IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2018 BMW 8 Series (G14/G15/G16)

The revived 8 Series was announced on 15 June 2018 with UK sales from November 2018, initially as the G15 coupe, followed by the G14 convertible and G16 four-door Gran Coupe. It replaced the F06/F12/F13 6 Series lineup and was the first 8 Series with a six-cylinder diesel, sitting below the M8 in the range.

What changed for 2018

  • •Return of the 8 Series nameplate after a gap of nearly twenty years, replacing the 6 Series coupe bodies
  • •Model-specific inline-six diesel offered alongside V8 petrol and M8 models
  • •Convertible and Gran Coupe bodies added after the initial coupe launch

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Exterior lighting, camera and sensor damage on low, wide front panels
  • !Tyre wear and kerbed 20-inch wheels, with run-flat sets costing more than £1,000
  • !Brake disc edge corrosion and worn pads on cars that have stood over winter
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Laserlight Condensation

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

BMW Laserlight headlights on the 8 Series can develop internal misting and water droplet accumulation from seal micropores, eventually corroding the internal laser driver control modules and ballast units.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,500–£3,000
Warning Signs:

Visible water droplets or heavy fogging inside headlight lenses, "Adaptive / Laserlight headlight malfunction" warning, Selective beam carving function disabled

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect headlight lenses under bright light for condensation tracks
  • Check headlight ventilation breathers and test high-beam selective assist on road test
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Tyre Inner Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The heavy kerb weight (over 1.9 tonnes) and aggressive factory front suspension camber geometry cause the inner shoulders of the front run-flat tyres to wear rapidly to the cords while outer tread appears healthy.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£800 (Tyres & alignment)
Warning Signs:

Severe scrub and cord exposure on inner 2 inches of front tyres, Vibration or rumble at motorway cruising speed, Vehicle pulling to one side under braking

What to Inspect:
  • Turn steering to full lock and inspect the extreme inside edge of both front tyres
  • Ask for recent four-wheel alignment printout from a specialist KDS rig
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Frameless Window Glitches

MinorBodywork & Rust

The frameless side windows must automatically drop 10mm when the exterior door handle is touched. Sensor miscalibration or seal friction causes the glass to clip the shadowline upper roof trim when closing.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£300
Warning Signs:

Glass catches outer rubber or trim when closing door, Excessive wind noise from A-pillar on motorway, Window fails to drop upon handle pull

What to Inspect:
  • Test the 10mm drop function on all doors from both inside and outside handles
  • Inspect top rubber roof seal for nicks or tears from glass contact
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2018 BMW 8 Series (G14/G15/G16)

  • Check the roof mechanism and seals on G14 convertibles, including full cycle times
  • Buy a car with a documented BMW software history, because the iDrive and assistance systems were revised repeatedly
2019–2022
Check a 2018 BMW 8 Series (G14/G15/G16) by Registration