Anyone else have issues with BMW i8 doors opening?

BMW
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Seeking Help with BMW i8 Doors

I’m a proud owner of a BMW i8, and while I absolutely love this car, I find that the butterfly doors can be quite tricky in certain situations. I wanted to share a few of my experiences and see if anyone else has encountered similar issues or has tips to share.

Clearance Concerns

One of the main issues I’ve faced is the clearance needed to open the doors. In tight parking spaces, I often wonder if the doors will hit the car next to me or the curb.

  • Has anyone calculated the exact height needed when opening the doors?
  • What are some safe practices for ensuring I have enough space?

Accessibility Issues

I’ve also had friends comment on how accessible the car is when getting in and out. Some of them, particularly taller individuals, have had to duck quite a bit.

  • Are there any tricks to make entering and exiting the car a smoother experience?

General Maintenance

Furthermore, I’ve noticed that sometimes the doors don’t always open smoothly. It seems like it could be a maintenance issue, but I’m not entirely sure.

  • Is there anything specific I should be checking to make sure the door mechanisms are functioning properly?

I’d love to hear from other i8 owners about their experiences. How do you manage these door-related challenges? Any stories or tips would be greatly appreciated!
Looking forward to your responses!

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I’ve had similar issues with my BMW i8 doors. The mechanics are interesting—they’re designed to be both functional and stylish, but sometimes they can be finicky. Have you checked the hinge alignment?

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I haven’t looked into that yet! What specific adjustments do I need to make to ensure they’re aligned properly?

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My i8 doors sometimes have trouble when the weather gets really cold. It’s like they refuse to cooperate! Has anyone else experienced this?

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Definitely! The unique door design relies on hydraulic mechanisms that can freeze up. Keeping the seals lubricated can help prevent this issue, especially in harsh conditions.

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I’ve noticed intermittent issues while opening the doors. Sometimes they open just fine, and other times it’s like a slow motion scene from a movie. Is that normal?

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7

It can be normal if you’re not applying enough pressure when you initiate the opening. If problems persist, it might be a hydraulic issue.

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I’ve had my i8 for a couple of years and never really faced door issues. Has BMW changed anything in newer models?

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As far as I know, the engineering behind the doors has remained largely the same. The aesthetics are slightly tweaked, but the functionality is similar across models.

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That’s reassuring! I love the design, and it would be a shame if they compromised on it in newer models.

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One thing I’ve learned is that regular maintenance is crucial for the door mechanisms. Anyone have tips on which lubricant to use?

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I recommend using a silicone-based lubricant. It helps with the hydropneumatic systems without causing any buildup or issues down the line.

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Great tip! I’ll look into that. I’ve also heard that climate can affect door operation, especially high humidity.

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Absolutely! Humidity can cause components to swell and behave differently. It’s just one of those quirks of owning a car like the i8.

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Haha, I completely agree! It feels like a theatrical moment. But, we should definitely address the technical side to ensure they keep performing well!

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I’ve faced similar issues with my i8 doors. Have you tried lubricating the hinges? It really helps them open smoothly.

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I totally agree! Also, check for any alignment issues. A door that isn’t properly aligned can cause all sorts of headaches!

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I had a problem with the electrical components once. Ensure the connections are clean and tight; it can make a big difference.

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Absolutely! I’ve also found that using silicone spray on the hinges works wonders for preventing sticky situations.

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Is it common for the i8 to have door alignment issues? I thought these cars were built well.

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