Following the V-12 850CSi, BMW’s 840Ci is considered the ‘baby’ of the E31 8-Series range. Despite this, the distinctive V8 powered 840Ci Coupé is considered the sweet spot of the E31 line-up - being virtually as powerful, well-balanced and simpler to maintain.
The 840Ci was built in relatively few numbers with only around 2,000 coming to U.K. shores.
With pop-up headlights and a long, pillarless profile, this rare ‘beamer’ still looks fresh and is rapidly becoming an appreciating classic.
This fine example has remained in the same family since the mid-1990s, and as you can see, has been well cared for and diligently maintained throughout it’s lifetime.
Described by the owner as an “effortless GT”, his father drove it to the South of France a few times, and judging by his long-term ownership, clearly loved it.
The stylish Oxford Green coachwork is in excellent condition and the luxurious leather-clad cabin is a design-delight. So grab the opportunity to check it out…
The History and Paperwork
First registered on the 1st August 1994
Purchased by the owner’s father around 1996
Acquired by the owner on the 12th March 2021
Up to date V5 present
BMW wallet containing the original Owner’s handbooks
Two service books with a total of 15 stamps
Current ‘Pass’ MOT valid until 4th June 2024
Taxed until the 1st June 2024
Originally supplied by Wyndham BMW, Cardiff, we can see from the accompanying service records that the owner’s father had the car regularly serviced by his local BMW dealers, Scotthall Ltd, in Southampton. The last one being carried out in August 2019 at 53,940 miles (just 431 miles ago).
The Interior
Luxurious touring comfort and features
Excellent dash and instrumentation
Some minor marks to lower driver’s side dash
Adjustable steering wheel and cruise control
First to feature an auto-dimming rear view mirror
Original Business RDS radio with digital display fault
Presentable door trims
Great body-hugging full leather upholstery
Tidy carpeting and overmats
Functioning sunroof
Ski-hatch and original first-aid kit!
Headlining fine with a little sagging
Spacious boot space with jack and an older spare
CD Auto-changer is missing
Warning triangle and almost complete tool kit
The Exterior
Gorgeous Oxford Green coachwork (324)
No obvious stone chips, scratches or dings
Exceptionally straight body
Some minor low-down front spoiler scrapes
Clear undamaged tinted windows
Pop-up headlights operate as they should
Slight damage to passenger door mirror plastic (see photo)
The wheel arches look good and appear corrosion-free
A few corrosion spots below the rear screen
Underneath, the structure looks sound
Some surface corrosion to the rear and to the exhaust system
Presentable 16” BMW alloy wheels
Set of five Continental Sport Contact tyres with plenty of remaining tread
The Mechanics
Very clean engine compartment
Refined M60 3,982 cc V8 producing around 282 bhp
Well maintained mechanicals
Smooth 5-speed automatic transmission
Power steering, suspension and brakes are said to operate efficiently
Some future attention to the brakes and exhausts will be required (see online MOT records)
As it stands, the car is ready to enjoy
Reassuringly, the owner tells us that the 4.0-litre V8 starts with ease every time, pulls strongly through the automatic ‘box and handles confidently on the road.
Summary
Built for long executive journey’s, this German GT had a price tag of around £54,000 back in the day. Now a desirable and appreciating modern classic, it is a bargain luxury sports-cruiser.
Equipped with the burbling 4-litre V8 engine and five-speed automatic gearbox, we could argue that this combination ideally suits the GT nature of the 840Ci, and with under 55,000 miles under it’s belt, this V8 is barely run in.
The bodywork and interior are in excellent order, and with a little continued mechanical care, this iconic and indeed cool top of the range BMW should be a great choice.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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