[MKSixer]

I post this as a point of interest in our world of cars with electric or hybrid power trains. There are many interesting points that may prove transferrable to our experience a early adopters. I would love to see a little data on both the i3 and the i8 when more examples of each are in the wild.

I don't want to start a Tesla bash. Please use this as an addition to our collective knowledge. If you wish to simply bash, pls take your business elsewhere!

Cheers-mk

https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/two-th...201137486.html

[MalibuBimmer]

Very interesting to read. The i8 is too new to have more than a few people with 20,000+ miles.

I wonder how many high mileage Teslas there are out there. And how our electric motors will fare at 60,000+ miles.

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

Very interesting to read. The i8 is too new to have more than a few people with 20,000+ miles.

I wonder how many high mileage Teslas there are out there. And how our electric motors will fare at 60,000+ miles.

Good questions. I also wonder how much the ICE will actually contribute to the longevity of the entire drivetrain vs. the purely electric Tesla.

Cheers-mk

[MalibuBimmer]

No question all electric is the future, but with a hybrid if the electric goes out you still have the ICE.

The bloom has really come off the Tesla bloom. I wonder if the company will be able to survive with all this bad news. I've always thought it would not survive and now I believe this report may be the proverbial nail in the coffin.

[Chalermchai Wongwaiwit]

I have my i8 in Bangkok, Thailand. I have posted under topic "drivetrain: no restart".

After 4,000 miles, my car went dead with "drivetrain:no restart" problem. After 3 weeks in the garage, the mechanic got the car restarted yesterday but still needed time to recheck the whole car again before giving it back to me.

At first I thought it was my car "forgetting" what gear it was in as mentioned in that topic. However, the mechanic said the problem was one of the battery cells got too hot and the high voltage battery was automatically disconnected as a precaution, resulting in my car inability to be started. They needed to use special tool to read out some code from the battery management system and re-enter the code to get the battery to work again.

I alway drive the last few miles on the highway before reaching my house under full electric mode. Is it the reason why the battery might get too hot? I notice sometime the fan coming on when I plug in the car. If so, is it advisable not to drive under full electric mode in the last few miles before parking the car?

I am just recounting what the mechanic told me. I am not sure 100% if this is the real problem or not. Can anyone with knowledge confirm this?

[hytek]

I've been driving it mostly electric, and quite a bit on highways. The fan does come one when I plug it in, and that does worries me a bit.
But I've been shaking off the feeling so far.
I have about 3K miles so far.
Last time I filled gas, was 900 miles ago .

[MalibuBimmer]

Originally Posted by Chalermchai Wongwaiwit

I have my i8 in Bangkok, Thailand. I have posted under topic "drivetrain: no restart".

After 4,000 miles, my car went dead with "drivetrain:no restart" problem. After 3 weeks in the garage, the mechanic got the car restarted yesterday but still needed time to recheck the whole car again before giving it back to me.

At first I thought it was my car "forgetting" what gear it was in as mentioned in that topic. However, the mechanic said the problem was one of the battery cells got too hot and the high voltage battery was automatically disconnected as a precaution, resulting in my car inability to be started. They needed to use special tool to read out some code from the battery management system and re-enter the code to get the battery to work again.

I alway drive the last few miles on the highway before reaching my house under full electric mode. Is it the reason why the battery might get too hot? I notice sometime the fan coming on when I plug in the car. If so, is it advisable not to drive under full electric mode in the last few miles before parking the car?

I am just recounting what the mechanic told me. I am not sure 100% if this is the real problem or not. Can anyone with knowledge confirm this?

I've been reading about your problem and feel sorry for you. I know you have mentioned that you did not purchase your car from a dealer because you were able to save a lot of money on the deal. Is an authorized BMW dealer helping you with the current problem. Your references have been to a "mechanic." Was it an i certified BMW mechanic?

[Chalermchai Wongwaiwit]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

I've been reading about your problem and feel sorry for you. I know you have mentioned that you did not purchase your car from a dealer because you were able to save a lot of money on the deal. Is an authorized BMW dealer helping you with the current problem. Your references have been to a "mechanic." Was it an i certified BMW mechanic?

In Thailand there are authorized dealers for all brands of super cars. But cars are charged 300% import duty, making them ridiculously expensive. Authorized dealers have to pay the duty on the cars and "accessories". The 300% tax is charged even on air conditioning unit, mag wheels and radio!!! So the way "unauthorized" dealers do is to strip down the car of all "accessories" (on the import papers at least), and possibly bribe the customs officials to accept the lower price, thereby saving some tax on the car.

My i8 would have cost in excess of US$ 550,000 if it is not a hybrid with small engine. It got away with 100% tax "incentive", and I got mine at US$ 300,000 vs authorized one at US$380,000. However, my car being from unauthorized dealer, BMW Thailand will not fix it. I can't even buy parts from them.

My "unauthorized" dealer is a big one selling all kinds of supercars, Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, Aston Martin etc. It has a very modern garage facility so I trusted they would be able to fix my car. The "mechanic" I mentioned seemed capable and he had the diagnostic program for the i8, but I don't think he was i8 trained. They also don't have some specific tools if they are only for the i8.

I think they imported the car from a dealer in the UK, so they have connection to some i8 trained service personnel. I know the mechanic had been consulting with those people. I am sure they have some backdoor connection to the trained mechanics from BMW Thailand also. The reason I came into this forum is to try to find some answers to my car's problem.

At least they got my car started yesterday so my hope is up. They are asking me for a few more days to check everything all over again. I guess they don't want to come to my house to tow the car for the third time!!

I hope you see how difficult and expensive it is to be a car enthusiast in Thailand. You all have it easy even at $145,000 for the car!!

I still love that car though. Anyways, thank you for your concern.

[MalibuBimmer]

I understood that you saved a lot of money buying as you did. My question was merely if you had an i trained BMW mechanic working on your car. Not having an i trained BMW mechanic working on your car is almost certainly the problem. A bunch of enthusiasts and owners on a BMW fan board are not going to be able to help you, unfortunately.

I hope you get your problem fixed.

[YWGT3]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

I understood that you saved a lot of money buying as you did. My question was merely if you had an i trained BMW mechanic working on your car. Not having an i trained BMW mechanic working on your car is almost certainly the problem. A bunch of enthusiasts and owners on a BMW fan board are not going to be able to help you, unfortunately.

I hope you get your problem fixed.

That is a valid point. The i8, as well as many newly introduced vehicles, need adjustments and modifications to be made in order to sort out the bugs. In my case, the BMW dealer's SA and service team had direct communication with the BMW i division engineering team in Germany in order to sort out and fix the i8's hardware and software issues.

Working with an outside dealer makes it an exceptional challenge for their mechanic to obtain accurate assessments and proper procedures toward servicing the issues. The reliance of conveying these issues through an intermediary UK dealer to BMW i Division only increases the chance of getting things lost or misunderstood in the communication.

[Chalermchai Wongwaiwit]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

I understood that you saved a lot of money buying as you did. My question was merely if you had an i trained BMW mechanic working on your car. Not having an i trained BMW mechanic working on your car is almost certainly the problem. A bunch of enthusiasts and owners on a BMW fan board are not going to be able to help you, unfortunately.

I hope you get your problem fixed.

Well, it was a gamble I took trying to save $80,000. I have owned 8 BMW's over the last 34 years without any major problems. My last 7 series had 80,000 miles and not once in the garage except normal maintenance service. So I thought nothing could go so much wrong. Of course this i8 is totally new technology and it'll surely take time to iron out some bugs.

The unlucky thing for us Thais is having to avoid paying so much tax and taking the risk. I'm an optimist though. Eventually they'll get my car fixed and I'll get to enjoy it again.

[MalibuBimmer]

I hope you get your i8 straightened out, but it's new and very complicated technology that even my dealer on the outskirts of BMW country (Los Angeles) has some difficulty with.

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by Chalermchai Wongwaiwit

In Thailand there are authorized dealers for all brands of super cars. But cars are charged 300% import duty, making them ridiculously expensive. Authorized dealers have to pay the duty on the cars and "accessories". The 300% tax is charged even on air conditioning unit, mag wheels and radio!!! So the way "unauthorized" dealers do is to strip down the car of all "accessories" (on the import papers at least), and possibly bribe the customs officials to accept the lower price, thereby saving some tax on the car.

My i8 would have cost in excess of US$ 550,000 if it is not a hybrid with small engine. It got away with 100% tax "incentive", and I got mine at US$ 300,000 vs authorized one at US$380,000. However, my car being from unauthorized dealer, BMW Thailand will not fix it. I can't even buy parts from them.

My "unauthorized" dealer is a big one selling all kinds of supercars, Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, Aston Martin etc. It has a very modern garage facility so I trusted they would be able to fix my car. The "mechanic" I mentioned seemed capable and he had the diagnostic program for the i8, but I don't think he was i8 trained. They also don't have some specific tools if they are only for the i8.

I think they imported the car from a dealer in the UK, so they have connection to some i8 trained service personnel. I know the mechanic had been consulting with those people. I am sure they have some backdoor connection to the trained mechanics from BMW Thailand also. The reason I came into this forum is to try to find some answers to my car's problem.

At least they got my car started yesterday so my hope is up. They are asking me for a few more days to check everything all over again. I guess they don't want to come to my house to tow the car for the third time!!

I hope you see how difficult and expensive it is to be a car enthusiast in Thailand. You all have it easy even at $145,000 for the car!!

I still love that car though. Anyways, thank you for your concern.

I've been keeping up with your plight, as well. I am sorry that the tax structure in your country is so oppressive. I will not complain about the comparatively low taxes I pay in the future. As stated earlier, this is the risk that is taken but like you, I am confident that once your dealer is able to get their hands on the proper tools (software), your problem should be remedied. Best of luck to you in the future and thanks for keeping us posted.
Cheers-mk

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

I hope you get your i8 straightened out, but it's new and very complicated technology that even my dealer on the outskirts of BMW country (Los Angeles) has some difficulty with.

Indeed.
The delivery briefing was delivered by me to them...not the other way around. Sigh.

Cheers-mk

[SANguru]

my tesla has been absolutely solid. It's a '15 and at 7000+ miles, no issues.

[Chalermchai Wongwaiwit]

Originally Posted by MKSixer

I've been keeping up with your plight, as well. I am sorry that the tax structure in your country is so oppressive. I will not complain about the comparatively low taxes I pay in the future. As stated earlier, this is the risk that is taken but like you, I am confident that once your dealer is able to get their hands on the proper tools (software), your problem should be remedied. Best of luck to you in the future and thanks for keeping us posted.
Cheers-mk

Good news! Yesterday I got my i8 back from the garage. It's running like new again. The mechanic told me I should get a better home charger rather than the small one that came with the car. He was just guessing at the cause why the HV battery was automatically disconnected. The electricity supply in Thailand is very unstable. We just went through the rainy season and whenever there was some lightning, the electrical supply would be shut off for a few seconds and come back on again. Case in point is another i8 with some fried chips still in that garage. Probably electrical surge when the lightning struck close by?

I will also not use full electric mode in the last few hi way-miles before reaching my house. That might have caused high demand on the battery, making it too hot just before parking. I believe the HV battery is cooled using the air conditioning cooling system. Again, I am also guessing here, only to be safe.

Coming to this forum makes me understand my car better. Thanks to all who have posted some useful comments on the car.

Another side note, since this is a topic on Tesla drivetrain. The Tesla is coming to Thailand very soon, but not sure if by authorized dealer or not. Rumor has it the price will be a relative bargain of US $ 200,000. (Roughly the same as a new BMW 7 series).

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by Chalermchai Wongwaiwit

Good news! Yesterday I got my i8 back from the garage. It's running like new again. The mechanic told me I should get a better home charger rather than the small one that came with the car. He was just guessing at the cause why the HV battery was automatically disconnected. The electricity supply in Thailand is very unstable. We just went through the rainy season and whenever there was some lightning, the electrical supply would be shut off for a few seconds and come back on again. Case in point is another i8 with some fried chips still in that garage. Probably electrical surge when the lightning struck close by?

I will also not use full electric mode in the last few hi way-miles before reaching my house. That might have caused high demand on the battery, making it too hot just before parking. I believe the HV battery is cooled using the air conditioning cooling system. Again, I am also guessing here, only to be safe.

Coming to this forum makes me understand my car better. Thanks to all who have posted some useful comments on the car.

Another side note, since this is a topic on Tesla drivetrain. The Tesla is coming to Thailand very soon, but not sure if by authorized dealer or not. Rumor has it the price will be a relative bargain of US $ 200,000. (Roughly the same as a new BMW 7 series).

Congrats!

I know that the stability of the grid can be a tenuous issue in many places. I would also suggest a UPS of large capacity to build a small reserve for your car. Additionally, a it can also serve to act as a buffer between the grid and your very expensive vehicle!

[YWGT3]

Originally Posted by Chalermchai Wongwaiwit

Good news! Yesterday I got my i8 back from the garage. It's running like new again. The mechanic told me I should get a better home charger rather than the small one that came with the car. He was just guessing at the cause why the HV battery was automatically disconnected. The electricity supply in Thailand is very unstable. We just went through the rainy season and whenever there was some lightning, the electrical supply would be shut off for a few seconds and come back on again. Case in point is another i8 with some fried chips still in that garage. Probably electrical surge when the lightning struck close by?

I will also not use full electric mode in the last few hi way-miles before reaching my house. That might have caused high demand on the battery, making it too hot just before parking. I believe the HV battery is cooled using the air conditioning cooling system. Again, I am also guessing here, only to be safe.

Coming to this forum makes me understand my car better. Thanks to all who have posted some useful comments on the car.

Another side note, since this is a topic on Tesla drivetrain. The Tesla is coming to Thailand very soon, but not sure if by authorized dealer or not. Rumor has it the price will be a relative bargain of US $ 200,000. (Roughly the same as a new BMW 7 series).

Relieved to know that your i8's problem is resolved. If you're contemplating on obtaining a BMW wall mounted charger, consider getting it outfitted with higher capacity cables (US$60.00 extra) than what the specification requires. The Bosch installer, who installed my wall mounted unit, said that these cables will allow for an easy, less invasive, and cost efficient replacement/installation when the Bosch i8 higher capacity chargers are introduced.

[YWGT3]

Originally Posted by MKSixer

Congrats!

I know that the stability of the grid can be a tenuous issue in many places. I would also suggest a UPS of large capacity to build a small reserve for your car. Additionally, a it can also serve to act as a buffer between the grid and your very expensive vehicle!

Good idea. Especially with our grid issues out here.

[Aye-eight]

Originally Posted by Chalermchai Wongwaiwit

Good news! Yesterday I got my i8 back from the garage. It's running like new again. The mechanic told me I should get a better home charger rather than the small one that came with the car. He was just guessing at the cause why the HV battery was automatically disconnected. The electricity supply in Thailand is very unstable. We just went through the rainy season and whenever there was some lightning, the electrical supply would be shut off for a few seconds and come back on again. Case in point is another i8 with some fried chips still in that garage. Probably electrical surge when the lightning struck close by?

I will also not use full electric mode in the last few hi way-miles before reaching my house. That might have caused high demand on the battery, making it too hot just before parking. I believe the HV battery is cooled using the air conditioning cooling system. Again, I am also guessing here, only to be safe.

Coming to this forum makes me understand my car better. Thanks to all who have posted some useful comments on the car.

Another side note, since this is a topic on Tesla drivetrain. The Tesla is coming to Thailand very soon, but not sure if by authorized dealer or not. Rumor has it the price will be a relative bargain of US $ 200,000. (Roughly the same as a new BMW 7 series).

First, congrats on having the car back. I know from personal experience how annoying it is to own a beautiful piece of technology and then to have it stuck in the shop.

Maybe the grid is the culprit, although I would have thought the charger itself, by virtue of how it functions, would take the edge off any spikes. I would probably talk to an eletrician about putting a high-capacity surge protector into the line before your charger. I imagine a lot of businesses would have those to protect their equipment if the grid is that bad.

The other factor is the heat, as you say. Have you considered getting in touch with BMW to get their opinion? Usually, modern cars are tested quite thoroughly for their performance under extreme conditions, and we've all seen the videos of pre-production i8 doing laps at the Arctic Circle. Not seen any desert or jungle testing, though ... ;-)

[YWGT3]

Originally Posted by Aye-eight

First, congrats on having the car back. I know from personal experience how annoying it is to own a beautiful piece of technology and then to have it stuck in the shop.

Maybe the grid is the culprit, although I would have thought the charger itself, by virtue of how it functions, would take the edge off any spikes. I would probably talk to an eletrician about putting a high-capacity surge protector into the line before your charger. I imagine a lot of businesses would have those to protect their equipment if the grid is that bad.

The other factor is the heat, as you say. Have you considered getting in touch with BMW to get their opinion? Usually, modern cars are tested quite thoroughly for their performance under extreme conditions, and we've all seen the videos of pre-production i8 doing laps at the Arctic Circle. Not seen any desert or jungle testing, though ... ;-)

Makes good sense to consider power surge protection. A lot of Bay Area tech firms are most concerned with: uninterrupted ventilation/cooling, redundancies, power backup and electrical surge protection as it pertains to outfitting their computer mainframe facility. The i8, in concept, could be vulnerable to power surges during charges when it comes to its computer and other electrical components. I need to check and see if my wall mounted charging station comes with a power surge protector.

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by YWGT3

Makes good sense to consider power surge protection. A lot of Bay Area tech firms are most concerned with: uninterrupted ventilation/cooling, redundancies, power backup and electrical surge protection as it pertains to outfitting their computer mainframe facility. The i8, in concept, could be vulnerable to power surges during charges when it comes to its computer and other electrical components. I need to check and see if my wall mounted charging station comes with a power surge protector.

Most power companies offer, 'Whole Home Surge Protection' for a modest monthly fee. Ours is 9.99 per month and it covers power and cable. Not too bad for another layer of protection...especially since the most vulnerable item is no longer the home theatre! Lol