What do you think of the BMW 8 series?
Discussion
Good online buying guide here.
http://www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/buying_guide/BMW_E31_...
I think the shape has aged well, but still think it will take a while before it is recognised as a proper classic like the E24 6-series and prices start appreciating.
I'm pretty sure a Germany-based PHer on another thread said these cars have a poor image and dodgy owner profile back in their home country.
http://www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/buying_guide/BMW_E31_...
I think the shape has aged well, but still think it will take a while before it is recognised as a proper classic like the E24 6-series and prices start appreciating.
I'm pretty sure a Germany-based PHer on another thread said these cars have a poor image and dodgy owner profile back in their home country.
I've loved them since launch when I was about 12 years old. I'd love looking round them outside Sytner Nottingham when they were at the old site. I always remember latterly that Frank Sytner had a silver 850CSi with the plate "FS 1". I'd love one, either a CSi or the B12 5.7 Alpina version.
Despite being cheap to buy now, they still have the running costs of an £80k car.
Despite being cheap to buy now, they still have the running costs of an £80k car.
300bhp/ton said:
k-ink said:
They look cool. But I would not want the running costs of fuel or general maintainence and repairs. I suspect if the prices do rise it will merely offset the large costs on the way.
Can't be any worse than a 5 or 7 Series of the same era I'd have thought.
Always had a massive soft spot for these.
Fantastic looking things, much better in the metal than on screen.
Really want one of these, or a nice 635 in my life.
Also interesting that there's not been a single genuinely negative comment on this thread, thats rare for PH!
In the real world the V12 isnt appreciably quicker than the 840 so that would be my choice.
Many of the mechanicals are shared with lesser models but anything specifically 8 series will be pricey and harder to source.
It's a GT car by design so don't get in expecting a "proper" sports car.
I've never owned one but have driven and been passengered in the 840 and 850 and found them both to be a great place to devour the miles..
Go in with your eyes open, the difference between a good one and a tired one is night and day and a neglected one, especially the V12 is a massive money pit.
Thirsty too, but you knew that, right?
Fantastic looking things, much better in the metal than on screen.
Really want one of these, or a nice 635 in my life.
Also interesting that there's not been a single genuinely negative comment on this thread, thats rare for PH!
In the real world the V12 isnt appreciably quicker than the 840 so that would be my choice.
Many of the mechanicals are shared with lesser models but anything specifically 8 series will be pricey and harder to source.
It's a GT car by design so don't get in expecting a "proper" sports car.
I've never owned one but have driven and been passengered in the 840 and 850 and found them both to be a great place to devour the miles..
Go in with your eyes open, the difference between a good one and a tired one is night and day and a neglected one, especially the V12 is a massive money pit.
Thirsty too, but you knew that, right?
This is mine. '99 840 Ci Sport, Velvet Blue with champagne nappa leather. I love it to bits. A bit pricy to run fuel wise for my 20k+ a year but what a way to do it! My man maths makes it make sence as it shouldnt depreciate much when compared to a newer e60 520d.
Its definately more of a GT than a sports car. I love the pillarless looks, box arches and the pop up lights are pure win but they do knock off a couple mpg at motorway speeds where mine spends most of its time
The front end echos the M1, and I really like the subtle kidney grill, especially when compared to current BMWs.The cars offer great value for money at the moment. The late 4.4 Ci sports are the most coveted excluding the 850 CSI. The price ranges are large but generally the cheaper ones need shed loads spending on them to bring them up to standard. They rust, as do all BMWs of this generation, the arches, door sills and brake and fuel lines. As for running costs. Thwy are about the same as a e38 740, the parts underneath are the same/similar. The most expensive parts are 8 series specific.
Buy an good one and you wont regret it
Edited by The Big G on Thursday 1st August 18:57
850CSI is my ultimate dream car
BMW spent 1 Billion marks developing this car, first car to have a fly by wire throttle, incredibly slippery.
Even an old one will give you Stability control, damper control and even EHK (Active Kinematics) or rear wheel steering in English. Two battery's, you can program the heater to warm or cool the car for when you get to it, or for the morning.
Seriously high tech
As for those who say they are slow, yes the weight 1800-2020KG is responsible for that, even the 850CSI needs a good 6+ seconds to reach 60. They will do 189MPH flat out though, that's heading into supercar territory. 840CI and 850CI I would call classy GT's, but the CSI can be called a supercar in my book
Running costs are excruciating though, these really are only for those who truly fly in the face of MPG/Tax/Maintenance bills.
If I won enough to buy one, I'd garage it for the future. Im 100% sure enough to put my own money down and say that this one day will be a true classic
BMW spent 1 Billion marks developing this car, first car to have a fly by wire throttle, incredibly slippery.
Even an old one will give you Stability control, damper control and even EHK (Active Kinematics) or rear wheel steering in English. Two battery's, you can program the heater to warm or cool the car for when you get to it, or for the morning.
Seriously high tech
As for those who say they are slow, yes the weight 1800-2020KG is responsible for that, even the 850CSI needs a good 6+ seconds to reach 60. They will do 189MPH flat out though, that's heading into supercar territory. 840CI and 850CI I would call classy GT's, but the CSI can be called a supercar in my book
Running costs are excruciating though, these really are only for those who truly fly in the face of MPG/Tax/Maintenance bills.
If I won enough to buy one, I'd garage it for the future. Im 100% sure enough to put my own money down and say that this one day will be a true classic
deltashad said:
My good friend had a man crush on one, he test drove with the intension to buy and was disappointed
It all depends on what you are looking for. They are not the most involving to drive. Hardly any feel through the light steering even though hydraulic and no feel again through the brakes. Handling is good for what is a 2 tonne car. Best way to think of is is a sportier 7 series wearing a far sharper suit and you shouldnt be dissapointed. Hope that doesn't sount too harsh! I do love mine to bits and can't think of any reason to change it although practicality definately isnt its strong point but thats not why I bought it 
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