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BMW · Sports Car · 2014–2020

BMW i8 I12

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Engine Overview

The BMW i8 I12 is available with one engine variant at 102 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.5L 3-Zyl Turbo · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 231–362 PS Engine Change
2014 2018
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2018 2020
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The BMW 1.5L 3-Zyl Turbo (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 231–362 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B38B15 (2014–2018, Be Careful) und B38B15 (2018–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L 3-Zyl Turbo!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Carbon body: repair only by component replacement

The carbon fibre reinforced polymer passenger cell (Life module) of the i8 cannot be repaired after accident damage — only replaced. BMW-approved specialist workshops are required. Minor damage often results in an insurance write-off.

Symptoms: Visible cracks or deformation at the floor structure, unclear damage picture after accident, workshops without approval refuse the repair.
Ad BMW i8 KarbonreparaturBMW I12 Karosserie repairBMW i8 Life-module
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
9 complaints · 2014–2020
Electrical
4
Engine
3
Suspension
1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
1
Tires
1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (4 complaints)
⚠ Engine (3 complaints)
⚠ Suspension (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 13 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW i8 I12 (2014–2020) — 7 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Body, Cooling.

i8 (B38B15, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation, Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production), Turbocharger shaft seal leaking — oil consumption. Power: 231 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW i8? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW i8 I12 have? +
The BMW i8 I12 has 7 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW i8 I12? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: B38B15 (1.5L 3-Zyl Turbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the B38B15 (1.5L 3-Zyl Turbo).
Which BMW i8 I12 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW i8 I12 — rated: "Not Really". {description} Three cylinders in a BMW — that feels wrong. Vibrates at idle and doesn't sound like Munich.
Is the BMW i8 I12 worth buying used? +
The BMW i8 I12 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW i8 I12? +
The BMW i8 I12 is available with engine variants from 102 to 231 hp. Petrol: B38B15 (1.5L 3-Zyl Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee