Lot 187 - 1996 BMW 840ci

When launched in 1989 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW 8 Series felt like a glimpse into the future with its angular styling. An upmarket range with superior performance and price tag to match, the 8 Series was designed to be a standalone premium model although seen to be the successor to the 6 Series. The 8 Series was offered in 830i, 840Ci and 850i/Ci form and, when introduced in mid-1993, it was fitted with a 4 litre, V8 engine mated to either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Producing a very healthy 282bhp, this version could achieve the 0-62mph sprint in an impressive 6.9 seconds; importantly with the naturally aspirated V8, acceleration was effortless and refined. Over $1 billion dollars are said to have been spent on the car's design with CAD design and wind tunnel technology. From mid-1995, production phased in the newer 4.4 litre M62B44 engine, which had better fuel economy and more torque, though power output remained unchanged.

This excellent 1996 BMW 840ci, fitted with the more desirable 282bhp, 4.4 litre V8 engine, has only covered 77,800 miles from new which is confirmed by the service book and MoT history printout. The car was MoT’d in February this year and had two new exhaust catalytic converters fitted to pass the exhaust emissions. Finished in black with grey leather interior, this 840ci is supplied with a V5C registration document, an MoT test certificate which expires in February 2019, service and handbook pack, all the correct tools, file of invoices and two keys. BMW 8 Series are certainly becoming an appreciated modern classic and this example is, we believe, competitively priced. What better way to enjoy driving than in this pillarless coupé.