Increasing interest in 8 series?

[kiwiCSi]

Then it is in an M Car in the same way a US E36 M3 is, a cost effective engine solution inside a very solid package. It fit the super luxobarge that with two doors, fitting a CSL badge would be a good joke, and it's very different from the M6's wolf in sheep's clothing approach, nor was it apparently ready to become a big boy supercar (like the M8 concept) for one reason or another. They had another car purpose built for that task.

If the E31/34 was more similar to the E24/28 relationship rather than leaning toward the E32 in weight, maybe we would have seen 3.8 M8 or something of the like.

But you're right, the M535i is higher on the arbitrary M scale. It's not an honorary car in any sense since it predates everything but the M1

All good discussion, but I think you may be overthinking it.
An M-car is, by simple definition, any car produced exclusively by BMW's Motorsport division.
There's no such thing as an 'M scale' as you like to put it - they're all just very different cars in their own ways and for whatever reasons, but they're all M-cars.
And of course, the predominant hallmarks of any M-car have always been 'power and performance' - which the 850CSi had in spades.
Upon release, it was the fastest and most powerful BMW that money could buy.
It was also the most expensive, but I'm sure glad they built it!

[clubE31]

As stated before ..... it is an M-car. PERIOD.
Proof is easy: Bmw motorsport build, wbs vin, S-engine. m-bagde on engine and gear shifter, M-steering wheel, M-mirrors, M8 on title.....so pointless discussion it is an M-car.

Just like an M-section on the forum........am i the only one ? (if not we should start a new threat and start promoting it)

[Alec Cartio]

You are 1000% Correct.

As stated before ..... it is an M-car. PERIOD.
Proof is easy: Bmw motorsport build, wbs vin, S-engine. m-bagde on engine and gear shifter, M-steering wheel, M-mirrors, M8 on title.....so pointless discussion it is an M-car.

Just like an M-section on the forum........am i the only one ? (if not we should start a new threat and start promoting it)

[kiwiCSi]

As stated before ..... it is an M-car. PERIOD.
Proof is easy: Bmw motorsport build, wbs vin, S-engine. m-bagde on engine and gear shifter, M-steering wheel, M-mirrors, M8 on title.....so pointless discussion it is an M-car.

Amen to that.

Just like an M-section on the forum........am i the only one ? (if not we should start a new threat and start promoting it)

In principle I agree, but on reflection I'm not so sure there's any real value in having a separate bimmerforums discussion group for the CSi. I can certainly see where the moderators are coming from, as there have been no new posts on the entire M-car forum for the last 365 days (according to the statement on the main page for that category). Also, each of the M-car subcategories on there (e.g. M3, M5, M6) encompasses a wide range of different models produced over the years, whereas an '850CSi' page would contain just one single, low-production model. The result would almost certainly be a lonely forum outpost, with minimal - or even nonexistent - discussion taking place.
A slightly better alternative could be a dedicated 850CSi page within this E31 forum, but again that might tend to alienate a very small ownership group from the rest of this great community.

[TedBobo]

A slightly better alternative could be a dedicated 850CSi page within this E31 forum, but again that might tend to alienate a very small ownership group from the rest of this great community.

Totally agree. What next a V8 and V12 subgroup? Let's just remain one big happy family.

[clubE31]

Amen to that.

In principle I agree, but on reflection I'm not so sure there's any real value in having a separate bimmerforums discussion group for the CSi. I can certainly see where the moderators are coming from, as there have been no new posts on the entire M-car forum for the last 365 days (according to the statement on the main page for that category). Also, each of the M-car subcategories on there (e.g. M3, M5, M6) encompasses a wide range of different models produced over the years, whereas an '850CSi' page would contain just one single, low-production model. The result would almost certainly be a lonely forum outpost, with minimal - or even nonexistent - discussion taking place.
A slightly better alternative could be a dedicated 850CSi page within this E31 forum, but again that might tend to alienate a very small ownership group from the rest of this great community.

ok.... then they should close that section and it will not be a good thing to be on a dead section !
Maybe have three "section" in the 8-series forum (still one family): 850, 840 en csi (all 3 different and they also share a lot of stuff......difficult one).
850 and 840: you will have enough people contributing.

CSI: not sure.... don't even know how many people own one on this forum ..... (if we have 5 it will be low.... at least 20-25 "active ones" we need I guess......).
If I really think about it......csi stuff....most is/was available on the 850 as well (ahk, suspension, gearbox, computers are the same, just different eproms.....only thing is the engine, steering, coolers, brakes....and engine, just the base and heads.
Lots off small details, but not that different.

If not enough the threats it will die anyway.....(if I count fast.... maybe we have 10 active on this forum, too thin !)..........so tend to agree with kiwi (maybe I was a bit too fast).

[Budget M3]

IMHO, there are too few E31's of any configuration as it is. Dividing this already small group into sub-groups would be detrimental to the overall esprit de corps and enjoyment of our cars. Without the 1991 850i, there would likely be no CSi. Without the 1991 850i there would likely be no 840Ci.

Let's keep the group intact and keep our membership modest. If you have an 850CSi, that's great! It doesn't mean you or your car are necessarily better than the rest of the E31's, it only means you have a more rare and more valuable car. You are still an e31 enthusiast just as much as the guy who has 150k miles on his new-to-him 840!

Having just returned from a fabulous E31 weekend with SoCal 8's where we had cars of every configuration--CSi, 850i, 850Ci, 840Ci--it really makes no difference which configuration you own, or if it's modified or stock. We all appreciate a nice e31 no matter the motor and/or transmission.

[kiwiCSi]

Very well said...couldn't have put it better myself.
This community should be, above all else, inclusive rather than exclusive.

[TedBobo]

IMHO, there are too few E31's of any configuration as it is. Dividing this already small group into sub-groups would be detrimental to the overall esprit de corps and enjoyment of our cars. Without the 1991 850i, there would likely be no CSi. Without the 1991 850i there would likely be no 840Ci.

Let's keep the group intact and keep our membership modest. If you have an 850CSi, that's great! It doesn't mean you or your car are necessarily better than the rest of the E31's, it only means you have a more rare and more valuable car. You are still an e31 enthusiast just as much as the guy who has 150k miles on his new-to-him 840!

Having just returned from a fabulous E31 weekend with SoCal 8's where we had cars of every configuration--CSi, 850i, 850Ci, 840Ci--it really makes no difference which configuration you own, or if it's modified or stock. We all appreciate a nice e31 no matter the motor and/or transmission.

Who crafted this excellent reply...your wife? It was a fabulous weekend wasn't it, especially the lunch venue!

[clubE31]

ok get it and makes sense, just not enough owners and it was never my intent to make it more special then other 850's.... just bothers me people do see it as a true m-car (but that is already changing).

[Budget M3]

Who crafted this excellent reply...your wife? It was a fabulous weekend wasn't it, especially the lunch venue!

I know...you'd think the beauty and brains of the family would've come up with this sort of thoughtful prose, but alas twas me....your humble servant ;-). ...and yes it was quite a weekend!

[tvjake2]

I know...you'd think the beauty and brains of the family would've come up with this sort of thoughtful prose, but alas twas me....your humble servant ;-). ...and yes it was quite a weekend!

Good write up, Mark. We are one group, but if someone wants to try and start another page that's fine. I won't be visiting. I'm fine right here.

A pic from this great weekend.

Speers Hangar.jpg

[rharris99]

Good write up, Mark. We are one group, but if someone wants to try and start another page that's fine. I won't be visiting. I'm fine right here.

A pic from this great weekend.

Speers Hangar.jpg

1000% agree with you Tom! This forum started as a unified community and it should stay that way!

FYI- Nice shot of the group!

[kiwiCSi]

Nice turnout....what airfield is that?
Any more pics?
How many members do SoCal 8's have?
Also, do you guys still produce the regular newsletter?

Have probably used up my quota of questions here!!

[tvjake2]

Nice turnout....what airfield is that?
Any more pics?
How many members do SoCal 8's have?
Also, do you guys still produce the regular newsletter?

Have probably used up my quota of questions here!!

#1 - Gillespie Field, private hanger
#2 - We have tons more pics...we'll get some out after we've collected them.
#3 - SoCalEights have about 145 members on the email list and about 50+actual E31's in the group. Some members are in transition, some looking for a car, etc. Our international mailing list is about 345.
#4 - We do still produce a newsletter which, I think will be coming out within the next 60 days...it takes a while to write up.

[alex840]

Very well said. All years, models, sub models (Alpinas and CSIs) are extention of each other with their own driving characteristics.

With that being said there are some crazy forced induction cars being built in Southern and Northern CA. There is a Dinan 6.0 Twin Turbo being built, an S70 Dinan Twin Turbo (Dinan Super coupe), one SC car being built that are very rare tuner cars much faster than CSIs and Alpinas.....What are we going to do build forums for those too? I met the people that are helping me build the Twin Turbo setup on this forum. Yes I read many many many books on SC and TT, BUT someone with 30 years of forced induction experience knows more just from pure experience.

Ok, now I am just rambling, keep the community as one.

Alex

IMHO, there are too few E31's of any configuration as it is. Dividing this already small group into sub-groups would be detrimental to the overall esprit de corps and enjoyment of our cars. Without the 1991 850i, there would likely be no CSi. Without the 1991 850i there would likely be no 840Ci.

Let's keep the group intact and keep our membership modest. If you have an 850CSi, that's great! It doesn't mean you or your car are necessarily better than the rest of the E31's, it only means you have a more rare and more valuable car. You are still an e31 enthusiast just as much as the guy who has 150k miles on his new-to-him 840!

Having just returned from a fabulous E31 weekend with SoCal 8's where we had cars of every configuration--CSi, 850i, 850Ci, 840Ci--it really makes no difference which configuration you own, or if it's modified or stock. We all appreciate a nice e31 no matter the motor and/or transmission.

[rjbaren]

How does one join SoCal 8's to receive the newsletter?

[clubE31]

The alpina 5.7 is sold Euro 240K (for sale in april 2016 for euro 220K) it is number 39.

[kiwiCSi]

That's around $US280k.
Thanks for posting.

[kiwiCSi]

#1 - Gillespie Field, private hanger
#2 - We have tons more pics...we'll get some out after we've collected them.
#3 - SoCalEights have about 145 members on the email list and about 50+actual E31's in the group. Some members are in transition, some looking for a car, etc. Our international mailing list is about 345.
#4 - We do still produce a newsletter which, I think will be coming out within the next 60 days...it takes a while to write up.

Great info, thanks for responding.
Nice venue, encompassing two of my own lifelong passions: Classic & Vintage aircraft + Classic BMW's!
Look forward to seeing some more pics, and maybe a copy of the next newsletter!

[Major Cheese]

How does one join SoCal 8's to receive the newsletter?

Send lots of money! Hahaha, PM tvjake2 and I'm sure he will be able to hook you up.

[TedBobo]

Send lots of money!

As Treasurer of SoCalEights we readily and enthusiastically accept all "real" currencies!

[tvjake2]

How does one join SoCal 8's to receive the newsletter?

This requires a very serious, involved and consequential answer:

To join SoCalEights just send me a PM with your name, email, city of residence, E31 type and, if you are in SoCal, your cell number. We use it during events for coordination.

As to the newsletter, we email it to members but also publish it here on the forum. If you want to see a few past newsletters go here:

http://socaleights.com/wp-content/up...2013-Final.pdf
http://socaleights.com/wp-content/up...ruary_2013.pdf


We are in the process of upgrading our website but it's been slow. It's what happens when you try to get stuff for free...mostly.

[rogbmw]

How does one join SoCal 8's to receive the newsletter?

You should also look into joining the BMW CCA E31 chapter. Newsletters are published 4 times a year. Go to bmwccae31.com for more info.

Regarding the original item of this thread. For information both the Alpina 5.7s that were for sale in Europe have sold. As stated above, the maroon B12 5.7 sold for 240000 Euro.

[dragon850]

Well, my thread certainly took on the life of it's own 14k views and 9 pages... I'd say there is interest and lot's of it.
I went to Blackhawk cars and coffee last Sunday, could not get away from the car to look at other cars myself, so many positive remarks and questions. It's funny sometimes to stand back and listen what people are saying about your car, still so many uneducated comments. Overwhelmingly positive over all. I had a Viper next to me and I felt bad for the owner