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In Reply to: Re: M6 vs 840ci Which is better! posted by GregK on July 19, 2000 at 15:26:10:
Ray M....'97 Dinan 850Ci (Stage III Suspension, Free Flow Exhaust, Hi-Flow Intake Manifolds, 3.15 LSD Rear End, M Parallels)
Both are exceptional cars but entirely different in stock form. I like the different natures so much that I have both the M5 and 850 six speed. The press was undeservingly hard on the 8 and glorified the older M5/6 probably because BMW chose to insulate the 8-series driver for luxury purposes (i.e., marketing to a broader base). BMW continues to face a sport vs. luxury identity crisis even with its new M5.
The M6 is a true "driver's car"--total feedback links you directly to the car. Ripping engine sounds, wind noise, suspension sounds, creaks from frame flex, etc. all let you know exactly what the car is doing at all times. The engine is also peaky and makes most of its power from 5-7k rpm and the car lighter so you tend to spend more time in the upper RPM band. This gives the driver and passengers the impression that the car is a total animal with some serious bite. In reality, the M5/6 are, but the 8's are quivalent, they just do it without any fuss.
The 8's have the same or better performance (depending on model) yet are engineered to insulate the driver for luxury. Its actually difficult to hear the engine, feel the suspension working, sense speed, etc. Performance "just happens." If the speedometer were disconnected, we'd all likely be doing 120mph and swearing we were only going 80mph. The trade-off is that in stock form it doesn't "feel" as sporty (i.e., fun) even though its extremely fast and nimble even with its additional 500lbs. A strange sensation to say the least. If you like the feedback and a bit more performance, ugrading the 8 to plus two sized tires and rims, free flow exhaust, and a chip returns the feedback without compromising the solid nature of the car. It provides the CSi model's sensations. In my opinion, had BMW built the 850i/Ci and 840 this way from the beginning, the press would have deified it much like the M5/6. Unfortunately it adds at least $3k to the purchase price.
Otherwise choose the M6 for its unbridled nature or the 840 for its updated features, styling and refined "no fuss" performance. Either way you can't go wrong.
Greg K
1991 850 6spd (Conforti Chip, SuperSprint cat-back exhaust, 3.15 limited slip rear@60% lock, 18" M-parallels, CSi body conversion, ...track school and autocrossing this weekend to sort out suspension upgrades if warranted)
1988 M5
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