[Ichiro1]

Hi all, looking to buy a pre-owned i8 soon. Wondering if anyone has any input on purchasing a 2014 vs 2015 model assuming same mileage and packages? Or is it pretty much the same other than the roughly 1 year different warranty? Thanks!

[vance]

They're the same except the 2015 model has comfort access which allows you to open either door from just walking up to it and pressing the button on the door as long as the key fob is with you near the car. The 2014 model you have to unlock the doors with the key fob button every time to get in.

[Mohammad2100]

Originally Posted by vance

They're the same except the 2015 model has comfort access which allows you to open either door from just walking up to it and pressing the button on the door as long as the key fob is with you near the car. The 2014 model you have to unlock the doors with the key fob button every time to get in.

Hey vance
I have bought a pre owned 2015 i8 from a certified dealer in my country ( saudi arabia) but it doesnt have comfort access (keyless entry)

VIN:Wby2z2102fv345503

..in the purchase certificate and regestration papers its written 2015 model can you or would someone please confirm that if i was scammed by country BMW ceritfied dealer and they gave me 2014 one instead of a 2015 model or not ? A very depressing thing to think about honestly ..hope to get an answer asap thanks !

[vance]

Originally Posted by Mohammad2100

Hey vance
I have bought a pre owned 2015 i8 from a certified dealer in my country ( saudi arabia) but it doesnt have comfort access (keyless entry)

VIN:Wby2z2102fv345503

..in the purchase certificate and regestration papers its written 2015 model can you or would someone please confirm that if i was scammed by country BMW ceritfied dealer and they gave me 2014 one instead of a 2015 model or not ? A very depressing thing to think about honestly ..hope to get an answer asap thanks !

Easiest way to check what year your i8 is: open your driver door and read the black sticker on the side of the door area near the front. It should have a manufactured date. For example, my 2016 i8 says manufactured 1/16. As far as I know, all i8's are manufactured the same year of the model, meaning no 2015 models should have been manufactured in 2014, for example.

I'm sure your paperwork also notates the car's In-Service Date when mentioning how long your warranty lasts. So if the In-Service Date is any time in 2014, you got misled.

[B5S]

using www.bmwvin.com:

VIN WBY2Z2102FV345503
Type Code 2Z21
E Series I12 ()
Series I
Type COUPE
Model I8 (EUR)
Steering LL
Doors 2
Engine B38T
Displacement 1.50
Power 170
Drive ALLR
Transmission AUT
Colour IONIC SILVER MIT AKZENT BMW I BLAU (B72)
Upholstery NATURL. EXKL. M.STOFFAK./DALBERGIAB (NKFD)
Prod. Date 2014-11-14

but - to my understanding, this makes your I8 MY2015!

[vance]

If it really is a 2015, then the only explanation would be that the very early MY2015 i8's didn't have comfort access. But I thought all of the 2015 models had it

[b5chally]

I would recommend at minimum a 2015.

[NGR]

Originally Posted by b5chally

I would recommend at minimum a 2015.

Rationale?

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by NGR

Rationale?

For me...I couldn't live without CA ><

There's just something about walking up, grabbing the door and having it swing up.

[Groundhog]

My guess is it's software. if so, can it be coded? Software experts?

Maybe it's like having the AM Radio coded back in... ?

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

My guess is it's software. if so, can it be coded? Software experts?

Maybe it's like having the AM Radio coded back in... ?

It's hardware, there is a panel in the opening next to the door.

[NGR]

Originally Posted by skinrock

It's hardware, there is a panel in the opening next to the door.

If I'm right, you have to swipe/touch the extra panel before using the door button? Doesn't too hard compared to pushing a button on the remote?

I sometimes use my phone to unlock the car when I precondition, knowing I'll be there in 5 minutes anyway.

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by NGR

If I'm right, you have to swipe/touch the extra panel before using the door button? Doesn't too hard compared to pushing a button on the remote?

I sometimes use my phone to unlock the car when I precondition, knowing I'll be there in 5 minutes anyway.

Your hand naturally brushes it when reaching for the door handle. It's always a seamless process for me. Sometimes locking is weird if you try touching the lock portion of the panel too quickly after closing the door (before the window seals).

[ChiTownM]

I never thought of using the app even though I precondition. Thanks for that! I have a 2014 and it is as good as the 2015 IF you don't mind the missing comfort access. How much will you drive it per year. Make sure all recalls are done too!

[stressdoc]

Warranty timing is the big issue for me -- 2015 certified or 2016.

[vance]

The new BMW CPO (5 years, unlimited miles) is amazing. Try to shoot for a 2016 CPO if you can. If not, take the 2015 CPO. New 2017 models have the worst warranty because they just reduced it from 4 years/50k miles to 3 years/36k miles making it even worse and the 2017 service/maintenance plans don't include brakes or brake rotors, either.

[NGR]

Originally Posted by vance

The new BMW CPO (5 years, unlimited miles) is amazing. Try to shoot for a 2016 CPO if you can. If not, take the 2015 CPO. New 2017 models have the worst warranty because they just reduced it from 4 years/50k miles to 3 years/36k miles making it even worse.

Warranty extension on a 2014 was about £1000 gbp with a small excess, not bad at all for a boiler-plate BMW warranty - essential if you plan to sell as well

[Ichiro1]

Thanks all... I actually got lucky and was able to pick up a 2016 CPO. love this ride!