BMW 840ci - will I or won't I? Anyone with experience?

Owen

A colleague recently bought one, and got it as close to showroom condition as he could. They're a great machine, but even though his was pristine, getting an Inspection 2 service done, refreshing the suspension, and replacing a lightly cracked front nose, all came to about 1500 Euro. Amazing machine, and turns heads like nobody's business, but do the research before purchasing on running costs first.

Volvoboy

Mr Ryan has two of them a silver and green one '95 and '96 just give him a call tomorrow morning, you'll be there a while has a tendancy to ramble!:)
But seriously they are a lovely motor!


-VB-

shabbyalonso

Hi there. Am thinking of getting a BMW 840ci but am in two minds. I've always wanted one (and if not now, defo in the future!). I currently have a 2 litre coupe and like the idea of heading up to a 4 or 4.4 litre coupe. Insurance etc is no problem however was wondering if anyone currently has or had experience with this BMW model? I know that tax is pricey @ EUR1300+ but was wondering what the running costs are like and any advice for or against? Thanks in advance.

Andrewf20

According to my BMW car mags they dont seem to be that fast. 0-60 figures are in the low 8 secs? But the 323i, 328i, M3 figures are faster. I think they all came with Auto boxes and are heavy so that wont help. Tax is 1343 euro.

tuxy

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/data-detail.aspx?deriv=12683

Heavy but still fast. Cars are about so much more then 0-60 times.

mike65

Vulgar car.

Mike.

Owen

mike65 wrote:

Vulgar car.

Isn't that the point? The car was designed at the height of 80's decadence, and vulgarity, and released in the early 90's. I love it.

Mickk

VRT is the only thing stopping me buying one of these, really classy car.

fletch

This one is "VERY CHEAP MOTORING"
Yeh have to admit, one of my all time favourite cars, love the "pillarless" B pillar (if that makes sense)

RobAMerc

What a fabulous car - but to be honest I can't help wondering why you wouldn't consider a Merc SL instead ? if you bought one with the hard top you'd have an ageless car thats fairly practical and should be very reliable. As your worried about costs you could also get to 300/320 which will be cheaper to run also.

Oh and its a soft top in the (next hopefully) summer too!

mike65

ned78 wrote:

Isn't that the point? The car was designed at the height of 80's decadence, and vulgarity, and released in the early 90's. I love it.

The timing sucked did'nt it? No sooner was it on the market than the crash of 90-91 happened. They made 31,000

The Fab and yes tacky Lotus Carlton suffered exactly the same problem though that was meant to be a very limited model anyway.

Mike.

DonJose

Mickk wrote:

VRT is the only thing stopping me buying one of these, really classy car.

The VRT on a 840 would be roughly €5k, you could get an 840 loaded with extras for under €15k.

rebel.ranter

ned78 wrote:

A colleague recently bought one, and got it as close to showroom condition as he could. They're a great machine, but even though his was pristine, getting an Inspection 2 service done, refreshing the suspension, and replacing a lightly cracked front nose, all came to about 1500 Euro. Amazing machine, and turns heads like nobody's business, but do the research before purchasing on running costs first.

Hi Ned is that a metallic Blue one on 18' BBS split rims? If so I think I saw it in Douglas on Friday. This one was a really nice tidy car.
There was a buying guide in BMW Car or Total BMW last month for a 8 series (could have been the month before).
It said that there was a manual of one of the versions of the 8 but is was discontinued due to low sales.

Henry Ford III

I've never driven one of these cars, but I like them. A big cruiser. A motorway muncher.

This one looks attractive.

There's also a cracking looking 635i on there in red. Nice.

kdevitt

Great car - love them. Having thoughts of selling my M3 and buying one.

My bosses old one (I think its it anyway) is for sale on Carzone for 26K or so - its expensive enough compared to others on there - however, when he bought it it cost €98K and the VRT was another €29k on top

Owen

rebel.ranter wrote:

Hi Ned is that a metallic Blue one on 18' BBS split rims? If so I think I saw it in Douglas on Friday. This one was a really nice tidy car.
There was a buying guide in BMW Car or Total BMW last month for a 8 series (could have been the month before).
It said that there was a manual of one of the versions of the 8 but is was discontinued due to low sales.

The manual was the 850Csi, very few sold, and even fewer in RHD. My colleagues one is Orient Blue, with a Grey Leather Interior, I believe it's 17" Deep Dish alloys, but you'd recognise the reg of the car a mile away, the first two digits are "M8" as it's an 8 Series Sport, and the last 3 are his initials

vengeance52

i love these cars. i wish i had the cash to get one. there so rare that they turn heads.

Andrewf20

tuxy wrote:

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/data-detail.aspx?deriv=12683

Heavy but still fast. Cars are about so much more then 0-60 times.

Agreed. 6.8 sec to 60 sounds more like it considerng the power. The stats in the magazines are seriously conserative I guess!

shabbyalonso

Hey guys, great feedback; good to see so many admire the beauty of the 8 series too! I'm gona keep my ear to the ground, might even go across the water to bring one home. I would like to go for the slightly more updated model (approx '96 onwards) as I find that when they tweaked the body kit a little and improved the alloys etc, it looked a little less dated....not that I would pass up an old model. There are a few good deals out there, on carzone and cbg. Have enquired about a couple but no test drives as yet (even the thoughts of the test drive gets me excited!!!!!). WHEN the time comes, I'll post up some pics but will take my time with this one.

One good thing I guess, at least with the older models, is that they seem to have depreciated as far as they'll go so for re-sale value, you wouldn't lose out too much.........however, they're hard to shift!!

shabbyalonso

RobAMerc wrote:

What a fabulous car - but to be honest I can't help wondering why you wouldn't consider a Merc SL instead ? if you bought one with the hard top you'd have an ageless car thats fairly practical and should be very reliable. As your worried about costs you could also get to 300/320 which will be cheaper to run also.

Oh and its a soft top in the (next hopefully) summer too!

The SL is a nice motor too but I've had a longing for an 8 series for years! Engine at 4.0 or 4.4 litre is big (wouldn't dream of going near the old 5.0 litre!) but it's the motor that I love; looks quality and you don't see too many around.
BMW did test the water (not commercially) back in the 90's with a 3 litre model (which would be nice and make more sense) however it wasn't too be. For the size of the car, and given that there's practially 2 of everything (i.e. batteries, exhausts etc), I'm sure it needs a minimum of 4 litres to push it along!!!

unkel

Lovely car

shabbyalonso wrote:

I would like to go for the slightly more updated model (approx '96 onwards)

Smart choice. The early years 840 4.0l V8 can suffer from the dreaded Nikasil issue. The '96 and on 840 4.4l V8 (with the new M62 engine) does not have this issue. It's the one that I would pick too

I agree with RobAMerc though in that I wouldn't pay €20k for one

Max_Damage

Andrewf20 wrote:

I think they all came with Auto boxes and are heavy so that wont help.

Wrong. Their was manual boxes on both the 840 and 850, it's just that they are considerably hard to find.

shabbyalonso

unkel wrote:

Lovely car



The early years 840 4.0l V8 can suffer from the dreaded Nikasil issue.

Excuse my ignorance but what is the dreaded Nikasil issue?? Dodgey engine of some description?? Cheers

peasant

The biggest problem with this car is:

Where on earth are you going to get a chest-hair toupet these days?:D

Gold chains and signet rings ...yes, shouldn't be a problem ...but these toupets have vanished from the market (you couldn't drive one without one, now could you?)

quarryman

shabbyalonso wrote:

Excuse my ignorance but what is the dreaded Nikasil issue?? Dodgey engine of some description?? Cheers

http://www.bobmodifiedbmw.com/CarMaintenance_files/bmwnikasil.htm

cianclarke

If you do buy one please do post back. One of the most amazing looking BMW's ever made I reckon, a truly stunning car.

E92

There is a video on youtube of a manual 850i doing 180 mph on a German Autobahn, if I can find it I'll post the link tomorrow.

joseph brand

If I had the chance or cash to buy one of these I certainly would. Beautiful car with all the curves and lines in the right places.

Looks a bit like KIT from Nightrider, doncha think?

SouperComputer

have a search on boards for some recent 7 series and E38 threads. The cars share quite a few parts and suffer from similar issues.

Dont even entertain one without documented and proven service history for at least the last three years. It doesnt have to be a BMW dealer history, but you want proof that parts such as the radiator, viscous, waterpump and a few otehr items have been replaced. If you aren't a DIY guy, be prepared to spend a fair bit of dosh running the car.

Have a look at forums.bimmerforums.com and go to the 8 series board for more info. Its a little US-centric, but the information carries across the series.

Great car for the money, just be sure you shop around and get it inspected by a BMW specialist before purchasing.

E92

E92 wrote:

There is a video on youtube of a manual 850i doing 180 mph on a German Autobahn, if I can find it I'll post the link tomorrow.

Link here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7SxKt_01RI&mode=related&search=

shabbyalonso

Hi guys, I haven't been on this website in donkies. Anyway, the good news (for me anyway!) is that I bought my 840ci sport!!! I bought it in England and brought it home back in April this year. Got it all sorted; VRT wise etc, and it's been a dream since. Had a couple of minor issues with it however I'm delira with it. Got it at a very good price (compared to the prices here) and overall, it was a great deal. Had about a 6 hour trip back to the Ferry from where I picked it up and there wasn't a hitch during all that driving time. Hasn't really been since and I love it. Few pics for those interested - this was after I'd given her a good clean!!!

Gary ITR

shabbyalonso wrote: »

Hi guys, I haven't been on this website in donkies. Anyway, the good news (for me anyway!) is that I bought my 840ci sport!!! I bought it in England and brought it home back in April this year. Got it all sorted; VRT wise etc, and it's been a dream since. Had a couple of minor issues with it however I'm delira with it. Got it at a very good price (compared to the prices here) and overall, it was a great deal. Had about a 6 hour trip back to the Ferry from where I picked it up and there wasn't a hitch during all that driving time. Hasn't really been since and I love it. Few pics for those interested - this was after I'd given her a good clean!!!

*jealous*

Congrats, looks a fantastic piece of kit. Best of luck with her.

DirkVoodoo

That looks in great condition. Personally I would prefer radial spoked alloys, but I love the 8 series. What was the consumption like on your trip back?

Best of luck with it!

shabbyalonso

Thanks a mill for the comments guys.

As for the alloys - the spoked alloys are nice however I did want the "throwing star" alloys as I feel the look the sportier of the two. The muli-spokes look slightly dated in my eyes however, as you mention, personal choice.

It's a fab motor; I am chuffed. Lovely cream/grey leather interior - all the extras one could imagine - whoever ordered it back in 1997 didn't hold back so thanks to whoever that was!! Heated seats, cruise control, EDC, tiptronic auto-box, sports/komfort modes etc! It's brill! Hee hee. Excuse my enthusiasm.

MPG - on motorway trips, prob looking at about 24 mpg - city driving........ehhh, not great, about 16mpg. However, I knew I wasn't buying an economic car. It's not breaking the bank thankfully in terms of filling her up. I'll hang on to it for a year or two before I'm forced to be more sensible and get rid but am loving it thus far!

NewApproach

Class!

I've promised myself I will own one of these in 8 years time or so!!

Keep it in good nick for me!!!

unkel

Sweet!

What exactly did you get, engine, year, spec? And how much did it set you back (sterling + expenses + VRT)

Specifying these costs and details can be of great help to likeminded souls planning to import similar cars. Details please!

joeperry

You lucky git,you only live once,very nice car.:D

Anan1

Lovely car, well wear.

quarryman

I'll probably be an interested customer in a year or two when you decide to sell

Lovely car.

Mr. Larson

Wow - what an absolute stunner. :eek: I have been admiring these for about 3 years now... would absolutely love to own one some day.

Please do give us the details on how much the lot sent you back so we can see how close (or not) we are to the dream of owning one of these babies...

RobAMerc

bloody nice car well wear - my only issue with it would be it seems to have a lack of pics ! ( we want more )

madaboutcars

Looks lovely. They're such a rare car these days, and date back to when BMWs actually looked nice rather than the ugly stuff like the present 5 series and especially the 7 series/X6 which are really hideous.

galwaytt

gorgeous. Some of the brighter colours don't do the car any favours.

I'm with OP on the wheels - I think radial spoked/BBS would date it. Star ones get +1 from me.

Rowley Birkin QC

Fantastic car, been in love with these for a while and like other posters said it's on the list or cars I want to own at some stage.

Best of luck with it.

shabbyalonso

Hey again guys, thanks for all the replies, it's great.
For those of you interested, when the time comes, I'll post up the "for sale" ad here in case anyone's interested.........however, in the mean time, hands off!!!!

The exact spec is as follows:
1997 registered
4.4 litre engine, V8
840ci sport edition
M front and back spoilers (at the bottom!) as with the sport edition............this kit only came with the early 850csi models, before it was more an option with the 1997 - 1999 models
E31 - the series number
M62 - Engine
Automatic transmission

Well, the costs involved were as follows:
I paid approx £7.5k sterling for the car itself - this was, at the time when the euro/sterling was a little weaker than it is now, was approx EUR9500 or so. The VRT on top of that was approx EUR5000 so approx EUR14,500 in total for the car. Not bad I must say given at the time of purchase, 1997 840's over here were going at approx EUR19-20k.

It certainly appears to be the case that our neighbours across the water, generally take better care of their cars but into the bargain, they seem to have better spec cars. Some of the 840's that I was looking at over here, were fairly standard versus what I ended up with so add's to what I believe was a great price.

I nipped over on the plane, stayed a night, picked up the car early the next morning and was on my way back on the ferry that evening. Not that much hassle and it was a most enjoyable drive back. About EUR350 for plane, boat and accomocation..........and another EUR200 for the petrol back!!!

Getting the VRT sorted was very easy and cost exactly what I expected - no inspections or surprises (VRT office in Santry).

Tax is approx EUR1500 so that's a bit of an ouch! I don't find the running costs overly expensive to be honest which is great.

I had an issue getting it through the NCT - took 3 attempts! Was an issue with driver side front suspension - got the track control arms replaced etc but just had bad luck in that one that was replaced (i.e. the new bit that went in) was a dud but I didn't know this until I failed the NCT again! Anyway, got it re-replaced and all sorted now! Between getting a service, replacing the rods for the suspension and a few wee bits, I've prob spent about EUR800-900 on servicing but (touch wood) there is nothing that needs to be done and I am hoping that I don't need to do anything drastic other than usual oil changes and the likes! Not bad IMO given some horror stories I've heard about 8 series ownership!

I have to admit it's a peach. Here is a link to pics - all exterior as I cannot find the interior shots at this time however will locate same and post them up, for anyone who's interested.

http://picasaweb.google.com/shabbyalonso/My840ciSport#

Thanks again guys for all the great comments - you know it makes sense!!! :cool:

niceirishfella

Stunning Car shabby!

may she serve ya well.

vengeance52

fantastic car... i see the for sale sign outside the house.

at least ya got your priorities right... car first... then house

caesar

Fair play OP for coming back with an update, most posters who dont post on a regular basis wouldn't. Anyway best of luck with the car. I didn't see this thread when you first started it but it was an enjoyable read....the updated part made my day

I'm becoming a bit of a fan of these cars, I have one on my list of wants but the list is getting long so Im not sure where I'll fit it in :pac:

Looking forward to pics of the interior anyway.

Cyrus

may i say

that rocks! :cool:

and all for the price of a second hand 1.4litre golf :rolleyes:

well wear

agent_smith

I would absolutely love to own one of these. Personally (and its only personal taste) i much prefer the multi spoke wheels... ithink it makes it look more exotic... more italian like... but your car is stunning
I looked at buying one a while back, but TBH it was the fear of the cost of ownership that put me off. Plan to put away a bit of money and then look into buying one again!
1500 on road tax is a bit of an ouch, but when it looks like that... WOW. Why dont car manufacturers make cars this pretty any more ?!

JCDUB

Wear well my man, she's a beaut.

Brave move in these tough times, driving a weapon like that, fair play though, it's excessive, it's 80's, it's kitsch, and I love it!!

How did you get on with the chest toupee??Hope it's a Magnum PI special