1993 BMW 840Ci

Lot details
Registration No: L767GJH
Chassis No: WBAEF62040CB97032
Mot Expiry: Sept 2010.

BMW's flagship model during its 10 year reign, the Klaus Kapitza-designed 8 Series (chassis code E31) was launched at the Frankfurt motorshow in 1989. Though history relates it effectively replaced the 6 Series, it was originally intended as an additional model line - an upmarket range with greater performance and commensurate price tag. During its lifetime, the 8 Series was offered in 830i, 840Ci and 850i/Ci form, of which the 840Ci was the second biggest seller. When introduced in mid 1993, it was fitted with a 4-litre V8 engine mated to either a 5-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. In 1995, however, the engine capacity was increased to 4.4-litres. The fully independent suspension featured struts at the front and 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 Deutschmarks 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. Though electronically limited to 155mph, this endowed the more powerful 8 Series models with a potential top speed of almost 190mph.
The 840Ci on offer is a 1993 example equipped with the 4.0-litre engine and 5-speed automatic gearbox. Finished in metallic green with grey leather upholstery, it is described by the vendor as being in "good" (engine, electrical equipment, bodywork, paintwork) or "excellent" (automatic transmission, interior trim) condition. It has apparently just benefited from a service and new battery, has good history and comes with original books. It is expected to have a fresh MOT at the time of the sale. Total sales of the 8 Series were some 30,600, the model's success somewhat limited by the recession of the time. However, they offer a unique blend of style, performance and BMW's famed engineering quality and are now great value for money.