BMW 8-series Options

[moe]

The BMW 8 Series (chassis code BMW E31) is a V8 or V12-engined 2-door 2+2 coupe built by BMW from 1989 to 1999.

While it did supplant the original E24 based 6 Series in 1991, a common misconception is that the 8 Series was developed as a successor. However, it was actually an entirely new class aimed at a different market, with a substantially higher price point and better performance than the 6 series. The 8 Series was designed as a direct competitor to the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and S-Class coupes (later renamed the CL-Class). While it has less rear passenger volume than the CL which is considered a two-door sedan, the 8 Series could accommodate two passengers in the rear, while the SL roadster is a two-seater.

The BMW 8 Series was BMW's flagship car while in production. A new vehicle cost around US$100,000 and had an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), although with the limiters removed top speed was estimated at 186 mph (299 km/h). Worldwide production ceased May 12, 1999, with 30,621 built.

840Ci
The 840Ci exists with two different engine packages. The first used the 4 liter M60B40 engine with 286 PS (210 kW) and was produced from mid 1993 to late 1995. From mid-1995, production phased in the newer 4.4 liter M62B44 engine, which had better fuel economy and more torque, though power output remained unchanged.

The 840Ci was available with a 5-speed automatic transmission, though European cars were given the option of a 6-speed manual transmission. The only external features distinguishing the V8 model from the V12 models were the quad round exhausts, which were square in the V12 models.

The 840Ci stayed in production until mid-1999, though export to the US stopped in 1997.

850Ci
There is some confusion over why and when the 850i became the 850Ci. The change happened around the introduction of the 850CSi and it is believed that BMW decided to include the "C" in the model name to create more of a distinction between the 8 Series and BMW's sedans. The confusion starts when BMW installed the new M73B54 engine in the car. This was not an immediate changeover, and indeed both the M70 and M73-engined cars rolled off the production lines side-by-side for about nine months in 1994, both named 850Ci.

As the capacity of the M73 increased to 5.4 liters and the compression ratio went up, the power output rose to 326 PS (240 kW; 322 hp).

850CSi
As a top-of-the-range sports tourer, the 850CSi took over from the prototype M8. The 850CSi used the same engine as the 850i, which was tuned so significantly that BMW assigned it a new engine code: S70B56. The modifications included a capacity increase to 5.6 liters and power increase to 380 PS (279 kW; 375 hp).

The 850CSi's modified suspension included stiffer springs and dampers and reduced the car's ride height. The recirculating ball steering ratio was dropped 15% over the stock E31 setup. The model also sported wider wheels, with the option of forged alloys.

The front and rear bumpers were reshaped for improved aerodynamic performance. Four round stainless steel exhaust pipes replaced the square pipes found on other models. The 6-speed manual gearbox was the only transmission option.
Production ended in late 1996 because the S70 engine could not be modified to comply with new emission regulations without substantial re-engineering.

Source: Wikipedia

[OHirtenfelder]

This car needs its own voting option: Cool As Motherfuckin Fuck!Full Stop!
There are not many cars that have the absolute sex appeal and pure class that this car has.
A friend of mine's dad actually owned a 850i, but he sold it because the poor bastard said it had too much power. FAIL!

[Synesthesia]

^Haha. The 8-series is so sinister, I'm a fan.

[Bjorn]

I like them a lot, but I'm hesitant to call a big heavy coupe cool.

I think this one scores a neutral.

[dukenukem]

Sexiest looking BMW ever.

[moe]

This car needs its own voting option: Cool As Motherfuckin Fuck!Full Stop!
There are not many cars that have the absolute sex appeal and pure class that this car has.
A friend of mine's dad actually owned a 850i, but he sold it because the poor bastard said it had too much power. FAIL!

Hahah, I agree wholeheartedly. I am absolutely in love with this car. A friend of mine's dad had one too. He sold it because after a while he got tired of paying the maintenance. It's all good, there's still a 850 convertible (the custom-built specials) in my parents' neighborhood for me to drool over, and there's an immaculate dark blue 840 parked at one of the office buildings near my university.

[MustangAficionad...]

This car needs its own voting option: Cool As Motherfuckin Fuck!Full Stop!
There are not many cars that have the absolute sex appeal and pure class that this car has.
A friend of mine's dad actually owned a 850i, but he sold it because the poor bastard said it had too much power. FAIL!

+1
But most people sell em because they require a lot of maitance/oh shit insurance. And parts are a bitch ton on a BMW V12

One thing tho, the 840's were slow as ballz

[OHirtenfelder]

But most people sell em because they require a lot of maitance/oh shit insurance. And parts are a bitch ton on a BMW V12

This guy's reasoning wasn't expense though, it was really because he said it had too much power. That kind of shit just pisses me off.

One thing tho, the 840's were slow as ballz

To be quite honest I really wouldn't care how slow that car is. This car is all about (que the ghetto gangster accent) :" Ballin' "
These cars really are ueber cool.

[MustangAficionad...]

With its styling, it should be fast. Not saying it needs sub 5sec 0-60 - just some ballz. At least it was a V8 even if it was lackluster

[moe]

^ The V12 was decently quick, and the CSi was actually made from the remnants of the aborted M8 project.