Used 1996 BMW 8 Series Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 8 Series, so we've included reviews for other years of the 8 Series since its last redesign.
Living with a legend
Acapulco, 02/21/2009
1991 BMW 8 Series 850i 2dr Coupe
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Painted in non-factory Lamborghini yellow and with M5 18 inch "parallel" chrome rims, it looks simply stunning. Since I live in Acapulco, my son living in San Diego keeps the BMW garaged and serviced. The 850 is driven every other day, and I personally get to use it for a week every two months or so. There are few cars for any amount of money, that offer this fabulous driving experience. A real head-turner, even in La Jolla people just stop and stare. The rear seat, once you get in, is extremely comfortable, and regularly drive around with 4 passengers. The 850 is so quiet and stable that it is easy to go 100 MPH without noticing. In Sport Mode, performance is awesome.
You will be treated like you are famous
Vette Killer, 07/17/2003
1991 BMW 8 Series 850i 2dr Coupe
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
This is one powerful and beautiful driving machine. However as any car that started out with a price tag of 80+ grand, you are going to have to keep some cash in the bank for upkeep. Forget about gas mileage, the car loves to drink like a college frat boy. However, you should see peoples faces when you zoom by them at 150 mph. It makes it all worth while. The valet's love it as well. Not a car for the broke. "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up" - Ferris Bueller
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See all 0 listingsA Classic for the future - buy one now!
Jeffrey Bowers, 05/05/2002
1995 BMW 8 Series 840Ci 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
If you have the opportunity to drive one of these German thoroughbreds, grab that opportunity with both hands. This is a superb machine engineered more like a jet fighter than an automobile, unlike the common or garden tin boxes around today. Lie back in luxury and float on air, effortlessly swallowing up the miles. If you are lucky enough to have the chance to buy one, do!
Outstanding BMW
SantaCruzSean, 11/29/2002
1995 BMW 8 Series 840Ci 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
If a person wanted to design and build a comfortable, reliable and fast road car all he would have to do is look at the E31 to see how it should be done. This automobile for it's bulk rides like a true luxury car with fire in it's heart. This BMW draws your eyes like a fine piece of art, when you look at it's understated but muscular body it just exudes refinement and power. No, it is NOT a sports car, it is a machine that pleases both your heart and soul. If you have the chance to purchase one of these Jewels do so, the only thing you will regret is not getting one before you bought what you have now.
One hot ride!
bomber428, 12/09/2003
1991 BMW 8 Series 850i 2dr Coupe
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I was a little concerned about maintenance costs of what was once a very expensive car going on 13 years old, but I have been very surprised. Very solid, reliable, and what a head turner. Decent fuel economy for a V12 at about 18 mpg with the 6 speed manual.
THE BEST OF THE BEST!
carguyeleven, 02/02/2003
1993 BMW 8 Series 850Ci 2dr Coupe
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have owned several sports cars; Corvette, Porsche, Supra, and a 740il BMW. After driving this car I was astounded by the handling, comfort and feeling of safety behind a car weighing over 4 thousand pounds and having a 12cylinder engine in front of me. The car flat moves and handles like a dream. The definition of a weekend car. I personaly like toys on a car, lots of options and gages, this car was like Disneyland for me. If you haven't driven one of these do it just for fun. You'll love it!
Like Wine & Cheese - BMW 850 i
CLechner@cox.net, 04/19/2006
1991 BMW 8 Series 850i 2dr Coupe
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Fifteen after the production of my BMW 850i-V12-sixspeed, appreciation for this vehicle continues to grow. Over the years of having several new vehicles, import & domestic, none have deserved or earned the rights to a parking spot in my garage like the 850i. This vehicle was so advanced for its time that until recent years many manufacturers couldn't or didn't offer options that were standard on all 850s. Undoubtedly, given advancements in engineering & technology, the modern car will improve. Faster, lighter, more frills on the dash to play with... But nothing compares to the sound and feel you get when behind the wheel of 4500 lb coupe, roaring V12 engine, & winding open road. Nothing!!!
A bargain supercar!!!!
Juan, 05/20/2004
1991 BMW 8 Series 850i 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I wanted to have this car from the day that it came out. This is not the fastest car, not the best car of it's time. But this is a car that still turns heads. People even ask me if it is a bran new BMW. It does have a great design, and it still has fetures that are top of the line. Performance is superve specially at mid speeds. I can drive at 120 MPH and feel like I am doing 70. The torque on the V 12 is amazing. Well, the down side is the MPG, it gives me about 13 MPG average. But as a weekend car, you cannot beat the price of this rockets, for what they represent.
BMW 850CSi - Affordable Supercar
Jud, 02/07/2003
1994 BMW 8 Series 850CSi 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The 8 Series line was one of the last classic designs before BMWs ugly design transformation. The 850CSi is the BMW Motorsport ("M") version of the 8 Series. BMW only imported 225 850CSi's during model years 1994-95 to North America. I like the styling, the engineering, and the build quality of the vehicle. The car is sure-footed and goes from 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds. Annual maintenance runs about $500/year. Insurance and license fees have dropped to realistic levels; Parts availability is excellent. Since acquiring the 850CSi, I'm pleased with its performance, value, and fun to drive factor.
BMW 850i
fernandoan, 02/03/2004
1991 BMW 8 Series 850i 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Exelent well build sports car, a true cruiser
Whiplash inducing head-turner
M.Rad., 10/15/2004
1991 BMW 8 Series 850i 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle used with 110,000 miles on it, and proceeded to drive her from Utah to texas, without a single hickup. The drive through the mountains of Wyoming,Colorado ans New Mwxico was an exhilirating experience of a lifetime, in a vehicle born for that express purpous. With a combination of excelent handling, strong upper RPM power, and un-matched good looks, this car is trusted and treasured companion.
840CI the Best Ride
Luigi Sciabarrasi, 03/16/2003
1995 BMW 8 Series 840Ci 2dr Coupe
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
The 8 is the most misunderstood auto design of the 90's, not a sports car but a pure touring luxury ride with the heart of sport car, the best design BMW has ever come up with. Its too bad that BMW luxuary & Americans with soft rides.
The best car ever.
cre8tive_00, 11/30/2003
1991 BMW 8 Series 850i 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was impressed with its clean lines, low profile and aggresive, yet understated stance. The car holds you firmly and all controls are so ergonomically at hand. With the V12 engine underneath power is there whenever you need it. By no means is it a muscle car with unreserved torque off the line. But a a more solid car hasn't been built - or in the case of the 850, overbuilt, because that it is... everything on the car is higher grade & quality than it needs to be, and namy of the systems come in duplicate. In summary, the very best car I've ever owned and one of the most underrated BMW ever.
bmw 850 csi
abruzzo6969, 05/28/2003
1996 BMW 8 Series 850CSi 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
a really very fast car.... excellent acceleration... presice brakes also... the style looks very classy too
it is so hot right now
hansel, 07/18/2003
1991 BMW 8 Series 850i 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
comparable to hansel in its hotness. Crazy front end, sick back end and smooth transmission, what else does it need to take the male model of the year award
Once in a Lifetime
Fastest M8, 05/11/2006
1995 BMW 8 Series 850CSi 2dr Coupe
8 of 51 people found this review helpful
The pinnacle of BMW design and engineering is captured in this "no expense spared to develop" ultimate BMW supercoupe. An absolute dream to drive, you are the master of the universe on the highway with monstrous amounts of torque available at any speed or in any gear to propel you past virtually any plebian motorcar you may encounter along the way. The design of the 850CSi stills turns heads 15 years following its introduction, and the car is swiftly becoming a collectible with a sizeable cult following. BMW simply never built one better than the 850CSi - it's the total package of exclusivity, luxury and performance.
A few thoughts
rabbitman, 03/06/2002
1995 BMW 8 Series 840Ci 2dr Coupe
2 of 19 people found this review helpful
I have driven the car for 4 years and about 50,000. It steers great and the suspension is awesome. I dropped in the Dinan chips which boosted performance and was worth the cost. I had an extended warranty that paid for some large repairs and I would not buy and 840 without one unless ou have a certified BMW mechanics
850i hits the sweet spot for this 40+
Larry LaRose, 06/19/2009
1992 BMW 8 Series 850i 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for about 1 week so far, but have always admired and yearned to get into one some day. That day has now come due to a very soft market for older V12 coupes. I paid about 10% of the once princely sum of 100K here in Canada. The car has just 40,000 miles and is near perfect in every way. The car is astoundingly beautiful. It's 10 times more visually pleasing than the 2009 Mercedes CL550 or any other large coupe save for the DBS. Remember, this car is 17 years old. BMW should re-hire whoever had the design input of this car. (although, truth be told, I drive a modern Z4, which I thought was satan-ugly 6 years ago). The Z4 is now beautiful, so what do I know??
Just don't break anytning
K Elliott, 03/09/2003
1992 BMW 8 Series 850i 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Dinan Engineering took the car and "supercouped it". Significant engine and suspension modifications done resulting in a very different automobile than what came out of the factory. Original auto is very nice, however, somewhat underpowered. A true GT car, for the right driver there are few more pleasing automobiles on the road. But, should something go wrong...get out your checkbook and it won't be pretty.
After 8 years of ownership
Jim S, 09/05/2005
1992 BMW 8 Series 850i 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 8 series is a super-coupe, the king of the heavy cruisers of the autobahn. Although heavy, it still responds well to driver input and was a major departure for BMW in that it was a heavy coupe with all the creature comforts. In town it is a little ponderous, and sometimes shows its 4100lb curb weight. However, on the highway, it shines. The E31, as it is known in the BMW world, has a timeless and artistic form that draws a crowd of admirers wherever you stop. The main question I've gottn about my now 14 year old car is, "is that the new model?" Truly a beautiful and unique automobile.
Ulitinate Luxury Sports Coupe
McGarrett, 04/05/2009
1993 BMW 8 Series 850Ci 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You close the heavy driver side door, the windows automatically seal, the leather seats contour to your body, you turn the key and the 300bhp V12 breathes to life, tune your favorite music, adjust your sunglasses, and you are ready to start your day. The big 5.0 litre V12 idles effortlessly waiting for your next command. The heavy chassised coupe gives you the sense of security, perfect balance and power. Owners of newer BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches glance over and eye the classic lines, and wonder how your older coupe would match up against their newer car. You turn up the Mozart, and smile knowing you are driving one the the best engineered and elegant luxury sports coupes ever built.
.....almost
Melrin4SC, 01/13/2004
1996 BMW 8 Series 850Ci 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
a few minor tweeks and this would have been the best prodcution car ever produced,... period. But unfortunately it is a bit too heavy. But several great firsts and innovations came out on this car before all others. 5 speed Steptronic, EDC and DSC, better than AST+4. reduce empty weight by about 900 pounds would make it so much more drivable, and almsot tossable with the '96 on drive train. But still gets surprising fuel economy for a car this heavy.
Wonderful to own and drive
thomas, 03/08/2008
1996 BMW 8 Series 850Ci 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car gets heads turning, fair at the gas pump, sleek to drive and is easy to handle. The best to own, hope you get one!
Style/performance v12
BMW , 04/22/2010
1993 BMW 8 Series 850Ci 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
V12, everyone is look at this car every time I drive out, I feel like driving the $150,000 car but only cost me $10,000 with the performance/style and comfort. Quality
It's worth more than Edmonds review
Tom Jacobs, 08/31/2016
updated 09/10/2018
1994 BMW 8 Series 850CSi 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The market rate on these cars in 2016 is around $45,000+ for higher mileage cars and $85,000 for low mileage (under 70k). Edmonds needs to get with the actual market value on the BMW 850CSi. Only 225 were brought to the US. This car has a higher resale value than the 850Ci and 840Ci.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
ultimate thrill
matt, 01/10/2005
1994 BMW 8 Series 850CSi 2dr Coupe
0 of 6 people found this review helpful
I've owned 2 850ci's. The CSi is what the 850 should have been. It still looks great on the road and I get asked all the time "is that the new one?" Timeless styling, superb handling, seat of the pants acceleration. This is my third E31 and I've already bought another one. Pricing guides are way off as I wouldn't sell this one for almost double what it is rated on here and KBB. Two thumbs up for this amazing car!