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About the BMW i8
The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that was first introduced as a 2014 model and ended production in 2020. During those years, it was used as a flagship product for BMW to showcase their hybrid-technology. Only 20,465 BMW i8s were sold to the public.
| Year Range | 2014-2017 | 2018-2020 |
| Horsepower | 357 hp | 369 hp |
| Battery | 7.1 kWh 353V Li-ion | 11.6 kWh 353V Li-ion |
| Gasoline Engine | 1.5L Turbo I3 | 1.5L Turbo I3 |
| MPG | 76 MPGe 43 kW-hrs/100mi | 69 MPGe 49 kW-hrs/100 mi |
| MSRP | $136,650 | $148,495 |
| Electric Range | 15-23 miles | 18-34 miles |
| Curb Weight | 3274 lbs 1485 kg | 3274 lbs 1485 kg |
| 0 to 62 mph | 4.2 seconds (coupe) 4.4 seconds (roadster) | 4.2 seconds (coupe) 4.4 seconds (roadster) |
BMW i8 Batteries
Drive Battery | 12V Battery | Key Fob Battery
Drive Battery / Traction Battery
Drive Battery Specs
| Year Range | 2014-2017 | 2018-2020 |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion |
| Battery Energy | 7.1 kWh | 11.6 kWh |
| Battery Voltage | 353V | 353V |
Drive Battery FAQs
How much do BMW i8 replacement drive batteries cost?
The price of a BMW i8 replacement battery is right around $8000 on the used market according to eBay, not including labor, shipping, and taxes.
Some of the vendors below have a reconditioned BMW i8 battery priced at $11,000.00 and up.
Where do I purchase a BMW i8 replacement drive battery?
The Dealership – Likely the best place to find a replacement drive battery for the BMW i8 is the dealer themselves.
eBay – One of the best places to find gently used batteries for the BMW i8 is eBay. Cars that have been wrecked or written off as a total loss can still have good batteries.
Check eBay for BMW i8 Drive Batteries
Ace Hybrid Group – Ace hybrid group was founded by degreed Electrical Engineers. 99% of the Hybrid Shops out there, can’t say that. They know Hybrid Batteries inside and out and have over 14 Years experience remanufacturing hybrid batteries!
AceHybridGroup.com: BMW i8 (2014-2020)
Where is the drive battery located in the BMW i8?
The drive battery in the BMW i8 is located in the immediate center of the i8, where a driveshaft might normally reside.
Drive Battery Charging
BMW i8 Charge-Port Location
The charging port on the BMW i8 is located on the left front side of the vehicle, above and behind the front wheel.
BMW i8 Charge-Plug Type
The BMW i8 uses a type 2 connector to charge it’s battery.
How do I charge the BMW i8 at home from an outlet?
How long does the BMW i8 take to charge on a 110v AC outlet?
On a level 1 home charging source, the BMW i8 is capable of achieving a full charge in anywhere from 8 – 14 hours.
How long does the BMW i8 take to charge on a Level 2 charger?
As a level 2 wired home-charging source, the BMW i8 is capable of a full charge from 10% in approximately 2 hours.
12V Battery
BMW i8 12V Battery Location
The BMW i8’s 12V battery is located under the hood, toward the right side of the engine compartment when facing inward.
BMW i8 12V Battery Size
The BMW i8 has a 12v Group size H4 570 CCA AGM battery.
| Battery | Part # | Vendor |
| Interstate | H4 MTP | InterstateBatteries.com |
| DieHard | H4 AGM EV | Advance Auto Parts |
| Deka Intimidator | H4 AGM | eBay |
BMW i8 12V Battery Terminal Maintenance
Maintaining your BMW i8’s 12V battery terminals is essential to ensuring a positive electrical contact. We recommend cleaning your terminals annually and also using a terminal protectant spray to prevent corrosion.
CRC Battery Cleaner w/ Acid Detector will clean your battery terminals and surface, neutralizing acids and detecting leaks.
CRC Battery Terminal Protector Spray is designed to protect battery terminals from corrosion, a leading cause of hard starting and battery failure.
BMW i8 12V Battery Testing, Maintenance and Repair
Battery testers are an inexpensive way to save yourself time in repairing your BMW i8. A healthy 12V battery will read between 12.6 and 12.8 volts when tested. Anything lower, and you may want to consider replacing your batteries or checking the battery fluid levels.
How do I charge the BMW i8 12V battery?
You can charge the BMW i8 with a normal 12V charger by accessing the 12V battery under the hood.
BMW i8 12V Battery Chargers
| Battery Charger | Where to Purchase? |
| NOCO GENIUS 10 (12V & 6V) 10A Smart Car Battery Charger | Amazon |
| Battery Tender Junior 12V 750 mA Charger and Maintainer | Amazon |
| OptiMATE Lithium 4s 0.8A, TM-471 Battery Saving Charger & Maintainer | Amazon |
How do I jump start a dead BMW i8?
To expose the battery allowing you to jumpstart the i8, first open the passenger and driver doors. Behind the door shock on both sides, there is a cover that exposes a cable with a handle on the end. Pull that handle to release the hood latches on each side of the hood.
With the cables pulled and latches released, you can lift the hood. Be careful not to damage your hood while lifting. On each of the hood hinges, there is a hole that you can use to hold up the hood. With the hood open, you now have access to your battery and can jump start the battery as normal. Always connect the cables to the dead battery side first.
Shop 14 Gauge Jumper Wires on Amazon
Remote Key Fob Battery
The BMW i8 key fob uses a CR2032 3V lithium battery.
Find CR2032 3V Lithium Batteries on Amazon
BMW i8 Drivetrain
The BMW i8 drivetrain features a transverse mid-engine, all wheel drive (AWD) layout.
Electric Motor
| Electric Motor Peak Output | 98 kW |
Gasoline Engine
The gasoline engine in the BMW i8 is a 1.5 liter inline 3-cylinder (I3) capable of 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft torque.
| Gasoline Engine Power | 228 hp 170 kW 231 PS |
| Gasoline Engine Torque | 236 lb-ft 320 Nm |
FAQs
What type and grade of gasoline does the BMW i8 use?
The BMW i8 uses premium unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher.
What is the fuel capacity of the BMW i8?
The BMW i8 has an 11.1 gallon fuel capacity.
Transmission
The BMW i8 uses a 6-speed sequential shift control automatic with overdrive transmission.
Join a BMW i8 Community
Bimmerfest.com: BMW i8 – The BMW i8 is a carbon fiber and aluminum hybrid halo car. This forum is dedicated to that car.
Bimmerpost.com: BMW i8 – BMW i8 General Discussion
Reddit.com/t/BMW_i8 – Reddit’s most popular topics around the BMW i8.
Reddit.com/r/ElectricVehicles – This is the Reddit community for EV owners and enthusiasts. Discuss evolving technology, new entrants, charging infrastructure, government policy, and the ins and outs of EV ownership right here.
BMW i8 Reviews
BMW i8 Toys and Games
An officially license12V BMW i8 ride-on toy for kids! With features such as remote control, an MP3 player, horn, LED lights, suspension and 4 available colors, your kid will feel the thrill of driving!