BMW 8 Series - whats (not) to like?
Discussion
Having followed and contributed to many "What car can I buy for £X's" threads on here I have noticed that the BMW 8 Series never seems to get a mention. I am curious as they still are a seriously handsome barge for what seems like little money. Great interior and exterior design and in the right colour still look like a seriously expensive bit of kit (I can guess this may be closer to the truth than I'd like).
So tell me - whats (not) to like?
So tell me - whats (not) to like?
I had a colleague (well worked for a client), who'd yearned for one of these and finally bought an 850.
Sadly, he found it dull, expensive and uninspiring to own. He traded it in for a Smart Coupe!
I didn't know him when he had the car, but it clearly doesn't tick all the boxes.
I think his bottom line was that it was a great cruiser, but not much fun to drive.
M.
Sadly, he found it dull, expensive and uninspiring to own. He traded it in for a Smart Coupe!
I didn't know him when he had the car, but it clearly doesn't tick all the boxes.
I think his bottom line was that it was a great cruiser, but not much fun to drive.
M.
It has the fuelling costs and maintence costs and all the disadvantages of a large saloon, without any of the benefits of having a large load area or being able to carry passengers.
The V12 is not actually any quicker than the V8 except at Autobahn speeds.
I have looked at a few, and driven a few, and I always thought that a 740/540 made a much cheaper and better value proposition.
Epic cars though, epic. But not what I would get for the money.
The V12 is not actually any quicker than the V8 except at Autobahn speeds.
I have looked at a few, and driven a few, and I always thought that a 740/540 made a much cheaper and better value proposition.
Epic cars though, epic. But not what I would get for the money.
As a daily driver i doubt it makes any sense.
At the weekend, when I'm sick of the Z4 and the 635d is just a diesel convertible... nothing will fill the gap like lowering all the windows, opening the sunroof and firing up the charismatic V8, sticking it in Sport and going for a spin.
As a weekend cruiser/go out in it when you feel like it car the costs are manageable (relatively) - if I had to choose one car... it probably (sadly) wouldn't cut it.
At the weekend, when I'm sick of the Z4 and the 635d is just a diesel convertible... nothing will fill the gap like lowering all the windows, opening the sunroof and firing up the charismatic V8, sticking it in Sport and going for a spin.
As a weekend cruiser/go out in it when you feel like it car the costs are manageable (relatively) - if I had to choose one car... it probably (sadly) wouldn't cut it.
I think the 8 series was and still is one of the best looking BMW's ever made,The big problem you have is finding a good one ,expect to pay a good price as cheep ones are cheep for a reason and will end up costing load's oh pennies ,i have had lots of jap cars from evos to skylines and if am honest i enjoy the 8er most,its more a laidback enjoy the drive car and its not really that bad on fuel,
Derin100, you thread has arrived.As a daily driver then its not a good prospect with the newest ones still being 11 years old. They were cutting edge when they were first built but much of the gadgets are now found on hot hatches........
BUT
You have the choice of a V12 or the baby V8. If looked after they will easily go 200,000m. They are extremely comfortable and just eat up the miles, a true Grand Tourer. They are NOT a sports car but still look fresh 20 years after they were designed.
Both will return around 20mpg, not too bad if its a weekend toy. Maintenance? Its much cheaper to run and repair than my X5 and that is 10 years newer and the 1996 850 is far more reliable than my 2003 X5.
8Tech.
BUT
You have the choice of a V12 or the baby V8. If looked after they will easily go 200,000m. They are extremely comfortable and just eat up the miles, a true Grand Tourer. They are NOT a sports car but still look fresh 20 years after they were designed.
Both will return around 20mpg, not too bad if its a weekend toy. Maintenance? Its much cheaper to run and repair than my X5 and that is 10 years newer and the 1996 850 is far more reliable than my 2003 X5.
8Tech.
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