Lot details Registration No: L840TOY Chassis No: WBAEF62040CB97130 Mot Expiry: Dec 2010
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
The Klaus Kapitza-designed 8 Series (chassis code E31) was launched at the Frankfurt motorshow 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 price tag to match. During its 10-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 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. Total sales of the range were some 30,600; the model's potential being somewhat limited by the recession of the time.
The 840Ci on offer is a right-hand drive 1994 example fitted with the 4.0-litre engine and 5-speed automatic gearbox. Its metallic black coachwork is complemented by an ivory leather interior. The car's high specification includes a factory-fitted M Sport package, electrically operated seats, mirrors and sunroof, air conditioning, 6-stack CD player and Motorola car phone. It reportedly has "a full service history" and, according to the owner, "is in good condition and drives well". The coupe is being offered at no reserve because it was previously recorded as damaged on HPi's condition alert register. However, it was subsequently sufficiently well repaired to pass the stringent Autolign inspection - see www.autoligninspections.co.uk - on 17th July 2002. These big BMWs offer a unique blend of style, performance and engineering quality. When you consider what they cost new, they are now great value for money.
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