1994 BMW 840Ci (E31) Auto

Highlights 

• Handsome and well-engineered '90s GT car

• Australian import

• 282bhp, 4.4-litre V8 engine

• Good history folder

• BMW main dealer and specialist service history 

• Lots of recent restoration work

Overview

The E31 8 Series holds a special place in many people's hearts. Not only does it come equipped with a choice of BMW's venerable V8 and V12 engines but it was also a much sleeker design than previous models, taking more inspiration from the M1 than most anything else. It was certainly a looker and as far as polished grand tourers go it ticked a lot of boxes and it's a car that still very much holds up today.

With a boom in popularity for '90s youngtimers that is still going strong, now could very well be the time to pick up such a machine and this particular 1994 example might be just the ticket. Having been manufactured a few years into the E31's nine-year production run it comes with the later, larger capacity 4.4-litre V8, which means more torque, better fuel economy, and lower emissions. Producing a very respectable 282bhp that's delivered effortlessly to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic gearbox it's perfect for those long, cross country jaunts. That's not to say it couldn't cut it as a more regular runabout though. Not at all. It’s a usable and accessible beast that would make a seriously cool modern classic daily whilst still turning heads at shows.

Laden with tech but still way more analogue and engaging than modern fare this well-maintained, family-owned E31 presents in an appealing colourway of Arctic Silver over a dark grey Nappa leather interior. Yes there are some blemishes here and there, as highlighted in the photos, but there doesn't appear to be anything too serious and said minor issues don't detract from the overall solid appeal of the car.

Complete with a folder full of history and receipts from the original owner through to the current vendor, testament to the care and attention it has received over the years, the car began life in dry, sunny Australia before being imported to the UK in 2018, staying in the same family. It was purchased by the current and second registered owner in 2021 who informs us that the car runs impeccably but unfortunately emigration forces a reluctant sale.

History and documentation

• 1994 model year

• V5C present 

• Date of first registration in the UK 01 Feb 2018

• In current ownership since 17 Mar 2021

• One key

• Original book pack and leather wallet

• Originally purchased in Australia and imported to the UK in 2018

• Import documentation present and correct

• Two registered owners from new

• Folder full of service history consisting of invoices, receipts and work carried out from its time in Australia to the present, including invoices from both BMW main dealers and specialists

• Recent service including oil and fluid changes as reported by the vendor

• Old MOT certificates

• HPI clear

• MOT until 09 Jun 2026

• 172,036 indicated kms (just under 107,000 miles)

Interior

• The grey Nappa leather interior is in good condition overall

• Minimal wear and tear commensurate with age and mileage

• The roof lining is tight with no apparent sag but it does carry some stains

• Seats show usual wear to the bolster area and there are dirt marks which the vendor reports can be removed with appropriate deep cleaning

• Some light damage to the rear of the driver's seat

• Dashboard remains intact

• Door cards present well

• Carpets appear clean and tidy

• Vendor reports there are no squeaks or rattles

• With a couple of exceptions, all the electrics are said to work as they should: the radio turns on and the lights come on but shows some missing pixels in the display and requires the code which is reportedly present in the documentation and the passenger seat adjustment is inoperable

• The check control panel works with no signs of any pixel issues

• Electrically adjustable memory seats (although passenger side not working as noted above)

• Electric windows

• Sports, snow and economy driving modes

• Dual zone temperature control with air con which the vendor reports blows nice and cold

• Trip computer

• Cruise control

• Original BMW radio/cassette/CD 

• Boot space presents well and the car comes with factory six-disc CD changer and fold town tool kit

• Engine bay looks to be tidy and in good shape

Exterior

• The exterior is mostly fine as reported by the vendor but the car does carry some marks and blemishes

• There are some issues on the offside door and the rear wings, the offside rear arch has a couple of scratches and the nearside rear arch shows signs of rusting, which the vendor informs us will need attention

• No major dents or dings or evidence of any crash damage

• The front bumper is missing some trim on the offside but it can be found in the boot ready to be fitted

• Bonnet, front wings, sills and boot all look to be in good shape

• All panel gaps appear uniform

• There are no visible issues with any of the glasswork

• Electrically adjustable mirrors

• Electric sunroof

• Pop-up headlights are fully functional

• The 16" Style 8 alloy wheels look to be in decent shape overall but there are some kerb marks and areas of missing paint in places

• All Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance tyres have plenty of tread as reported by the vendor

• Tidy underneath with only the usual light surface rust to note as well as some scrapes to the bottom of the side skirts

• Sills and jacking points appear to be in good condition

• Overall, there are few areas that could be improved but it remains a handsome car

Mechanical

• 282bhp, 4.4-litre V8

• Five-speed automatic gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 6.6secs

• 155mph top speed (limited)

• Suspension refresh in 2021

• Diff input seal was replaced in 2022 using genuine BMW parts

• Four wheel alignment in 2022

• Vendor reports there are absolutely no mechanical issues at all, no squeaks, lumps or bumps from the suspension and no leaks from the engine or any of the seals

• The vendor also informs us that the car starts on the key every time, the brakes work as they should and everything stops and goes as it should

• The sound from the engine is reported to be amazing and burbles exactly as it should – a genuine highlight of the car 

Summary

Today the E31 840Ci remains a handsome and luxurious GT car with more than enough power and creature comforts to make it a serious proposition and while this particular example does need a little TLC in places it has evidently been looked after, mechanically speaking, and presents as a solid, usable modern classic. It's certainly an enticing melange of refined power, decent handling and surprisingly affordable running costs and honestly, who doesn't like pop-up headlights?

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 Burnham, Berkshire.