Body style: Coupé (two-door)
Segment: Premium Coupe
Production years: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
BMW introduced the first generation of the 8 Series, the E31, in 1989 as a replacement for the first generation of the 6 Series, which has been on the market since 1976, and despite being considered an excellent Grand Tourer, it couldn't hide its age.
While the 6 Series was a highly appreciated coupe in its segment, it lacked a few items to be considered an excellent GT. For starters, it only had six-cylinder engines, and that didn't help too much. Furthermore, since it was built on top of an old platform, it couldn't integrate some modern technologies. BMW understood that and listened to what its customers demanded, so it delivered. The 8 Series was a far more technologically advanced car than most of its competitors, offering features such as an electronic adjustable damping system and passive rear steering.
The car's exterior resembled the mighty M1 from the late '70s with its slim nose and pop-up headlights. From there on, there was no connection between them. Still, the narrow front end sported the kidney grille in the middle, flanked by parking lights and blinkers. Below the bumper, in the apron, BMW installed a second air intake that improved engine cooling.
From its profile, the sleek-looking 8 Series impressed with its elegant shape, influenced by the bio-design language that had just started to rise in the automotive market. The enlarged front fenders complemented the flowing lines of the hood. At the back, the sloped rear window and the enlarged quarter panels followed the same design idea as the front ones. Finally, at the back, a short deck covered the trunk space, while the wide taillights covered almost the entire car's width. Bellow, under the rear bumper, the automaker added four exhausts grouped by two on each side of the vehicle, with either round or squared tips, depending on the engine version.
Inside, the 8 Series was a legit luxury car that offered all the necessary features for a comfortable ride and then some more. The dashboard didn't have the same square look as other BMWs but was a more rounded one. Fronting the driver was a clean-looking instrument cluster with just four dials and small LCDs at the bottom for the odometer. The raked forward center stack made the car look like it came from the future and sported one of the most advanced onboard computers for those times. A Stereo cassette player with powerful speakers delighted customers, and an in-trunk CD changer was available. The front bolstered seats featured integrated seat belts into their seatbacks, while in the back, there was hardly room for two grown-ups separated by the tall transmission tunnel. Dual-zone climate control, front seat heating, and power windows for all four were also standard.
In terms of engineering, BMW tried to exceed customers' expectations. The car was introduced with a 5.0-liter V12 engine carried over from the 750i luxury sedan but improved to provide more power. In the U.S., it was paired with a standard six-speed manual, while a four-speed automatic was available at no extra cost. Last but not least, besides the standard ABS, the 8 Series was available with a decouplable automatic slip regulator named ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction).
ENGINE SPECS - 840Ci 5AT RWD (286 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 3982 cm3 |
Power: | 210 KW @ 5800 RPM 286 HP @ 5800 RPM 282 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 295 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 400 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.4 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed Automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 235/45 ZR17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 188.2 in (4780 mm) |
Width: | 73 in (1854 mm) |
Height: | 52.8 in (1341 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.2/61.5 in (1,554/1,562 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 105.7 in (2685 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.3 cuFT (320 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4034 lbs (1830 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4916.3 lbs (2230 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 13.7 mpg US (17.2 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 25.3 mpg US (9.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 20.6 mpg US (11.4 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 840Ci 6MT RWD (286 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 3982 cm3 |
Power: | 210 KW @ 5800 RPM 286 HP @ 5800 RPM 282 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 295 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 400 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.4 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 235/45 ZR17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 188.2 in (4780 mm) |
Width: | 73 in (1854 mm) |
Height: | 52.8 in (1341 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.2/61.5 in (1,554/1,562 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 105.7 in (2685 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.3 cuFT (320 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4034 lbs (1830 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4916.3 lbs (2230 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 16 mpg US (14.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 20.6 mpg US (11.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 492 g/km / - |
ENGINE SPECS - 850Ci 5AT RWD (326 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | V12 |
Displacement: | 5379 cm3 |
Power: | 240 KW @ 5000 RPM 326 HP @ 5000 RPM 322 BHP @ 5000 RPM |
Torque: | 361 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM 490 Nm @ 3900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed Automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 235/55 ZR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 188.2 in (4780 mm) |
Width: | 73 in (1854 mm) |
Height: | 52.8 in (1341 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.2/61.5 in (1,554/1,562 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 105.7 in (2685 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.3 cuFT (320 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4145 lbs (1880 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5071 lbs (2300 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 16.8 mpg US (14 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 23.8 mpg US (9.9 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 18.1 mpg US (13 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 429 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 850Ci 6MT RWD (326 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | V12 |
Displacement: | 5379 cm3 |
Power: | 240 KW @ 5000 RPM 326 HP @ 5000 RPM 322 BHP @ 5000 RPM |
Torque: | 361 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM 490 Nm @ 3900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 235/55 ZR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 188.2 in (4780 mm) |
Width: | 73 in (1854 mm) |
Height: | 52.8 in (1341 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.2/61.5 in (1,554/1,562 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 105.7 in (2685 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.3 cuFT (320 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3951 lbs (1792 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5071 lbs (2300 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 16 mpg US (14.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 18.1 mpg US (13 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 429 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 850CSi 6MT RWD (380 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | V12 |
Displacement: | 5576 cm3 |
Power: | 280 KW @ 5300 RPM 381 HP @ 5300 RPM 375 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 406 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 550 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 235/45 ZR17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 188.2 in (4780 mm) |
Width: | 73 in (1854 mm) |
Height: | 52.8 in (1341 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.2/61.5 in (1,554/1,562 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 105.7 in (2685 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.3 cuFT (320 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 4111.6 lbs (1865 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5070.7 lbs (2300 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 8.7 mpg US (27 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 18.7 mpg US (12.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 13.1 mpg US (18 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 429 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 850i 4AT RWD (300 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | V12 |
Displacement: | 4988 cm3 |
Power: | 221 KW @ 5200 RPM 300 HP @ 5200 RPM 296 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 332 lb-ft @ 4100 RPM 450 Nm @ 4100 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.4 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed Automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 235/55 ZR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 188.2 in (4780 mm) |
Width: | 73 in (1854 mm) |
Height: | 52.8 in (1341 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.2/61.5 in (1,554/1,562 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 105.7 in (2685 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.3 cuFT (320 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3946 lbs (1790 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4872 lbs (2210 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 11.9 mpg US (19.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 22.8 mpg US (10.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 18.2 mpg US (12.9 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 850i 6MT RWD (300 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | V12 |
Displacement: | 4988 cm3 |
Power: | 221 KW @ 5200 RPM 300 HP @ 5200 RPM 296 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 332 lb-ft @ 4100 RPM 450 Nm @ 4100 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 235/55 ZR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 188.2 in (4780 mm) |
Width: | 73 in (1854 mm) |
Height: | 52.8 in (1341 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.2/61.5 in (1,554/1,562 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 105.7 in (2685 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.3 cuFT (320 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3946 lbs (1790 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4872 lbs (2210 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 16 mpg US (14.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 18.1 mpg US (13 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 429 g/km |