Pros - Great bargains if you can find one as a second hand purchase. Brilliant engines and build quality. Great smooth drive. Highly sought after.
Cons - Earlier models guzzled petrol. Some owners report cylinder rust on V8 models. Not as smooth to ride at high speeds as BMW sports coupes.
BMWs biggest coupe, The BMW 8 Series is a V8 or V12 engine 2 door 2+2 coupe
built from 1989 to 1999. An electronically limited maximum speed of 155 mph and
5 litre V12 engine producing around 300bhp meant it was a fairly powerful coupe
but not that economical. The 1993 mid series models BMW introduced,
were a cheaper, more economical 8 series alternative with improved
transmission, suspension, steering and aerodynamics. These are some of the best
buys.
Spec
High quality electronic gadgets for the time including, air-conditioning, on-board computer, traction control and computer-controlled suspension were standard as were impressive build and interior comfort throughout. 8 Series offered ABS and tremendous braking power.
Sales were not good however, affected partly by the global recession of the early 1990s, made worse by the Gulf War and a series of energy price hikes, as well as, as mentioned above, the fact that mpg was not that good particularly on earlier models. BMW stopped producing the 850 in 1996, although the 840 remained available until 1999. In late 1996 production stopped completely as the 8 Series S70 engine could not be made to comply with new emissions regulations without substantial re-design. This was something that was not worth the trouble due to the low sales. Amazingly, and some might say sadly because it was not a bad car, only 30,621 BMW 8 Series were built during its production period. BMW is now rumored to be re-launching the 8 Series name as a four door coupe similar to the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
BMW 8 Series - Typical Petrol Consumption
Model - Production - Engine - Power -Torque
With a capacity of 5.6 litres and power up to 380 bhp this top of the range sports tourer was probably the best of the 8 Series range. It was known as the M8 and it was in fact a similar set up to the specialist high performance model with modified suspension, stiffer springs and dampers and wider wheels, and further aerodynamic motorsport stylings/performance benefits. The 6 speed manual gearbox was the only transmission option ensuring it was kept safe for the purists.
BMW 850 CSi - Main Specification[B] [B]