Complete suspension overhaul with new discs and pads
Desirable Sport spec in unusual colour
Superb overall condition
THE APPEAL
It’s a common misconception that the BMW 8-Series was intended as a replacement for the 6-Series coupe, even if the start of production for the former coincided with the end for the latter.
You see, while the 6-Series was an upmarket grand tourer, it ran out of cylinders before the 8-Series even began. The new ‘E31’ was aimed at a more upmarket audience and was a hand-finished coupé, bordering on supercar levels of performance but with Teutonic build and premium luxury...
At launch, the 840Ci was the ‘baby’ of the 8-Series range, though everything is relative and in this case ‘baby’ refers to a car that was five metres long and came with a 282bhp 4.4-litre V8 under its pointed bonnet, with pop-up headlamps and a long, pillarless profile giving it distinctively sharp looks.
The 8-Series is a rapidly appreciating modern classic, partly because its hand-built nature meant it sold in limited numbers from its 1989 debut until its eventual demise a decade later. Neither supercar nor luxury GT, it fell somewhere intriguingly in between. Those who knew its charms became big fans; those who didn’t missed out.
It was also one of the most aerodynamic cars ever produced, with a drag coefficient of 0.29.
In total, just 30,679 8-Series were sold globally despite a 10-year production run and just 650 840s remain registered in the UK, making them an increasingly rare car that’s rapidly becoming a valuable, cherished modern classic - especially in Sport trim.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT April 2024
All original books and handbooks
Lots of previous invoices and receipts for work carried out
Original first aid kit and tools
Cherished registration not included in sale, will be sold with registration number R258 VRH.
THE INTERIOR
Excellent condition
Very good black leather
Retro-style Blaupunkt stereo with modern Bluetooth and DAB capability
Superb door cards and carpets
Very minor wear to driver’s side seat bolster
Retrimmed headlining in black Alcantara
HiFi option, with top-range audio system
Fully functioning climate control
Electric windows and sunroof
Original first aid kit still in cellophane
Seatbelts integrated into ‘floating’ headrests to maintain pillarless appearance
2+2 layout with surprisingly spacious rear
THE EXTERIOR
Barbados Green metallic
Mostly original paintwork in very good order, nose cone freshly repainted
No visible corrosion or rot
Five-spoke alloy wheels with quality Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres all-round – new Michelin Pilots fitted to the front since photos were taken
All original badges and trim in excellent condition
Pop-up headlamps in perfect working order
THE MECHANICS
4.4-litre V8 M62 TU engine
282bhp
Five-speed auto transmission
Recent extensive suspension overhaul – new bushes front and rear, along with drop links and shock absorbers
New front and rear discs and pads
Vendor reports that the car is in great mechanical order and drives without fault
SUMMARY
Nineties classics are on the up-and-up and the BMW 8-Series is one of the star cars of its era – a proper representation of the decade’s upmarket aspirations.
This one is an 840Ci Sport so is a desirable spec, with a durable 4.4-litre V8 that goes like stink and makes lovely V8 noises, while at the same time remaining one of the most refined and luxurious big coupés of its era.
It looks sensational, is in superb original condition and appears to be in great mechanical health, too. Oh, and did we mention that it’s also agonisingly cool?
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
