BMW 840ci V8 – Records from new

Model History

The 8-series BMW’s are 2-door coupe grand tourers produced from 1989 to 1999 and came equipped with a V8 or a V12 (available in the US starting in 1991). They weren’t designed as a 6-series replacement but rather to appeal to a market looking for something more refined, more upscale and luxurious, more GT than the 6-series offered. Variants include the 850i (first model launched, equipped with a V12), the 840Ci (from ’93 – ’99, V8), the 850Ci (the 850i renamed in 1993), and the 850CSi (top of the line built from the M8 prototype…so think what an M8 would be had they ever produced it).

Car History

Second Daily is proud to present this 1997 BMW 840ci powered by the ever-reliable M62 4.4L V8 and paired to 5-speed automatic transmission (the manual was never a factory US offering). This was the last year of the 8-series in the U.S. and this is one of 2,450 840’s that made it state-side, and 1 of only 801 M62 later model variants. This coupe is reported to be in excellent condition with a straight body, no reported accidents and a clean Carfax. With three owners from new (the first a long-time owner of 18 years), the current seller has all of the service records from the previous 2 owners and has been a Northern California car all its life.

This one ships from California with a clean clear title in the seller’s name. Second Daily will cover up to $200 of the cost of a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) if you order one and then go on to purchase the car. So bid with confidence knowing we’ve got you covered. You must make arrangements prior to auction close and successfully win the auction to receive the $200 credit.

Exterior

Outside the Cosmo Shwarz Black looks to be in excellent condition. There are a few minor door dings on the driver’s side door. No matter how far away you park in a parking lot, someone in a 1986 Pontiac Firebird with 8′ doors is sure to park next to you. All of the panels appear to be correctly gapped. The windows and markers all look clear. We see some  paint chipping on the front areas but nothing excessive. The “B-pillar” is really the junction point for the front and rear windows and the alignment seems spot on. Last month (~200 miles ago) the seller replaced the OEM 16″ mesh wheels with staggered 18″ OEM M-Parallel rims (professionally refinished) and added new Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 tires. The seller provides nearly 100 high-res photos.

Interior

Inside is the black leather appointment is nicely accented with small touches of wood grain. Everything appears original, including the OEM BMW mats. No excessive wear is noted on the seats or armrest. Seating is provided for four with a ample trunk storage. It is missing the CD magazine for the 6-disc changer but these are still available without much looking. The seller reports the only issue being the driver and passenger seats have the ‘seat twist’ problem, a rather common problem in this era BMWs where the seat internal wiring needs servicing. Here’s a DIY if you’re of the handy type. The air conditioner reportedly blow cold, cruise control works with no issues as do the retractable headlights and sunroof. The original tool kit does convey.

Maintenance

As reported earlier, service records from new convey. It was recently CA smogged and passed with no issues. The transmission is said to shift perfectly and no leaks are noted from the engine. The seller added 2 new batteries 5 months ago. Also of note, there were a few plastic pieces on the trunk closure area that were recently replaced and has not been realigned fully, so there is a slight misalignment that could still be remedied. It will also come with a set of OEM wiper inserts are very hard to source. An inspection was done approximately 1 year ago.

Final Thoughts

The debate rolls on about 840 vs 850 … V8 vs V12. Everything has its pros and cons. The great thing about the V8 is the cost to maintain is much lower. Do any small amount of research and you’ll find this to be the case amongst actual owners. We never had the manual option in the US, and the auto makes for a great daily commuter and is typically the common choice with road worthy grand tourers. The 8-series have been suppressed for quite awhile in the market, we don’t see them going any lower and the well-maintained ones under 100k miles are getting harder and harder to find.