8 Series...I need to talk about it!
Discussion
As a Owner of three different 8 series in the the last seven years my advice would be only to buy an 8 series for its looks/style, it just doesn't cut it these days whether it be V8 or V12, Csi included.
Right now I have a 99 year model 840 & also a 2001 year Alpina B10 V8, the Alpina is the fastest ,most aggressive car I have owned to date but alas cannot live in the company of an 8 in the glamor department but wipes floor in the Performance department
So I'd say if your happy to pose rather than burn rubber Buy which ever 8 you see that ticks the boxes for you
Good luck in your search
Right now I have a 99 year model 840 & also a 2001 year Alpina B10 V8, the Alpina is the fastest ,most aggressive car I have owned to date but alas cannot live in the company of an 8 in the glamor department but wipes floor in the Performance department
So I'd say if your happy to pose rather than burn rubber Buy which ever 8 you see that ticks the boxes for you
Good luck in your search
Derin100 and Parksie, guys many thanks for the info and advice. You both hit it right on the head - do not buy this car to go fast (although fast enough), buy it because it looks fantastic, is rare and will be great on the motorway. Buy the M3 to go fast.
Buy the 928 to haemorrhage money.
I've had to up the budget. £8k is the going price for a good one but when it comes to buy it and my money is on the table I want £7,200.
I spoke to one dealer with a beautiful 840ci sport and he told me when the ABS light comes on, as this one had 2 years ago, it is either a £30 job as mentioned or in this case it cost £3000!! You have to replace something major, um, forgot what it was! Perhaps a compressor or something? But, at least that has been done. That is more than enough to put me off any that haven't had this done.
I'm forgetting mods too as I want to keep it as original as possible and keep the value intact. Most I'd go for is the chip upgrade and maybe exhaust, all in good time.
Do you think the 8 series is worth £7,500 today?
Cheers
Buy the 928 to haemorrhage money.
I've had to up the budget. £8k is the going price for a good one but when it comes to buy it and my money is on the table I want £7,200.
I spoke to one dealer with a beautiful 840ci sport and he told me when the ABS light comes on, as this one had 2 years ago, it is either a £30 job as mentioned or in this case it cost £3000!! You have to replace something major, um, forgot what it was! Perhaps a compressor or something? But, at least that has been done. That is more than enough to put me off any that haven't had this done.
I'm forgetting mods too as I want to keep it as original as possible and keep the value intact. Most I'd go for is the chip upgrade and maybe exhaust, all in good time.
Do you think the 8 series is worth £7,500 today?
Cheers
The most common ABS faults are either a wheel sensor (the £30 option and the most common) or the ABS pump unit. Now, on the ABS unit, usually it is just a motor rebuild costing around £100. A dealer whould never consider this option and many Indies don't know them well enough but thats all that is required. S/H complete ABS units go for a couple of hundred. Rarely, the ABS ECU module will fail. These are £1500 from BMW, £100 fully tested S/H. Key to looking after these cars is find a good Indie that really knows the e31. They can cost a fortune, or can be very reasonable to look after. Depends where you go!
I really wouldn't worry about originality to maintain value. They're never going to be a Bugatti and personally, I'd rather have a better car that has improved parts on. The EDC dampers are a classic example. Last quote I saw for replacements was nearly £4000 (just the dampers and struts). Would you go for this, rather than the considerably better Bilsteins and Eibachs at around £1000? Particularly bearing in mind that this closely replicates the "M-Tech Suspension" option available on the e31's at an additional cost!
Its really worth hanging out for a good one. Like all cars of this ilk, a good one is great, a bad one is no fun at all.
With regards to value.... a good one is certainly worth £7500. A bad one, realistically, can be worth nothing.
I really wouldn't worry about originality to maintain value. They're never going to be a Bugatti and personally, I'd rather have a better car that has improved parts on. The EDC dampers are a classic example. Last quote I saw for replacements was nearly £4000 (just the dampers and struts). Would you go for this, rather than the considerably better Bilsteins and Eibachs at around £1000? Particularly bearing in mind that this closely replicates the "M-Tech Suspension" option available on the e31's at an additional cost!
Its really worth hanging out for a good one. Like all cars of this ilk, a good one is great, a bad one is no fun at all.
With regards to value.... a good one is certainly worth £7500. A bad one, realistically, can be worth nothing.
Edited by Talkwrench on Friday 23 January 11:32
Okay. I suppose the next question will be after I buy one where do you recommend to service it? I live in South West London - so Surrey and around there would be fine if anyone has recommendations? Don't really want to get fleeced in London.
Also, I noticed on another post today that people in the know can do a check on the BMW history of a car. Would anyone do a search on this reg for me: R632 CCX?
Thanks in advance guys
Also, I noticed on another post today that people in the know can do a check on the BMW history of a car. Would anyone do a search on this reg for me: R632 CCX?
Thanks in advance guys
The car has a reputation for front suspension issues mainly due to the thrust arm bushes which if not diagnosed early on, will mean the unfamiliar owner has spent hundreds doing everything else but. The fluid filled stock bushes are pants, the E34 M5 bushes are great, as are the polyurethane bushes now available. EDC struts when needing replacing are best renewed with non-EDC Bilsteins or similar.
The dire understeer when pushing hard is rectified with front camber adjusting plates which also greatly improve steering and front tyre wear.
The 4.4i is reprogrammed using the serial port, not chipped and will improve power by around 15 bhp but more importantly improves driveability and transmission shift.
8Tech
The dire understeer when pushing hard is rectified with front camber adjusting plates which also greatly improve steering and front tyre wear.
The 4.4i is reprogrammed using the serial port, not chipped and will improve power by around 15 bhp but more importantly improves driveability and transmission shift.
8Tech
Yeah...tempting I know but still a bit expensive. £8k would get me a heavy mileage car, higher insurance than the 8, more around and although it is fantastic in every way, it just doesn't look as good to me compared to the 8. Saying that, if the 8 series test drive tomorrow doesn't match up to my expectations then I will be having a look at the M5 and some others.
I just tried to ring up BMW to get the car's history but you need to call a premium number that my work phone won't call nor my mobile! Never had that before...
I just tried to ring up BMW to get the car's history but you need to call a premium number that my work phone won't call nor my mobile! Never had that before...
8Tech said:
The car has a reputation for front suspension issues mainly due to the thrust arm bushes which if not diagnosed early on, will mean the unfamiliar owner has spent hundreds doing everything else but. The fluid filled stock bushes are pants, the E34 M5 bushes are great, as are the polyurethane bushes now available. EDC struts when needing replacing are best renewed with non-EDC Bilsteins or similar.
The dire understeer when pushing hard is rectified with front camber adjusting plates which also greatly improve steering and front tyre wear.
The 4.4i is reprogrammed using the serial port, not chipped and will improve power by around 15 bhp but more importantly improves driveability and transmission shift.
8Tech
Thank you. I've already had a look at your website and might be dropping by if I buy one!The dire understeer when pushing hard is rectified with front camber adjusting plates which also greatly improve steering and front tyre wear.
The 4.4i is reprogrammed using the serial port, not chipped and will improve power by around 15 bhp but more importantly improves driveability and transmission shift.
8Tech
Pierce
The Stiglet said:
Derin100 and Parksie, guys many thanks for the info and advice. You both hit it right on the head - do not buy this car to go fast (although fast enough), buy it because it looks fantastic, is rare and will be great on the motorway. Buy the M3 to go fast.
Buy the 928 to haemorrhage money.
I've had to up the budget. £8k is the going price for a good one but when it comes to buy it and my money is on the table I want £7,200.
I spoke to one dealer with a beautiful 840ci sport and he told me when the ABS light comes on, as this one had 2 years ago, it is either a £30 job as mentioned or in this case it cost £3000!! You have to replace something major, um, forgot what it was! Perhaps a compressor or something? But, at least that has been done. That is more than enough to put me off any that haven't had this done.
I'm forgetting mods too as I want to keep it as original as possible and keep the value intact. Most I'd go for is the chip upgrade and maybe exhaust, all in good time.
Do you think the 8 series is worth £7,500 today?
Cheers
I had the ABS warning light issue. BMW quoted me £1200.00 to rectify but took it too my local indie and he basically freed the motor [12 months ago] and its been fine ever since. Cost was £30.00!Buy the 928 to haemorrhage money.
I've had to up the budget. £8k is the going price for a good one but when it comes to buy it and my money is on the table I want £7,200.
I spoke to one dealer with a beautiful 840ci sport and he told me when the ABS light comes on, as this one had 2 years ago, it is either a £30 job as mentioned or in this case it cost £3000!! You have to replace something major, um, forgot what it was! Perhaps a compressor or something? But, at least that has been done. That is more than enough to put me off any that haven't had this done.
I'm forgetting mods too as I want to keep it as original as possible and keep the value intact. Most I'd go for is the chip upgrade and maybe exhaust, all in good time.
Do you think the 8 series is worth £7,500 today?
Cheers
It sits in the left hand wheel arch and gets covered in all sorts of gunge....Gerry will tell you more!
E31Shrew said:
The Stiglet said:
Derin100 and Parksie, guys many thanks for the info and advice. You both hit it right on the head - do not buy this car to go fast (although fast enough), buy it because it looks fantastic, is rare and will be great on the motorway. Buy the M3 to go fast.
Buy the 928 to haemorrhage money.
I've had to up the budget. £8k is the going price for a good one but when it comes to buy it and my money is on the table I want £7,200.
I spoke to one dealer with a beautiful 840ci sport and he told me when the ABS light comes on, as this one had 2 years ago, it is either a £30 job as mentioned or in this case it cost £3000!! You have to replace something major, um, forgot what it was! Perhaps a compressor or something? But, at least that has been done. That is more than enough to put me off any that haven't had this done.
I'm forgetting mods too as I want to keep it as original as possible and keep the value intact. Most I'd go for is the chip upgrade and maybe exhaust, all in good time.
Do you think the 8 series is worth £7,500 today?
Cheers
I had the ABS warning light issue. BMW quoted me £1200.00 to rectify but took it too my local indie and he basically freed the motor [12 months ago] and its been fine ever since. Cost was £30.00!Buy the 928 to haemorrhage money.
I've had to up the budget. £8k is the going price for a good one but when it comes to buy it and my money is on the table I want £7,200.
I spoke to one dealer with a beautiful 840ci sport and he told me when the ABS light comes on, as this one had 2 years ago, it is either a £30 job as mentioned or in this case it cost £3000!! You have to replace something major, um, forgot what it was! Perhaps a compressor or something? But, at least that has been done. That is more than enough to put me off any that haven't had this done.
I'm forgetting mods too as I want to keep it as original as possible and keep the value intact. Most I'd go for is the chip upgrade and maybe exhaust, all in good time.
Do you think the 8 series is worth £7,500 today?
Cheers
It sits in the left hand wheel arch and gets covered in all sorts of gunge....Gerry will tell you more!
because i am really interested in getting it sorted the car gives no problems but the light is getting on my nerves lol
EightFortySeeEye said:
E31Shrew said:
The Stiglet said:
Derin100 and Parksie, guys many thanks for the info and advice. You both hit it right on the head - do not buy this car to go fast (although fast enough), buy it because it looks fantastic, is rare and will be great on the motorway. Buy the M3 to go fast.
Buy the 928 to haemorrhage money.
I've had to up the budget. £8k is the going price for a good one but when it comes to buy it and my money is on the table I want £7,200.
I spoke to one dealer with a beautiful 840ci sport and he told me when the ABS light comes on, as this one had 2 years ago, it is either a £30 job as mentioned or in this case it cost £3000!! You have to replace something major, um, forgot what it was! Perhaps a compressor or something? But, at least that has been done. That is more than enough to put me off any that haven't had this done.
I'm forgetting mods too as I want to keep it as original as possible and keep the value intact. Most I'd go for is the chip upgrade and maybe exhaust, all in good time.
Do you think the 8 series is worth £7,500 today?
Cheers
I had the ABS warning light issue. BMW quoted me £1200.00 to rectify but took it too my local indie and he basically freed the motor [12 months ago] and its been fine ever since. Cost was £30.00!Buy the 928 to haemorrhage money.
I've had to up the budget. £8k is the going price for a good one but when it comes to buy it and my money is on the table I want £7,200.
I spoke to one dealer with a beautiful 840ci sport and he told me when the ABS light comes on, as this one had 2 years ago, it is either a £30 job as mentioned or in this case it cost £3000!! You have to replace something major, um, forgot what it was! Perhaps a compressor or something? But, at least that has been done. That is more than enough to put me off any that haven't had this done.
I'm forgetting mods too as I want to keep it as original as possible and keep the value intact. Most I'd go for is the chip upgrade and maybe exhaust, all in good time.
Do you think the 8 series is worth £7,500 today?
Cheers
It sits in the left hand wheel arch and gets covered in all sorts of gunge....Gerry will tell you more!
because i am really interested in getting it sorted the car gives no problems but the light is getting on my nerves lol
EightFortySeeEye said:
E31Shrew said:
The Stiglet said:
Derin100 and Parksie, guys many thanks for the info and advice. You both hit it right on the head - do not buy this car to go fast (although fast enough), buy it because it looks fantastic, is rare and will be great on the motorway. Buy the M3 to go fast.
Buy the 928 to haemorrhage money.
I've had to up the budget. £8k is the going price for a good one but when it comes to buy it and my money is on the table I want £7,200.
I spoke to one dealer with a beautiful 840ci sport and he told me when the ABS light comes on, as this one had 2 years ago, it is either a £30 job as mentioned or in this case it cost £3000!! You have to replace something major, um, forgot what it was! Perhaps a compressor or something? But, at least that has been done. That is more than enough to put me off any that haven't had this done.
I'm forgetting mods too as I want to keep it as original as possible and keep the value intact. Most I'd go for is the chip upgrade and maybe exhaust, all in good time.
Do you think the 8 series is worth £7,500 today?
Cheers
I had the ABS warning light issue. BMW quoted me £1200.00 to rectify but took it too my local indie and he basically freed the motor [12 months ago] and its been fine ever since. Cost was £30.00!Buy the 928 to haemorrhage money.
I've had to up the budget. £8k is the going price for a good one but when it comes to buy it and my money is on the table I want £7,200.
I spoke to one dealer with a beautiful 840ci sport and he told me when the ABS light comes on, as this one had 2 years ago, it is either a £30 job as mentioned or in this case it cost £3000!! You have to replace something major, um, forgot what it was! Perhaps a compressor or something? But, at least that has been done. That is more than enough to put me off any that haven't had this done.
I'm forgetting mods too as I want to keep it as original as possible and keep the value intact. Most I'd go for is the chip upgrade and maybe exhaust, all in good time.
Do you think the 8 series is worth £7,500 today?
Cheers
It sits in the left hand wheel arch and gets covered in all sorts of gunge....Gerry will tell you more!
because i am really interested in getting it sorted the car gives no problems but the light is getting on my nerves lol
Thats the basics of the job. Depends on how bad it is. If the motor has rusted solid and the screws are rusted in, it can take more than 30 mins to take it apart! Then you have a thorough clean out if the motor itself, free and clean all the bushes, lubricate and reassemble. Also, if you want to seal the motor properly and ensure that it doesnt happen again, that can take some time too. Realistically, a proper job may take an hour or two.
hows the the car search going? just saw this http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/859748.htm maybe worth a look.
Talkwrench said:
This may raise controversy, but in my opinion if you want a fast 840, buy an 850!
I spend most of my time driving 840's and 850's that I'm either maintaining or modifying for people and I have to say that back to back, an 840 feels a bit like an 850 with an engine problem.
Now, I know the arguments about heavier engine and handling etc, but the fact is that the V12 is such a creamy, unbelievably torquey engine that this argument pales into insignificance. The standard 4.4 just isn't as well suited to the e31 - in my opinion.
An 850 with a few suspension mods, good tyres and properly set up geo is a truly great GT and will eat miles like few others. The running costs are not much different to an 840 and you have that wonderful surge of torque with the added bonus of a proper V12 engine to drop into conversation.....
Try them both, but make it a decently long test drive. Though the 840 may feel ok as you drive off, I guarantee that the 850 will seduce you across country - and certainly across continents!
If either of them feel sloppy or wallowy, theyre tired and need a suspension revamp.
Your selection is interesting. A 928 is a great car but doesnt quite have the looks or presence of the 8 series. A harsher character, as well. The M3 is quite different. Light, lively and agile in comparison. More of a fast A to B than a fast A to Z if you get my meaning! Exciting, nonetheless.
If you need any more help, just email me and I'll be pleased to advise.
talkwrench....i'm so jealous after seeing your garage... you have 2 8 series, one an 850CSi...one of my all time favourite cars!!! though being a 20year old student don't think it's quite in my price range I spend most of my time driving 840's and 850's that I'm either maintaining or modifying for people and I have to say that back to back, an 840 feels a bit like an 850 with an engine problem.
Now, I know the arguments about heavier engine and handling etc, but the fact is that the V12 is such a creamy, unbelievably torquey engine that this argument pales into insignificance. The standard 4.4 just isn't as well suited to the e31 - in my opinion.
An 850 with a few suspension mods, good tyres and properly set up geo is a truly great GT and will eat miles like few others. The running costs are not much different to an 840 and you have that wonderful surge of torque with the added bonus of a proper V12 engine to drop into conversation.....
Try them both, but make it a decently long test drive. Though the 840 may feel ok as you drive off, I guarantee that the 850 will seduce you across country - and certainly across continents!
If either of them feel sloppy or wallowy, theyre tired and need a suspension revamp.
Your selection is interesting. A 928 is a great car but doesnt quite have the looks or presence of the 8 series. A harsher character, as well. The M3 is quite different. Light, lively and agile in comparison. More of a fast A to B than a fast A to Z if you get my meaning! Exciting, nonetheless.
If you need any more help, just email me and I'll be pleased to advise.
hows the search going, have you found a car yet,
this looks good http://www.eclecticcars.co.uk/pages.php?stock=247
if its not to old.
this looks good http://www.eclecticcars.co.uk/pages.php?stock=247
if its not to old.
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