・Well maintained

・New set of wheels

・Fantastic V8 exhaust note

・Bluetooth double DIN stereo

Conceived in the Eighties as a way to push BMW further upmarket, the first 8 series (known by its internal designation E31) was a technological and styling tour de force. Arguably the prettiest car to emerge from the manufacturer, the pillarless coupe design remains very striking and also housed that always-cool feature now effectively killed off by safety regulations: pop up headlights.

The original 840Ci as we see here came equipped with a 4 litre V8 producing 286bhp and driving the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox, though many would argue that the automatic better suits the GT nature of the car.

The car received a mixed reception at the time which largely seemed to be because no-one knew quite what to expect. The passage of time has seen it mature into a very desirable modern classic with a broad range of enthusiastic owners who are very happy to share advice, tips and technical knowledge on social media.

The current owner is a lifelong BMW enthusiast, having owned more than twenty different examples of various models. He acquired this 840Ci three years ago from a dealer in Yorkshire where he part exchanged a 3 series in return for a car he had long desired to own. Prior to this, it appears from the paperwork to have been based largely in the South of the country, with at least some of its time spent in London. 

During his ownership, the seller has enjoyed a number of BMW Club meetings and touring his native Wales. On one such tour in 2019, he unfortunately caught a rock on the inside of a corner, damaging the wheel beyond repair. Sourcing a single wheel proved problematic so he decided to invest in a full new set.

Between events, he has concentrated on maintaining and improving the car which has also been treated to a new exhaust, regassed aircon, new throttle bodies, new rear pads and regular servicing in recent years. When the onboard computer decided not to play any more, he took the opportunity to install a double DIN Bluetooth head unit which incorporates a reversing camera. Obviously no stranger to electrical work, he also undertook a rebuild of the seat wiring which were proving troublesome and was mostly successful in that they are fully operational with the exception of the recline and height adjustment on the driver’s seat.

When not in use, it has always been garaged at the owner’s home. Having enjoyed the car, sadly ill health means that he is now reducing his collection.

Accompanying the car is a selection of invoices and old MOTs from throughout the car’s life which doesn’t provide a complete audit trail but certainly shows some evidence of the attention that has clearly been lavished on the car to maintain it. There are receipts for the recent new wheels and service work and a weighty tome sourced from the US which is a BMW-produced guide on how to troubleshoot the electrical systems.

There are 2 keys and a full set of owner’s manuals in their original leather wallet. The V5 is present and correct in the owner’s name and the next MOT is due on 30 June 2022.

At its launch, the 8 series was the pinnacle of the BMW range and, climbing aboard, it certainly feels suitably opulent. Though there is some patina, the light grey interior has worn well and the seats remain supremely comfortable, even if the range of movement is a little less than it would have been originally, with the driver’s seat back control inoperative and the height control only partially working. However there is no problem getting a good driving position and the Bluetooth head unit helps to bring it a little up to date for day to day use.

Seat controls aside, all of the electrical gizmos work as intended with the exception of the sunroof which slides but no longer tilts and the 6 disc unit is not connected to the head unit. Behind the attractive steering wheel which is uncluttered by buttons, the dashboard is a model of clarity and all of the pixels in the display are present and correct. A discrete addition is lighter socket on the side of the centre console which is being used for USB charging while on the passenger side, the glovebox contains a delightful pair of fold up cup holders which are a work of art in themselves if, one suspects, a little small for your Grande Latte. 

The central air vent does have a small chunk missing from its left side but otherwise there are no battle scars to speak of with clean, taut headlining and carpets all intact. The rear seats, as is no doubt typical in 2+2’s such as this, look hardly to have been used and the central armrest still contains the original first aid kit, although we doubt that the antiseptic cream is still in date.

In the boot, the full toolkit is present and can be safely secured to the boot lid, not always a given in these cars. The load area, meanwhile, is very clean and under the boot floor is an alloy spare with good tread. The jack is also present behind the side trim. In all, it retains its luxury aura and would be a great place to be for any long journey.

Finished in Oxford Green and with a fresh set of wheels, this car is a real head turner. During our photo shoot, it attracted a stream of interested passers by who were all keen to know more about it. 

On closer inspection there are a few blemishes, as you would expect: a small dent on the nearside front wing, some small imperfections in the surface of the bootlid and roof ahead of the sunroof and a chip on the driver’s door. The front also shows a few stone chips. But you have to be looking closely; the overall effect is stunning.

The underside has have been sealed at some point but all looks to be very solid, with the exhaust looking an obvious recent addition. The wheels were shod with brand new Pirelli’s when they were fitted in 2019 and have seen few miles since so there’s plenty of tread remaining.

The 4 litre V8 starts first time every time with an enthusiastic rumble from the replacement exhaust which also makes its presence known under load but fades into the background at a cruise.

The engine pulls strongly, feeling faster than its 0-60 time of 7.4 seconds would suggest and the auto box changes smoothly. On a country road, the damping still feels tight and there are no untoward noises from the drivetrain or suspension.

It’s obviously been well maintained as despite the mileage on the clock, this car still feels eager to be used.

BMW’s first attempt at an 8 series harks back to an era when the brand was more focused on classically attractive lines than today’s more challenging designs and, as a result, has aged exceptionally well to our eyes. Oxford Green suits the design very well and, matched with the grey interior, it remains a classy combination which is appreciated by the public at large.

Sure, there are a few signs of the car’s age and mileage and, while it will need more looking after than a more modern car, it has clearly been carefully maintained and she has a lot more life in her yet. So if you fancy a fantastic V8 soundtrack from a modern classic GT car, then get bidding now and be prepared to meet some new friends.

 

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