8 Series... I'm obsessed.

[Jimbo2006]

Has anyone had an 8 Series or know much about them?

I can't stop looking at them, I'm really obsessed.

At some point I would like to own one in the future when funds eventually allow, ideally a dark coloured 840i manual on gas, would it be any sillier to run than an E34 540i? I presume it is based on the 7 Series underneath...
They seem to start at just over £3k but I get the feeling twice that is needed for a good 'un...

[capri_rob]

IIRC its suspension components that are the killer - unique to the 8 series, no aftermarket stuff available and circa £1000 a corner when it needs replacing

[inlovewithRWD]

My dad used to have an 840ci (the sport model). It was a gorgeous car but the cost if things go wrong is just scary and they can easily become a real moneypit.

But I still hope to get one as soon as I have enough money...

[inlovewithRWD]

And a £3000 8 series would probably be a bit of a shed...

[b4gga83]

The 540, 740 and the 840 all share the same 4.4 V8 (I believe), you should be able to run a multi point LPG system with that - set you back around £1,500 to £2,000 depending on the size of the tank.

Apart from the suspension components your cataylic convertor (x2) system will set you back £1,400 approx!! (£700 for each side)

Electrical gremlins can be a right asre to sort out, £3,000 examples I would steer clear of! The above, apart from the LPG system, is what has put me off the 8 up until now.

[inlovewithRWD]

The 540, 740 and the 840 all share the same 4.4 V8 (I believe), you should be able to run a multi point LPG system with that - set you back around £1,500 to £2,000 depending on the size of the tank.

Apart from the suspension components your cataylic convertor (x2) system will set you back £1,400 approx!! (£700 for each side)

Electrical gremlins can be a right asre to sort out, £3,000 examples I would steer clear of! The above, apart from the LPG system, is what has put me off the 8 up until now.

Absolutely everything on them is electric. They even need two batteries to run it all .

Hate to imagine how much it would cost to get the four wheel steering system fixed...

[Jimbo2006]

Hmm, not looking too promising then
Thanks for the info, I didn't realise they had 4 wheel steering as well. I suppose when GSF and EuroCP don't stock parts then you know it is going to be a costly runner....

Maybe the cats can know possibly be modded to fit from a 540i or similar if necessary? Although they're not exactly cheap so still clutching at straws..
By suspension being expensive I presume you mean dampers mainly?

[Blitz]

If you really want one buy a nice one. You only live once.

[George]

Thanks for the info, I didn't realise they had 4 wheel steering as well.

On the 850CSi iirc.

[Jimbo2006]

If you really want one buy a nice one. You only live once.

It's a good rule, 'if in doubt, tell yourself you only live once...'

Will start doing my homework now I think, it's definitely not one to be bought blind on ebay that's for sure.
Wikipedia tells me they made 18 x 830i before deciding they were too slow/pointless and killing the lot before sale!
I have also decided it is one of the only cars in the world that I would choose in silver, no idea why, it just looks so good.

[Blitz]

Heres what its like to live with.

http://forum.bmwcarmagazine.com/viewtop ... ht=850+csi

[/// KAMI]

They do look good....

[ChemicalAl]

Lovely one on www.oldcolonelcars.co.uk just now.
Go on you know you want to!

[Jimbo2006]

Heres what its like to live with.

http://forum.bmwcarmagazine.com/viewtop ... ht=850+csi

Have just registered on there and eagerly waiting for admin to allow me in as it is not automatic!

That Old Colonel one is rather tasty. What is taking up all that space behind the sides of the boot carpet? There must be about 2 foot each side until the wings...

[ChemicalAl]

Heres what its like to live with.

http://forum.bmwcarmagazine.com/viewtop ... ht=850+csi

Have just registered on there and eagerly waiting for admin to allow me in as it is not automatic!

That Old Colonel one is rather tasty. What is taking up all that space behind the sides of the boot carpet? There must be about 2 foot each side until the wings...

Thats were you keep all the batteries and money needed to keep it running!

[Jimbo2006]

Heres what its like to live with.

http://forum.bmwcarmagazine.com/viewtop ... ht=850+csi

Have just registered on there and eagerly waiting for admin to allow me in as it is not automatic!

That Old Colonel one is rather tasty. What is taking up all that space behind the sides of the boot carpet? There must be about 2 foot each side until the wings...

Thats were you keep all the batteries and money needed to keep it running!

It's funny because it's probably true.
Two batteries, crikey, I'm barely at the stage of two washer fluid tanks.

[e301988325i]

The electric rear windows have two seperate motors, these are a KNIGHTMARE to setup, check everything works before parting with your cash. You can't get into the boot if you lock the glovebox, the electrics are that OTT.

Ps) I want one too, there's an (indigo?) blue 500bhp v12 alpina 8 series doing the shows around here, it's stunning!!!!

[Jimbo2006]

The electric rear windows have two seperate motors, these are a KNIGHTMARE to setup, check everything works before parting with your cash. You can't get into the boot if you lock the glovebox, the electrics are that OTT.

Ps) I want one too, there's an (indigo?) blue 500bhp v12 alpina 8 series doing the shows around here, it's stunning!!!!

Two electric motors per window! I'd love to see why that was necessary (presume because of the lifting angle required for a pillarless coupe).
It now makes me wonder how much weight could be stripped out to create the world's coolest track car... There must be a few hundred kilos spare without trying too hard..