Description
I became only the second owner upon buying this car from the original titled owner, Baroness (X). She had it regularly serviced by Stratstones of Harrogate from 1998 to 2007, when I bought it, on 60, 000 miles. Vehicle then used for just one year, whereupon due to my work commitments overseas, it was stored in a heated aircraft hangar on a USAAF airforce base from 2008 until 2017, with regular blasts along runways. Car then recommissioned in 2017-2018 by Dave Edney, Classic Car Specialist, Wiltshire, assisted by the UK’s leading E31 specialist, Munich Motors, Wokingham. Vehicle serviced and MoT’d regularly since then by D&S Services, Wimbledon.
The recommissioning mechanical work included: all suspension components, springs, dampers, sub frames were renewed or refurbished as necessary, all underbody brake lines and all fuel pipes removed and replaced with upgraded cupro-nickel 90/ 10 copper pipes. These pipe upgrades are labour intensive and expensive, but vital, as the original steel pipes must be replaced on all E31s after the twenty year mark due to brake fluid causing internal corrosion, which is not visible in an MOT. Neglecting to replace them will eventually result in a sudden brake failure. Given the E31’s weight the suspension system usually needs remedial work around the same time.
All brake callipers and discs were removed, renewed or refurbished as necessary, all suspension ball joints and gaiters refurbished or renewed. Other works included complete new wiper rod assembly, starter motor and power steering components. Fitted with two new heavy duty batteries in 2024.
Factory fitted with the following ‘M’ Motorsport features: aerodynamics pack with CSi style front and rear valances, M Sport suspension, M Sport door mirrors, M Sport seats, M Sport steering wheel featuring Alpina stitching. Five brand new genuine Alpina 18” wheels (£4, 500) were fitted: front 9J ET 12 offset, part no. 3611650, rear 10. 5J ET 20 offset, part no. 3611651.
A bespoke stainless steel exhaust system (£3000, lifetime guarantee,) was fitted in 2022 by Danny at Longlife Exhausts, Wallington, Surrey, . Interior upgrades were carried out by Romeo & Juliet Classic Car Upholstery, Morden, Surrey, who stripped out the entire roof lining, including the sunroof, and replaced it with thicker luxury grade charcoal alcantra. They also refurbished and reconnollised all interior leather and renewed the driver’s seat. She is fitted with an 840 appropriate number plate which is included.
The car has no known faults, mechanical or electronic, the body is rock solid, the interior impeccable, the driving experience and sound is awesome. MOT ‘d until March 2027 and following advisories, both rear brake discs and pads were replaced in May 2026. I am selling all my classic vehicles, this 840, my Mercedes SL320 and Ducati 750 super sports, due to a combination of age, health issues and loss of storage facility. Service history from new to 2007 followed by receipted works; underneath inspection is especially invited. Of the E31 variants the 840 ci sports with the later 4. 4 litre V8 (M62B44) engine is recognised as the one to have. Only 3000 were ever built, worldwide, and with just 131 licensed on the road in the U. K. today, but 207 on SORN, the 840ci sports supercar is much sought after as both a lifestyle choice, and an investment. This car cost £60, 000 when new, which equates to £118, 000 in 2026 (CPI.)
Background and context. The 850 V12 was designed in 1988 to compete in the supercar market, against Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini etc., but crucially with German over-engineered build quality and reliability. However, unforeseen car snobbery intervened, so sales of the 850 V12 were very slow. In response BMW hurriedly introduced the 840 in 1992, with a smaller 3. 9 V8 engine, but catastrophically the nikasil cylinder lining in the 3. 9 V8 engine repeatedly failed, leading to recalls.
To recover from the reputational damage BMW absolutely poured money and resources into their R & D, producing a brand new V8 engine, the 4. 4 litre M62B44. This totally new and awesome engine was fitted from 1995 to the end of E31 production in 1999. The now legendary 4, 4 litre V8 M62 is widely acknowledged as one of the finest and strongest car engines ever made, by any manufacture. Cars with this over-engineered build quality will never be produced again.
