BMW 8 Series E31: the V12 grand tourer of the 1990s
With its wedge shape, pop-up headlights and V12 engine, the E31 8 Series was BMW's technological flagship of the 1990s. Its story, versions and what to know before buying one.
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The BMW 8 Series E31 was the most ambitious BMW of its time. Presented in 1989, it combined a dramatic wedge-shaped design, pop-up headlights, a pillarless coupé body and, at first, only V12 power. It was a technological showcase and one of the great grand tourers of the 1990s.
In this article we tell the story of the BMW 8 Series E31, its versions from the 840Ci to the 850CSi, its technology, the M8 prototype that was never built, and what to know if you want to own one today.
A new flagship coupé
At the end of the 1980s, BMW wanted a luxury coupé that would go beyond the elegant 6 Series E24. The new car would show BMW's best technology and compete with the most prestigious grand tourers in the world.
The E31 8 Series was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989 and went on sale in 1990. Its design was dramatic: a low, wedge-shaped nose with pop-up headlights, a long bonnet, frameless windows and no B-pillar, so the side windows could open completely.
It was a large and heavy car, but its proportions made it look sleek and fast. Even today, the E31 is considered one of the most beautiful BMWs ever designed.
The 8 Series was built until 1999, and about 30,000 cars were produced in total.
The V12 engines
At launch, the 8 Series was offered only as the 850i, with a 5.0-litre V12 engine, the M70, producing 300 hp. It was smooth, quiet and powerful, perfect for fast, relaxed travel across Europe.
One remarkable detail was the gearbox: the 850i could be ordered with a six-speed manual gearbox, which was unusual for a V12 car at the time. A four-speed and later five-speed automatic were also available.
In 1992 BMW introduced the 850CSi, developed with BMW Motorsport. It used the S70, an enlarged 5.6-litre V12 with 380 hp, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, a lower and stiffer chassis and specific bumpers. It was the most powerful 8 Series and is the most sought after today.
The regular V12 model was later updated with a 5.4-litre engine and renamed 850Ci.
The V8 models
In 1993 BMW added the 840Ci, powered by the M60 4.0-litre V8 with 286 hp. Later it received the 4.4-litre M62 V8. The V8 models were lighter at the front, slightly more economical and simpler to maintain than the V12 cars.
For many buyers today, the 840Ci is the most practical way into E31 ownership. It offers the same beautiful design and comfortable cabin, with lower running costs.
The V8 cars were mostly sold with automatic gearboxes, but some markets also offered a manual version, which is now rare.
Whichever engine you choose, the 8 Series is a car for long, fast journeys: comfortable, stable at high speed and very well equipped.
Technology ahead of its time
The E31 was packed with technology. It was one of the first BMWs with an electronic throttle, often called drive-by-wire, which BMW called EML. It also used a CAN bus network to connect its electronic systems, which was very modern for the time.
The rear suspension was a multi-link design called the Integral axle, which improved stability and comfort. Some versions also offered active rear-wheel steering, called AHK.
Inside, the E31 had electrically adjustable seats with integrated seat belts, automatic climate control and a high-quality sound system. The cockpit was angled towards the driver, a classic BMW feature.
All this technology made the 8 Series impressive, but it also means that older cars can have complex electrical issues. A specialist who knows the E31 is very valuable for owners.
The M8 that never was
In the early 1990s, BMW Motorsport developed a high-performance M8 prototype based on the E31. It was designed to be a true supercar, with a powerful V12 engine, lightweight construction and racing technology.
The project was stopped before production. Reasons often mentioned include the economic situation of the time and doubts about the market for such an expensive car. The 850CSi was the closest that customers could get to a full M version.
For many years, the M8 prototype was hidden from the public. When BMW finally showed it, it caused great excitement among fans and confirmed many of the rumours about the car.
The name M8 later returned with the modern M8 coupé, convertible and Gran Coupé, but the E31 M8 remains one of the most fascinating "what if" stories in BMW history.
Buying a BMW 8 Series E31 today
The 8 Series has become a desirable classic, especially the 850CSi and well-kept V12 cars. But it is a complex car, and buying the wrong one can be very expensive.
These are the main points to check:
- Service history. Complete records are essential, especially for the V12.
- Electrics. Check every function, including the windows, the seats, the pop-up headlights, the climate control and the instrument cluster.
- Engine. V12 engines need specialist care. Listen for smooth running on both banks, check for leaks and look at the cooling system.
- Suspension and steering. The Integral rear axle has many bushings that wear with age.
- Rust. Check the wheel arches, the sills and the floor.
Buy the best car you can afford, from an owner who has looked after it properly. A well-maintained E31 is a wonderful car to own and drive.
BMW 8 Series E31 versions
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Production | 1990–1999 (presented in 1989) |
| 850i / 850Ci | 5.0 V12 (300 hp), later 5.4 V12 |
| 850CSi | 5.6 V12 (S70), 380 hp, 6-speed manual |
| 840Ci | 4.0 V8 (286 hp), later 4.4 V8 |
| Body | 2-door coupé without B-pillar, pop-up headlights |
| Technology | Electronic throttle, CAN bus, Integral rear axle |
| Units built | About 30,000 |
Frequently asked questions
What engines did the BMW 8 Series E31 have?
The E31 was offered with V12 engines (850i, 850Ci and the 380 hp 850CSi) and V8 engines (840Ci with 4.0 and later 4.4 litres).
Was there an M8 version of the E31?
BMW Motorsport built an M8 prototype in the early 1990s, but it never went into production. The 850CSi was the most powerful production version.
How many BMW 8 Series E31 were built?
About 30,000 E31 8 Series coupés were built between 1990 and 1999.
Is the BMW E31 a good classic to buy?
It can be a wonderful classic, but it is complex and expensive to repair. Buy a car with a complete history and have it checked by a specialist.
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