1996 BMW 8 Series Ci V8 from North America

Faults:

The pixels in the on-board computer faded out at 40,000 miles.

The seat gears needed replacing at 55,000 miles. Also the silver seat lever cracked.

The headlights loosen slightly and need adjustment periodically.

The fuel pump went at 65,000 miles.

The tires wear out quicker than with lighter cars.

Hoses began to wear at 50,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car cleans up nicely. It is a rare, beautiful, and powerful touring car.

With the use of booster seats, I can fit my two boys in the back of this exotic coupe. I'm hard pressed to find a replacement that does this and gets me excited.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th December, 2004

1996 BMW 8 Series 840 Ci 4.4L Gas from North America

Faults:

Water pump needed to be replaced at 50K miles.

Brakes at 32K.

Nothing else has gone wrong.

General Comments:

Truely a fantastic car. Maintenance on the car is shocking to say the least. $250-$320 for a regular check/oil change. Anything else needing to be done, no matter how minor, usually $200.00 more to start with.

Brakes, holy crap...$1,500 to have them done by BMW. With the 840, you need to replace the rotars when replacing the pads... one word...OUCH!

BMW service, second to none.

Comfort, very nice. Driven the car on long drives a couple of times, can hardly tell you are driving.

Not a car if you have kids! Have to sell ours!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th April, 2004

1st Oct 2004, 10:54

I have one, got the service check list from BMW and service it myself, costs me knob all. the car underneath is surprisingly simple and with standard tools you can pretty much take the whole car to bits.

Used mine 60,000miles and about 8 self services (more regular than required, but keeps it tip top) well under a £1000 total... try it.

23rd May 2009, 19:01

Before your sell the kids, better check with your attorney. Understandable you feel that way because you can find kids anywhere - a good 8 series is more difficult :)

1996 BMW 8 Series 850 Ci 5.4L from United Arab Emirates

Summary:

Timeless design and a driver's car - UNIQUE

Faults:

Seat motors have blown up and the dealer has no spares. I finally had it fixed by a private mechanic.

Heavy wear on the tires.

The windscreen cracked twice (50000m & 63000m) when the car was jacked up with the dealer not accepting responsibility. The 1st time I paid for the replacement. However, the 2nd time around I forced them to foot the bill.

The on board computer display pixels 'die' and have been replaced twice.

One headlight cover has loosened several times and nearly flew off at top speed.

The suspension service has cost me quite a bit - spares and replacement arms, bushes etc.

The sunroof motor has failed once and needed to be replaced at 58000miles.

General Comments:

A high maintenance automobile and most of my friends think I'm crazy!

The Caddy is still around, but I still prefer this beauty for her timeless design and handling.

We have long long roads and this car drives like a dream - 150mph - no problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th January, 2003