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      10-05-2019, 01:01 PM   #1
charti
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What has changed until the 2018 facelift?

Hi, are all models 2014 until FL technically unchanged? I saw that on 2017 the key changed but anything else over the years? Was there over the air navi-map-update introduced with 2017 or is this for all? Thx for all answers.
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      10-05-2019, 07:02 PM   #2
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The only differences that I know of is the 2014 models didn’t have “comfort access”.
A feature that allowed you to keep the key in your pocket and just touch the pad on the door frame to unlock or lock the vehicle.
There was a software update that changed some of the driving parameters and display but I don’t know what the differences are, and some have said that it has caused issues with the car after the update. There is also a map update that you can purchase and download from the “my BMW” website. The update says it’s for the i3 but BMW says it’s the same for the i8.
I’ve personally done neither. The car drives just fine with its original software and my phone does a better job of navigating if I’m traveling somewhere where new map information might be necessary.

Last edited by Coastali8; 10-05-2019 at 07:11 PM..
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      10-06-2019, 12:32 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Coastal i8 View Post
The only differences that I know of is the 2014 models didn't have "comfort access".
A feature that allowed you to keep the key in your pocket and just touch the pad on the door frame to unlock or lock the vehicle.
There was a software update that changed some of the driving parameters and display but I don't know what the differences are, and some have said that it has caused issues with the car after the update. There is also a map update that you can purchase and download from the "my BMW" website. The update says it's for the i3 but BMW says it's the same for the i8.
I've personally done neither. The car drives just fine with its original software and my phone does a better job of navigating if I'm traveling somewhere where new map information might be necessary.
In addition to what Coastal said- visually- the 14-17 didn't change. The 2019s have a new smoother hood "vent" - as well as either "coupe" or "roadster" badges on to the sides.

There were no 2018 i8s.

Subjective of course- but both "upgrades" on the 19s are in poor taste and prefer the 14-17s visually speaking (coupes) and well the roadster...would be fantastic but the soft top kills it for me.
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      10-06-2019, 09:27 PM   #4
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the newer cars have carbon fiber interior trim, my 2019 has touchscreen, and laser lights became an option in 2016 (I like the way they make the DRL look). Also more wheel options in 2019 (including an all black option).
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      10-07-2019, 09:27 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by charti View Post
Hi, are all models 2014 until FL technically unchanged? I saw that on 2017 the key changed but anything else over the years? Was there over the air navi-map-update introduced with 2017 or is this for all? Thx for all answers.
Mine is 09.2014 and it has comfort access.
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      10-07-2019, 03:41 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigT View Post
Mine is 09.2014 and it has comfort access.
Odd. Mine is 12.2014 and doesn't have comfort access. BigT, you can open the driver door without unlocking the car first?
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      10-08-2019, 03:23 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Barago View Post
the newer cars have carbon fiber interior trim, my 2019 has touchscreen, and laser lights became an option in 2016 (I like the way they make the DRL look). Also more wheel options in 2019 (including an all black option).
Carbon fibre also available on old i8, as a dealer option. My 2014 i8 has it.

Laser lights were also available, but I didn't opt for them.

2019 coupe has a better battery range, and also CarPlay with higher def touch centre screen, but is otherwise a backward step (heavier, worse aero, and worse looking bonnet without the air vent).
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      10-08-2019, 04:50 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JasH View Post
Carbon fibre also available on old i8, as a dealer option. My 2014 i8 has it.

Laser lights were also available, but I didn't opt for them.

2019 coupe has a better battery range, and also CarPlay with higher def touch centre screen, but is otherwise a backward step (heavier, worse aero, and worse looking bonnet without the air vent).
Agree!
Just to name an improvement of the i8 LCI: seats are definitely better.
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      10-09-2019, 06:49 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JasH View Post
Carbon fibre also available on old i8, as a dealer option. My 2014 i8 has it.

Laser lights were also available, but I didn't opt for them.

2019 coupe has a better battery range, and also CarPlay with higher def touch centre screen, but is otherwise a backward step (heavier, worse aero, and worse looking bonnet without the air vent).
Jas can you elaborate on weight and aero? I never heard / read anything on these two topics.
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      10-09-2019, 09:39 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.SugarSkulls View Post
There were no 2018 i8s.
Are you sure? I'm seeing 772 of US Sales of the 2018 i8.

http://carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/bmw/bmw-i8/
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      10-09-2019, 02:18 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PaddyMac View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.SugarSkulls View Post
There were no 2018 i8s.
Are you sure? I'm seeing 772 of US Sales of the 2018 i8.

http://carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/bmw/bmw-i8/
I am 1000% positive.

No idea who or where those came from- anybody could have just fabricated those numbers - or perhaps they were mixing the 17s and 19s sold in 2018.

The MY2017s included the pro tonic frozen black and frozen yellow edition- and by mid 2018, the MY2019 i8s were out.


Searched it on cars.com and autotrader just now- and 0 2018 i8s.
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      10-09-2019, 05:42 PM   #12
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I've a 2015 i8, but it's in for repair and I've been provided with a 2019 rental for a few days.

The most immediately obvious difference is the entertainment system. Touchscreen. Must faster. Considerably more modern interface. I'm guessing it's not possible to upgrade, but if the cost were semi reasonable I would certainly consider it!

The bonnet scoop is different as others have mentioned. I also like what they've done with the new one. Again, I wonder if it's possible to change.

The biggest difference I noticed was electrical range. I've only done a few miles in it, but it's clearly much greater.

I also really liked the seats in it. Although I'm not sure whether that's due to a refresh of sorts or if it's just different options that were available.

Minimal changes really, but the things that have changed make a substantial difference.
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      10-11-2019, 03:48 PM   #13
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Thanks all but Q was not to what changed with the FL but before so from 2014 until 2018 except the newer key fob I know of. Maybe they changed a few components that were buggy and which is why it might make sence to avoid a purchase on the 2014 or 2015 model or else...if you know anything, let me know. Thanks
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      10-11-2019, 03:58 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by charti View Post
Thanks all but Q was not to what changed with the FL but before so from 2014 until 2018 except the newer key fob I know of. Maybe they changed a few components that were buggy and which is why it might make sence to avoid a purchase on the 2014 or 2015 model or else...if you know anything, let me know. Thanks
Only thing I'm aware of is the drive belt on 2/2015 and prior cars is supposed to be replaced every 2nd oil change. After 2/2015 it's not considered a normal maintenance item.
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      10-11-2019, 05:25 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chris_1M View Post
Agree!
Just to name an improvement of the i8 LCI: seats are definitely better.
Only on the Roadster though
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      10-11-2019, 05:26 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by charti View Post
Thanks all but Q was not to what changed with the FL but before so from 2014 until 2018 except the newer key fob I know of. Maybe they changed a few components that were buggy and which is why it might make sence to avoid a purchase on the 2014 or 2015 model or else...if you know anything, let me know. Thanks
They improved the v unreliable fuel pressure sensor on newer cars. It is still unreliable, but much less so.

All old cars that had it repaired "recently" under warranty also have the improved sensor too.
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      10-11-2019, 05:29 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ericsi View Post
Jas can you elaborate on weight and aero? I never heard / read anything on these two topics.
Aero is slightly more drag, due to the airflow being around sides more on new cars, rather than through the bonnet and over the car. It was changed for Roadster, but then they copied it on coupe for ease of manufacture.

Weight has the same reason essentially. Steel bracing added under Roadster to stiffen it to compensate for loss of roof. Added weight. They copied it on coupe for ease of manufacture.
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      10-12-2019, 06:55 PM   #18
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I have never seen a 2014-2015 i8 with lasers or carbon in the USA. Also the 2019 carbon looks thicker/different than the 2016-2018 carbon.

sugarS is correct there was no 2018 i8 in the states
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      10-14-2019, 10:52 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Barago View Post
sugarS is correct there was no 2018 i8 in the states
Would explain why I couldn't find a 2018 pricing guide. Was no 2018's to incorporate the LCI/roadster introduction? Seems a bit odd to stop production for a year, start up again in 2019 to then stop (forever) in 2020.
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      10-15-2019, 01:40 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bob330i View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barago View Post
sugarS is correct there was no 2018 i8 in the states
Would explain why I couldn't find a 2018 pricing guide. Was no 2018's to incorporate the LCI/roadster introduction? Seems a bit odd to stop production for a year, start up again in 2019 to then stop (forever) in 2020.
I don't think BMWNA themselves even know what they're doing with the i8 :
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      10-22-2019, 04:19 AM   #21
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I have a final Q towards my original topic. Is the update for the NAV only possible via USB-stick or does it come also via air for "newer" models such as the 2017 version with the other key? Thx
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