840ci, is it a money pit waiting to bankrupt me?
Discussion
I've been hankering after a V8 for a while, saving up over the last 6 months umming and ahhing about a 540i, 645i or maybe even an E39 M5.
Suddenly I've been pointed toward an E31 which I've not considered before. It's doctor owner has more cars than space on his drive due to a new 6 series so is asking for £4k to get it gone. It's an R registered 4.4 sport, 160,000 miles on it but it comes with a full BMW history from new. I've not seen it yet (other than photos). As far as I can tell its very tidy apart from the drivers seat bolster which requires attention. Anyway what are these like to drive, what goes wrong and generally how potentially ruinous are they? I love the look of them but suspect they might be a bit too boat-like, or am I completely wrong?
Any help or comments greatly appreciated.
Suddenly I've been pointed toward an E31 which I've not considered before. It's doctor owner has more cars than space on his drive due to a new 6 series so is asking for £4k to get it gone. It's an R registered 4.4 sport, 160,000 miles on it but it comes with a full BMW history from new. I've not seen it yet (other than photos). As far as I can tell its very tidy apart from the drivers seat bolster which requires attention. Anyway what are these like to drive, what goes wrong and generally how potentially ruinous are they? I love the look of them but suspect they might be a bit too boat-like, or am I completely wrong?
Any help or comments greatly appreciated.
They are a nice car, and bar some unique parts to the E31, not especially more expensive to run and a 7 series. They do feel a bit "heavy" to me and nowhere near as wafty as my old XJ8! It will do sub 20 mpg round town and low 20's on a run, but I guess you know that!
Also note that the chap certainly isn't giving it away at £4K with that mileage. I've just sold our very nice Orient Blue 4.4 example with 91K miles and good history and it took me nearly 2 months to sell and I got £3750 for it in the end. They are a tough car to sell, and some on autotrader (especially the ones with optimistic prices) have been for sale for a LONG time.......
Also note that the chap certainly isn't giving it away at £4K with that mileage. I've just sold our very nice Orient Blue 4.4 example with 91K miles and good history and it took me nearly 2 months to sell and I got £3750 for it in the end. They are a tough car to sell, and some on autotrader (especially the ones with optimistic prices) have been for sale for a LONG time.......
MEC said:
Also note that the chap certainly isn't giving it away at £4K with that mileage. I've just sold our very nice Orient Blue 4.4 example with 91K miles and good history and it took me nearly 2 months to sell and I got £3750 for it in the end...
Actually since posting I've had a nose round Autotrader and I've started to wonder about that, I was thinking of going round with 3k and trying my luck and walking away otherwise. See how much he really wants rid of it?I have driven one before, but it was a non-sport with a fruity exhaust and Bilstein suspension. Drove nicely enough but I'm not sure it didn't spoil the character of the car, either way it wasn't a standard sport. Anyway back to the car in question, are they a daily driver at this sort of mileage and age if you ignore the ridiculous fuel consumption? Also I'm not sure if my phobia of auto boxes (particularly at this mileage) is entirely justified.
Edited by LikesBikes on Saturday 30th August 23:25
Re: "phobia of autoboxes". For what it's worth I acquired a R-reg 540i auto Touring early 2010 at 160k. Autobox seals and fluid replaced at 170k approx. by local auto transmission specialist at cost of £240 approx. from memory. Car now at 183k and no further auto leaks or problems. I imagine the engine and transmission are basically similar to the 4.4 840i. Car was bought for very little money, certainly a lot less than a 840, so £240 auto overhaul was peanuts really. Obviously not used as a daily driver as have other options so can't comment on reliability if you contemplating 10k+ per year!
Yes, i guess it's the daily driver bit that has made me wary of this car and so Ive probably answered my own question. I simply don't have room on my drive for two so I'd probably do better with something newer or at least lower mileage.
I currently have an E39 528i with 157k on the clock, it's showing no sign of stopping but if something catastrophic went wrong its worth little enough to just throw away. This 8 series would leave me a modest lump of money should anything need attention but I suspect an E63 (for example) would be a safer bet and better to drive too.
But having said that I'm a man, so logic doesn't figure too much in this
I currently have an E39 528i with 157k on the clock, it's showing no sign of stopping but if something catastrophic went wrong its worth little enough to just throw away. This 8 series would leave me a modest lump of money should anything need attention but I suspect an E63 (for example) would be a safer bet and better to drive too.
But having said that I'm a man, so logic doesn't figure too much in this
Go on condition.
I had a 97 ci sport as a daily driver for almost two years. It was great, I only sold it as I lusted after a Z4 again for a bit more of a lively driving experience. I've had the Z4M for about 3 years now and I'm lusting after another 8 series. Ideally I want both cars (plus something that does 50 mpg) but that's not going to happen.
Things can go wrong, but they're no worse than most modern cars if looked after properly. Better built too.
Make sure the aircon is working (mine wasn't)
Be wary of front wheel wobble, usually 50-60mph, from worn front suspension. They're very heavy on their suspension.
Sun roof panels rust from the inside.
The 4.4 v8 can seap oil from the valve covers.
I had a 97 ci sport as a daily driver for almost two years. It was great, I only sold it as I lusted after a Z4 again for a bit more of a lively driving experience. I've had the Z4M for about 3 years now and I'm lusting after another 8 series. Ideally I want both cars (plus something that does 50 mpg) but that's not going to happen.
Things can go wrong, but they're no worse than most modern cars if looked after properly. Better built too.
Make sure the aircon is working (mine wasn't)
Be wary of front wheel wobble, usually 50-60mph, from worn front suspension. They're very heavy on their suspension.
Sun roof panels rust from the inside.
The 4.4 v8 can seap oil from the valve covers.
I have had a low mileage 840 Sport individual as part of a small BMW collection for a good few years now and to be fair I only use it in the summer (it's sat outside my office now) but a pleasure to drive,the brakes aren't the best but i'v had no major issues with it and to say it's 25 years now since it's launch and was there flagship model to me it's aged very well indeed.... IMO Lovley cars..... 
OP you need to use them daily it keeps everything lubricated, working and not deteriorating.
Try this: http://www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/Buying_Guide/BMW_E31_...
Try this: http://www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/Buying_Guide/BMW_E31_...
LikesBikes said:
I've been hankering after a V8 for a while, saving up over the last 6 months umming and ahhing about a 540i, 645i or maybe even an E39 M5.
Get an e39 M5, more doors, more practicality, more BHP, more fun, better interior, LSD, ///M Car.... etc. etc. etc...They are shockingly good value at the moment, and probably wont lose any money either. Last of the analogue ///M cars, and with a simple muffler delete they sound INCREDIBLE! Then if and when you come to sell it, get the mufflers put back on.
At least test drive one to see how you feel. As nice as they are, my guess is you'd forget all about the 840 after driving a Beast.
Genuinely the only car I've owned that i actually really miss.....
PS: Oh, and make sure you drive through a tunnel on your test drive!
I've pretty much changed my mind on this car, mainly on practicality reasons. For one thing the boot is too small and the back seats don't appear to be much good for adults. The performance doesn't look all that sparkling either, on paper at least. Also I know that I'd still be hankering after an E63 (I'm weird in that I'm rather taken with the shape) or an E39 M5 so I might as well skip the E31 as I know it'll end up as a stepping stone.
A bit more saving I think.
A bit more saving I think.
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