BMW 8-Series (1989 – 1999) Review

BMW 8-Series (1989 – 1999) At A Glance

Distinctive super coupe with strong performance

Bore liners can degrade on original 4.0-litre V8, V12 heavy on fuel

Ask Honest John

Could you suggest a relatively easy to maintain and economic to fix modern classic?

"Having sold my two classic Triumphs, I'm at the age where I'm having difficulty in doing full maintenance jobs but still appreciate driving and owning a classic car as my hobby. Is there a car that I could purchase that gives me the thrill of a "classic car feel" and turns heads but is (relatively) easy to maintain whilst, if needed, incur low(er) garage costs for those jobs I am unable to tackle? I have a car for everyday travel and not too keen on a Morgan due to its harsh ride, so could you another two-seater soft top? I have about £40,000 to spend."

It's going to be tricky to tick all these boxes. If you want something that turns heads, that normally means a premium model such as a Porsche. In which case, you'd be expected to have anything but the most basic oil and filter it serviced at a specialist. Plus, if you're after mod cons like power steering, air-con, decent stereo (and soundproofing) then you're looking at cars that are a bit more complicated. If you're after something that's easy to get in and out of and doesn't have harsh ride, then you may have to think outside the box. You could go for something traditional such as a Triumph Stag (assuming you want to keep it Triumph), which is still very much a classic two-seater with a great engine. Alternatively, look at 911 ownership for a bit of wow-factor, and a decent compromise between mod cons and specialist servicing... and don't discount the later Jaguar XJ-S. We know plenty of people who own Honda S2000s and are terrifically happy with them - stunning performance and reliability (see also Nissan 350Z). Sightly left of centre coupe options to consider - BMW 8-Series and Mazda RX-7 or RX-8 if you're feeling brave, Toyota Supra. We'd also have a look at hot hatches - cars like the Mk1 Golf GTi and Peugeot 205 GTI are excellent to drive, have reasonably mod cons, and can be maintained at home... they also have plenty of wow-factor. Perhaps something like a TVR Griffith would also suit you.

Answered by Keith Moody

Will an E31 BMW 850i become a collectable?

"Will an E31 BMW 850i become a collectable? Is it a good investment to buy now? "

Fabulous cruisers. Things got a bit more interesting when the manual gearbox and M-technic suspension were offered, but it perhaps never quite made it to the status of a proper driver's car. The CSi version is already in demand, with last year seeing some very high prices for them. This could be driven perhaps by BMW re-launching model and/or younger buyers coming to market. We'd always advocate buying a car because you like it - rather than as an investment.

Answered by Keith Moody

Where can I get a 16-inch space saver wheel for my BMW 850 CSi?

"I'm trying to find a 16-inch space saver tyre and wheel that will get my BMW 850 CSi home in an emergency. I want to remove the original heavy full-size spare from the boot, and reduce the weight in the car. Any ideas?"

Sorry, I don't know. Try a German Car specialist. Mercedes-Benz used to supply some quite nice space savers for the S-Class. No idea if they will fit, but at least it's an angle.

Answered by Honest John

More Questions

BMW 8-Series (1989 – 1999) Buying Guide

Good

• BMW's super coupe launched in UK October 1990 as 850Ci with 4,988cc 300bhp M70 V12.
• 4,780mm long (15ft 8in) x 1,855mm wide (6ft 1in) and weighing in at 1,830 to 1,900kg.
• Soon followed in June 1993 by 850CSi with 5,576cc 380bhp V12. 300bhp 850Ci dropped in September 1994; essentially replaced by 3,982cc 286bhp 840Ci from July 1993.
• 840Ci engine grew to 4,398cc with same 286bhp in January 1997 and this is the model to go for.
• Sport option also from January 1997.
• BMW had sixth lowest average cost in warranty claims for cars up to 10 years old in 2002 Warranty Direct index. For more info link to Sportscar Guides www.sportscarguides.com BMWs generally had below average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 81.41 v/s lowest 31.93). Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk

Bad

• V12 thirsty.
• Bore liner erosion problems with original M60 4.0 litre V8.

Watch

• Avoid the 4.0 V8 due to possible Nikasil bore liner erosion problems. 
• General Warning about Automatic Transmissions: Many BMWs have "sealed for life" automatic transmissions. Regardless of whether you have a full BMW service history, the dealer will never change the auto fluid. Many of these boxes are failing around the 120-150k mark - often well outside of warranty and to a cost of £3.5k plus VAT.
• A good independent or automatic transmission specialist can and will change the fluid for you (and any good BMW independents will recommend this anyway). This is commonplace in the US and means the 'box should last the life of the car rather than being the cause of it being written off. General advice is ensure the fluid is flushed out every 60k or more preferably at each Inspection II. However, the fluid must be changed at the right pressure and temperature.
• The obvious issues with the M62 4.4 litre V8 are keeping an eye on the Vanos seals, using only Mobil 1 0-30, and giving it a bootful occasionally.
• The M60 4.0 litre V8 (non-Vanos) which is renowned for corrosion issues so your coolant advice is critical.
• The main electrical issue is ABS/DSC controller unit failure. Talk to ECU Testing.

Running BMW 8-Series (1989 – 1999)

• E31 forums: www.bimmerboard.com/forums/e31 
• www.e31.net