840i M Sport Lease Deal
Discussion
Casa1862 said:
Funk said:
I'm at work at the mo but will reply in more depth later for you!
Edit: My thoughts as requested...
First thing to comment on is that my 5 is already 4.5 years old whereas I drove the 8 from new for nearly 2 and a half years so there's clearly going to be a delta between them in that regard. I've only had the 5 for around six weeks and was driving the 8 for the first two weeks of that. Second thing to point out is that my 5 has had....erm....a few issues since I bought it - I've been a little more familiar with the service dept at the dealer than I'd have liked. However that's not really relevant to the comparison as those problems are specific to my car rather than all 5-series in general - but I mention it as it could result in a little subconscious negative bias toward the 5 so bear that in mind!
Design-wise I think the 8 GC is one of BMW's best of the recent designs and doesn't really have a bad angle - most stuff from BMW of late looks, frankly, like a dog's dinner of a mess. The newest facelift 5 still escapes the MASSIVE GOPPING GRILLE, the G60 which will replace it it might not.. That said, I'm a fan of the G30 design too, it's a nicely-balanced look that actually belies the car's size (it's nearly as big as the 8 GC which is only 129mm longer and 64mm wider).
What the 5 has is loads more space inside than the 8 which for such an enormous car manages to have relatively little room inside - and the coupé's even worse! You'll struggle to get 4 adults in it comfortably and don't even think about trying to use the rear centre seat which is rendered moot by the massive console in the back. Whilst we're talking about the interior, have a look back over the thread about the B-pillar which constantly gets knocked adrift to the point of irritation. I eventually learned how to get in 97% of the time without knocking it out of place but passengers getting in the other side frequently did it and were mortified they'd damaged it. It's utter s
t design. It feels like you sit lower in the 8 than the 5 which I prefer, although that may just be a trick of the lower roofline perhaps.
The boots on both are enormous but access to the 5's is slightly better as it seems to be a larger, better-shaped aperture. Access to the rear seats of the 5 is miles better than the 8 which is compromised by the sloping roofline. The 8 comes with premium leather as standard (Merino) and you can really feel the difference between that and the cheaper Dakota in the 5 although I'm sure the 5 can have the option of better leather too.
The iDrives are different generations but weirdly I think I actually prefer the layout of the earlier one in the 5 (iDrive 6 I think, the 8 is iDrive 7) although I would love to have wireless Android Auto in the 5 (the 8 has it). I think the 5 actually has the nicer dash too, especially at night:
The digital dash on the 8 is better than the 5's though (and so it should be, being much newer). Neither is as good as Audi's Virtual Cockpit though.
My 5 is an SE (on 18s) where the 8 can only be had as an M-Sport (on 20s) - as such my 5 is way more comfortable and relaxing to drive but the 8 would run rings round it handling-wise. It would be interesting to see how things narrow between the 8 and a 5 on M-Sport suspension with a diff and bigger wheels etc - it'd probably be much closer and a 540i is slightly lighter than an 840i GC.
Built in 2017, my 5 is one of the earlier G30s and frankly it still feels more solid than the 2020 8 did when it left me - even at nearly five years old there's not a rattle or squeak to be heard from the 5's interior which wasn't something I could say about the 8 series at even a year old. The 5 gives a muted 'whump' over road imperfections where the 8-series got a bit crashy and noisy. In a blind test I'd probably actually perceive the 5 as the more premium of the two in that regard. I've said before that in my opinion the 8's 'Comfort' setting on the adaptive suspension is a little too firm and could do with dialling back further; there's surprisingly little difference between Comfort, Standard and Sport to be honest. I guess the 20" rims on the 8 don't help much (although Alpina for example manage to make their cars on 20s ride beautifully...).
I won't compare performance as my 5 has the B48 2.0 with around 250-ish HP whereas the 335HP B58 3.0 is the entry point in the 8 series. It's a great engine with plenty of shove to get the 8 moving along rather quickly and the long wheelbase and standard M-differential makes it a bit too easy to hang the arse out coming off even a mildly-moist roundabout if you're so inclined...
All that said, a lot of the things I prefer about the 8 could easily be optioned in the 5 (B58 engine, Merino leather, adaptive suspension, adaptive LED headlights etc) and you can have some stuff on the 5 that you can't on the 840i GC (such as xDrive and a passenger in the middle of the rear seat). I suspect a well-specced 2020 540i M-Sport would make the choice of an 8 much harder.
In the end I think it comes down to looks, space requirements and rarity; the 8 GC is by far the better looking car and you'll rarely see another one on the road. I had to get used to people stopping to ask what it was. However the 5 is much more practical and the more comfortable of the two in my opinion - the extra space inside is evident.
In a straight choice between a 2017 530i SE and the 2020 840i GC I would take the 8 of course. However, if the 5 was a well-specced 2020 model with all the same kit as the 8 in a more 'like-for-like' scenario that would be a trickier decision. But with prices of used 8s continuing to fall it'd probably still just about be my choice over a 5.
All that said, as mentioned earlier I've had several issues with my car specifically since purchase - I've only just got it back today from its latest dealer visit and it's (hopefully) sorted. It's had a complete re-code of the iDrive as for some unknown reason the HU decided it had been stolen and was in the 'wrong' car. As part of that the dealer's updated pretty much every module on the car which is something that wouldn't usually be done in the general course of servicing/maintenance - and it's added a couple of new features to the iDrive that weren't there before, even when I updated it with the official latest BMW update. It's had a new coolant tank today (as the sensor was suspect) and with the new engine mounts from a few weeks ago it's extremely smooth which rectifies all the stuff I complained about further up this thread. The ominous 'don't turn it off, it won't restart' warning and drivetrain fault didn't actually log any codes at all which is bizarre. The dealer's said to call immediately if it does it again.
The only thing left to do is the brake pads. Despite them still having plenty of meat left they're all being changed at the back end of this week in a bid to resolve the horrendous squealing - if it doesn't I'll change the discs too. Once that's done, I'm hoping it'll finally rectify the things that have irked me about this particular car and I can get on with enjoying it. I have to say that the dealer has been great getting stuff sorted under warranty and I'm very glad I went the Approved Used route.
Hope that helps somewhat in comparing the two cars!
That’s really useful info, thanks. I’ve read through all of the thread as I’m interested in an 8 series, I prefer the 2 door as I hardly have anyone in the back and I think it looks better.Edit: My thoughts as requested...
First thing to comment on is that my 5 is already 4.5 years old whereas I drove the 8 from new for nearly 2 and a half years so there's clearly going to be a delta between them in that regard. I've only had the 5 for around six weeks and was driving the 8 for the first two weeks of that. Second thing to point out is that my 5 has had....erm....a few issues since I bought it - I've been a little more familiar with the service dept at the dealer than I'd have liked. However that's not really relevant to the comparison as those problems are specific to my car rather than all 5-series in general - but I mention it as it could result in a little subconscious negative bias toward the 5 so bear that in mind!
Design-wise I think the 8 GC is one of BMW's best of the recent designs and doesn't really have a bad angle - most stuff from BMW of late looks, frankly, like a dog's dinner of a mess. The newest facelift 5 still escapes the MASSIVE GOPPING GRILLE, the G60 which will replace it it might not.. That said, I'm a fan of the G30 design too, it's a nicely-balanced look that actually belies the car's size (it's nearly as big as the 8 GC which is only 129mm longer and 64mm wider).
What the 5 has is loads more space inside than the 8 which for such an enormous car manages to have relatively little room inside - and the coupé's even worse! You'll struggle to get 4 adults in it comfortably and don't even think about trying to use the rear centre seat which is rendered moot by the massive console in the back. Whilst we're talking about the interior, have a look back over the thread about the B-pillar which constantly gets knocked adrift to the point of irritation. I eventually learned how to get in 97% of the time without knocking it out of place but passengers getting in the other side frequently did it and were mortified they'd damaged it. It's utter s
t design. It feels like you sit lower in the 8 than the 5 which I prefer, although that may just be a trick of the lower roofline perhaps.The boots on both are enormous but access to the 5's is slightly better as it seems to be a larger, better-shaped aperture. Access to the rear seats of the 5 is miles better than the 8 which is compromised by the sloping roofline. The 8 comes with premium leather as standard (Merino) and you can really feel the difference between that and the cheaper Dakota in the 5 although I'm sure the 5 can have the option of better leather too.
The iDrives are different generations but weirdly I think I actually prefer the layout of the earlier one in the 5 (iDrive 6 I think, the 8 is iDrive 7) although I would love to have wireless Android Auto in the 5 (the 8 has it). I think the 5 actually has the nicer dash too, especially at night:
The digital dash on the 8 is better than the 5's though (and so it should be, being much newer). Neither is as good as Audi's Virtual Cockpit though.
My 5 is an SE (on 18s) where the 8 can only be had as an M-Sport (on 20s) - as such my 5 is way more comfortable and relaxing to drive but the 8 would run rings round it handling-wise. It would be interesting to see how things narrow between the 8 and a 5 on M-Sport suspension with a diff and bigger wheels etc - it'd probably be much closer and a 540i is slightly lighter than an 840i GC.
Built in 2017, my 5 is one of the earlier G30s and frankly it still feels more solid than the 2020 8 did when it left me - even at nearly five years old there's not a rattle or squeak to be heard from the 5's interior which wasn't something I could say about the 8 series at even a year old. The 5 gives a muted 'whump' over road imperfections where the 8-series got a bit crashy and noisy. In a blind test I'd probably actually perceive the 5 as the more premium of the two in that regard. I've said before that in my opinion the 8's 'Comfort' setting on the adaptive suspension is a little too firm and could do with dialling back further; there's surprisingly little difference between Comfort, Standard and Sport to be honest. I guess the 20" rims on the 8 don't help much (although Alpina for example manage to make their cars on 20s ride beautifully...).
I won't compare performance as my 5 has the B48 2.0 with around 250-ish HP whereas the 335HP B58 3.0 is the entry point in the 8 series. It's a great engine with plenty of shove to get the 8 moving along rather quickly and the long wheelbase and standard M-differential makes it a bit too easy to hang the arse out coming off even a mildly-moist roundabout if you're so inclined...
All that said, a lot of the things I prefer about the 8 could easily be optioned in the 5 (B58 engine, Merino leather, adaptive suspension, adaptive LED headlights etc) and you can have some stuff on the 5 that you can't on the 840i GC (such as xDrive and a passenger in the middle of the rear seat). I suspect a well-specced 2020 540i M-Sport would make the choice of an 8 much harder.
In the end I think it comes down to looks, space requirements and rarity; the 8 GC is by far the better looking car and you'll rarely see another one on the road. I had to get used to people stopping to ask what it was. However the 5 is much more practical and the more comfortable of the two in my opinion - the extra space inside is evident.
In a straight choice between a 2017 530i SE and the 2020 840i GC I would take the 8 of course. However, if the 5 was a well-specced 2020 model with all the same kit as the 8 in a more 'like-for-like' scenario that would be a trickier decision. But with prices of used 8s continuing to fall it'd probably still just about be my choice over a 5.
All that said, as mentioned earlier I've had several issues with my car specifically since purchase - I've only just got it back today from its latest dealer visit and it's (hopefully) sorted. It's had a complete re-code of the iDrive as for some unknown reason the HU decided it had been stolen and was in the 'wrong' car. As part of that the dealer's updated pretty much every module on the car which is something that wouldn't usually be done in the general course of servicing/maintenance - and it's added a couple of new features to the iDrive that weren't there before, even when I updated it with the official latest BMW update. It's had a new coolant tank today (as the sensor was suspect) and with the new engine mounts from a few weeks ago it's extremely smooth which rectifies all the stuff I complained about further up this thread. The ominous 'don't turn it off, it won't restart' warning and drivetrain fault didn't actually log any codes at all which is bizarre. The dealer's said to call immediately if it does it again.
The only thing left to do is the brake pads. Despite them still having plenty of meat left they're all being changed at the back end of this week in a bid to resolve the horrendous squealing - if it doesn't I'll change the discs too. Once that's done, I'm hoping it'll finally rectify the things that have irked me about this particular car and I can get on with enjoying it. I have to say that the dealer has been great getting stuff sorted under warranty and I'm very glad I went the Approved Used route.
Hope that helps somewhat in comparing the two cars!
Edited by Funk on Wednesday 14th December 00:43
How did everyone get on with the size of the thing?? It’s a wide car and fair few country roads nearby me, this and parking does concern me a bit.
I’m in no rush and been keeping an eye on prices, £40k seems the entry price, one 840i with about 25k miles did go down to £36k but didn’t stay long at that price, £35/36k would be my jump in price, not sure how long before they get there, GC’s seem to be about the same price, with more coming onto the market it might not be too long before they come into budget.
I would go GC personally as you really have next to no room in the coupe and an even lower roofline to contend with regards to getting in and out. Plus there might be that odd time that four door and four seats come in handy.
rix said:
After about 8 months away from the 840i (and in the extreme contrast of a GR Yaris) I'm fairly certain I'm going back to a B58 in the form of a M340i. Will certainly not be as bargainous as the GC but I'm pretty excited at the prospect. I'm even liking the new style slab of screens on the dash, tho less so the absence of a proper gear selector...
Don't blame you. I'd love a touring one with cognac leather. Quote fancy the new 240 coupe now I've seen a few as well. I'm not taken by this mk8 gti clubsport at all really
rix said:
simonwhite2000 said:
Over 2 months now and still my car hasn't gone through the auction at Manheim. Odd to say the least.
I've always wondered whether this is to do with carefully choreographed release into the market, or simply due to poor organisation/stacked auction houses! Are you hoping to make a cheeky bid (if eligible) or just curious? The cheapest buy price I was offered was 46k. I don't think it will get 40k at auction but want to know!
mackie1 said:
Not spent much time in my new GR86 yet but I've already realised I've been massively spoiled by the refinement of the 840. I'd say the '86 has a better secondary ride however due to not having runflats and the primary ride is extremely well judged. Road noise is in a different league though!
Found the same with my GTI CS - road noise is way louder and I havent really got used to it!QueQwamo said:
For better clarity - I got offered to buy my car at 38k. I then checked with bca on pcp for 24 month with 4k down and have been given 370 on the monthlies for 8k.
The balloon payment at the end it soo ridiculous I would just hand back at that point.
Bargain. Lowest I got was £45k 6 months ago. I said to myself 40k or less I would buy it. The balloon payment at the end it soo ridiculous I would just hand back at that point.
simonwhite2000 said:
Never did see what happened to mine - looked on the Auto Trader many times but not seen it
Found it!https://www.williamsgroup.co.uk/used-vehicles/1566...
rix said:
simonwhite2000 said:
Yeah I still am a bit gutted about it going.
My dad is actually considering one - big spec with only 600 miles or a new 340i touring. I like both personally!
Just got my 340 this week. I have to say, it's absolutely fab. All the best bits of the 840 with not quite the excessive length/width, but with the bonus of added practicality and a bit better performance. It really reminds me of the 8 to drive with great refinement when you need it, and a proper naughty split personality when you plant your foot with everything turned up to ten. Its good to be back with the B58/ZF8 combo...My dad is actually considering one - big spec with only 600 miles or a new 340i touring. I like both personally!
rix said:
simonwhite2000 said:
How would you rate the ride comfort vs the 840?
I would say they are very comparable, with the 340 maybe slightly firmer overall. It's on RFTs but a slightly smaller 19" compared to the 840 which might compensate slightly for the marginally firmer ride. It has adaptive suspension as standard but I must admit I don't feel a night and day difference between the settings This is the 8 he was looking at vs a new Touring order which at his spec was around £55k
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202303064950871...
Regbuser said:
You can buy the black grille and trims easily enough, from places like eBay
Try Ali Express aswell. Or go back through this forum in the earlier pages and someone put a link to the grille and you could get the other bits as well. Or go to the dealer for grille side vents and exhaust trim pieces
time waster said:
simonwhite2000 said:
Missing the 8 series. Still a bit frustrated Leasys offered me 45k at the lowest and it ended up at a BMW dealer for sale at 40k so must have gone through the auction for what, 38k max.
If leasys had said 40k I would have bitten. That cognac interior was divine.
why didn't you buy it from the dealer for 40K?If leasys had said 40k I would have bitten. That cognac interior was divine.
Audis5b9 said:
Funk said:
I thought so too until I saw this:
Navarra Blue dropped to second place once I saw that one...
That green is stunning.
Not finding the suspension too firm personally, I think it rides really well (mine's on standard suspension). It's no firmer than the 840i was imo.
That green with red looks spot on. I originally ordered Navarra but then fell in love with the red leather interior and didnt like the blue/ red combo so ended up with grey exterior / red interior. Navarra Blue dropped to second place once I saw that one...
That green is stunning.Not finding the suspension too firm personally, I think it rides really well (mine's on standard suspension). It's no firmer than the 840i was imo.
Gunna get told off by regbuster now for talking about Audis again
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