- Refined and powerful V8 and V12 engines
- Impressive dynamics
- High standard of interior fit and finish
- Elegant, distinctive styling
- Cramped rear seats
- High running and maintenance costs
Review: BMW E31.I 8-Series (1990-92)
Overview
Released in July 1990, the BMW E31 Mk.I (E31.I) 8-Series was a two-door, pillarless coupe with ‘2+2’ seating. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive 8-Series range initially consisted of the 850i which was powered by BMW’s M70 B50 V12 petrol engine; transmission options consisted of either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The E31 8-Series was one of the first vehicles to be fitted with ‘drive-by-wire’ throttle control.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 850i | 5.0-litre petrol V12 (M70 B50) | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
220 kW at 5200 rpm | 450 Nm at 4100 rpm |
Dimensions and suspension
The BMW E31 8-Series was 4780 mm long, 1885 mm wide, 1340 mm tall and had a 2684 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the vehicle itself had a drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd. The E31 8-Series had a double-joint spring strut front axle and ‘integral’ multi-link rear suspension.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the BMW E31 850i initially consisted of ABS. From April 1992, the 850i was equipped with a driver’s airbag as standard.
Features: BMW E31 850i
Standard features for the BMW E31 850i included 16-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker stereo with a radio, cassette and CD player, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, central locking, power windows and mirrors, a power sunroof, trip computer and an alarm.
Review: BMW E31.II 8-Series (1993-96)
Overview
Released in January 1993, the BMW E31 Mk.II (E31.II) 8-Series introduced a name change for its models as ‘C’ was included to indicate that the vehicle was a coupe. In July 1993, the six-speed manual transmission was discontinued for the 850Ci, with automatic models discontinued in December 1994. The 840Ci was introduced in October 1993, powered by BMW’s 4.0-litre M60 B40 V8 engine and mated solely to a five-speed automatic transmission.
| Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 840Ci | 4.0-litre petrol V8 (M60 B40) | 5sp auto | 1993-96 | 210 kW at 5800 rpm | 400 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| 850Ci | 5.0-litre petrol V12 (M70 B50) | 6sp man. | 1993 | 220 kW at 5200 rpm | 450 Nm at 4100 rpm |
| 4sp auto | 1993-94 |
Safety equipment
Compared to its E31.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the BMW 850Ci was unchanged. The 840Ci, however, was further equipped with traction control and, from March 1995, a front passenger airbag.
Features
Standard features for the BMW E31.II 8-Series were largely unchanged.
Review: BMW E31.III 8-Series (1996-99)
Overview
Released in June 1996, the BMW E31 Mk.III (E31.III) 840Ci was fitted with new 4.4-litre M62 B44 V8 petrol engine and five-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic-style sequential shift control.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 840Ci | 4.4-litre petrol V8 (M62 B44) | 5sp auto | 210 kW at 5700 rpm | 420 Nm at 3900 rpm |
Safety equipment and features
Compared to its E31.II predecessor, safety equipment for the BMW E31.III 840Ci was unchanged. The E31.III 840Ci was, however, fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels.
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