What do you think of the BMW 8 series?
Discussion
Mastodon2 said:
In terms of looks, the best looking BMW ever made. If it were possible to have one of these with the E60 V10 engine in it, it would be my ultimate BMW. I doubt the engine would fit through, probably too tall, and the chassis would probably be shown up once it had 500bhp strapped to it. Still, one can dream.
I love the M1 style front end.
Just to let you know if you have an Xbox 360 you can drop the M5 V10 into the E31 in Forza Motorsport 4, it makes it as good as I imagined!I love the M1 style front end.
The V10 is a little too whizzy for such a heavy car though, but I always like wringing the neck off a car
300bhp/ton said:
blade7 said:
Phil Dicky said:
blade7 said:
Lovely looking cars but I think if I'd go for a 928 GT instead.
Always thought the bork factor was strong in those 
They're a lovely car, but quite limited. Unsurprisingly, they're very good at going long distance work or just loafing about but a bit of a pudding when it comes to driving them hard. Not that it stops me.
I've wanted one for a long old time and finally got around to getting one back on May. I've had a bit of a mission with it, but ultimately, a 15 year old car with 150k on the clock at this level will tend to give a few problems.
There was an extensive history with the car with a lot of involved, recent work carried out, too. Still, it's never a guarantee of how things will pan out.
The bottom line is that it's an incredibly well built car with some nice features which gives a decent turn of speed and turns many heads.
If you expect it to be a sports car, you'll be disappointed. However, it's inherent feel and character allied to the 850CSi or B12 variant would be something very special indeed.
I've wanted one for a long old time and finally got around to getting one back on May. I've had a bit of a mission with it, but ultimately, a 15 year old car with 150k on the clock at this level will tend to give a few problems.
There was an extensive history with the car with a lot of involved, recent work carried out, too. Still, it's never a guarantee of how things will pan out.
The bottom line is that it's an incredibly well built car with some nice features which gives a decent turn of speed and turns many heads.
If you expect it to be a sports car, you'll be disappointed. However, it's inherent feel and character allied to the 850CSi or B12 variant would be something very special indeed.
One thing this thread does tell us - there was a time when BMW knew how to make good looking cars.
Look at the M1 style front of the 8 series and compare that to the rather gawpy look of the current 6 series. It is hard to imagine that the same maker that gave us the 8 series also now offers the 1 series...
I actually do not think the 1 series is as ugly as many seem to, but it must be said that BMW does not make handsome looking cars anymore.
Look at the M1 style front of the 8 series and compare that to the rather gawpy look of the current 6 series. It is hard to imagine that the same maker that gave us the 8 series also now offers the 1 series...
I actually do not think the 1 series is as ugly as many seem to, but it must be said that BMW does not make handsome looking cars anymore.
toppstuff said:
One thing this thread does tell us - there was a time when BMW knew how to make good looking cars.
Look at the M1 style front of the 8 series and compare that to the rather gawpy look of the current 6 series. It is hard to imagine that the same maker that gave us the 8 series also now offers the 1 series...
I actually do not think the 1 series is as ugly as many seem to, but it must be said that BMW does not make handsome looking cars anymore.
Probably an age thing but I don't think the 8 is good-looking at all - it's probably worse than a Calibra in execution. I agree about modern BMWs but for me, apart from the E30-46 3 series and possibly the E39 5, you have to go back to the 70s CSL to find s true stunner.Look at the M1 style front of the 8 series and compare that to the rather gawpy look of the current 6 series. It is hard to imagine that the same maker that gave us the 8 series also now offers the 1 series...
I actually do not think the 1 series is as ugly as many seem to, but it must be said that BMW does not make handsome looking cars anymore.
Then again, I thought the M1 was quite bland, especially when Lambo had the Countach.
My old housemate owned a 850. I drove it a few times and, to be honest, it was disappointing. You could certainly feel every ounce of it's weight. The steering also felt very over assisted to me - very much more big cruiser than 'Sports GT'. I owned a 928 which was in a different class. Both of them landed us with fairly hefty bills. The 850 in particular was broken more often than it was mended.
toppstuff said:
One thing this thread does tell us - there was a time when BMW knew how to make good looking cars.
Look at the M1 style front of the 8 series and compare that to the rather gawpy look of the current 6 series. It is hard to imagine that the same maker that gave us the 8 series also now offers the 1 series...
I actually do not think the 1 series is as ugly as many seem to, but it must be said that BMW does not make handsome looking cars anymore.
Okay we are indeed getting into absolute subjectivity here, but to my eyes BMW did and still does make among the best-looking and most handsome of cars. Look at the M1 style front of the 8 series and compare that to the rather gawpy look of the current 6 series. It is hard to imagine that the same maker that gave us the 8 series also now offers the 1 series...
I actually do not think the 1 series is as ugly as many seem to, but it must be said that BMW does not make handsome looking cars anymore.
Many of Bangle's creations did take time for a shocked public to appreciate, but appreciate they eventually did.
The surprising E60 5 series was one freakish car when it came out. People ran away from its looks on first viewing and hid in corners crying quietly to themselves. It's now become something of a classic, and its lines admired.
The original Z4 had some extremely peculiar angles, juxtaposed lines and edifices on its sweeping panels; another Bangle oddity. But they are holding their value extremely well and are still, again to my eyes, one of the best looking 2-seater roadsters out there. The newer Z4 is even better looking; a very daunting and low front end. Gorgeous.
The E92 3-series coupé, a little fat to some eyes perhaps, but still a very handsome motor.
The E63 6 series, another peculiarity, with a bulbous rear end and a drooping front. Utterly different to anything out there, and again absolutely brilliant-looking.
The only car that hasn't really resolved its looks are the 1 series hatch. General consensus is that it was a cross between Worzel Gummidge and the elephant man. Ugly, in other words. And yet, strangely, the lines resolve on the 1 series coupé, a car whose looks I appreciate so much I bought one.
Edited by Timbola on Friday 2nd August 09:24
Edited by Timbola on Friday 2nd August 09:24
Timbola said:
Okay we are indeed getting into absolute subjectivity here, but to my eyes BMW did and still does make among the best-looking and most handsome of cars.
Spec savers? 
I actually don't mind most BMW's, but they are all borderline bland crossed with ugly. The closest they get to handsome, is 'restrained' looks. But they certainly aren't pretty cars and they are far too clumsy looking to be elegant.
Doesn't mean this is a bad thing.
EddieFelson said:
So can anybody quote any facts related to 8 series costs? Or is it just general old car running costs.
i replaced some rear suspension components on mine. shopping list was:2x shock absorbers
2x rubber top mounts
2x dust covers
2x trailing arm front bushes
2x trailing arm rear bushes
2x reinforcement plates
this lot came in at just under £500. all parts from BMW, apart from the shockers and the reinforcement plates. these plates are not fitted standard to the car, but are highly recommended due to the shock towers failing on older cars.
300bhp/ton said:
STW2010 said:
Much rarer than the 540 and 740 and so parts will be more expensive. Being far more high-tech, there are more electronics to go wrong.
Curious, but which bits of them are more high-tech than the 5 or 7 Series?bmthnick1981 said:
300bhp/ton said:
STW2010 said:
Much rarer than the 540 and 740 and so parts will be more expensive. Being far more high-tech, there are more electronics to go wrong.
Curious, but which bits of them are more high-tech than the 5 or 7 Series?I love these, and keep looking but never buying ....
For the last few months have commuted past this one every day thats for sale, have to keep stopping myself going in and taking a 4k punt !!!!
http://www.runaboutcars.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-8-seri...
For the last few months have commuted past this one every day thats for sale, have to keep stopping myself going in and taking a 4k punt !!!!
http://www.runaboutcars.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-8-seri...
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