The BMW E31 8 Series

Overview

Building upon the idea of its luxurious 750iL sedan, BMW turned to a comparable 2+2 coupe for 1991. Introduced in June 1990, it served as the successor to BMW's 635CSi coupe and cost even more than the 750iL. BMW's familiar "twin-kidney" grille was installed, but the rear-drive 850i wore hidden headlamps, a feature never before seen on BMW models in the U.S. Although its 296-horsepower, 5.0-liter V12 engine came from the 750iL, the new 850i was created with a more sporty demeanor. Either a 4-speed automatic or a new 6-speed manual transmission could be installed. Standard 850i features included Automatic Stability Control (ASC), which limited power to the rear wheels when wheel slippage was detected during acceleration. Models with manual shift got a different version, ASC + T, which also applied brakes to the rear wheels to restore traction. The 850i was the first model to use BMW's new Seat-Integrated Belt system, which integrated the belt system into the seat instead of anchoring it to the floor and/or roof pillars. All 850i coupes had a driver's airbag and antilock braking. Electronic Damping Control (EDC III) became optional in the fall, several months after the 850i went on sale. With EDC III, suspension firmness adjusted automatically based on how the car was being driven. In addition, the driver could choose Comfort or Sport setting, using an interior switch. Rivals included the Mercedes-Benz 500SL roadster, joined later by the Lexus SC 400.

Road Test

Considered to be classic "grand touring" cars, close to exotic-car level, the 8-Series BMWs were fast, comfortable, stylish, and safe. They were also big, heavy, and thirsty, fitted with plenty of high-tech gear but lacking head and leg space in the back for anyone much above toddler size. The silken V12 engine can quickly shove you back in your seat as you effortlessly overtake other traffic. It's also so flexible you can toddle along at 1000 rpm or so in sixth gear (with manual shift), without "lugging" the engine. Performance from a V8 doesn't lag all that far behind, but both engines guzzle fuel. The 6-speed manual gearbox shifts cleanly, but doesn't help gas mileage much. We averaged 16.4 mpg in an early model, including a lot of highway driving. Ride quality is good for a high-performance automobile, though the Comfort setting lets the nose float slightly over freeway bumps, whereas in Sport mode, the suspension can jitter over washboard surfaces. Steering is firm and communicative, brakes strong, cornering ability on dry pavement outstanding with little body lean. Even with traction control unobtrusively limiting rear-wheel slippage, however, taking a corner too quickly on wet pavement causes this car's tail to slide sideways. Fitting more than two adults inside without cramping everyone isn't so easy. The standard sunroof limits head room for tall people in front. Cargo space also is in short supply. Gauges and controls are logically arrayed, while the standard tilt/telescope steering wheel and supportive seat accommodate a wide range of drivers.

Value for the Money

The 8-Series was a slow seller from the start, partly due to its being prohibitively expensive for all but the very rich. Used-car prices are no bargains, either. An 840Ci always made the most sense from a cost standpoint, because the V12 engine in the 850Ci was not far enough ahead in performance to justify its markedly higher price.

Specifications

Specs for this generation BMW 8-Series include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

E31  ( Sample) Standard Specifications: Make BMW  Family 8  Model Variant E31  Car Series Year 1991-1997  Doors and Body Style 2D Coupe  Wheel base, in. 105.7  Overall Lenght,in. 188.2  Overall Width, in. 73.0  Overall Height, in. 52.8  Curb Weight , lbs 4150  Cargo Volume,.cu.ft 11.3 Standard Payloads,lbs. - Fuel Capacity, gals. 23.8 Seating Capacity 4 Front Headroom,in. 37.3 Max,Front Leg Room,in. -  Rear Headroom,in. 34.9  Max, RearLeg Room,in. -

A good reference for full technical specifications on the E31 8 series is

is E31.NET who have a multitude of aptly included resources!

Credit and referance is given to Consumer Guide Automotive for this article.

If you have something to add to this report, or a query or complaint, feel free to contact bmwfirst.com.