running?

We had this discussion a little while back.

I belive that the end result was that the 840 was a bit more economical to run. The person trying to decide went off looking for an 840 instead of an 850.

I personally am an 840 kinda guy. After driving both I bought an 840.

Mate,

What a tough one!.

840's are definately cheaper to run and keep alive. It's simple, 4litres against 5 litres!

The 8 engine came in two versions m60(3.9) and m62(4.4litre). If you can get a 4.4 coz the early had a problem with bore failure (the bores are aluminium not iron lined) due to high sulphur content in North American fuels. BMW had a recall program but the problem was never really fixed. The symptom is rough idle which one would expect from dirty injectors or worn plugs etc. The only real answer is a rebuild using cast iron sleeves and fresh pistons. Costly!

4.4 was introduced around 95 but check first.

As far as parts costs go, many are available non genuine and are quite reasonably priced but when it comes to almost anything from a BMW dealer expect to pay much more than with another brand.

Expect the dealers to rip you on service costs also. Most seem to know little about anything 8 series related and will tell you bullshit like they are old technology. Learn to do it yourself or find a European specialist that work on 5 or 7 series and knows his stuff.

Good luck in your hunt and remember that Red ones go faster!
Theo

Or you could find one that is perfectly maintained and will likely need nothing for a long time to come.

Mine is a '99 4.4Ci Sport.

No problems at all and similar performance to the 850 you are likely going to buy. The engines are just more efficient in the 4.4!

Cheaper running costs + no reduction in fun = late 840 Ci Sport!

Al is right! also if you want more power again it's much cheaper to modify V8, also 4.4 has a newer and better tech .
But one thing: to be honest 850 is more charismatic