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The 8 series is definitely misunderstood... Usually by people who haven't driven one or have only driven an old one with 100K+ kms on it. It's a fantastic car in both V8 and V12 form. The M73 with 5 speed tiptronic I think would be the perfect balance but sadly they only built around 1500 units all in LHD. Mine doesn't handle as well as my previous E39 but it's a work in progress - with a fair bit of work yet to do! - but I've been lucky enough to drive an absolute minter and it was amazing. A lot of people think the 8er wasn't a big success because of the power train but actually it was the price that was the problem. Priced around the quarter of mill mark in 1990 meant that they were right up there with exotics like Lambos and Ferraris but did not have the same high revving wow factor - although the I think the styling was right up there. It's not a slow car by any stretch of the imagination, however, especially with a tune and a shorter final drive ratio but nor is it an excitement machine. It was built, as Martin said, for mile-munching cross continents, not for short bursts of quick acceleration. That said, a standard 850i will push close to 300kph with the limiter removed. I've fitted a 3.64 LSD compared to the standard 3.15 open diff in euro spec 850s (or a dull 2.83 in US 4 speeds, I believe) which has made a big difference along with improved throttle response from an EML chip and around 30-35 extra horses from a couple of DME chips. It's definitely the fastest 4 speed auto I've ever driven. Yes, they would have benefitted from their own power train - the S70 (from the csi version) as standard would have been a good start and the ITB S70/1 version in the M8 prototype (pumping out 550 naturally aspirated bhp) would have been the perfect M car - only the latest M5 and M6 have achieved that kind of power with a couple of turbos! The S70/2 and /3 are the engine used in the McLaren F1, I believe). BMW spent so much on R&D on the 8er - it launched a host of new electronic wizardry - that the on road costs in the early 90s, just as the stock exchange crashed, were astronomical. The V8 versions were an attempt to mitigate the running costs for potential owners but in reality they're not much cheaper to run. I think the 8er marque stands for BMW's exploration into new tech. The 8er was packed full of it and the i8 is the next big tech leap for them. If you're wanting a track hack or to race WRXs at the lights it's not the car for you but if you want a very comfortable (as long as your sub 6'2" and your children have no legs), classic GT car that oozes style - and will get a lot of second looks! - then you can't go wrong with an 8!

You'll have no problems finding an 8 for around $10k but expect to spend that again to make it as you'll want it!

So much awesome.

I was actually looking for an 840 as I had an M62 supercharger at the time but they are more expensive for some reason - people seem to get scared off by the extra four cylinders!

There was a V12 SL for sale when I was looking - I bet that was something else!

actually 95 onwards and there was crossover so you have to check, especially as many weren't registered until 96. The V8s grew from 4 to 4.4L and the V12s got the 5.4L M73... But ONLY left hand drive versions. Otherwise no other differences. The UK market got lots if individual spec 840 sports which had the csi body kit. Not a face lift in sight just two body kit types - standard and sport. You won't find an M73 850ci for love nor money in NZ as only around 1500 LHD cars were built. A bad csi will cost you $40-50k and a good one $75k+. Best option is to get is buy a cheap 850i, get a csi kit (it's still available from BMW for around $3k shipped) and prepare to spend up on suspension, etc. oh wait... I'm doing it!!!

Not much in it with the V12 on board - if anything the E34 is probably lighter as the 850 is very close to two tonnes. That said, the 8er is more aerodynamic (I believe it had the lowest drag coefficient of any car at the time) and my car has Wokke's V2 chips so it's pretty quick compared to standard. Both go like stink for big cars though!

If it was just about the cars you and your Soarer would be elsewhere, right?!

Looking forward to a little drive in this wayward beast, Tony!

Good man! We've got a great 8er community... And always welcome new members. There is an 850csi going up for sale soon with less than 30,000kms... But it won't be cheap!

Love 90s SLs. Almost bought one whilst looking for my 8er. But I don't love the clear indicators. I think it looks cheap on a lot of cars that didn't come with clears from the factory.

Mine was a LOT less than $25K and even after spending a few grand, I'm still a good $8K shy of spending $25K and would argue it is in just as good condition. I hope you get what you want for it as it raises the bar on my car's value! But having spent a long time looking and now following 8 series I'd be very surprised if you get more than $15K unless someone buys it thinking it's a csi. Sadly, 850s are just being overlooked in the market at the moment. A mint 840ci would probably fetch $20K+ and a csi $50K+ depending on condition.

Sadly, Amber, despite the plate and csi spoiler, his car's only worth around $20k if it's absolutely mint but probably more like $13-15K, if not.

What happened in 1994?

The seller bought it post divorce and hit on hard times. Obviously didn't manage to recoup his money trying to sell at the price he bought it for (around $15K) so has decided to try and cut his losses and keep the creditors at bay. Feel bad for the guy (also wished he'd offered it to me for $8.5K when I was looking!). A new BMC is around $250 and not that hard to fit. It's likely to have other issues but it's still a very cheap 8er. As I tell most people - whether it's a $10K one and $10K on parts, or a mint one for $20K - expect to pay $20K all up for a decent 850i. That said, if you've got good parts contacts and can do the work yourself, this one is a bargain. http://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/46575-my-new-e31-breaks-issue/?hl=vincentfrandsen#entry505568

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRIJmI-SUIs

At least it's manual... You know, for the purists that can actually 'drive'.

Fascinating.

Thanks Ray, the cheaper the better. Don't mind if it needs a bit of TLC.

No idea but I understand it's changed hands a few times since the original dealer imported it.

That is unfortunate.

Replied... Not genuine unfortunately, so just an over-priced 850i. Yep, Carlos' 840 is in great nick. Has the two tone black/blue interior which doesn't really float my boat but certainly stands out.

Yep, don't be fooled. This is a standard white ex-Singapore 850i that the original importer repainted, falsely registered as an 850csi and tried to palm it off as genuine. Fortunately the current owner is not trying to do the same. $27K is about $15K more than it's worth though and about a third of what a genuine csi will fetch now if it's in good nick. Nice car but over-priced.

Our feijoas have fallen... And they're not EVEN RIPE!!!

Not sure I follow? To make the lights look like one long strip? I think that would look pretty dated (like an 80s US coupe)... Also, why would I want it to look more like an E34? haha!