BMW 8 Series: Gone, But Not Forgotten
All progressive automakers like to test the waters to see which models will work out and which ones will not. Usually, this process involves introducing concept models to various car shows around the world to gauge consumer sentiment. If they have their research calculated correctly and the car is a proven hit, then production is considered provided the start up costs are in line with the automaker’s financial picture.
Power to the 8 Series!
For BMW, the 8 Series represented a whole new breed of vehicles one that the German automaker tested extensively during the mid 1980s before deciding to go ahead with production. Although the car was heralded as a success, other factors conspired to cause BMW to drop the model after ten years of production. Today, the 8 Series is but a memory for most: a model that is no longer produced, but definitely not forgotten.
Killed by the Gulf War
Poorly made BMW parts were not behind the reason to discontinue the 8 Series, nor was it inferior engineering, below average quality, or any other company characteristic. Instead, the Persian Gulf War, skyrocketing energy costs, and a lack of demand for a supercar caused sales to languish. Indeed, with a very high price level, the 8 Series was the flagship of the BMW fleet and an expensive one at that.
Expensive BMW Parts & Maintenance
Chief complaints about the 8 Series included high maintenance costs, high fuel costs [most models were V12s!], and high priced luxury accessories. No, it wasn’t the oxygen sensor or the catalytic converter that were costly instead, the overall price was much more comparable to limited edition Ferraris then to other BMWs. Also, replacing typical computer parts, such as the computerized dash, put even the most carefree owner close to the brink of bankruptcy.
One of the hallmarks of the 8 Series was its tremendous co-efficient of drag rating, 0.29, which was perfected via CAD technology and via the extensive use of wind tunnels to perfect the car’s shape. This permitted the car to slip down the highway with ease, although its bulky weight did present a big drag on overall fuel economy.
Overall, the sales of the 8 Series was disappointing with just over 30,000 units sold over its lifespan. When BMW discontinued the car, no updated model was planned and even today there appears to be no interest in pursuing a follow up model. Instead, BMW appears content to keep producing M Series for those who love fast cars.
As with any hard to find model, replacement auto parts can be a challenge to locate including a replacement BMW Window Motor or a BMW Window Regulator. Fortunately, by shopping online you can find wholesale prices on most any BMW parts through quality companies including the Bimmer Parts Wholesale site. Shop online today and head down the road to bimmer paradise!
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40 Responses to “BMW 8 Series: Gone, But Not Forgotten”
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August 6th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
that model was a revolution for that year it has great bmw radiator which helped it to become very successful in car market..
March 12th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Thank you for your comments, BMW. I think the manufacturers know what consumers want, its just that fuel skyrocketed in such a short period of time that consumer demand shifted quite suddenly.
March 12th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
There is no doubt it was a lovely car, but car makers know more than anyone about listening to what the public wants.
Luxury can be now be delivered in smaller cars and higher fuel costs and worries about Co2 emmissions compounds the arguement. Sorry its gone, but look what we have have today.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I’ve yet to have the privilege of driving a V12. Sounds like one of the 8 Series would be a good one to start with
For the enthusiasts that bought one, only have 30,000 units sold should make this a great collectors model.
March 14th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
with the price of gas, you’re going to see more and more sliming down and head scratching from the manufacturers to meet the new consumer demands. I personally love the muscle and the braun of these era cars. Most of the time though you just can’t recreate and recapture the essence, no matter how hard you try.
March 14th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Thank you for this wonderful article. BMW is my best car maker in the world.
March 14th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
What a shame one of BMW’s finest autombiles is no longer sold. This innovative BMW was also the first vehicle with an electronic “fly-by-wire” throttle. The BMW 8 series also offered the first V12 engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox on a road car. BMW 8, gone but not forgotten.
March 14th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
I believe the BMW 8 series will become a classic in a few year since no other BMW has the sloped hood and pop up lights. The only other BMW with this feature is the early 70′s ultra rare BMW M1.
March 16th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
All Bmw series are nicer than one older one. I think that latest model of Bmw is very populer right now. Im thinking to buy one as soon as l get my money. BMW is number One.
Yamaha
March 25th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
The BMW 8 was a one of a kind performance car. The high cost of gas killed it and todays high prices make sure it will not come back. I believe it will be one car that car collectors will pay a high price to own in the years to come.
March 26th, 2008 at 5:51 am
I think you are right about that, Hotcars — I see all of the automakers producing supercharged engines, mostly four cylinders which will power many of our sport cars in the near future.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:08 am
Maybe, BMW will produce a new version of 8-series cars? Like it was wits 6 serie.
May 13th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
It will be nice if in the future, the 8 series was brought back. They are one of my favorite cars.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Great post, I really enjoyed it. I will have to bookmark this site for later.
June 16th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
True story. I just had to sell away my 8-series BMW due to the insane fuel price here, aswell the insurance and maintenance costs. It was a really wonerful car and I’m already missing it a bit. I was honored to own a 8-series one, to be more specific; the 850Ci. If the 8-series ever hit the sales again, I’m more then sure I’ll do anything to get a brand new one for myself!
June 17th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Ex, that is too bad you had to sell the 8 Series. I understand that gas prices in some countries is horribly out of line, making it impossible to keep classic cars such as the 8 Series any longer.
June 17th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Matthew, yeah. A pity indeed. Currently gas costs over 1,5euro/liter. It’s soon reaching 1,6e/l price, and there is no end visible for the skyrocketing price of the gas, sadly.
June 26th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I still have my 850i, it’s true that the fuel price makes it expensive to drive, but driving that car is so fantastic, that I’ll never stop doing it. Driving through Germany with no speed limit is just heaven.
June 26th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Jan, I am jealous. If I ever get to Germany I plan to rent a BMW and rocket my way down to the autobahn. I haven’t had the pleasure of driving above 65 kph, which is illegal in the states. I’d gladly fork over the money for that experience.
June 29th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
65kph us barely 40mph … and I’ve driven all over the US at speeds double that, though admitedly only legally in a few states. I suspect you’ve driven at over 65 kph many, many times — daily, I’d guess.
The 850 is a nice beast, but beast it was and a tough market to sustain …
GB
June 29th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
GB, my mistake! I should have said 160 kph or 100 mph. I converted the figures backwards.
July 5th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Love the BMW – always have since high school… now that I’m at a stage in life where I can afford the car, I just can’t afford to have it break down EVER. My brother-in-law has one – what he pays in repair and parts would pay for my wife’s Honda several times over.
Mikes last blog post..$60
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:27 am
What a bunch of revisionists. The BMW 8 was a collosal failure and deserved to be. Too heavy and overcomplicated for its own good. Insanely thirsty for fuel. Looked like an exotic drove like a 7 series. What a bad design.
Yes it looked good thats it.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Revisionist, have you ever driven an 8 series and a 7 (E32)series? I have owned both, and I can tell you that they are not at all alike in the driving experience. True, the 8, like the V12 7 series, guzzles gas, but if I keep my foot out of it, under 65mph, and am on level highway, I actually get over 25mpg out of my 6 speed. The weight actually makes this car an effortless GT, which is what it was meant to be. But, with a relatively inexpensive upgrade to the suspension via the M-suspension, it can take your breath away int he corners. Also, for the weight, 6.1 second 0-60 is still respectable, and that’s just stock—before chipping. Also, a lot of current collector cars weren’t all that successful saleswise due to cost, gas consumption, etc. You’re entitled to your opinion, and mine is undoubtedly biased, but I’ve owned mine for over 10 years, 200,000 miles with NO INTERNAL ENGINE WORK. So, in my opinion, it is one of the finest automobiles ever to come out of Bavaria.
September 25th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Revisionist; your comment about an 8 series driving like a 7 series made it evident that you never drove an 8. Like E31, I have both an 8 and a 7 (my wife’s) and have driven many miles in both and they are nothing alike ( my wife will also say the same thing). The 8 is a luxury like no other; I drive various luxury cars and the 8 can still hold its own against 2008 models I have driven. My 8 is in Maine and I drive it only on the most beautiful of days and I am always delighted to drive it. 14 years old and 100K miles and it is as tight, great handling and powerful as the day I bought it.
To each his own, but those who considered it a failure probably could not afford the car.
October 20th, 2008 at 2:48 am
To address the fuel costs I have had my 840Ci converted to run on LPG (as well as petrol). I use it daily, and could not be happier with the car; Great looks, fast, very comfortable, and affordable running costs. I have never seen bills beyond those for routine maintenance. Great car.
October 31st, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Just picked up my ’95 840 from annual service and MOT for £333. Engine declared good as new. Electrics and info computer all sound. Next door’s 6 year old Volvo needed £1200 of work to get through last week and he’s spitting feathers.
91k on the clock so it’s just a baby really. It’s my everyday car, love it to bits.
I can even park it – not bad for a girl!
December 27th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
The first time I dove an 8 Series (a 93 850Ci witha six speed manual), I was hooked. But for me, like most others who admired the big coupe, the $125,000 (Canadian) price, was a show stopper. three years ago I was able to pick up a beautiful 92 850i with a six speed stick. Sold a 3 series ragtop to make room in the garage. All of the critics speak the truth. It is a heavy and overcomplicated car but there is nothing else like it. It is a great open road GT that istill turns heads everywhere it goes. Gas mileage? A little thirsty but if you are worreied about mileage you are missing the point. As a used car, they are a bargain. Anyone who dropped over 100 large to buy a new one could afford to maintain them in tip-top shape and many are 15 year olde examples are in excellent shape today. My advice for anyone thinking of obtaining one – look for a six speed manual. It is not only much more rare, the automatics mated to the V12 failed prematurely.
February 22nd, 2009 at 4:11 am
I just purchased a 1991 850i with a 6 spd. I live in Oregon and the car is at my sister and brother inlaws house in Minnesota.I am flying out in 10 days to pick it up and drive it the 2000 miles home. From everything I have read and heard about these cars it should be a great experiance. I am really looking foreward to it.
May 24th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I am the proud owner of an 850CSI (#221) delivered 12/31/95
This is a fabulous automobile, Black with silver interior, 3 d chips and glides on the road to Las Vegas at 120 mph. Who cares about gas mileage (which gets 24mpg when kept under 90 mph) on the highway.
In a perfect 10 condition and displayed in the Murphy Auto Museum in Southern California.
June 12th, 2009 at 11:59 am
I am the proud owner of a 1990 BMW 850i, and i love the thing to death. It is such a wonderful car to drive! 162000kms on the clock, and hasn’t skipped a beat yet.
Fuel consumption isnt the best, but I dont drive it everyday, so i dont really care.
Its amazing how many looks you get driving one of these, even though its almost 20 years old!
You can see photos of mine here: http://www.eurocruisers.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=134&start=20
June 16th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
John Drake,
You are a lucky guy to have a CSI. They were never sold here in Canada and even if we can source one in the US, they are on a restricted list for entry into the country. Only 225 CSIs built so this will be the one that all collectors will lust after.
July 30th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
My deceased husband (2005)purchased an 850Csi in October 1995 that was produced May 1, 1995. I love the car but do not drive it much because it is a classic and I don’t need the high performance for my local driving. It has 42,543 miles on it. Fun to drive once in awhile but only for special occasions.
July 31st, 2009 at 11:42 am
Hello Sharon
Are you looking to sell this vehicle? If so can you send pics or describe?
Regards
John Drake
.-= John Drake´s last blog ..K-W-L Demo Class =-.
March 12th, 2010 at 2:48 am
Finally we are in agreement with some thing! What are your own feelings on the M? BMW whored out M just like Mercedes did with AMG. What ever took place to producing cars fast that were worthwhile? Who requires a 4500lb pig with 500 h . p .?
April 15th, 2010 at 8:30 am
BMW 8 Series will always remain one of my favorite cars. Ever. I fell in love with it the first time I saw it and I am still thinking that one day I will own it. I just must to feel the relief)
February 18th, 2011 at 9:21 am
I have a 1993 850 CiA with the spoilers of the 850 CSI.
It looks like brandnew although I have 98.000 km on it.
Today I get more attention to this car when I drive through Cologne than with a Ferrari.
I think it is because it is a BMW. Something which is within the reach of everybody. Now saved over the years it is like a gem.
I enjoy it very much, I must say. I keep all parts in a “new” condition – even changed the electronic dashboard after some pixels of the displays started to fade away.