A SUSTAINABLE COMBINATION:
INTELLIGENT ENERGY MANAGEMENT
FOR INSPIRING PERFORMANCE AND
OPTIMUM EFFICIENCY.
BMW has been pursuing its EfficientDynamics strategy for more than
a decade. However, no other vehicle combines driving pleasure and
sustainability like the BMW i8. Equipped with innovative BMW eDrive
technology that intelligently combines an internal combustion engine
with an electric drive system, the BMW i8 offers maximum perfor-
mance and sustainable efficiency.
In an urban environment, the BMW i8 offers a range of up to 37 kilo-
meters when traveling on electric power only. For longer distances,
support is provided by the BMW TwinPower Turbo engine – with an
especially intense boost feature in SPORT mode or maximum efficiency
in ECO PRO mode. A predictive power management system developed
specifically for the BMW i8 ensures optimal settings for the two drive
units at all times.
Additionally, every driver can also help to optimize sustainability when
recharging the car: if renewable energy is used to charge the battery,
CO² emissions are reduced even further. Therefore, BMW i recom-
mends green electricity suppliers to make an even greater contributi-
on to environmental protection.
03. UTILIZATION
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After the tailgate is closed, it is locked and
monitored again when the doors are locked.
The hazard warning system flashes once.
Panic mode
You can trigger the alarm system if you find
yourself in a dangerous situation.
Press button on the remote control for
at least 3 seconds.
To reel off the alarm: press any button.
Indicator lamp on the interior rearview
mirror▷The indicator lamp flashes briefly every
2 seconds:
The system is armed.▷The indicator lamp flashes after locking:
The doors, hood or tailgate is not closed
properly, but the rest of the vehicle is se‐
cured.
After 10 seconds, the indicator lamp
flashes continuously. Interior motion sen‐
sor and tilt alarm sensor are not active.
When the still open access is closed, inte‐
rior motion sensor and tilt alarm sensor will
be switched on.▷The indicator lamp goes out after unlock‐
ing:
The vehicle has not been tampered with.▷The indicator lamp flashes after unlocking
until the radio-ready state is switched on,
but no longer than approx. 5 minutes:An alarm has been triggered.
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored.
The alarm system responds in situations such
as attempts to steal a wheel.
Interior motion sensor The windows must be closed for the system to
function properly.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sen‐
sor can be switched off together, such as in
the following situations:
▷In automatic car washes.▷In duplex garages.▷During transport on trains carrying vehi‐
cles, at sea or on a trailer.▷With animals in the vehicle.
Switching off the tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor
Press the remote control button again
within 10 seconds as soon as the vehicle
is locked.
The indicator lamp lights up for approx. 2 sec‐
onds and then continues to flash.
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sen‐
sor are turned off, until the vehicle is locked again.
Switching off the alarm
▷Unlock vehicle with the remote control or
establish radio-ready state, if needed
through emergency detection of remote
control, refer to page 37.▷With Comfort Access: If you are carrying
the remote control on your person, touch
the sensor surface, refer to page 43, before
the door opener button.Seite 46ControlsOpening and closing46
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Sport program and manual mode
Activating the sport program By activating the Sport program, the vehicle is
tuned for sporty driving.
Press the selector lever to the left out of selec‐
tor lever position D.
The SPORT indication is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
The sport program of the vehicle
is activated.
Activate manual mode
1.Press the selector lever to the left out of
selector lever position D.2.Push the selector lever forward or pull it
backward.
Manual mode becomes active and the selector
lever position is changed.
The engaged selector lever position is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster, for instance
M1.
Once maximum engine speed is attained, or if
the engine is getting too hot, manual mode is
automatically upshifted as needed.
Switching to manual mode
▷To shift down: press the selector lever for‐
ward.▷To shift up: pull the selector lever rear‐
wards.The selector lever position will only be shifted
at appropriate engine and road speeds and
when necessary due to the temperature of the
drivetrain, for example downshifting is not pos‐
sible if the engine speed is too high.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the currently se‐
lected gear.
Ending the sport program/manual
mode
Push the selector lever to the right.
D is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Automatic termination
Pressing the Driving Dynamics Control, refer to
page 107, or the eDRIVE button, refer to
page 62, terminates the Sport program of the
vehicle.
The selector lever automatically tips back into
the original position.
Shift paddles
The shift paddles on the steering wheel allow
you to shift gears quickly while keeping both
hands on the steering wheel.
The shift paddles can be used only when Driv‐
ing with the combustion engine, refer to
page 62.
If Auto eDrive, refer to page 61, is activated,
the combustion engine starts first.
▷Shift up: briefly pull right shift paddle.▷Shift down: briefly pull left shift paddle.Seite 69DrivingControls69
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DisplaysVehicle features and optionsThis chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. Thisalso applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
Instrument cluster
The concept
The instrument cluster is a variable display.
Some of the displays in the instrument cluster
may differ from the way they are shown in this
Owner's Handbook.If the program is changed or the Sport program
activated via the Driving Dynamics Control, the
display rendition adapts to the respective pro‐
gram.
Overview, instrument cluster
1Speedometer2External temperature 803Time 804Messages, e.g. Check Control
Navigation display5Driving Dynamics Control 107
Selection list, e.g., radio 836Performance display 134
Variable drive mode displays 737Trip odometer 808Selector lever position display 679READY indicator 6010Overall range 8011Battery charge indicator 74Seite 72ControlsDisplays72
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12Fuel gauge 7913Computer 83Variable drive mode displays
ECO PRO displays In ECO PRO, the instrument cluster switches
to the ECO PRO displays. These displays sup‐
port a driving style that saves on fuel con‐
sumption with more prominent representation
of the efficiency display and various ECO PRO
tips. ECO PRO, refer to page 141.Sport program displays
In the Sport program, the instrument cluster
switches the instrument cluster to the Sport
displays. These displays support a sporty driv‐
ing style with more prominent representation
of the tachometer and a clearer representation
of the eBOOST performance in the form of a
blue illuminated ring.
Charging screen
1Charging screen 1512End of charging time 151
Departure time with timer 1513Maximum electrical range 1514Stationary climate control 1515Range for electric driving 1516Charging state 74Seite 73DisplaysControls73
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Indicator/warning lightsThe indicator lamp flashes: DSC con‐
trols the drive and braking forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF Automatic switching of the drive type
Depending on the operating state of the
high-voltage system, the drive of the vehicle
automatically switches between front-wheel,
rear-wheel and four-wheel drive.
If DSC is deactivated, this may result in auto‐
matic change of the drive type for unstable
driving situations.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again as soon as possible.◀
When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is
reduced during acceleration and when driving
in curves.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC
again as soon as possible.
Deactivating DSC Press and hold this button but not lon‐
ger than approx. 10 seconds, until the
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up in the in‐
strument cluster and displays DSC OFF.
The DSC system is switched off.
The steering and, depending on the equip‐
ment, suspension are tuned for sporty driving.
Activating DSC Press button.
DSC OFF and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lights
When DSC is deactivated, DSC OFF is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.The indicator lamp lights up: DSC is
deactivated.
Automatic activation When DSC is deactivated, automatic activation
occurs in the following situations:▷The high-voltage battery has an insuffi‐
cient charge.▷The vehicle has a flat tire.▷When activating cruise control in TRAC‐
TION or DSC OFF mode.
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control
The concept The DTC system is a version of the DSC where
forward momentum is optimized.
The system ensures maximum headway on
special road conditions or loose road surfaces,
e.g., unplowed snowy roads, but with some‐
what limited driving stability.
Activating the Dynamic Traction Control DTC
provides maximum traction. Driving stability is
limited during acceleration and when driving in
curves.
Therefore drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:
▷When driving in slush or on uncleared,
snow-covered roads.▷When freeing vehicle from deep snow or
driving off from loose grounds.▷When driving with snow chains.
Deactivating/activating DTC Dynamic
Traction Control
Activating DTC Press button.
Seite 106ControlsDriving stability control systems106
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Everything from A to Z
IndexA ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 105
Acceleration Assistant, refer to Launch Control 70
Acoustic pedestrian protec‐ tion 62
AC quick charging cable, see Level 2 charging cable 147
Activated-charcoal filter 123
Activate drive readiness 60
Adapting to the course of the road, hybrid system 76
Adaptive brake lights, refer to Brake force display 104
Additives, oil 167
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 48
Adjustments, steering wheel 53
After washing vehicle 181
Airbags 93
Airbags, indicator/warning light 94
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 121
Air, dehumidifying, refer to Cooling function 121
Air distribution, manual 122
Air flow, automatic climate control 122
Air pressure, tires 159
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐ tion 123
Alarm system 45
Alarm, unintentional 46
All around the center con‐ sole 16
All around the roofliner 17 All around the steering
wheel 14
All-season tires, refer to Win‐ ter tires 164
Alternating-code hand-held transmitter 126
Alternative oil types 168
Antifreeze, washer fluid 67
Antilock Brake System, ABS 105
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 105
Approved axle load 187
Approved engine oils 167
Arrival time 84
Artificial engine noise 62
Assistance for the combus‐ tion engine 62
Assistance, Roadside Assis‐ tance 176
Assistance when driving off 108
ASSIST, Hybrid system 62
Assist system, refer to Intelli‐ gent Safety 99
AUTO intensity 122
Automatic car wash 180
Automatic climate con‐ trol 120
Automatic Curb Monitor 51
Automatic deactivation, front- seat passenger airbags 95
Automatic deactivation of the high-voltage system 178
Automatic headlight con‐ trol 90
Automatic locking 45
Automatic recirculated-air control 121 Automatic transmission, see
Steptronic Sport transmis‐
sion 67
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 122
AUTO program, intensity 122
Average fuel consumption 84
Average speed 84
Axle loads, weights 187
B Backup charging 152
Band-aids, refer to First aid kit 176
Battery, 12 volt 173
Battery replacement, vehicle battery 173
Battery replacement, vehicle remote control 36
Battery state indicator 74
Battery, vehicle 173
Belts, safety belts 50
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 131
BMW Assist 6
BMW eDRIVE 31
BMW maintenance sys‐ tem 170
Body work, see Working on the vehicle 178
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholders 131
Brake assistant 105
Brake discs, break-in 134
Brake force display 104
Brake lights, adaptive 104
Brake lights, brake force dis‐ play 104
Brake pads, break-in 134
Braking, hints 136 Seite 190ReferenceEverything from A to Z190
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Individual settings, refer toPersonal Profile 37
Inflation pressure, tires 159
Info display, refer to Com‐ puter 83
Initialize, Tire Pressure Moni‐ tor TPM 97
Instrument cluster 72
Instrument lighting 92
Integrated key 36
Integrated Owner's Manual in the vehicle 29
Intelligent Emergency Re‐ quest 175
Intelligent Safety 99
Intensity, AUTO pro‐ gram 122
Interior equipment 125
Interior lights 92
Interior lights via remote con‐ trol 40
Interior motion sensor 46
Interior rearview mirror, auto‐ matic dimming feature 52
Interior rearview mirror, man‐ ually dimmable 52
Interval display, service re‐ quirements 80
J Jacking points for the vehicle jack 173
Joystick, Steptronic Sport transmission 68
Jump-starting 176
Jump starting, refer to Backup charging 152
K
Key/remote control 36
Keyless Go, refer to Comfort Access 43
Key Memory, refer to Per‐ sonal Profile 37 Kickdown, Steptronic Sport
transmission 68
Knee airbag 93
L
Lamp replacement, see Bulb replacement 172
Language on Control Dis‐ play 86
LATCH child restraint sys‐ tem 55
Launch Control 70
Leather, care 181
LED in the driver's door 39
LEDs, light-emitting di‐ odes 172
Length, vehicle 186
Letters and numbers, enter‐ ing 24
Level 1 Charging 150
Level 1 charging cable 147
Level 2 charging cable 147
Light alloy wheels, care 182
Light-emitting diodes, LEDs 172
Lighting 89
Lighting via remote con‐ trol 40
Light reel 89
Lights 89
Load 139
Loading 138
Lock, door 41
Locking/unlocking via door lock 41
Locking/unlocking with re‐ mote control 39
Locking, automatic 45
Locking, settings 44
Locking via tailgate 43
Longer idle phases 183
Long idle times and long-term vehicle storage 183
Long-term vehicle stor‐ age 183 Low beams 89
Low beams, automatic, refer to High-beam Assistant 91
M
Maintaining charging state 61
Maintenance 170
Maintenance require‐ ments 170
Maintenance, service require‐ ments 80
Maintenance system, BMW 170
Make-up mirror 127
Malfunction displays, see Check Control 76
Manual air distribution 122
Manual air flow 122
Manual mode, transmis‐ sion 69
Manual operation, door lock 41
Manual operation, exterior mirrors 51
Manual operation, fuel filler flap 155
Manual operation, Park Dis‐ tance Control PDC 112
Manual operation, rearview camera 114
Manual operation, Top View 117
Marking on approved tires 163
Master key, refer to Remote control 36
Max eDRIVE, electric driv‐ ing 61
Maximum cooling 121
Maximum speed, display 82
Maximum speed, winter tires 164
Measure, units of 86
Medical kit 176 Seite 194ReferenceEverything from A to Z194
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