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In Reply to: Questions from potential E31 buyer posted by David A. Rarick on January 13, 2000 at 11:07:26:
I'm considering purchasing an 8 series, but I'm completely new to the BMW world.
You sure you wanna start out with an E31? Maybe working up from a 5-series might be a better alternative.
What are the major differences between the various models?
1991 - 1992 850i V-12 296hp Stick and 4-speed auto
1993 850Ci V-12 296hp Last year of 6-speed stick
1994 - 1995 850CSi V-12 376hp, 200 imported
1995 - 1998 850Ci V-12 322hp 5-speed Steptronic
(I'll let somebody else provide 840 info)
Is there a site that lists what items changed from year to year, or what items each particular model carried?
Not that I'm aware of.
Nothing much changed other than the engine and tranny in 1995. Minor trim and options changes, but overall the car was remarkably similar between model years. Of course, the CSi was the big news.
I'm coming over from the Acura Legend world, and we have a great site (www.legend.org) with this kind of info for the Legend. Is there anything like this for the 8 series?
Nope.
I love my E31, but if you're accustomed to Acura reliability, you're in for a shock. E31s are fairly reliable (at least mine is), but when something wears our or breaks, you're in for a lot of money. These were originally $80 to $100K cars news, and the parts prices reflect that today. Budget about $2K annually in maintenance.
Also, have you driven one yet? That cures it for about 50% of interested buyers due to the car's 4,300 lb weight. Not exactly what they expected.
Recommendations: 1) Get records, 2) Get an inspection from a knowledgeable dealer, 3) Be incredibly picky.
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