BMW 8 series advice

[touring]

Has anyone got any advice on a BMW 8 series, I fancy a toy.
What are the 'Pitt falls'
Which one to buy
V8 or V12, CI or sport etc
What specs colour combination, must have accessories, any advice appreciated.
Thanks
Mark

[graemeX5]

Hi

I don't know much about them but may be worth looking at other BMW forums.

On the programme wheeler dealers they choose an 840 V8 rather than the v12 850 although he did look at one but a basket case very bad paint work and rusty fuel lines so they couldn't hear it run and they said are more complicated/ fragile as need more specialised maintenance

Colour wise I think it was dark blue and black interior which was ok.i have seen some in yellow which is a person choice I would avoid some were metallic green or blue or black

Probs I believe it was probs with air on and power steering and some bodywork damage and wheel refurb but probably what you'd expect for an early 1990's car.

I guess check all the electrics and the more you pay the better the car have a look at Munich legends or James Paul as both sometimes have nice cars in but they ask top prices

Hth

[Horizon]

[quote="touring"]
Has anyone got any advice on a BMW 8 series, I fancy a toy.
What are the 'Pitt falls'
Which one to buy
V8 or V12, CI or sport etc
What specs colour combination, must have accessories, any advice appreciated.
Thanks
Mark
[/quote]

I had a 1997 840 CI 4.4 M62 engine, Auto.
problems I had was the heater valve didn't work properly, the rocker cover gaskets needed replacing ( normal on that engine), the Aux air con pusher fan was siezed. Starting to look dated inside.
They have 2 batteries. So 2 to go wrong ! Had leather recoloured on bolsters.
I had a bit of paintwork done. One of the Cats collapsed causing limp mode when you booted it. Common problem on the 8 series. Early 840s had Nicosil  liner problems, but may have been just a US problem .
When I bought mine the ABS light was on, I knocked £400 of the asking price and bought it.
Turned out to be the ABS pump, luckily I got one from FAB direct for £125 and it cost £250 to fit as needs all the headlight taking out to fit it.
Apart from that it was a great car and sounded brill and was a head turner.
I have some photos of mine on a disc somewhere, must post them up. It was Glacier Green, one of only three RHD 8 series ever made in that colour.

[MattX]

Appreciating classic this.  The CSi is the most sought-after but you'll pay for that privilege.
I can't believe they're anymore expensive to maintain than any other bmw?