8 Series - Advice please
Discussion
Hi All,
I currently drive a TVR Chimaera, it was a 2nd car but due to some recent matrimonial altercations (I think thats a nice way of putting it) it has become my only car. It has been great during the summer and is used to dry miles, but I cant see the winter being much fun with it as my only car...... SO
I am thinking of getting an 8 series. I've always liked them and I think that they are the same money as the Chim.
Any advice?
I cant seem to find many manual ones??
840 or 850??
Performance?
Thanks.
Oli
I currently drive a TVR Chimaera, it was a 2nd car but due to some recent matrimonial altercations (I think thats a nice way of putting it) it has become my only car. It has been great during the summer and is used to dry miles, but I cant see the winter being much fun with it as my only car...... SO
I am thinking of getting an 8 series. I've always liked them and I think that they are the same money as the Chim.
Any advice?
I cant seem to find many manual ones??
840 or 850??
Performance?
Thanks.
Oli
You would need to do your homework to avoid very, very big bills.
The 840 CI is as fast as the 850 and less thirsty and mechanically complex (watch out for the nikasil issue though), but an 850 CSI (5,6 litre V12, 380 bhp and manual) may be a better bet.
The word "warranty" springs to mind, and it may be worth seeking out one from a BMW dealer.
I take it you have also considered the E39 M5, which may be a better bet, really?
The 840 CI is as fast as the 850 and less thirsty and mechanically complex (watch out for the nikasil issue though), but an 850 CSI (5,6 litre V12, 380 bhp and manual) may be a better bet.
The word "warranty" springs to mind, and it may be worth seeking out one from a BMW dealer.
I take it you have also considered the E39 M5, which may be a better bet, really?
manuals were very rare. a fair number of steptronics were made so this might be what you look for instead.
roughly speaking both have similar performance.
as far as i have been able to find out it doesnt matter that much about miles on the engine. what really matters is how well it has been looked after. so i would agree with earlier posts and say that warranty would be very nice and getting it properly checked out would seem like a decent idea.
chris
roughly speaking both have similar performance.
as far as i have been able to find out it doesnt matter that much about miles on the engine. what really matters is how well it has been looked after. so i would agree with earlier posts and say that warranty would be very nice and getting it properly checked out would seem like a decent idea.
chris
The 850 is drive by wire where as the 840 conventional throttle so allthough on paper its less power it is more driveable if that makes sense, plus the 840 is easier to work on 
The 850 CSI is manual and more power have a go in one if you can find one
There are clean ones out there I have an 840 in for an Inspection one with 86000 on the clock and it's immaculate, very nice but I wouldn't want to own one to dear to run.
The 850 CSI is manual and more power have a go in one if you can find one
There are clean ones out there I have an 840 in for an Inspection one with 86000 on the clock and it's immaculate, very nice but I wouldn't want to own one to dear to run.
Thanks All, lots to think about there.
I havent considered the E39 M5, what sort of money are they? Also, are they any cheaper to run? Everyone seems to be mentioning running costs, but surely the M5 is the same?
850csi would be great, but a good one is close to £20k and for that money I would go for the ZMCoupe.
I guess the real problem that I'm facing is that I want to keep the performance of the TVR with rear wheel drive, but with a roof and a bit of comfort for everyday...... Any other suggestions welcome, but I thought that a BMW would provide all of the above with reliability.
SO..... let me know if you know anyone with a post '96 840ci with FBMWSH that still has its BMW Warranty and wants a Chimaera. I dont ask for much do I!!!
I havent considered the E39 M5, what sort of money are they? Also, are they any cheaper to run? Everyone seems to be mentioning running costs, but surely the M5 is the same?
850csi would be great, but a good one is close to £20k and for that money I would go for the ZMCoupe.
I guess the real problem that I'm facing is that I want to keep the performance of the TVR with rear wheel drive, but with a roof and a bit of comfort for everyday...... Any other suggestions welcome, but I thought that a BMW would provide all of the above with reliability.
SO..... let me know if you know anyone with a post '96 840ci with FBMWSH that still has its BMW Warranty and wants a Chimaera. I dont ask for much do I!!!
)I wouldn't compare the M-Coupe to the 850csi - the M-Coupe is a point & squirt sports car, the 850csi is a quick GT.
I'd love an 850csi (and I've almost bought one on two or three occasions), but as I need 4/5 seats both that and the M-Coupe are out - along with all the TVRs I fancy.
For the £20k you'd spend on an e39 M5, 850csi, or M-Coupe - I would go for a sensible (but quick) 4/5 seater and a second car for fun - M-Roadster, 840/850i.
I'd love an 850csi (and I've almost bought one on two or three occasions), but as I need 4/5 seats both that and the M-Coupe are out - along with all the TVRs I fancy.
For the £20k you'd spend on an e39 M5, 850csi, or M-Coupe - I would go for a sensible (but quick) 4/5 seater and a second car for fun - M-Roadster, 840/850i.
Take a good look at an M5. 8xx could get very expensive (yes, even compared to an m5!). Theres a thread on this forum about tvr<>bmw upgrades(?)
One other thing that put me off them is that someone once described them as a "rich mans ford probe" - And i can sorta agree! (Having actually owned a ford probe...ughh.)
>> Edited by eliot on Thursday 25th August 10:45
One other thing that put me off them is that someone once described them as a "rich mans ford probe" - And i can sorta agree! (Having actually owned a ford probe...ughh.)
>> Edited by eliot on Thursday 25th August 10:45
olih said:
Well, the decision could have been made for me.....
Take a look at the 850csi that was posted on the pistonheads classifieds today. Its a thing of beauty and still has its BMW warranty!!
Oh well, the house will have to wait.
How nice is that car ?????
Lovely especially with the warranty still running a safer than normal bet it wont cost you a fortune in the future.
Perhaps consider keeping your TVR and buy a banger of some sort for winter duty? When we have what little snow as we get here, M3 stays in the garage, thanks, and I drive the old Scirocco.
It's possible to have only one car and drive it year round, and still keep it really nice, but it's hard to do. Much easier to keep a banger.
Or as a temporary dodge lease a small Toyota, something like that, if you have to have a "presentable" car in your job...
The 850 CSI is a GREAT car IMHO but I don't see it as that different in performance envelope to your TVR.
It's possible to have only one car and drive it year round, and still keep it really nice, but it's hard to do. Much easier to keep a banger.
Or as a temporary dodge lease a small Toyota, something like that, if you have to have a "presentable" car in your job...
The 850 CSI is a GREAT car IMHO but I don't see it as that different in performance envelope to your TVR.
Two things: First - Keep the TVR, get a runaraound for less than a grand, and it'll soon be spring. PS That £6.500 grand one is still for sale on here, just incase.
Second - the 8 series hankering's over as quick as it came. Reminded me of all the hassles with the XJS and sounds like twice the price. Nice thread. Therapeutic before bed
>> Edited by shadowfax on Monday 10th October 23:25
Second - the 8 series hankering's over as quick as it came. Reminded me of all the hassles with the XJS and sounds like twice the price. Nice thread. Therapeutic before bed
>> Edited by shadowfax on Monday 10th October 23:25
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