BMW 8 series Gran Coupe - Is it too large for UK roads?

[Ecosseven]

Afternoon all,

Considering an early 840i GC as a daily driver. Car looks good value, well equipped, quick enough, spacious, etc. However it is almost 5.1m long. Whilst there are clearly bigger vehicles on the road in the UK will the size of the car be a pain in car parks, city centres, and down narrow country lanes? I would be interested to hear from owners on their experience living with the car. Some photos below from different angles.

Thanks.

Edited by Ecosseven on Thursday 8th January 17:15

[Muzzer79]

I have a G60 5 series, which is just over 5m

It's a bit of a pain in car parks.

I do a lot of motorway miles so it's size makes it comfortable for that, but it feels a little like a cruise ship maneuvering sometimes, when all you want to do is nip into the Co-Op for some milk.

It also overhangs a lot of spaces in terms of length.

I guess it depends what you're used to. If you had a Range Rover for example, it wouldn't be an issue. If you're coming from a 3 series, for example, you'd notice it.

[Wills2]

I've run 2 G chassis 7 series (same platform and size as the 8 series) and no they are not too big for the UK, just choose your parking space wisely they are narrower than an X5 same width as an X3 just a bit longer than them all.

[Funk]

It is large - but it's also somehow small inside! I don't think I'd have another one.

[The Gauge]

I don't know how they differ size wise to my 7 Series but I don't find my car too big for the roads, but as Wills2 said you do look for the most suitable parking space, partly due to the long doors requiring space to open enough to get back in etc. For car parks you visit frequently you get to learn which spaces are best. If out with the wife I drop her off and them go park.

Would love to own an 8 Series Gran Coupe but they aren't approved for towing, which I need.

[Night Owl]

I've got a G31. It is just slightly shorter, and I find it to be my absolute limit on German roads, which are often a bit wider than UK roads.

Got a neighbor with an M8, and he seems to do ok.

I guess you just need to try it.

[Maxus]

I’ve got a 6 GC which is similar size (over 5m long). Driving around is no problem at all.
Parking is the only time you consider the size. Parallel parking obviously needs a decent space. Most normal car parks are fine. I’d give certain spaces a miss if they have pillars behind etc.

The only times it’s a concern is car parks with narrow high curbed roads with corners. The low front and long wheelbase need extra caution so as not to scuff the bumper or a wheel.

Superb cars and the size is part of the luxurious feel.

[Mirinjawbro]

I had a 640d.

Every corner of the car had scratches and none were from me. I assume car parks etc

I also had an mot place ding the back I assume when moving it around the workshop and I didnt notice until home. They denied it of course

Great car just too big for the UK for me

[danb79]

I can't see why...

I never had issues with my F01 when it came to parking etc and where we live in Lancashire were surrounded by narrow country roads and single track lanes etc...

You soon get used to the size and capabilities etc

[Deviation]

I took an M850i for a test drive and found it very large on the road.

Drove it down some country roads and the long bonnet paired with low seating position made it quite intimidating with oncoming traffic.

[a340driver]

TBH I get pissed off parking my F82 M4, it's way too big for what's supposedly a 3 series coupe. It's difficult to see where the front is and without the camera/sensors reversing would be difficult visually.

[a340driver]

I also have a mate with an 840 and it's ridiculous in the cotswolds!

[Wills2]

danb79 said:

I can't see why...

I never had issues with my F01 when it came to parking etc and where we live in Lancashire were surrounded by narrow country roads and single track lanes etc...

You soon get used to the size and capabilities etc

TBF whilst I'm sure you have no issues and neither did I, everyday I witness people driving cars that are far too big for their capabilities, some people really struggle to place a car on a narrow road, not that it stops them buying the car or driving on those roads.

[TrevorHill]

They look quite big but feel a lot smaller when you get behind the wheel. I’ve driven an M8 Competition on local roads and it’s surprisingly good. I won’t say nimble but the handling is pretty decent. Lot of power in a straight line.
I imagine it would be a good car for a long journey. I found it to be very comfortable.

[MitchT]

I toyed with the idea of an 840i Coupé but in the end the only thing putting me off more than the size of the car was the size of the annual warranty renewal premium, at £2,400. Considering where I go, where I park, etc., it just wasn't going to be practical to have a car of that size. If I did a lot of long distance journeys on A roads and motorways and had a little shed for bumming around in then an 8 Series would make perfect sense.

[Regbuser]

840 GC owner here



Very good on proper roads, not so good on potholed lanes.
Choose your parking spaces with care.
I like it, comfy and fast enough.
Mpg about 30.

[Ecosseven]

Afternoon all,

OP here. Thanks for all the replies. I'll have another look and arrange a test drive before I make my final decision. Having given the matter more thought my gut feeling is that I think the size would probably prove challenging in car parks and down country lanes, especially when combined with the low driving position.

Thanks again for all the replies.

[Ecosseven]

Regbuser said:

840 GC owner here



Very good on proper roads, not so good on potholed lanes.
Choose your parking spaces with care.
I like it, comfy and fast enough.
Mpg about 30.

Lovely car! Is that Dravit Grey?

[Regbuser]

Yes, DG with cognac interior

[Ezra]

I've had 2 of these 840 GC's in the last few years. They're awesome cars in every respect, apart from the ride which can be a bit harsh...not helped by run flats. I think the 850 GC had air suspension as an option but these are true hens teeth...the ride would be way better if you could find one of these. I live in a typical W. Yorks village which has its share of steep, narrow, challenging roads. Sure, its a big car and where I live there's a need to be careful, but on regular A & B roads, no problem what so ever.

The tech is good, we had HUD, ventilated seats, HK audio, pano roof etc. Lovely inside, esp the blue one with cream leather. Plenty of space. Mine were both Xdrive diesels....45mpg easy, >50 regularly.