[MercuryMog]

Two newbie questions that I'd like to put to rest:-

Firstly, why, in their infinite wisdom, did BMW not decide to supply (or even offer!) rear carpet mats for the i8? I appreciate that the rear seats are very much children only and, even then, really only suited for short trims but anyone with children knows that they are the worst for tracking crud on the bottom of their shoes into a car!

Has anyone found a decent plan-b to protect the carpets? I'm sure I can get something custom made or, through trial and error, try various after market mats but I was hoping someone on here had already found a good option.

Secondly, BMW were pretty insistent about being careful with how much water goes down the hood (bonnet) vent. I don't have the time to carefully wash the car myself whenever it gets dirty and therefore, it will end up at the local hand car wash. Has anyone had issues with the local hand-wash chaps, and their liberal application of water onto the i8, via hoses or pressure washers? I assume BMW tested all of this but at the same time, the manual was quick to warn of the dangers of water going into that vent.

Thank in advance - it will be great to hear from people who have owned them for awhile.

[jcpca356]

I have pepboys mats in the rear

[jcpca356]

I wash my car and do it like any normal car. Had it for 16 months now. No issues.

[mptpa]

Originally Posted by jcpca356

I wash my car and do it like any normal car. Had it for 16 months now. No issues.

Great to know as I have mine only 3 weeks. Thank you.

[MercuryMog]

Originally Posted by jcpca356

I have pepboys mats in the rear

Which ones?

[YWGT3]

I had a second set of unused CL55 AMG Merc rear passenger mats that were able to fit in the rear footwell of the i8.

As for the hood vent, I've driven in torrential rain a few times and had washed my car for nearly 12 months with no problem.

[jcpca356]

Originally Posted by MercuryMog

Which ones?

I just picked up a pre made set that was black and used the rear ones.

[Aye-eight]

Originally Posted by MercuryMog

Two newbie questions that I'd like to put to rest:-

Firstly, why, in their infinite wisdom, did BMW not decide to supply (or even offer!) rear carpet mats for the i8? I appreciate that the rear seats are very much children only and, even then, really only suited for short trims but anyone with children knows that they are the worst for tracking crud on the bottom of their shoes into a car!

Has anyone found a decent plan-b to protect the carpets? I'm sure I can get something custom made or, through trial and error, try various after market mats but I was hoping someone on here had already found a good option.

Secondly, BMW were pretty insistent about being careful with how much water goes down the hood (bonnet) vent. I don't have the time to carefully wash the car myself whenever it gets dirty and therefore, it will end up at the local hand car wash. Has anyone had issues with the local hand-wash chaps, and their liberal application of water onto the i8, via hoses or pressure washers? I assume BMW tested all of this but at the same time, the manual was quick to warn of the dangers of water going into that vent.

Thank in advance - it will be great to hear from people who have owned them for awhile.

My oldest kid has to take her shoes off. She's 6 1/2, and she has to sit in the back with her legs crossed. Not enough legroom. And I don't feel like dealing with dirty shoe prints all over the rear seat leather.

I wash my car myself, with a pressure washer. Never had any issues. Nor do I think parking the car or driving it in heavy rain fall should cause any problems. So I don't see why washing the car would. Lots of mid and rear-engined sports cars have a vent hole in the hood like that.

I've had mine for 14 months, by the way.