8 Series (E31)
1989 · 🇩🇪 Germany · 300 hp
Details
About this car
The BMW 8 Series E31 was BMW's flagship grand tourer, produced from 1989 to 1999. Debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it was initially offered with the M70 5.0L V12 producing 300 hp in the 850i, and later featured a 4.0L V8 in the 840Ci (286 hp) and the spectacular S70B56 V12 in the M8 prototype. The pinnacle of the lineup was the 850CSi, using a 5.6L V12 producing 380 hp, developed with motorsport involvement. The E31 featured advanced technology for its era including a drive-by-wire throttle, active rear-wheel steering, and a six-speed manual gearbox option. Despite its striking design and engineering ambition, the E31 was commercially challenging due to its high price and the economic recession of the early 1990s. Today it is increasingly appreciated as a design icon and an understated collectible.