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E31 840 'The forgotten BMW??'

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Mike McCourts View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McCourts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: E31 840 'The forgotten BMW??'
    Posted: 12 Jan 2015 at 10:26am

This is my 840 in Arctic Silver with red leather.

I bought the car in 2006 and have always wondered if there are any other E31's with this interior.

I have the factory build sheet showing the interior as a fitted option and the car is listed as an 'individual'

I would like to show the car at club meets this year, as we don't seem to get many 8's on car show stands. Love the car and have always considered them to be under-rated and somewhat ignored and forgotten.  Any one else feel like this? Love to hear from like minded 8ers.


Mike.


 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote m3kos Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Jan 2015 at 11:25am
Lovely interior

Much better than the usual boring grey and black
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Nifty50 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Jan 2015 at 1:09pm
It is indeed a lovely interior and one that many would have liked to have. There are some other lovely combinations out there too. Colour combinations are truly a matter of opinion and while I agree that black is a bit boring (mine is blackWink) there are some that would choose black even today.

In 1998/9 in the UK, BMW wanted to shift all remaining cars and were selling the Sport model for the same price as the non Sport and I believe one could order just about any combination of upholstery/piping at no extra cost.

I do not see headlamp washers, was this still an extra cost option or dare I say, has the nose cone been replaced and they were forgotten?


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McCourts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Jan 2015 at 4:59pm

Thanks for the response.

At some £60k a pop in 1999, 840's were not cheap, so I suppose even BMW decided that a little extra marketing would not go amiss, so why not chuck in  a set of floor mats and a red leather trim if it sells another car!! Glad they did as it looks great.

I can not recall many E31 extras, but certainly headlamp wash was one and others included heated seats, electric rear window blind, electrically adjustable sport/comfort suspension, cruise control to mention a few.

I would like to think that 8's will eventually be more appreciated, but at the moment they are cheap as chips for a remarkable amount of motor.

Mike.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote issus Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Feb 2015 at 10:36pm

Sheer Class and well done!

I know a few owners so if you pm me will send some details.

Please let me have the details of any E31 in good condition un modified as I cant find any for reasonable amount of money. In fact the decent ones seem to float between £26k and £15/17k , but mostly on fairly low mileage.

E46 320d Sport Myst Blue 054 reg - probably the best BMW ever
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McCourts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Aug 2016 at 10:07pm
I describe the E31 8 series as the 'forgotten' BMW", meaning that in a world full of M3's attracting endless attention in all the mags and comics, there seems to be little acknowledgement of the stunning looks and engineering of this car.
I was therefore particularly disappointed when the 8 series was described as a ' cock up' in the August Straight 6.
To describe any BMW as such is nothing short of a brain dead insult.
Perhaps one day the 8 series will get its deserved acclaim and set it apart from its siblings cluttering up Sainsburys car park.
Mike McCourts - E31 appreciation club chairman.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote issus Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Aug 2016 at 10:21pm
Great comments - love it!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote safe1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 6:09pm
Mike--NOT Forgotten-------perhaps due to its rarity, the E31,s are not viewed in the Metal very often.
A great opportunity coming up---at Gaydon, to appreciate its  fine lines and interior space, as an Autobahn express, in total comfort and safety. A great Car---- Big smile
 
Gofastsafe
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote issus Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Aug 2016 at 6:36pm
Plus Mike there are 3 in our Central Region:

Phil Starr, Gary Jackson and Roy Pugh all have E31's. Fairly certain that there is at least another too as it came to the Coventry Museum Trip back in April - a beautiful low mileage example.
You are not alone.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McCourts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2016 at 10:00am


I read with interest the latest Straight Six - September 2016.
As if to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that the BMW 8 series has been forgotten and ignored, take a look at the Registers News section which starts on page 61 with Classic and finishes on P68 with Z Register.
Guess which one is missing!!
All BMW's mentioned - 02series/3series(twice)/4series/5series/6series/7series/iregister/mini(?)/Xseries and Zregister.
Seems like 8series are indeed forgotten so to remind everyone what one looks like I've attached a photo. Maybe its just me but are these cars not worthy of a bit more attention?
Have to dash - I'm blocking an E46 in at Sainsburys.
Mike McCourts.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote issus Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2016 at 12:57pm
That was my E46 you blocked in - mind you I thought that E31 only went to Waitrose👌🏿
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AndrewE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2016 at 5:54pm
The E31 was a sales flop, and indeed a cock up for BMW. It was launched too late, was way too expensive and compared to the cheaper M635CSi, a heavy old whale that didn't do anything better than a (cheaper, roomier) 750i. The cheaper E34 M5 just crucified it. Sales were poor and never got close to either the E24 6 Series or the Mercedes SL or the coupes with which it was trying to compete. Too big, too heavy, cramped inside and in terms of driving, nothing a Porsche 928 couldn't sort out. All in all it was slightly pointless - and 15 mpg from the old V12.

I had an 840Ci 15 years ago as a six year old car. They were down to basic 316i money and I thought I'd try one. It was okay I guess but a 330Ci was faster, lighter on its feet and had better brakes. And much cheaper to buy and run. I would sum up the E31 as a great looking car, but somewhat short on ability and thrills compared to a lot of much cheaper cars. But what do I know - I make brain dead insults........
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McCourts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2016 at 7:49pm
Can't disagree with any of that Andrew - except the cock-up bit.
OK E31's were over priced, sluggish unless in S mode, awful brakes, too softly sprung, overly complex, etc,etc but with their coupe shape, no B pillars, pop-up lamps they were streets ahead in the eye candy department over the jelly mould 928's and boring SL's.
But they couldn't sell them.
Grab a £7k 844 before they've all gone!
Mike.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McCourts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Sep 2016 at 11:02am


An 840 cock-up, A 635 pick-up and a GT with its back up!!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Norrie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Sep 2016 at 11:09am
I like the 840 best personally.
n
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McCourts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Sep 2016 at 11:18am
So do I.
What a car for 316i money!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Norrie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Sep 2016 at 3:01pm
In terms of a "cock up", it does not matter now does it. The fact that someone can own one of these iconic cars and as you say without out spending a fortune has to be the most important thing.

It would be interesting to hear about what is not a cock up, is that the mass produced bmw that every company car driver has, or the one that people get to put on the drive to impress others, well probably not anymore, what bigger cock up than the active series two, another name for a transit van with windows and plastic trays in the rear. Stick with 8 series any day.
n
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McCourts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 9:07am
Well said.
Perhaps 'cock-up' should now be put in the past and not used again when describing a BMW (even a 2-series Transit!!!)
Agree Andrew??
Mike.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike Fishwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 9:26am
Most large coupes seem to receive bad press when compared to more overt performance-oriented equivalents.  Just compare road tests of the Jaguar XK150S and the Ferrari 250 Berlinetta of the same period

Friends whose opinions I respect make the same criticisms of the 635Csi, and no doubt the same was said in its day of the 507 - which I think remains one of the least-attractive BMWs ever made!


A Z3 is not just for Christmas - it's for life!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AndrewE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 9:33am
If the E31 had been 35% cheaper, 20% lighter and a bit smaller it would have been a success - but they really got it wrong. But as pointless as they were, they are a proper eyeful which is why I bought one.
 I also don't think the 507 is particularly good looking - no prettier than an MGA or a Healey 100. The 300SL Gullwing on the other hand is a truly spectacular vehicle.

The Active Zafira shouldn't even be mentioned here - if we ignore it, it might go away.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McCourts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 9:54am
Good point.
BMW like every other car maker is in it to make money and big 2door coupes are not a mainstream car in the eyes of the bean counters. Hence the current crop of non future classics I suppose.
Mike.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dcarver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Mar 2017 at 10:39am
Dear Mike
I have the same car in silver but with black interior I have seen just about every 840 but never one with a red interior it must be a one off or its had new seats put in
 
regards
 
dave c
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dcarver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Mar 2017 at 11:10am
Dear Mike
As a new member to the club I would like to answer your forgotten BMW letter.
Since I have had my 840ci I get people stop me and ask me about it I have had 9 bmws in the past 20 years en the only other one witch attracted the same amount of attention was my 330ci convertible in emola red with a black roof. the 840 is just about the finest car to come out of the factory of all the bmws
For some reason it did not get the recognition it deserved today you will see rolls Bentley and aston martins on the road but very few 840's not many people turn there heads when one of these go past.i am always stoped and asked what it is and finish up keeping the wife waitng while I explain to another petrol head what it is and how I got it.
regards
dave c
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McCourts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Mar 2017 at 5:11pm
Hi Dave,

Nice to hear from another 840 nut!
Over the last 20 years I've owned more E31's than I care or dare to remember - 7 in total.

I even had a Dakkar 840 and wish I had not sold it.
I now run my Arctic Silver 840 and have owned it since 2006.
It is one of 4 E31 cars in the world with factory Coral Red leather.

I show it every year at Gaydon together with my E24 635 CSi pickup.
See 6 series pickup on the forum.


I made the point about the 8 series being forgotten as all BMW reviews and write ups and magazine articles almost always never give the car a mention but I love driving it round and watching curious and appreciative reactions from everyone cos they don't know what it is.

Go to any supermarket car park and you will find numerous M2-M6 models,
E46 3 series, etc, etc but I always can count one one hand the number of 8's I see in a month of driving all over the place - 25K miles a yearin my company 330e (also a great car) and E31's are rare as hens teeth on the road. My E31 has 98K miles on it and I hate the idea of it passing 100!!!

As we speak, however, I am forking out £400 for a new caliper fitted but other than that, running costs are bearable - I have also found a great exhaust place and had a cat to back S/S full system fitted for £600. New BMW back box alone is that!!! Sounds great as well. Tony Banks Leeds they are called.

My next fix is to buy an E36 M3 rear boot spoiler and fit it to my 840.
Very few 8's were built with a boot spoiler and the E36 design is great for the 8. I'll send a photo when I get it back from the bodyshop.

Enjoy the car.

Mike McCourts.



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dcarver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2017 at 3:21pm
Dear Mike
 
 Thanks for the reply I have seen one or two 840's with a back spoiler but i don't think it looks right
they built in the back defuser for that reson but go with what you like the only thing is that they didn't
make enough extra bolt on bits for it I suppose at a £70,000 price at the time they must have though that it had all the bits it needed just a quick one have you seen the red soft top in the collection at bmw
in Germany. now that is a car.
 
Regards
 
Dave C 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hmg66 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Mar 2017 at 11:54pm
Nice to hear a bit of 8 series natter on the forum.
I've just joined the club and hope to get mine out and about this summer after a 12 month restoration






A few more things to do but nice to see some other owners on here.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dcarver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 6:28am
Look's like you can eat off of the engine bay and the colour is great. I wish mine would look like that instead of a plastic engine cover plus the fact that I use it every day .Nice big old lump it makes most so called super cars loke sick.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McCourts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 9:35am
Nice looking 850 - Calypso red??. A quick update for you E31'ers however.
My 840 is approaching mot time and my specialist service establishment - Rockvale BMW in Stockport has advised me of a couple of issues which I need to address - with associated indicated costs.
The 2 front calipers are seized ( one on and one off) and BMW want £440 each. Efforts to source after-market units have not been successful - apparently the calipers are 4pot Brembo. We are therefore sending off the calipers to a specialist to have repaired. Also means I need new discs and pads. Rust on the sills needs welding around the lifting platform at the front. In addition to a brand new s/s exhaust last week, the old girl is costing me a bob or 2 - currently £1500. Still, when all this is done it will be ready for showing off - until the next drama of course ( bushes, rubber boots, steering rack, front suspension struts, fuel pipes, brake flexis, A/C condenser, etc, etc ). We still love them though don't we?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hmg66 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 12:29pm
Originally posted by Mike McCourts Mike McCourts wrote:

Nice looking 850 - Calypso red??. A quick update for you E31'ers however.
My 840 is approaching mot time and my specialist service establishment - Rockvale BMW in Stockport has advised me of a couple of issues which I need to address - with associated indicated costs.
The 2 front calipers are seized ( one on and one off) and BMW want £440 each. Efforts to source after-market units have not been successful - apparently the calipers are 4pot Brembo. We are therefore sending off the calipers to a specialist to have repaired. Also means I need new discs and pads. Rust on the sills needs welding around the lifting platform at the front. In addition to a brand new s/s exhaust last week, the old girl is costing me a bob or 2 - currently £1500. Still, when all this is done it will be ready for showing off - until the next drama of course ( bushes, rubber boots, steering rack, front suspension struts, fuel pipes, brake flexis, A/C condenser, etc, etc ). We still love them though don't we?


Hi Mike

Yes its a Calypso Red 850csi

Ive been doing it up over the last few months and a full respray was needed as the paintwork although very clean and sound was after all 24 years old. I was very pleased with the result.

As I said its staring to come together now just some mechanical work to do over the next month and we should be good to get out this summer.

Do you rate Rockvale? Resaonable prices?

Its so hard to find anyone locally who has a clue about the 8's.Im taking mine to West Yorkshire on Monday as I have been recommended to someone who knows the Csi intimately but it would be handy to have someone nearer for the future.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote issus Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 2:14pm
Greetings HMG66

Autobarn Northampton have restored and sold E31's mostly 840's. Certainly the owner knows his way around the 8 Series. Have you contacted Steve Hamblyn 8 Series Chairman - its in the March Mag page 71 as pretty sure he can help.


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