Re: Questions from potential E31 buyer (archive)

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: I'm considering purchasing an 8 series, but I'm completely new to the BMW world.

: What are the major differences between the various models? Is there a site that lists what items changed from year to year, or what items each particular model carried?

: 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?

1. The E31 (8 Series) was not widely advertised so not many BMW owners are aware of this "mysterious" model, let alone non-BMW owners. They have become "reasonably" priced in the last year or so due to high-mileage and depreciation based on the number of years on the market.

2. Make sure you drive an 8 Series. The Stock E31's handle a little piggish and though they look very slipper-fast, they lack some in the handling dept. unless you spend $4000-$5000 on suspension modifications. I've driven a few modified E31's and they handle better than most stock E36s (3 Series) and come close to the M3-M5 capabilities.

3. If you are looking to get from point A to point B in very quickly and feel refreshed at the end of the trip, this is the car for you.

4. If you are looking to toss a car around (not that you can't hit the corners in a E31.. Justin and some other very experience drivers here do just that) then look at an M3 or maybe a 911 or 968.

5. The cost of this car new was $80-$150K based on the model, year, and options, and the dealer knows this. Service and parts are priced accordingly.

6. If you have to take a 2nd out on your house or a large loan to purchase your next auto, the E31 is not for you. One or two major items in a year could leave you walking.

7. These are AWESOME cars. I love mine very much. The attention to detail BMW gave the 8 Series is incredible. You will own a very exclusive car. People will "Oh and Ahh" over it wherever you go, so if you're a convicted felon or drug dealer, you make want to scale back to another car. It screams "attention!!". ;-)

8. Make sure you get paperwork on the car. IMHO, I think that a 100K E31 with all the paperwork will have the gremlins taken care of already if you find the right owner. The DK motors, control arm bushings, and minor electrical glitches will have been taken care of an you will be set. The 5.0L 12 cyl has proven to be rock-solid thus far and should not be a major point of concern. Any car with a few years under it's belt will have motor mounts, water pumps and the like go bad no matter which BMW or car you own.

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