The BMW 8-Series was released in 1990 as a 1991 model, supplanting the previous grand tourer, the 6-Series (1976-1989).
Year-to-year changes
| 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 840Ci | |||||
| 850Ci | ||||||
| N/A | 850CSi | N/A | ||||
1991
In the early '90s, only one model was available within the BMW 8-Series -- the 850i, later known as the 850Ci. It was used to accelerate from 0 to 60 in less than 7 seconds, cruise at a computer-limited 155 mph and turn a corner at nearly 1 g. But it also had all the comfort of a big luxury sedan, plus all the style of a sleek sport coupe. And there was even a back seat (although rear-seat legroom was almost nonexistent in this 2+2 coupe).
1994
If there were a market segment called Big Boomer Gran Turismo, BMW's 840Ci and 850Ci would have been right in the center, competing with the Mercedes-Benz S500 and S600, Jaguar XJS and Porsche 928. Except for a couple of exotic Ferrari and Lamborghini models costing $100,000 more, cars like the 850Ci represented the outer limits of mass-production passenger cars.
BMW's 8-series was essentially a short-wheelbase 7-series fitted with sleek coupe bodywork. The new base car, known as the 840Ci, used the same 282-hp V8 as the 740i; the 850Ci used the 296-hp V12 with its locomotive-like 332 ft.-lb. of torque. The limited-edition 850CSi, a hot-rodded version developed by BMW's motorsports department, came with a 5.6-liter version of the V12 that produced 372 hp and more than 400 ft.-lb. of torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox, wide low-profile tires on 17-in. wheels and a tightened-up suspension made this one of the best-performing sport coupes ever built.
The 8-series offered such standard features as leather upholstery, automatic climate control, power everything and a computerized memory for the driver's seat, steering wheel and mirrors. Standard, too, is more performance and status than normal folks can stand.
1995
The 840Ci, which was mostly unchanged, went on sale first in late 1994. The 850Ci was upgraded to have 322 horsepower and 361 ft.-lb. of torque. This trim level, along with the 850CSi, were distrubted to dealerships in February 1995.
1996
This was the last model year for the 850CSi. The first engine size to go on sale was the 850Ci in December 1995, followed by the 840Ci in early 1996. In 1996 the 840CI was updated with the new M62 Engine producing more horsepower and torque. They only made 800 of them between '96-'97. The engine was 4.4 liter.
1997
After seven years of production, BMW discontinued the 8-Series. A replacement for this car was on hiatus until 2003.
Retail prices
| Model year(s) | Engine size | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 5.0L | $73,600 | N/A | February 10, 1991 |
| 1992 | 5.0L | $78,500 | N/A | March 1, 1992 |
| 1993 | 5.0L | $83,400 | N/A | December 1, 1992 |
| 1994 | 4.0L | $68,100 | $450 | Q1 1994 |
| 1994 | 5.0L | $85,500 | N/A | Q1 1994 |
| 1994 | 5.6L | $98,500 | N/A | Q1 1994 |
| 1995 | 4.0L | $69,900 | $470 | October 1994 |
| 1995 | 5.4L | $88,050 | N/A | March 2, 1995 |
| 1995 | 5.6L | $100,950 | N/A | March 2, 1995 |
| 1995 | 4.0L | $72,000 | $570 | May 22, 1995 |
| 1995 | 5.4L | $91,000 | N/A | May 22, 1995 |
| 1996 | 4.4L | $74,400 | $570 | Q1 1996 |
| 1996 | 5.4L | $93,360 | N/A | Q1 1996 |
| 1996 | 5.6L | $102,950 | N/A | Q1 1996 |
| 1997 | 4.4L | $75,700 | $570 | September 19, 1996 |
| 1997 | 5.4L | $94,700 | N/A | September 19, 1996 |
.jpg "BMW 840Ci 2DR Coupe (1995).jpg (85 KB)")
.jpg "BMW 850Ci 2DR Coupe (1995).jpg (82 KB)")
.jpg "BMW 850CSi 2DR Coupe (1994).jpg (77 KB)")
