The BMW 8 series was a stunning and distinctive 2+2 coupe which
was offered with a range of V8 and V12 engine sizes. During
its time it sat near the top of BMW's product range, and respect
for the car still remains high even years after production ceased.
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The 850 still retains a huge following |
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Rather heavy for its size, the 8 series is sometimes critised
for this flaw. However as a long distance tourer not many cars
can compete with the 8 series. However it should be remembered
that this is no nimble sports car, more a mile eating luxury
car with buckets of style and character.
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review by anonymous:
While the 850CSi is considered the most desirable of the 8-Series
lineup, the most overlooked and perhaps the most under valued
of all 8-Series is perhaps the 1997 BMW 840Ci. The 850CSi equipped
with the V-12 is smooth but under powered for its size and displacement.
The 850's V-12 were plagued with overly complicated mechanicals,
including the dual ignition, duel fuel delivery, duel...well,
duel everything including the cost of yearly maintenance for
a car that is now approaching 15 years old.
The 1997 840Ci equipped with the M62B44 V-8 (non-VANOS) is a
far more practical and prudent alternative. It is a tried and
true V-8 used in the 5 Series and 7 Series lineup of the day.
Best for those seeking the top-of-the-line 8-Series to choose
the 1997 840Ci. Keep in mind that the 1997 is the last year
in which the car was exported to the USA. The 1998 & 1999
840's were considered Grey Market cars sold in very limited
numbers in Europe and Canada only but really, they were "left-overs"
from the 1997 production run.
A used 8-Series today are absolute bargains for the top-of-the-line
BMW of the day and like the 507's produced in the 1950's in
very limited numbers, the 8-Series were a loss-leader for BMW
due to their excessive production costs and development.
Be prepared to spend $15,000--$20,000 US Dollars for a decent
840Ci.
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review by anonymous:
I bought one of the first BMW 840ci sport cars, taking delivery
at the beginning of February 1997, it cost around £67,000 back
then. My big problem with it were the front & rear low aprons,
they were always getting caught on something and the onboard
computer which drains the battery if left standing for a couple
of weeks.
The colour of my car is Orient Blue, a beautiful, midnight navy
metalic finish. I didn't like the standard dark grey interior
so had mine custom finished with the softer beige colour leather,
I think it looks so much nicer. I also had an alternative BMW
alloy wheel to the spoke kind so my car is truly a one off and
much admired, mainly by men.
I haven't driven it now for a couple of years since my dogs
prefer the Landcruiser but I couldn't part with the BMW since
it is worth so little now. It still has under 100,000 on the
clock and one of these days I fully intend to get it on the
road again just for the pleasure of the drive.
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