APRIL 2019 59BMW BUYER
BMW’s sharp-nosed 1990s super
coupé is now an appreciating classic
and, if you can fi nd a well-maintained
4.4-litre 1996-on 840Ci, then you
could be on to a winner. More reliable
than the gas-guzzling 850 V12, the
‘entry-level’ V8 looks just as cool –
with its pillarless side profi le and classic
pop-up headlights – and performs
damn-near as well. But you must avoid
the early 4.0-litre M60-engined version
(1992-1996) which suff ered from
Nikasil bore-wear issues.
The later car’s 4,398cc V8
produces 286hp at 5,700rpm and
a stonking 310lb ft of torque at
3,900rpm, and came with both six-speed manual and fi ve-speed automatic
transmissions. The 0-62mph sprint can
be accomplished in just 6.2 seconds and,
in early 1997, a Sport version arrived
with lowered suspension but no more
power. Away from the core models,
you’ll come across so-called ‘Individual’
versions, with special colours and
contrasting seat piping.
I spotted this 1997 automatic,
Velvet blue, 100,000-mile example at
Nottingham-based prestige specialists,
Maranello Cars (maranellocars.
co.uk), which would make an ideal buy.
Advertised for £24,949, it claims a full
BMW service history and just four owners- and the spec lacks for nothing.
Coupé
E31 840Ci Sport
(1996-1999)
ENGINE: 4,398cc V8
POWER: 286hp at 5,700rpm
TORQUE: 310lb ft at 3,900rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual/5-speed
auto
0-62MPH: 6.2 seconds
TOP SPEED: 155mph
Fuel consumption: 21.6mpg (combined)
£25,000 buys you: 100,000-mile, 1997 840CiE31 840Ci Sport spec
BUYING ADVICE
Nikasil bore-liner erosion problems mean
you should steer clear of that original, M60 4.0-
litre V8 unless you’re certain the engine has been
properly rebuilt – I’d stick to 4.4-litre models.
Ignore the ubiquitous ‘sealed for life’ automatic
transmissions statement, and get a good independent or
automatic transmission specialist to change the fl uid for
you at least every 100,000 miles. A gearbox
rebuild will cost you £2,000-plus. Any smoke from the engine
could indicate poor fueling, inlet manifold pressure control valve
problems, worn valves or worn piston rings. Timing chain tensioners
need replacing at around 100,000 miles, and check that the
temperature gauge needle sits in the centre, and that the heater
blows hot air. Also look for leaks from the auxiliary water pump.
Sport models have smaller mirrors, a rear splitter and a
lower front spoiler that’s easily damaged. Watch out for rust,
especially on the sunroof’s leading edge, around the
jacking points and on the lower sections of the
rear wheel arches. Also, check for worn
suspension components,
failed wiper motors and
tired interiors.The E31 8 Series offers a healthy
dose of old-school cool which is
hard to resist. Just make sure you
buy the later, 4.4-litre car.Left: This 8 Series is
gaining solid classic car
status now, and looks
good from every angle.There’s retro-charm
aplenty inside the E31
8 Series and, unlike
all the others here,
good examples are
appreciating.