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BMW I12 i8 coupe and roadster common problems
2014–2020 · i8 (B38). The known weak spots of the engines used in the I12, with sources, plus the topics that come up most in BMW's service bulletins and NHTSA recalls for this chassis.
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B38 engine
i8 (2014–2020) · B38 bulletins →
Hybrid system and software
Most i8 bulletins cover the high-voltage system, charging and software rather than the three-cylinder itself.
BMW bulletins on file for the I12:
- SIB 12 05 18 Instrument cluster check engine light Instrument cluster check engine light on B38 engines (2014–2017); BMW released a software update. Service bulletin · Mar 2018
- SIB 61 10 18 Navigation warning message Navigation warning message on BMW F15/F16/F39/F48 and other models (2014–2019); BMW released a software update. Service bulletin · Oct 2018
- SIB 12 09 17 Control module rough running Control module rough running on B38 engines (2014–2017); BMW released a software update. Service bulletin · May 2017
Most frequent bulletin topics 170 bulletins
| Topic | Bulletins | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 10 | SIB 12 27 16, SIB 61 05 20 |
| Instrument cluster | 5 | SIB 12 05 18, SIB 12 27 15 |
| Fuel tank | 4 | SIB 13 04 20, SIB 16 05 18 |
| Steering | 4 | SIB 36 01 21, SIB 61 19 15 |
| Check engine light | 3 | SIB 11 07 17, NHTSA 10059003 |
| Wheels | 3 | SIB 34 03 16, SIB 34 06 16 |
| Radio | 3 | SIB 65 06 17, SIB 65 07 16 |
| Battery warranty extension | 2 | SIB 01 09 24, SIB 01 11 24 |
BMW service bulletins and warranty extensions filed with NHTSA that list the I12, grouped by topic. A bulletin tells technicians how to diagnose and fix a known issue; it doesn't mean every car has the problem.
NHTSA recalls by component 6
- high-voltage battery module · 1 recall20V601
- hybrid propulsion system · 1 recall19V599
- electrical · 1 recall18V652
- air bags · 1 recall16V914
- electronic stability control (esc) · 1 recall15V882
- auxillary tank · 1 recall14V674
Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. Recall repairs are free; check a VIN.
BMW warranty extensions that list the I12
- SIB 01 13 25 EVAP system warranty extension EVAP system warranty extension on BMW G12/F30/I12/I15 models (2016–2022); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · May 2026
- SIB 01 09 24 Battery warranty extension Battery warranty extension on BMW F15/I12/I15 models (2014–2018); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Mar 2025
- SIB 01 11 24 Battery warranty extension Battery warranty extension on BMW G12/F30/I01/I12 and other models (2014–2019); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Dec 2024
- SIB 01 01 24 EVAP purge valve warranty extension EVAP purge valve warranty extension on B38 engines (2016–2017); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Apr 2024
- SIB 01 13 18 Fuel tank warranty extension Fuel tank warranty extension on BMW F15/I01/I12/I15 models (2014–2017); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jun 2018
If a car qualifies, the listed repair may be free. Check eligibility for the VIN with a BMW center.
Sources: BMW service bulletins and recalls filed with NHTSA (public data) and the specialist and owner write-ups linked above. Not affiliated with BMW.