vantage.
Therefore, a 1.5 liter three-cylinder engine struggles to compete with true supercars. Additionally, there is the reliability aspect. Given that the BMW i8 is only a few years old, the high level of technology in the vehicle is incredibly intricate and utterly untested. The risk of investing so much money on a brand-new car after the warranty expires may not be one that many individuals are willing to face.
In either case, whomever is prepared to take a chance on one of these cars is getting a great deal.
It cost more than $100,000 new.
Considering its stunning appearance and technology, it was not surprising that the BMW i8 had an RRP of more than PS100,000. However, as many automobiles lose value over time, the i8 is now offered for less than half of its original cost. This increases its allure in the used automobile market.
As is the case with any used automobile, upkeep may be slightly more expensive than it would be if the vehicle were new, but it is still feasible to find high-quality examples, including several dealer-approved pre-owned vehicles. Consequently, an approved used warranty will benefit you and provide you with total piece of mind.
Is the BMW i8 pricey?
Affordable is a relative term, but because this car is up to 8 years old, it may be purchased for a much lower cost.
Depending on mileage, a late 2019 model will typically cost you approximately $100,000, but if you’re prepared to settle for an early 2014 or 2015 model, you can purchase an i8 for as little as $55,000, saving you $80,000 off the initial minimum retail price.
You still get the advanced aerodynamics, carbon fiber exterior, butterfly doors, and laser lighting for an early model.
Once you get past the appearance, the drivetrain—which has a 130 horsepower electric motor and 184 pound-feet of torque—and a 230 horsepower, three-cylinder, gasoline engine with 236 pound-feet of torque combine to provide a respectable 360 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.
With the electric motor driving the front and the gasoline motor driving the back, this effectively had all-wheel drive. The entire configuration allowed for a 4.4-second 0-60 mph pace and more over 100 mpg combined.
How much does a BMW i8 need to be maintained?
The BMW M4 appears to be a fantastic alternative if you’re looking at sports vehicles. Sporty BMWs are particularly hard-hit by depreciation while having a starting price of $71,800. You should be aware of high repair expenses, just like with the other models on our list.
We’ll also look at Edmunds’ estimated price for a 2019 model to keep things consistent. A 2019 M4 will cost you about $8,038 in maintenance fees over the course of the first five years, according to Edmunds. You’ll supposedly wind up paying about $2,561 for repairs.
Consumer Reports states that the typical cost of replacing a fuel pump is $1,135. However, according to Consumer Reports, you’ll probably have to pay roughly $3,589 if you have an M4. It is also important to keep in mind that the M4 is a performance model and as such has numerous custom parts that are widely available and hence cannot be found for less.
Why did BMW stop producing the i8?
On Thursday, the final i8 to be produced rolled out of the Leipzig BMW facility. Actually, the PHEV’s manufacturing was scheduled to stop in the middle of April. However, because of the factory’s closure due to the coronavirus outbreak, manufacturing was delayed until June.
Since manufacturing on the i8 began six years ago, exactly 20,448 vehicles have been sent from the factory. According to a press release from BMW, the final vehicle was an i8 Roadster in “Portimao Blue” and it was sold to a buyer in Germany.
The i8 was the first plug-in hybrid vehicle in the whole BMW Group when it made its debut in 2014. The hybrid sports car was never successful outside of its specialized market due to its intricate carbon body and six-figure base price. The i8 “embodies the departure into electric mobility like no other car,” according to Hans-Peter Kemser, head of the BMW plant in Leipzig. The model served as the inspiration for the current variety of plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Currently, one shift of production for the Leipzig-based BMW i3 produces 116 units per day. Hans-Peter Kemser, the plant manager, claims that if demand for e-cars in Germany increases, production of the i3 might be expanded to two shifts and thus boosted to 250 units per day.
There won’t be a straight replacement for the i8. In the interim, there have been rumors that the 2019 Vision M Next concept car may be produced in large quantities. The BMW board of directors reportedly decided against the 441 kW sports car, also against the backdrop of the Corona crisis, primarily due to “costs and the volume,” according to media reports. However, the hybrid sports car (this time with a four-cylinder petrol engine instead of the three-cylinder in the i8) did not get beyond the planning stage.
Are BMW i8 vehicles dependable?
BMW i8 reliability In the brand rankings for the 2020 edition, BMW came in 27th (down two spots from 25th in 2019), with 20.4% of owners reporting one or more problems in the first year of ownership.
Who would purchase an I8?
The i8 achieves excellent MPG since it is a sportier version of the Prius. With just energy, it can travel over 20 miles, giving you an MPG of 35 to 40. That’s fairly decent, considering how attractive the car is. It is cozy as well, more so than a Grand Tourer.
The I8 is much more useful because it has four seats as well. Even though the seats are not the largest, they can accommodate two children, making it ideal for transporting youngsters to school.
Is Tesla faster than the BMW i8?
Still, when measured in terms of 0-60 mph, Tesla annihilates the i8. It completes the dash in roughly 3.2 seconds as opposed to 4.2 seconds for the BMW. But the BMW is unquestionably superior in several areas.
The BMW i8 has a plug.
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The BMW i8 offers a combination of style, performance, and efficiency that is unmatched by any other vehicle in its class. It’s not as entertaining to drive as the more affordable, class-leading Porsche 911, but many will find the dramatic style and eco-friendly image alluring.
While it can’t quite match the i8’s supercar-like appearance, performance is by no means inadequate, and there is more than enough power to enjoy driving. However, experienced drivers may find the driving experience to be a little disjointed; if you require a practical daily sports car, there are more roomy competitors available.
The BMW i8 is a novel offering in the market for high-end sports cars. The i8, a Porsche 911 challenger, injects some environmental awareness into the market with the help of its petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Its expensive pricing and affordable operating expenses are both belied by its exotic appearance.
The BMW i8 joins the i3 hatchback as a member of BMW’s I eco lineup. It has a superior carbon fiber construction for strength and lightness, and its 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and electric motor work together to deliver power to all four wheels. It’s still a relatively uncommon sight, especially given that BMW has been selling the i8 since 2014. The vehicle is not as prevalent as its Porsche 911 competitor due to low production levels.
At first glance, the powertrain idea doesn’t sound all that interesting, especially if you want your supercars to have large multi-cylinder engines. By sportscar standards, the i8’s three-cylinder engine only puts out 228 horsepower, but there is an additional 141 horsepower from an electric motor driving the front wheels to help provide the necessary power.