8-series BMW

[Kirk911SC]

Anyone on here owned or have owned an 8-series??

How was it in terms of reliability?

I've read many reviews/articles and some say to stick with the V8 (840), but others say that the M70 engine (V12 - 850) is one of the last "overbuilt" BMW engines. I realize the 850 basically has two of everything when it comes to the engine.

There are quite a few examples around in good shape with relatively low mileage, and modestly priced.

Just wondering if anyone had some first hand knowledge.

Thanks.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I absolutely love the look of those cars. What I've been told is that the upkeep costs on the V12s will kill you. They are horrendously expensive cars to maintain - practically up there with Ferraris. That's just what I've heard though. Maybe try the BMW side of the forum?

[slow&rusty]

Been there, glad I did not do it...still love the car an dhow they look.

Check out my two threads:

Forgotten & Fallen - The BMW 850? Your Opinion?

New Tread - PICS On That BMW 850i Checked Out!!!

Here is the car that I was considering:







Yasin

[onewhippedpuppy]

Just look at how tight the V12 fits into that engine bay. And imagine working on it. Not fun.

They're sweet cars, but reportedly a fortune to keep. Lots of gizmos that like to break. The 840 is the "reasonable" model.

[Dantilla]

I was considering an 840 a while ago, but couldn't find one with a manual tranny.

[cab83_750]

I was seriously considering an 840 also, until someone said, ........

Why do you want to drive a Ford Probe-look-a-like?


Still a nice car! I am now to the M3 or M5 (or if I could get a cheap 335)

[rnln]

I never owned one but heard it's expensive to keep it up. I followed one many years ago on my 3 serries. Look like the guy was cruising, while I was pumping hard to keep it in my view

[Rick Lee]

A buddy of mine runs BMW's gov't. relations office in DC and had a 850 as his company lease when they first came out in the U.S. It was a sweet machine. When he'd get called to Munich, they'd fly him to Frankfurt instead and give him an 850 to enjoy the drive to Munich. Killer job.

[ErVikingo]

Dad still has an 88 750 (in addition to a new 7 series) and the engine keeps on ticking, electronics are a different story...

Before I'd look at an 850 I'd look at an M6 !

[daepp]

My buddy had a very nice 750 V-12 that about broke him.

And IMO, it wasn't that impressive in HP department.

[cab83_750]

Originally Posted by daepp

My buddy had a very nice 750 V-12 that about broke him.

And IMO, it wasn't that impressive in HP department.

Thanks for sharing that information.


On a similar note, my ex-Supra Turbo did not impress me either.

[Kirk911SC]

Well.....I think I'll stay away from the 850

[tcar]

The V8 is no picnic in the reliability/maintenance department and the V12 is MUCH worse.

I wouldn't do either. Spent a lot of time with a 540i V8.

Made it from Albuquerque to Denver fine (fun) new, then died the next day. Spent 2 weeks at the dealer here being fixed (in-law's car). Happened again a month later.

Were constant problems with it for a couple years - they sold it.

I think there's a reason the 850's are a 'good deal'.

[serge944]

For the same money, get an e39 M5. Better looking, more luxurious, faster, newer.

BMW 12's are anemic in the power department.

[daepp]

I think the old in-line 6 BMW's were the best!