[hytek]

Did anyone have issues with this error?

The warning says something about restraint system malfunction, continue to wear seatbelts, and take car to dealer.

This light came on for me a few weeks ago. Took it to the dealership. They took 3 days and fixed it.

And then, it showed up again last week. Took it back to the dealer. It's been with them for 7 days now... They keep telling me that they're in communication with BMW HQ and are working on the problem.

Beginning to worry this could become a lemon.

[YWGT3]

Not sure if it's a lemon. Sounds like a software glitch that I'm having. Was notified to bring the vehicle in for a software update today. Turns out my i8 was notifying the service center for a 10,000 mile service when the vehicle has less than 1,000 miles on the odometer. As a result, the car is in service for 2 day of reprogramming.

[MalibuBimmer]

BMW may need parts but I have been told they are having great difficulty delivering parts to the U.S. from Germany. Parts have gotten hung up in Customs. I have two trim parts for my i8 that have been in Customs for almost a month.

Of course, if it can't be fixed in 30 days, your car can be deemed a lemon under the California Lemon Law. But if you paid more than MSRP, and it wasn't to a dealer, you could be SOL.

I think you could also insist on a new i8 if it's a lemon but I'm not an expert on the California Lemon Law. I've returned 2 BMWs (a 2006 650i and a 2010 535i GT) and one Merc (a 1990 500SL) under the Lemon Law. But in each of those cases I wanted the dough rather than a new car.

[hytek]

Just got an update. Apparently, someone from BMW HQ personally came to diagnose the darn thing. They claim to have found the root cause, which requires replacing of some cables that run alongside the car. Another one week...

[YWGT3]

Originally Posted by hytek

Just got an update. Apparently, someone from BMW HQ personally came to diagnose the darn thing. They claim to have found the root cause, which requires replacing of some cables that run alongside the car. Another one week...

That's good news that they've isolated the problem. My two day reprogramming of the i8 is evolving into 7-10 business days (instrument cluster replacement and reprogramming). The bulk of the downtime will be comprised of waiting for the part to arrive from Germany.

[onesixeight]

I've had problematic cars over the years and I must say BMW does do a wonderful job taking car of their clients. Can't say the same for Porsche and my nightmare I've had with them.

I would ask yourself what would make you happy. Sounds like you are going through a lot of grief waiting for repairs and parts getting delayed. If getting a new car would make you happier, I would get on the phone and call BMW i Concierge team and let them know you would like to start a trade assist. A trade assist team member will reach out to your service department and the dealer's general manager to ask them what is going on with the car. If you tell them you want a new car and you are getting close to the lemon law days allowed in your state, chances are they are going to do something to help you out. This could be anything from getting you out of your current car and refunding your money or getting you a brand new car. One thing I learned is that you can only get a replacement car of equal or greater value.

Something to think about. Just wanted to share my experience and hopefully it can be of some help to you.

[YWGT3]

Originally Posted by onesixeight

I've had problematic cars over the years and I must say BMW does do a wonderful job taking car of their clients. Can't say the same for Porsche and my nightmare I've had with them.

I would ask yourself what would make you happy. Sounds like you are going through a lot of grief waiting for repairs and parts getting delayed. If getting a new car would make you happier, I would get on the phone and call BMW i Concierge team and let them know you would like to start a trade assist. A trade assist team member will reach out to your service department and the dealer's general manager to ask them what is going on with the car. If you tell them you want a new car and you are getting close to the lemon law days allowed in your state, chances are they are going to do something to help you out. This could be anything from getting you out of your current car and refunding your money or getting you a brand new car. One thing I learned is that you can only get a replacement car of equal or greater value.

Something to think about. Just wanted to share my experience and hopefully it can be of some help to you.

Thanks for the thoughtful and helpful advice. It's good to know. As for me, I've grown accustomed to my i8 and would have a difficult time parting with it (unless the issues reach an overwhelming level).

[hytek]

I'm just being a baby, and throwing a tantrum. Being suddenly parted with your car seems to have this effect .
In truth, I don't want this to become a lemon. Because then, I'd have to wait even longer to get a replacement.

[hrada2020]

This message just came up for me today. Will let you know what BMW says.

[hytek]

Update: After three trips to dealership and >30 days downtime, my case has gone for lemon law review. I'm guessing I'm the first i8 customer to go through this.
IMT, I've asked my dealer how soon he can get me another car. Looks like August.

[hrada2020]

Dealer "fixed" the error. Been three weeks and error is back. Back to the shop.

[YWGT3]

Appreciate the update from both of you.

hytek, sorry to hear about the 30 day downtime you experienced and the prospect of having to wait until August for a replacement i8.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you Hrada2020 that your i8 warning message gets completely resolved.

As for my recent instrument cluster replacement, everything seems to be working fine thus far (knock on wood).