As I have lived with this car as a daily driver for a little over a year now, I have started to imagine in my head how the original product development and engineering discussions went.
Interior Engineer: "Sir, do you realize if you make the door curve in like that every time the owner opens the door during a rain storm half of his seat will be soaked with water before he can get in?"
Head Engineer: "Does this have anything to do with making the car look better or handle better?"
Interior Engineer: "No."
Head Engineer: "Then shut up and get back to work."

Engine Engineer: "Sir, since this is a car that will require the owner to add oil frequently, shouldn't we make that easy to do?"
Head Engineer: "Does this have anything to do with making the car look better or handle better?"
Engine Engineer: "No."
Head Engineer: "Then shut up and get back to work."

I am sure you all have additional things you have come to notice on the car that baffle you until you realize, "Oh yeah, they have nothing to do with making the car look better or handle better, that is why they did that." I love that about this car, they really focused on very few things and did those very things very well.

 

I hate the red LED display in the sunlight.
Almost impossible to see.

 

Agree about the curvature of the door, but what's so hard about adding oil?

 

I think he's talking about checking the oil level, since its so close to the exhaust which will be pretty hot if you're checking the oil at the right time.

 

Engineer. Sir this engine produces alot of heat. Should we double up on insulation to make driver comfortable.
Boss. Does it make it drive better
Engineer. No
Boss. Then get back to work

Anyone else find it get real hot even without heat on

 

In regards to adding oil, the filler tub is under an engine cover and as close to the windshield as possible. I find that annoying.

In regards to heat, I have noticed the heat coming up from the transmission tunnel on long drives on hot days.

 

It sure seems strange how little they made conveniance a priority in the maintenance area. Making it a focus for customer engagement could have made a huge difference

 

I dont know if I agree here. This car is ridiculously easy to work on. Yes there are quirks, like getting on/off the oil filter, but I went from being a total car noob to doing pretty much all major maintenance items just by reading some threads and having some courage. This car can basically be disassembled with a 10, 12, 14, and 17 mm ratchet.

 

I dont have any complaints with the dipstick tube/adding oil, etc.. I took the engine cover off, it's a nice wall hanging in my garage, otherwise that would annoy me at the times I need to add oil.. since I check the oil at every fuel fill-up.

 

This is my first car that I have put my hands on more than my mechanic lol..
I treat it like a princess, no one else touches it for the most part..

I have replaced my ignition twice, starter, battery, cleaned my SSV. I have troubles removing the oil filter but with some hard work and dedication it comes off lol.

Only thing I am trying to figure out is a nice pump to pump in differential fluid in, for Tranny fluid i just poured it through the shifter hole..

 

Honestly, overall, I love the entire design of the 8. I love sitting in it and just being able to see the front wheel arches. I don't particularly like the stereo, but can live with it. And the exhaust sound....what could be better!!!!

The things I hate about mine, it's an auto, it has low compression in the rear rotor, and the stupid tire pressure system......why.......

 

Try something like this?