THE STORY

The BMW E31 was the first generation of the BMW 8 Series and was a grand tourer offered only as a coupe. The model run spanned 1990 to 1999 and offered V8 and V12 engines.

A staggering 1.5 billion Deutsche Marks were spent by BMW on the development of the model (nearly $AUD 1.3 billion). BMW used CAD tools - new technology at the time - to design the car's all-new body which had an extremely low drag coefficient. It was one of the first vehicles to use an electronic drive-by-wire throttle system and a multi-link rear axle.

The 840Ci variant was offered with two different engines, a 4.0-litre V8 and, from mid-1995, the newer 4.4-litre V8 engine that had better fuel economy and more torque. The car employed a 5-speed Steptronic transmission where the gear level could be moved to the side to enable it to be used as a manual.

The only external features distinguishing the V8 model from the V12 models were the quad round exhausts, which were square in the V12 models. The 840Ci stayed in production until May 1999.

THE CAR

Delivered to B.S. Stillwell European Cars in Hawksburn, Victoria on 14 December 2000, this 840Ci is finished in stunning metallic Black and is one of the last E31 pillar-less coupes.

This car has its books and full service history from new. The car was sold from Victoria to South Australia in 2013. Decoding the VIN via BMW Adelaide has revealed that the car has the S710 – M Sports multifunction steering wheel; S715 – M Aerodynamics package and S782 – Suspension System (Nurburgring).

A wonderful grand tourer, this vehicle is powered by the upgraded 4.4 litre quad cam V8 engine capable of 0-100 kmph in 6.6 seconds. The quad round exhaust tips punch out a deep V8 growl when the car is started and under acceleration.

This vehicle has the 5-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that can be used as a manual.

With only 119,000kms on the clock, the vehicle has extremely low kms for its age and has recently been treated to a brand-new stunning orange leather interior that contrasts the black interior accents perfectly.

This 840Ci sits on genuine Alpina alloy wheels that gives it a tough stance and enhances vehicle handling in the corners.

Other options and features include M3 scuff plates, alloy pedals, a power sunroof, dual zone climate control air conditioning, power windows, power steering, power mirrors, cruise control, 10 speaker stereo, twin airbags, anti-stability control, ABS, power rear sun blind, auto-closing front windows and 4-wheel disc brakes.

The car has its original rim as a spare, original unopened first aid kit and an upgraded head unit linked to the 10-speaker stereo system.

Recent work includes a service to the air conditioning system in February 2023 and new Pirelli P Zero tyres were fitted in November 2021.

This is a refined and luxurious vehicle that is extremely solid and responsive to drive. It still retains the unique smell of a quality BMW.