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2015 BMW

i8

Auto 6-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo

BMW i8: best and worst years
2015 BMW i8 (photo 1 of 2)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2015.

PhotoOWS PhotographyCC BY 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Subcompact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
Plug-in HybridEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
Premium and ElectricityEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

Axle ratio
3.68
Cyl
3EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
29 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
28 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
28 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,750EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
198 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score
10/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
330 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Range per hour (240V)
165 mi/hr
Recharge hrs
2EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Real-world MPG
99.9 mpg, reported by 1 driverabout 71.9 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length
185 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Width
76 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Height
51 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Wheelbase
110 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Curb Weight
3,472 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
1
Owner complaints
5

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29%
  • ENGINE29%
  • AIR BAGS14%
  • ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)14%
  • SEAT BELTS14%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 7 total.

BMW i8: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  • EA21002Openopened Sep 17, 2021AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

153 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Mar 13, 2025FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMB010924

    The High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assemblys Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles as determined from the original in-service/first delivery date

  • Jan 11, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB611305

    The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

  • Jan 8, 2024STEERINGB360121

    At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk) as seen at the 11 second mark of the video. See attached video V36 01 21.

  • May 1, 2022ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSIB651312

    The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 4 (HU-H4, also called MGU21) superseded the MGU starting with certain MY2021 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional. This uses map N

  • Sep 1, 2021EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)B651312

    The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 3 (HU-H3, also called MGU) superseded the NBT-EVO starting with certain MY2019 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional or 6U2 Live Co

  • May 1, 2021EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICALB840121

    TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.

  • Nov 1, 2020VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHERB612315

    Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full: Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch.

  • Sep 1, 2020ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB611820

    BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER: The BMW-approved accessory TurboCord electric vehicle (EV) charger will not charge the vehicle.

  • and 145 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr
Maintenance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.