8 series, what are they like?
Discussion
pits said:
E21_Ross said:
hmmm think i'll leave it then. thank for the replie guys, have been really helpful. sounds like they are too muh maintenance to be honest, although lovely cars. maybe one day!
I really don't like discouraging people buying an 8 series as they are probably one of the best cars on the road today infact I took ours out the otherday and parked up it gots lots of attention and someone asked"Private reg? Cant really be a 95 model can it?"
It is just the maintenance and bits which are the killer on them, buying an 8 series you need to go in with the mind set of
It will go wrong, it will be expensive to fix.
Thats how so many 8 series have got trashed over the years, because people don't want to pay the maintenance costs of a 70k+ car its like buying an Aston or Ferrari and trying to run it like a Fiesta.
If you want an 840 and I mean really want one, save a fair bit of cash and buy the best you can get dont be afraid to walk away from cars, but you need that buffer zone for repairs you need to know that if something fails you can have it repaired asap and not have it sat on the drive.
If you can afford it do it, as there is nothing out there like an 840 which I dont care what anyone says, it is the ultimate 2+2 GT car feck your Astons etc 8 series all day everyday, besides that last time I checked the Aston did not come with a purpose built sack to put ones skis in, not that I own any skis or feel the need to ski, but it's a selling point.
But also as said above "buy the best you can".
I don't especially want to get into the "one marque is better than another scenario" but a couple of years ago I had occasion to go and look at a Ferrari for sale in our village for sale with a local chap who advertises here on PH as a Ferrari seller etc etc etc....
He had a 348 in black that he was selling and I went to look and decided to go (embarrassingly) in my 840Ci Sport.
The Ferrari 348 looked like a complete joke in comparison! We both seemed embarrassed. Him for the Ferrari...and me for making the Ferrari 348 look so....well, 'embarrassing'!
His wife further compounded it by coming out with the embarrassing quip about the 8-Series being the "size of a light aircraft"...
Yes Dear..And the Ferrari looks little better than the Fiat X19 joke parked next to it...now shut up before you make matters even more embarrassing!
Against the financial trend a couple of yeasrs ago I was faced (due to the usual "too many cars") with the choice of selling my E30 M3 vs my 840Ci Sport. hard though it was I made the decision.
My E30 M3 now resides in Italy...my 840Ci Sport won the nod and is still here:
http://www.bmwclassics.co.uk/features/index.html
Edited by derin100 on Friday 18th December 00:36
derin100 said:
pits said:
E21_Ross said:
hmmm think i'll leave it then. thank for the replie guys, have been really helpful. sounds like they are too muh maintenance to be honest, although lovely cars. maybe one day!
I really don't like discouraging people buying an 8 series as they are probably one of the best cars on the road today infact I took ours out the otherday and parked up it gots lots of attention and someone asked"Private reg? Cant really be a 95 model can it?"
It is just the maintenance and bits which are the killer on them, buying an 8 series you need to go in with the mind set of
It will go wrong, it will be expensive to fix.
Thats how so many 8 series have got trashed over the years, because people don't want to pay the maintenance costs of a 70k+ car its like buying an Aston or Ferrari and trying to run it like a Fiesta.
If you want an 840 and I mean really want one, save a fair bit of cash and buy the best you can get dont be afraid to walk away from cars, but you need that buffer zone for repairs you need to know that if something fails you can have it repaired asap and not have it sat on the drive.
If you can afford it do it, as there is nothing out there like an 840 which I dont care what anyone says, it is the ultimate 2+2 GT car feck your Astons etc 8 series all day everyday, besides that last time I checked the Aston did not come with a purpose built sack to put ones skis in, not that I own any skis or feel the need to ski, but it's a selling point.
But also as said above "buy the best you can".
I don't especially want to get into the "one marque is better than another scenario" but a couple of years ago I had occasion to go and look at a Ferrari for sale in our village for sale with a local chap who advertises here on PH as a Ferrari seller etc etc etc....
He had a 348 in black that he was selling and I went to look and decided to go (embarrassingly) in my 840Ci Sport.
The Ferrari 348 looked like a complete joke in comparison! We both seemed embarrassed. Him for the Ferrari...and me for making the Ferrari 348 look so....well, 'embarrassing'!
His wife further compounded it by coming out with the embarrassing quip about the 8-Series being the "size of a light aircraft"...
Yes Dear..And the Ferrari looks little better than the Fiat X19 joke parked next to it...now shut up before you make matters even more embarrassing!
Against the financial trend a couple of yeasrs ago I was faced (due to the usual "too many cars") with the choice of selling my E30 M3 vs my 840Ci Sport. hard though it was I made the decision.
My E30 M3 now resides in Italy...my 840Ci Sport won the nod and is still here:
http://www.bmwclassics.co.uk/features/index.html
Edited by derin100 on Friday 18th December 00:36
derin100 said:
pits said:
E21_Ross said:
hmmm think i'll leave it then. thank for the replie guys, have been really helpful. sounds like they are too muh maintenance to be honest, although lovely cars. maybe one day!
I really don't like discouraging people buying an 8 series as they are probably one of the best cars on the road today infact I took ours out the otherday and parked up it gots lots of attention and someone asked"Private reg? Cant really be a 95 model can it?"
It is just the maintenance and bits which are the killer on them, buying an 8 series you need to go in with the mind set of
It will go wrong, it will be expensive to fix.
Thats how so many 8 series have got trashed over the years, because people don't want to pay the maintenance costs of a 70k+ car its like buying an Aston or Ferrari and trying to run it like a Fiesta.
If you want an 840 and I mean really want one, save a fair bit of cash and buy the best you can get dont be afraid to walk away from cars, but you need that buffer zone for repairs you need to know that if something fails you can have it repaired asap and not have it sat on the drive.
If you can afford it do it, as there is nothing out there like an 840 which I dont care what anyone says, it is the ultimate 2+2 GT car feck your Astons etc 8 series all day everyday, besides that last time I checked the Aston did not come with a purpose built sack to put ones skis in, not that I own any skis or feel the need to ski, but it's a selling point.
But also as said above "buy the best you can".
I don't especially want to get into the "one marque is better than another scenario" but a couple of years ago I had occasion to go and look at a Ferrari for sale in our village for sale with a local chap who advertises here on PH as a Ferrari seller etc etc etc....
He had a 348 in black that he was selling and I went to look and decided to go (embarrassingly) in my 840Ci Sport.
The Ferrari 348 looked like a complete joke in comparison! We both seemed embarrassed. Him for the Ferrari...and me for making the Ferrari 348 look so....well, 'embarrassing'!
His wife further compounded it by coming out with the embarrassing quip about the 8-Series being the "size of a light aircraft"...
Yes Dear..And the Ferrari looks little better than the Fiat X19 joke parked next to it...now shut up before you make matters even more embarrassing!
Against the financial trend a couple of yeasrs ago I was faced (due to the usual "too many cars") with the choice of selling my E30 M3 vs my 840Ci Sport. hard though it was I made the decision.
My E30 M3 now resides in Italy...my 840Ci Sport won the nod and is still here:
http://www.bmwclassics.co.uk/features/index.html
Edited by derin100 on Friday 18th December 00:36
I was a BMW Technician for 10 years and worked on a lot of 8 series. The V12 isn't fun to service, spark plugs in particular are very difficult to get to. We would often get an 8 series in for a service and as you drove it in you could see a £2k bill looming. They are very heavy cars and get through tyres, brakes and suspension quickly. The susp and steering has lots of bushes and links to wear out. We didn't have any 840s with Nikasil problems in the garage I worked at from 1994-2004. The nickname in the workshop for the 8 was "The BMW Capri". Interior space is tight if you're over 6". If you want one it's certainly distinctive just be aware it's not a cheap car to run.
helix402 said:
I was a BMW Technician for 10 years and worked on a lot of 8 series. The V12 isn't fun to service, spark plugs in particular are very difficult to get to. We would often get an 8 series in for a service and as you drove it in you could see a £2k bill looming. They are very heavy cars and get through tyres, brakes and suspension quickly. The susp and steering has lots of bushes and links to wear out. We didn't have any 840s with Nikasil problems in the garage I worked at from 1994-2004. The nickname in the workshop for the 8 was "The BMW Capri". Interior space is tight if you're over 6". If you want one it's certainly distinctive just be aware it's not a cheap car to run.
The same has been said by both Nigel Moseley and by another chap (Pete) who helps me on the mechanical side of my cars who is a retired BMW Head Tech of 25 years standing.I remember years ago one of the first things Nigel ever said to me when I was booking my E30 M3 in with him was: "We can't do it that day...we've got an 850CSi coming that day...and they're a complete nightmare to service!"
I don't know how true it is but Pete also mentioned (as you did) how difficult the spark plugs were on the V12 E31 and having to virtually (or even actually!) stand on the engine to get to them.
I'm 6'2" and don't find front space an issue at all...but rear accommodation behind me is then strictly limited to bilateral amputees.
Using the spark plug tool that comes in the tool kit of the 8, plug replacement is relatively straight forward. There's no reason to be scared of the V12 - admittedly it's more complicated that a boring 4 or 6 cylinder engine but it's not rocket science.
I recently replaced all the spark plugs on my V12, the rearward two are almost under the bulkhead and a bit fiddly to get at but not impossible and definitely no nightmare-
I recently replaced all the spark plugs on my V12, the rearward two are almost under the bulkhead and a bit fiddly to get at but not impossible and definitely no nightmare-
I can imagine the V12 being fiddly the V8 is cramped enough in the engine bay
Not the best of picture, but you get an idea of just how cramped the back is, a normal adult doesn't really fit, but if you wriggle around for a bit you will find it is the most comfiest passenger place to be
I can live with all of its faults, every single one of them just to have the pleasure of using the car, it really is a dream car and it looks stunning.
I know I have said it and a few others but if you don't have that £1k tucked away for when it breaks, not if it breaks, I would say to anyone buy an 8 series, best car in its league imho for looks and styling, comfort and luxury etc.
But if you can't afford to replace bits or service it, then dont bother, not saying your the type of person who would buy a car, and when it starts to show signs of problems sell it on, but so many 8s have been ruined because of people buying them, something goes wrong, s
t, 1k+ repair bill minimum, sell it on cheap, it gets "fixed" ie bodged by some garage with no knowledge of them, and they just deteriorate from there, looked at so many bad 840s.
One very important point I haven't touched on, is for the love of christ buy one that has had diy electrical work, check as much as you can electrical wise, as to be fair the electrics are st in an 840, and the problems that do occur are sometimes bodged, few that we looked at had things done and you could see the repair bills mounting up, one we looked at, nothing really worked electrically, seats didnt work properly, some of the controls were funny, then you found evidence of electrical work.
I think what sometimes is neglected to be mentioned with the 8, is that although they cost a lot of money, the build quality is that of a 3 series, which isn't a bad thing in itself, as BMW build quality is pretty good, but to use the build quality from a lower model car on a high end car didn't really work, its like (again I will use the reference) Aston Martin getting building their cars like they were Fiestas it wont work, hence why the expensive repair bills, like the suspension system.
What I have picked up with the 8 series and buying one is the following checklist
Bodywork condition most of them have been bumped at some point big or small, so check for accident damage, as the 8 series will get written off easily these days and most are usually bought back by the owners and repaired, so check quality of repairs if any.
Service history, BMW service history is good, but check for specialist service history, avoid one that has back street garage stamps in the book, not saying back street garages are bad, but there is hardly any kitted out to work on an 8
Engine, to be fair not alot goes wrong with them just check head gaskets and oil leaks
Gearbox same, just check for leaks
Electrically covered above really
Owners, check how many owners, we found the more owners the worse the car, but one or two were immaculate with several owners, mostly BMW enthussiasts, your best bet is to buy one from someone who has bought a well looked after car, or looked after theirs well, like I have said took us 9 years to find ours, one owner from new who was a BMW nut.
You just do need to bear in mind that it will break, ours has just thrown up a fault for no reason, its a pretty good one aswell
If the boot is open with the lights on, everything is fine, you can put the fogs on and reverse.
Close the boot with the fog lights on, and one number plate light goes out, the reverse lights come on really dim and one foglight goes out, I have had the lights out, check the earths, the switches etc no idea whats causing it, will cost a fair bit to fix I would imagine, as it needs to go to a specialist to fault find, and fix the fault not bypass it.
However even after all that the feeling as you drive the car knowing full well this thing will get you across continents in a day and you will feel good after it will never get old
Not the best of picture, but you get an idea of just how cramped the back is, a normal adult doesn't really fit, but if you wriggle around for a bit you will find it is the most comfiest passenger place to be
I can live with all of its faults, every single one of them just to have the pleasure of using the car, it really is a dream car and it looks stunning.
I know I have said it and a few others but if you don't have that £1k tucked away for when it breaks, not if it breaks, I would say to anyone buy an 8 series, best car in its league imho for looks and styling, comfort and luxury etc.
But if you can't afford to replace bits or service it, then dont bother, not saying your the type of person who would buy a car, and when it starts to show signs of problems sell it on, but so many 8s have been ruined because of people buying them, something goes wrong, s
t, 1k+ repair bill minimum, sell it on cheap, it gets "fixed" ie bodged by some garage with no knowledge of them, and they just deteriorate from there, looked at so many bad 840s.One very important point I haven't touched on, is for the love of christ buy one that has had diy electrical work, check as much as you can electrical wise, as to be fair the electrics are s
t in an 840, and the problems that do occur are sometimes bodged, few that we looked at had things done and you could see the repair bills mounting up, one we looked at, nothing really worked electrically, seats didnt work properly, some of the controls were funny, then you found evidence of electrical work.I think what sometimes is neglected to be mentioned with the 8, is that although they cost a lot of money, the build quality is that of a 3 series, which isn't a bad thing in itself, as BMW build quality is pretty good, but to use the build quality from a lower model car on a high end car didn't really work, its like (again I will use the reference) Aston Martin getting building their cars like they were Fiestas it wont work, hence why the expensive repair bills, like the suspension system.
What I have picked up with the 8 series and buying one is the following checklist
Bodywork condition most of them have been bumped at some point big or small, so check for accident damage, as the 8 series will get written off easily these days and most are usually bought back by the owners and repaired, so check quality of repairs if any.
Service history, BMW service history is good, but check for specialist service history, avoid one that has back street garage stamps in the book, not saying back street garages are bad, but there is hardly any kitted out to work on an 8
Engine, to be fair not alot goes wrong with them just check head gaskets and oil leaks
Gearbox same, just check for leaks
Electrically covered above really
Owners, check how many owners, we found the more owners the worse the car, but one or two were immaculate with several owners, mostly BMW enthussiasts, your best bet is to buy one from someone who has bought a well looked after car, or looked after theirs well, like I have said took us 9 years to find ours, one owner from new who was a BMW nut.
You just do need to bear in mind that it will break, ours has just thrown up a fault for no reason, its a pretty good one aswell
If the boot is open with the lights on, everything is fine, you can put the fogs on and reverse.
Close the boot with the fog lights on, and one number plate light goes out, the reverse lights come on really dim and one foglight goes out, I have had the lights out, check the earths, the switches etc no idea whats causing it, will cost a fair bit to fix I would imagine, as it needs to go to a specialist to fault find, and fix the fault not bypass it.
However even after all that the feeling as you drive the car knowing full well this thing will get you across continents in a day and you will feel good after it will never get old
I agree with Chester Drawers [Hi Jason]There is no need to panic when owning a 8
Over the years I've had 6 different examples & none had any big issues ,all maintainance was done in 'Back street garages" after all it's not actually a Maserati now is it
the 8 is quite simple to work on really albeit space is tight.
My last car was bought via Ebay for £3500, 93 model V12 to which I spent £2000 getting it 'right' I then sold it for £7500, nice work if you can get it
When the right deal comes along I'll be after another
Over the years I've had 6 different examples & none had any big issues ,all maintainance was done in 'Back street garages"
after all it's not actually a Maserati now is it the 8 is quite simple to work on really albeit space is tight.My last car was bought via Ebay for £3500, 93 model V12 to which I spent £2000 getting it 'right' I then sold it for £7500, nice work if you can get it
When the right deal comes along I'll be after another
I have removed the lights and the boot carpet on the lid itself, will double check it again though, could be a simple break and short on the body work.
Ross they are great cars mind, the only thing that lets ours down is the state of the paintwork when we bought it, so far about 65 hours into correcting the paint, the only issue we have is the nose and a bit of the wing which the p/o touched up in normal rattle can type paint with no clear coat, and the 8 is clearcoated, even with those 2 bits the paint has come up lovely now, will put some more pics to show you what I mean.
Ross they are great cars mind, the only thing that lets ours down is the state of the paintwork when we bought it, so far about 65 hours into correcting the paint, the only issue we have is the nose and a bit of the wing which the p/o touched up in normal rattle can type paint with no clear coat, and the 8 is clearcoated, even with those 2 bits the paint has come up lovely now, will put some more pics to show you what I mean.
helix402 said:
Re your light fault pits, you may have a broken wire or wires running to the rear lights. I think it runs along one of the boot hinges if I remember correctly.
+1Edited by helix402 on Monday 21st December 10:42
This happens to the E36's and makes the lights do all sorts of weird things.
well i have to add that i have an 840ci 4.4 sport ,its a low miles car with 48k miles bought it with full history and it has every mot to date,i just thought i would post this as i am so glad i have an 8 series,so anyone thinking about buying one of the best bmw's ever made i would highly recomend one,oh it seem's to be the v12 that gets all the bother,i did lots of research and i think i got the best of the best as the 4.4 is the one to go for,
Definitely not the V12's that have any trouble. Its the neglected cars that have the trouble.
The V12 engines are long lasting and superb. The V8's (in comparison) lack a little low down grunt in my opinion. Both are easy to maintain and not too dear as long as you find a mechanic with e31 knowledge. Ive done a full rebuild on two now (and about to do a third) and can confirm that they really are beautifully made. The e31 is a fabulous and very useable every day car and a formidable trans continental tourer. I'd never be without one!
The V12 engines are long lasting and superb. The V8's (in comparison) lack a little low down grunt in my opinion. Both are easy to maintain and not too dear as long as you find a mechanic with e31 knowledge. Ive done a full rebuild on two now (and about to do a third) and can confirm that they really are beautifully made. The e31 is a fabulous and very useable every day car and a formidable trans continental tourer. I'd never be without one!
Talkwrench said:
Definitely not the V12's that have any trouble. Its the neglected cars that have the trouble.
The V12 engines are long lasting and superb. The V8's (in comparison) lack a little low down grunt in my opinion. Both are easy to maintain and not too dear as long as you find a mechanic with e31 knowledge. Ive done a full rebuild on two now (and about to do a third) and can confirm that they really are beautifully made. The e31 is a fabulous and very useable every day car and a formidable trans continental tourer. I'd never be without one!
Well am man enought to take wat i said back as i have no experiance with them only that i have read that the v12 has electrical gremlins,If am honest with you sir i think the biggest problem seems to be people talking about things thay know nothing about and proberly never owned an 8 series.merry xmasThe V12 engines are long lasting and superb. The V8's (in comparison) lack a little low down grunt in my opinion. Both are easy to maintain and not too dear as long as you find a mechanic with e31 knowledge. Ive done a full rebuild on two now (and about to do a third) and can confirm that they really are beautifully made. The e31 is a fabulous and very useable every day car and a formidable trans continental tourer. I'd never be without one!
johnnywas said:
Talkwrench said:
Definitely not the V12's that have any trouble. Its the neglected cars that have the trouble.
The V12 engines are long lasting and superb. The V8's (in comparison) lack a little low down grunt in my opinion. Both are easy to maintain and not too dear as long as you find a mechanic with e31 knowledge. Ive done a full rebuild on two now (and about to do a third) and can confirm that they really are beautifully made. The e31 is a fabulous and very useable every day car and a formidable trans continental tourer. I'd never be without one!
Well am man enought to take wat i said back as i have no experiance with them only that i have read that the v12 has electrical gremlins,If am honest with you sir i think the biggest problem seems to be people talking about things thay know nothing about and proberly never owned an 8 series.merry xmasThe V12 engines are long lasting and superb. The V8's (in comparison) lack a little low down grunt in my opinion. Both are easy to maintain and not too dear as long as you find a mechanic with e31 knowledge. Ive done a full rebuild on two now (and about to do a third) and can confirm that they really are beautifully made. The e31 is a fabulous and very useable every day car and a formidable trans continental tourer. I'd never be without one!
Every time the 8 gets a mention on here out come the opinions of people who clearly have never owned one, be it an 840 or 850...they know best
Actually, i think that some people that do own one aren't so knowledgeable about them
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