1997 BMW 840Ci Individual (E31)

Highlights

• 4.4-litre V8

• Rare BMW Individual bespoke factory build

• Low mileage

• Working pop-up headlights

• Fresh custom stainless steel exhaust for a proper V8 soundtrack

• Comprehensive original book pack with two sets of keys

Overview

The E31 8 Series remains one of the most subtle GTs BMW has ever built, wrapping a durable V8 in a shape with a remarkable 0.29 drag coefficient. For 1996 the 840Ci gained the torquier 4.4-litre M62 V8, giving it the long-legged pace to cruise all day and deliver you relaxed at the far end.

This 1997 car goes one better, because it's a genuine BMW Individual bespoke build, confirmed by the identity plate under the bonnet. Finished in silver metallic over two-tone grey leather, it's a pillarless coupe that still pops up its headlights on both sides. With roughly 55,780 miles from new and around a decade in current ownership, it presents beautifully.

More recently it gained a custom stainless steel exhaust that finally gives the V8 the voice it always deserved. It's a handsome, honest example of a modern classic that's climbing in the world's estimation, and one that rewards the owner who cherishes it.

History And Documentation

• First registered in the UK on 14 April 1997

• In current ownership since 2016, so around a decade with its present keeper

• Original BMW service booklet stamped with services as follows: Jan 1998 @ 7,231 miles, Oct 1998 @ 12,606 miles, Aug 2000 @ 24,823 miles, Oct 2001 @ 31,290 miles, Jun 2005 @ 39,919 miles, Jul 2009 @ 45,994 miles, Aug 2010 @ 46,921 miles, Aug 2011 @ 48,978 miles, Jul 2012 @ 50,505 miles, Jul 2013 @ 51,269 miles, Jul 2014 @ 51,824 miles and Aug 2015 @ 52,572 miles, by BMW main dealers and specialists including Wyndham, Rydale, KarTechnic, M's BM's, VW-Audi Garage and Moore's Motor Services

• Documented later maintenance including a renewed radiator in 2018, a new battery in 2020, the bespoke stainless steel exhaust in 2025 and a renewed starter motor in 2026

• Full original book pack with owner's handbooks and two sets of keys and fobs

• The vendor tells us an unused car cover, a spare wheel and a refurbished shooting star spare alloy are included

• Now wearing a private registration on black and silver show plates so the buyer will need to budget for some fresh plates to be road legal

• HPI report is clear

• MOT valid until 30 April 2027

Interior

• Two-tone grey leather cabin that presents tidily throughout

• Light age-related creasing and patina to the driver's seat bolster and armrests

• On-board computer works with no obvious pixel loss

• Dual-zone climate control and an electric sunroof are fitted

• Aftermarket Sony DAB head unit installed, with the original boxed head unit retained in the boot

• Equipment includes an electric sunroof, a leather-trimmed M Sport steering wheel, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, and a six-disc CD multi-changer

Exterior

• Looks fabulous in silver metallic

• Pillarless two-door coupe with pop-up headlights working on both sides

• Rides on the correct set of 17-inch ‘Style 21’ alloy wheels, which are fitted with Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2 tyres

• Quad twin-exit exhaust tips

• Pop-up headlights and M Sport aero package

• Vendor tells us the underside is in good condition

Mechanical

• 4.4-litre M62 V8 producing 282bhp, driving the rear wheels through a 5-speed Steptronic automatic

• Officially limited to 155mph, with a 0-62mph time of around seven seconds

• Custom stainless steel exhaust fitted in April 2025 gives a distinctive V8 soundtrack

• Starter motor renewed in May 2026

• Air conditioning requires attention; a May 2026 invoice records low pressure and a compressor that would not start, with further investigation advised

• M Sport suspension and Automatic Stability Control 

• Vendor tells us it starts on the button and drives beautifully

Summary

This is a rare BMW Individual 840Ci that has covered fewer than 56,000 miles and spent around a decade with its current keeper. It's a silver pillarless V8 GT that presents beautifully inside and out, and the recent stainless exhaust means it sounds every bit as good as it looks.

Backed by a comprehensive original book pack and two sets of keys, it's ready to be enjoyed straight away on your next fast A-road blast or continental cruise. Cars like this rarely come along in such honest, cherished order.

To arrange a viewing, click the Book Viewing button located under the Place Bid button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to Contact Seller for further enquiries. This seller is located in Broadstairs, Kent.