NHTSA Complaint #11601200 — 2015 BMW I8

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a significant safety issue with my 2015 BMW i8. I purchased the vehicle from United BMW in Alpharetta, Georgia, on [XXX]. At the time of purchase, the car had 25,000 miles and now has 30,000 miles. Recently, the AC compressor in my BMW i8 failed catastrophically. Initially, the repair estimate was $4,000, which I approved. However, the next day, I received a revised estimate for $26,000 due to additional problems. This sudden increase in repair costs, along with the lack of clear communication from BMW, has been extremely frustrating. What is most concerning is the potential safety hazard posed by this failure. The AC system in the BMW i8 is integrated with the battery cooling system. Without a functioning AC, the batteries can overheat, which could lead to fires or other catastrophic events. This poses a significant risk not only to the driver and passengers but also to others around the vehicle. Despite contacting BMW Genius and being assigned a case manager, I was told that BMW would not assist with the repair due to the car's age, even though it only has 30,000 miles. The lack of empathy and support from both the dealership and BMW corporate has been disappointing. Given the potential safety risks associated with this issue, I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter promptly. This is a known problem with the BMW i8, as evidenced by numerous complaints online. It is crucial that this issue is addressed to prevent any potential harm. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I am available to provide any further information or documentation required for your investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)