8 Series

Hi,

Im 21, been driving around in my 325 for around six months but I have to own an 8 Series!!

I think the 3 series has become a bit to common, It wasn't untill I bought one that I noticed just how many there are on the roads.

I just wondered what you guys thought of your 8 series?? Can they be used as an everyday car?? Are the services cost going to be a lot more?? And above all hows the handling and performance??

I have been having a quick look on autotrader and it look like you can pickup a 94 plate for around £10,000 - £12,000... any thoughts / suggestions would be good!

Cheers

Jon

I use mine as an everyday car.  I'm amazes how many people write them off as being too expensive. Granted they are not at the cheaper end but  Inspection I/II/Oil service/ Brake fluid changes are not much more expensive.  Tyres for mine £155 a pop.

If you are spending 10-14K try get one that still has used car warranty offered. Then you have some gaurantees and insurance if anything big goes bang. It pretty much costs the same for all the used car warranties with BM whether its an 8 or a 5 (£549 for mine - 95M - 115000 miles and I'm led to believe for 7's and 8's warranties will be continues beyond 100K).

Fuel ecomony  :-(  .  I have got 21-27 mpg on the M/way, 16-18MPG around town.

Performance wise they are not quick by todays standards, 840Ci (4.4 & 4.0), 850 (5.0) are about the same. 850Ci (5.4), 850Csi is the quickest (5.6) and there is even Alpina versions around (5.6) if you can find one. If you want quick get an M3. Mine was timed with less mileage than it has now at 6.9 secs 0-60 in sport mode. Only 850's can come with 6 speed manual if that's what you want. 

I love my car, turns heads everywhere I go. Effortless driving. Very quiet, growls when really pushed. Handling wise it gives a good account of itself around corners, however, I always keep the ESC selected. Loves m/way slip roads :-)

Have a look at www.e31.net  for more info

Read the pre-purchase section of the following before buying one

http://membres.lycos.fr/technice31/

Also, find out about Nikasil engine block. Some BM engines didn't like high sulphur fuel. Generally V8's not just 840's. BM changed my engine blocks at 26K. I don't have the link right now but can did something up if you want to know more.

If you need a better idea of costs for maintenance and routine running I can supply. Don't be put off. Just find out as much as you can first.

Good luck in your search