1995 BMW 840Ci

Lot details
Registration No: N2 SDA
Chassis No: WBAEF62040CB97774
Mot Expiry: Dec 2011

The Klaus Kapitza-designed 8 Series (chassis code E31) was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989. Though it effectively replaced the 6 Series, it was originally intended as an additional model line - an upmarket range with superior performance and pricing to match. During its ten-year reign, the 8 Series was offered in 830i, 840Ci and 850i/Ci form, of which the 840Ci was the second most popular variant. When introduced in mid 1993, it was fitted with a 4-litre V8 engine mated to either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. With 282bhp on tap, this version could achieve the 0-62mph sprint in an impressive 6.9 seconds. Nevertheless, during 1995 the M60 engine was replaced by the M62 V8 unit of 4.4-litres capacity. The fully independent suspension featured struts at the front and an innovatory multi-link system with coil springs on the rear. Steering was by ball and nut and braking by discs all round - vented at the front; solid at the rear. Over 1.5 billion Deutschemarks is said to have been spent on the car's design and development, which included the use of CAD tools (still quite rare at the time) and wind tunnel testing, the combined effect of which was a very competitive drag coefficient of 0.29 - a vast improvement on the 0.39 figure of the 6 Series Coupe. Sales for the entire range were some 31,062; the car's potential being somewhat limited by the recession of the time. Circa 4,728 of the total were accounted for by the 4.0-litre 840Ci variant, making it a relatively rare car on Britain's roads.

One owner cars dating back to 1995 are unusual finds, making the sale's high specification right-hand drive BMW 840Ci of immediate interest. What's more, according to the vendor, it has still only covered 74,000 miles from new. He also informs us it has an "excellent service history" (the last was carried out at an indicated 72,769 miles) and comes complete with: the service book, handbook, numerous invoices, receipts, eight previous MOTs etc. Moreover, it is being sold with the eye catching registration number `N2 SDA', which it has apparently worn from new. The vendor regards the sixteen-year old bodywork as "original and beautiful", the Orient Blue Metallic paintwork as "good", the Silver leather interior trim as "excellent" and the 4.0-litre engine and five-speed automatic transmission as "good". Built to typically high standards and endowed with excellent performance and high levels of comfort these striking BMW coupes are now being snapped up by enthusiasts looking for a grand tourer with a difference.