BMW 840's. Why is there such a huge range of prices?

[jjr1]

These cars range from £3500 to £12500 !

How can cars that are mostly of the same age and mileage, be so wildly different in price?

I ask because I have been offered a 1 owner 1997 840ci but don't want to upset the owner with a ridiculously low bid if it is worth loads more.

[TiMopar]

Some owners still think they're worth a fortune, others have figured out that they're not?

[J4CKO]

At one end there will be complete bins or people who have been told the car is worthless, i.e. been to try and get a trade in and got offered half a button, at the other end there are certain classic car dealers selling nice ones at a massive premium.

What a stunning looking car they are though.

[long time lurker]

were you watching the old re-runs of wheeler dealers last night by any chance??

I think the one they bought was low end of the market and needed some quite major t.l.c, I can only see that being the same with what's on sale currently and any cheap one's will need some work?

[Jonny_]

I looked at loads of these on fleabay/autotrader a while ago. Lovely looking car, fast and comfy and potential for a bargain. One of the big factors seems to be the number of previous owners - a car that's been passed around 9 owners is off putting, makes you wonder why so many have bought then soon sold it.

Of course there is the odd very tidy example which is greatly overvalued by an owner who probably paid big money for it new or nearly new and has spent a lot of time and money looking after the car.

They must be somewhere near the bottom of the depreciation curve by now - can't be long before a tidy 8 series begins to increase in value

[richb77]

As mentioned some owners believe they are in the "rare collectors" market whilst others are more realistic.

It can also depend on full BMW service history, low number of owners and overall condition as i have seen some "low mileage" dogs and some high mileage minters.

[ewan221]

Watching wheeler dealers yesterday had me looking at the classifieds as well

[bmthnick1981]

I think the 'good ones' are worth the premium. Much like the E24 values for those examples have increased.

Of course 'bad ones' are not worth so much. I've seen a couple of 850's go for £1500'ish on ebay and you are probably buying more trouble than anything else at that entry point.

If you do your research and don't buy in a hurry I think you could still pick up a nice example in good condition with good history around the £4k mark, if you kept it maintained, serviced, good tyres etc you shouldn't lose any money and may even see a little appreciation. They don't seem to sell quick though when they come to market.

[jjr1]

An interesting response as I thought it might be to do with the car possibly gaining classic status.

I think the car I might be offered will be a one owner FSH so a possibly valuable car.

[The Big G]

Condition, mileage, spec. These are the important things with these as with most cars. Late 4.4 sports are the most valuable excluding the 850 csi. Low mileage cars are rare and you will pay a premium.

What to look for is rust, the arches and fuel and brake lines on the underside, doors and sunroofs.. All e31 specific parts are expensive.

Some very nice cars are out there but there are far more dogs masquerading with high asking prices. I spent 9 months looking before I purchased mine. A low mileage 840 sport in velvet blue and champagne leather.

Good cars are really worth the premium as lots of little jobs can cost a fortune. Make sure that it has been maintained fastidiously if you are interested in buying one.

A good model/buying guide can be found here

Edited by The Big G on Monday 25th February 13:41

[mat777]

Thanks OP....

Just when I thought I'd got over my desire to own a fast barge a la 8 Series, Turbo R etc, you come along!

Now I'm really not being helped by noticing this one well within the price I could get for my current car:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...



Random question, but why do all 8-series have unbadged steering wheels? It looks so plain and ugly inside like that

[POORCARDEALER]

The crap ones are worth more in parts than as a whole, some of the £4K cars are the same, if you can find a nice one they are a really lovely car to own....sold lots when they were new, loved them.

[vit4]

mat777 said:

Thanks OP....

Just when I thought I'd got over my desire to own a fast barge a la 8 Series, Turbo R etc, you come along!

Now I'm really not being helped by noticing this one well within the price I could get for my current car:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...



Random question, but why do all 8-series have unbadged steering wheels? It looks so plain and ugly inside like that

Front bumper is a bit wonky, possible front end bump & rebuild?

[Bemmer]

Yes i've noticed there can be a huge difference in prices,these guys www.cramag.com sell a few they had a R reg Black Sport but only 30,000 miles and one owner but they sold that for £18k......! they have a stunning yellow one that's just short of £14K but out of my price range unfortunately but i do think they will start creeping up in price if you can find a nice one.

[SuperchargedVR6]

mat777 said:

Thanks OP....

Just when I thought I'd got over my desire to own a fast barge a la 8 Series, Turbo R etc, you come along!

Now I'm really not being helped by noticing this one well within the price I could get for my current car:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...



Random question, but why do all 8-series have unbadged steering wheels? It looks so plain and ugly inside like that

For some reason, it doesn't look as good in silver. Especially on the rear shot where the centre section of the valance looks like something hanging down that shouldn't be. Odd.

Is that M5 wheels it's sitting on too? And the driver's door car looks like peeling wall paper.

[Seb d]

SuperchargedVR6 said:

mat777 said:

Thanks OP....

Just when I thought I'd got over my desire to own a fast barge a la 8 Series, Turbo R etc, you come along!

Now I'm really not being helped by noticing this one well within the price I could get for my current car:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...



Random question, but why do all 8-series have unbadged steering wheels? It looks so plain and ugly inside like that

For some reason, it doesn't look as good in silver. Especially on the rear shot where the centre section of the valance looks like something hanging down that shouldn't be. Odd.

Is that M5 wheels it's sitting on too? And the driver's door car looks like peeling wall paper.

Sports could be had with M5 throwing star alloys as well as cross-spokes, later M parallel 18s

[y2blade]

TiMopar said:

Some owners still think they're worth a fortune, others have figured out that they're not?

This^^^

Dreamers vs Realists

[Seb d]

mat777 said:

Thanks OP....

Just when I thought I'd got over my desire to own a fast barge a la 8 Series, Turbo R etc, you come along!

Now I'm really not being helped by noticing this one well within the price I could get for my current car:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...



Random question, but why do all 8-series have unbadged steering wheels? It looks so plain and ugly inside like that

Earlier three-spoke wheel were badged, later 4-spoke wheels are also badged but the badge is black and moulded from the central part of the steering wheel, rather than being stuck on, so it's hard to see and doesn't look as nice. You can fit the three-spoke E36 M3 steering wheel, which is, imho, the nicest looking and feeling wheel for these.