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      08-04-2020, 04:22 PM   #1
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BMW M850i vs BMW i8

Hi guys any thoughts on which car you think is better and why? Both available for around £60k at 1-2 years old here in the UK. I have heard about some horror stories regarding repairs costing huge amounts for out of warranty i8's and their questionable reliability given the complex and new technology.

Any advice would be much appreciated. I am essentially looking for a comfortable, fast bad ass looking GT that handles well is fun to drive so not much to ask! Lol

Thanks in advance
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      08-04-2020, 09:56 PM   #2
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I'm not sure if I would consider the technology in the i8 'new'. In fact, in 2017 I came close to picking one up but the tech was a bit dated for what was being sold as a halo car for BMW. Other than the CF body, the G30 had more advanced technology for the time.
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      08-04-2020, 10:26 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pictor View Post
I'm not sure if I would consider the technology in the i8 'new'. In fact, in 2017 I came close to picking one up but the tech was a bit dated for what was being sold as a halo car for BMW. Other than the CF body, the G30 had more advanced technology for the time.
Good insight as I've never driven nor sat in an i8. I've appreciated them when I see them on the street as it is a stunning car. However, tech aside (which the 8-series is loaded with) the performance of a M850i is well beyond that of an i8.
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      08-05-2020, 02:04 AM   #4
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850i beats i8 in every detail, interior feels luxurious, faster, better sound V8 vs 3 cylinder, those ridiculous narrow tires on i8, plus entering i8 is little tricky.

So with all on side, i don't see battle between them.
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      08-05-2020, 06:23 PM   #5
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No offense to i8 owners, but that car is perhaps one of BMW's saddest attempts at a halo car. 8 series any day of the week.
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      08-05-2020, 08:30 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pictor View Post
I'm not sure if I would consider the technology in the i8 'new'. In fact, in 2017 I came close to picking one up but the tech was a bit dated for what was being sold as a halo car for BMW. Other than the CF body, the G30 had more advanced technology for the time.
I'm pretty sure he's talking about the drivetrain tech, which is relatively high tech compared to a typical ICE car.

As far as those dismissing the i8 as "slow, halo car failure" etc are missing the overall point of the i3/i8 project: real-world testing of BMWs first foray into vehicle electrification. They convinced a good number of people to pay $150K+ for a three cylinder hybrid!

I had the privilege to drive one over the course of a weeks time, and I honestly enjoyed every minute of it (even on those pizza cutter tires)!

Those still not convinced of the i8 merits probably won't get the point until a few years down the road when a derivative of the Vision M Next comes whizzing by and steals your gf/wife's attention.

That said, the i8 is highly impractical when compared to the 850. Drive them both and pick the one that most resonates with you.
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      08-05-2020, 08:35 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ALPINA_DREAMS View Post
I'm pretty sure he's talking about the drivetrain tech, which is relatively high tech compared to a typical ICE car.

As far as those dismissing the i8 as "slow, halo car failure" etc are missing the overall point of the i3/i8 project: real-world testing of BMWs first foray into vehicle electrification. They convinced a good number of people to pay $150K+ for a three cylinder hybrid!

I had the privilege to drive one over the course of a weeks time, and I honestly enjoyed every minute of it (even on those pizza cutter tires)!

Those still not convinced of the i8 merits probably won't get the point until a few years down the road when a derivative of the Vision M Next comes whizzing by and steals your gf/wife's attention.

That said, the i8 is highly impractical when compared to the 850. Drive them both and pick the one that most resonates with you.
Knowing BMW, they'll end up cancelling the Vision M Next and instead giving us an X8 M as a halo car.
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      08-06-2020, 01:17 AM   #8
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In the UK petrol cost would push me to the i8 or a full blown M6/M8 if petrol cost wasn't an issue.

Road Tax is also damned expensive there for fast petrol cars.
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      08-06-2020, 04:27 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by brad850csi View Post
In the UK petrol cost would push me to the i8 or a full blown M6/M8 if petrol cost wasn't an issue.

Road Tax is also damned expensive there for fast petrol cars.
Insurance on the i8 might be worth a second look as well given the CF body.
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      08-08-2020, 10:13 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by debdoub View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwmboss View Post
Hi guys any thoughts on which car you think is better and why? Both available for around £60k at 1-2 years old here in the UK. I have heard about some horror stories regarding repairs costing huge amounts for out of warranty i8's and their questionable reliability given the complex and new technology.

Any advice would be much appreciated. I am essentially looking for a comfortable, fast bad ass looking GT that handles well is fun to drive so not much to ask! Lol

Thanks in advance
Where I live l see only China people drive this car!!
To get in & out is another beauty, you sit too low in that car, just reminds me of Giorgetto Giugiaro's DMC DeLorean, not comfortable or practical.
Every time you're in you get too much attention, from the surrounding! I don't mind it but a bit too much. All the way M 850 i.
Really...China people?
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      08-08-2020, 10:58 PM   #11
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A bit soulless especially comp'd to the mighty thundering V8 in the M850's, the 1.5 litre 3 cylinder hybrid doesn't do it for me. Cool looking car though especially in the latest versions I've seen.
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