540i vs 850i

[Widdlewade]

i've been thinking about trading my e39 for an 850i... Any thoughts? Anyone own both? Thanks!

[Justin517]

if you are dead set on an 8 series, get an 840. the V12 is pretty much a nightmare of an engine. The early ones had about the same output as the M62TU in your 540i also.

[Sigil750il]

To be honest, the E31s in general tend to be maintenance intensive, as was its sibling E32 7-series. I've heard they have two batteries and are complex. That said, its a beautiful unique car, especially the 850cSI, which is essentially an M8. If you can afford it and the insurance, and know what you're doing, go for it. But yeah, the 840 is better. The M70 V12, while powerful, is big and tough to work with.

[ViolinARC]

I had this decision after my '89 750iL was stolen and totalled. The V12 was cool but certainly problematic and expensive to repair so I considered two models and the 8 and 5 were my choices...

It was definitely a toss up between the 8, the 5 or M5. I choose the 5er because it is more than just a toy and seemed to be a more popular choice with higher production numbers, which means easier and "cheaper" to maintain. With 4-doors, plenty of power and excellent protection for my family, the 5er was a hands down winner! It's also uber reliable if you keep up on the maintenance issues. From day one, I have been very happy with my decision, especially since I don't live near the Autobahn and the people I questioned stated that the 8 was more of a racing type car. Of course, I would prefer that but it just wasn't practical as a family car and DD...

Why are you considering the switch? Just for kicks? IMHO, the 5er will prolly attract the attention of fewer cops cause mostly family guys cruise around in them and the 8 looks like it's speeding when standing still...LOL! Ultimately, it's what makes you happy though...

Sent from my Transformer TF101 using BF.com

[Cyrix2k]

Just do et. The 8 offers a uniqueness that will make it a joy to own, although possibly an expensive joy...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/Cyrix_2k/BW006.jpg
That's a CSI btw.

[LaLaRay]

8 :drool:

[edjack]

The 8-series was the most-heavily-electronics-laden car then produced by BMW. Most say to stay away from it for that reason.

There is no way it could be considered a "race car." It was far too heavy, and was conceived as a grand touring car.

[Doru]

The 8-series was the most-heavily-electronics-laden car then produced by BMW. Most say to stay away from it for that reason.

There is no way it could be considered a "race car." It was far too heavy, and was conceived as a grand touring car.


But in terms of "coolness" only the Z8 is ahead of the e31

[Rallim]

I will NEVER own a BMW V12.

[E36 328is]

Maintenance aside I would drive one first. I looked at a 850i 6 speed and was not impressed with the car. It has a very small trunk and back seat (not usable). It is alot slower than a 540i and you can really feel the weight of the 4,000+ lbs driving it. Dont get me wrong it is an amazing looking car just underwhelming to drive.

[jamfool]

But in terms of "coolness" only the Z8 is ahead of the e31

Let's not forget the e9 in this shortlist of yours :-)

http://www.e9-driven.com/images/gallery/2240700/4279695510_afe0bfd5cc_b.jpg


The 8-series was the most-heavily-electronics-laden car then produced by BMW. Most say to stay away from it for that reason.



I don't buy that, the e31 is sharing the same electronics as the e36 for the most parts.
e36 electronics can be a pain to troubleshoot, but this is by far certainly not as bad as the e65, e60 etc...

[edjack]

The only issue was that the E31 was designed before OBD-II, so you only have proprietary diagnostic equipment available.

Also, it was designed before BMW became savvy about automotive electronics.

[jetlife]

I was also thinking bout selling mines and using the money for down payment........

I didn't want to deal with a note though, I'll own one 5 years.......

[JimLev]

Yes, the 850 does have 2 batteries and 2 DME's, one for each bank of 6 cylinders.
I know a guy in the Boston CCA chapter that has one as well as an M5.
It's a very nice looking very heavy highway cruiser, if you decide to get one you better check on parts availability and prices. Also is there anyone in your location that knows how to work on them? It's probably safe to say that almost all BMW tech have never worked on them.

[Xeniczone]

V12 came from the factory pretty badly detuned, but not many places bother with them since they aren't very popular and tuning them (beyond the ECU) is pretty pricey.

[danno14]

As an owner of both e39 and e31, I would suggest you do research on the 8 series board; otherwise you run the likelihood of what happens all too often on the internet.....folks advising beyond what they know from firsthand experience. I have had nothing but success with 850's, with one racking up 175k before I sold it and still going strong. I am just now delving into the e39 world. The horror stories are similar to chain guide debacles- not everyone has problems but those who do scare (almost) everyone :)

[Frankie]

i've been thinking about trading my e39 for an 850i... Any thoughts? Anyone own both? Thanks!

I own both...well an 840Ci and a 528iT.

I chose the V8 over the V12 simply because it was a bit more practical as a daily driver - which is how I use the car. If I was buying a weekend/fun car, I would choose the 1997 850Ci. Both use the same drivetrain as the E38, so don't worry about parts prices for that. However, other parts are generally more. '96-'97 models have steptronic trannies: in my opinion, the only way to go if you want an auto.

There is a great forum right here on BF. I'm a contributor, and maintain a DIY website (Frankies-BMW (http://www.frankies-bmw.com)). The appeal of the 8-series is its uniqueness. It is a special car. As long as you move into the ownership experience with that approach, you'll enjoy it.

[jamfool]

Frankie, how did you get the stalk buttons working on your 840i?

[Landerholm]

You will likely be horrified by what you spend to keep it on the road. If you think an E31 is in any way nimble....its not. It makes an E39 feel like a Lotus Elise and I would not consider that to be an exaggeration.

[Widdlewade]

Thanks, guys!! Still weighing out my options...

[Polomotorsports]

I have a v12 with 80k miles and since 40k the only problem i had was, Needed a new alternator, battery and redid the cooling system. Other than that no major problems & i am very strict on keeping up with the maintenance!

[senoralbo]

My brother-in-law had an 850i until he totaled it. It was a beautiful car, but the least enjoyable BMW that I have ever driven. I'd go with a 540i 6-Speed or an M5.

[trashycamaro]

I currently have a 528iT; used to have a 1991 e31. If you are considering an e31, definitely take the time to look for a stick - the automatics felt slow. The v12 is torque heavy so the stick made a real difference.

If you want a practical car, e39 is the obvious choice. If you want a fun car that people will literally stop you on the street and ask about it, e31 is the choice.

Do your homework and do not buy an e31 that has electrical gremlins. No OBDII on the e31s and at least the early ones use R-12 freon which you can no longer buy. You can convert but the AC is never as good as it was.

And get a v12. People cry about it but it is actually fairly easy to work on and really no that complicated. Parts aren't all that pricey compared to an e39 - its essentially 2 inline sixes shoved together (hence the 2 DMEs etc).

If you have any other specific questions feel free to shoot me a message. road fly is the big online forum for the e31 guys.

Good luck.

[Xeniczone]

Parts aren't all that pricey compared to an e39 - its essentially 2 inline sixes shoved together (hence the 2 DMEs etc).

I doubt that is the reason for the two DMEs. It is more likely a 'lack of technology' at the time to drive a full V12 electronically. Maybe not so much a lack of technology as a lack of cost effective technology. This is also probably the reason that the V12 uses distributor caps rather than coil over plug. Also probably the reason the V12 is on par with some of the later V8s with max torque and horse power, though I'm sure the torque curve on the V12 looks much better than the one of on the V8.

V12 is still a beast of a motor and has some great potential. I've been wanting one myself, but I can't find a manual tranny to mate with it. :shifty

[514mach1]

If you just want the look and have your heart set on a 8 series, get it. Otherwise, don't. If you want good power and a more sporty car and don't care about having 4 seats, get a C5 or C6 'vette. Not as classy as the BMW, but faster, cheaper, easier to maintain, and a lot more performance with a bunch of readily available upgrades.

[Cyrix2k]

I doubt that is the reason for the two DMEs. It is more likely a 'lack of technology' at the time to drive a full V12 electronically. Maybe not so much a lack of technology as a lack of cost effective technology. This is also probably the reason that the V12 uses distributor caps rather than coil over plug. Also probably the reason the V12 is on par with some of the later V8s with max torque and horse power, though I'm sure the torque curve on the V12 looks much better than the one of on the V8.

V12 is still a beast of a motor and has some great potential. I've been wanting one myself, but I can't find a manual tranny to mate with it. :shifty
no, it's just BMW's crappy design. The V12, at least in the early e31s, is essentially two m20s with a shared crank.

[trashycamaro]

no, it's just BMW's crappy design. The V12, at least in the early e31s, is essentially two m20s with a shared crank.

Remember the e31 came out in 1991; it is certainly not a new car tech wise, although it was ahead of its time. And if you are lucky enough to find one, it is the first production vehicle that came with a v12 and a 6 speed.

[JSanders]

I don't technically own both, but I do own a 540i and my dad has owned a 850i for almost 10 years. While I never grow tired of looking at it, it is by far my least favorite BMW to drive and cost far more than any other car we have owned to maintain. I would advise you to stay away unless you have a few other cars to drive while it is in the shop. I wouldn't trade in my 5 for anything less than a 850csi as far as e31's go.