Actually... (archive)

Interesting points, but...
(1) I've run with a few 1991-1993 M5s and later M3's and they don't "dust the 8." BMW's 0-60 time for both the M5 and 850 manual's is 6.1 seconds. With a chip, exhaust and lower diff ratio, its actually faster. Also, once rolling, the 850 v12's greater torque allows it to pull away at high speed from either.
(2) Here in California (Bay Area) the 8's are fairly common. Even so, once or twice a week I'll come out of Starbucks, etc. in downtown SF and find a couple of men looking over the car very casually. Sometimes get a few questions. More common here, but still draws lots of attention.

Greg K

I love these cars to death. In fact my 850i saved my life on an icy road in the mountains of W. Virginia once. However, I dont really see the point in BMW pushing sales of such an expensive model. Production was limited and I dont think BMW made much money per sale. I think BMW execs had it right by pushing their mass market affordable cars. They have to make money after all. In terms of dealer availability, every place I have lived except W. Virginia has had a number on their lot, new and used. In both california and Toronto they always had new ones on display. I still think the reason that the 8 series failed is timing (came out during the recession) and price/performance. A more nimble Porsche could be bought for a similar price. Also, the car could easily be dusted by an M3 or M5 (I have never seen a new M5 owner jealous of my car. He was too busy having fun in his). Here in California where a week doesnt go by that I dont see an 8-series, they dont really draw much attention or mystique. I love the car for what it is and how it represented the best in BMW engineering at the time. I dont care what non-enthusiast think of it. I dont mean to go against your comments, but I just dont think the 8-series will undergo a revival anytime soon. The M1 is an even rarer car and can be had for less than the price of the 8-series when new. I think the 8-series will remain an enthusiasts car, and not a mainstream awe inspiring "dream" car. Just my $0.02.

Chris B
1991 850i
1990 525i

Follow Ups:

Point taken Chris B 02:29 11/19/2000 (0)

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