BMW 8 Series E31 850i (300 Hp) Automatic
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BMW 8 Series:
The BMW 8 Series is a range of grand tourer coupes and convertibles produced by BMW.
The 8 Series was introduced in 1990 under the E31 model code and was only available as a two-door coupé. It is powered by a range of naturally aspirated V8 and V12 petrol engines. The E31 started production just as E24 6 Series production ended; however, it is not considered a direct successor. The E31 was discontinued in 1999 due to poor sales.
The model range was later reintroduced in 2018 with the second generation, G15 8 Series. It launched in coupé , convertible , and four-door Gran Coupé body styles, as the successor to the F06/F12/F13 6 Series lineup. The G15 8 Series introduces an inline-six diesel engine, and a high-performance BMW M8 trim later joined the lineup as well as the luxury inspired Alpina B8....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E31 Overview:
BMW 8 Series (E31). With 450 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1790 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.4 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
Performance Verdict
The iconic V12 delivers immense power and unparalleled smoothness, making it a superb long-distance cruiser. The automatic enhances the luxury experience.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a V12, fuel consumption is high at 10.3 l/100 km (likely extra-urban), but acceptable for the performance and luxury on offer.
Best Use Case:
Luxury touring / High-speed cruising
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless and distinctive pillarless coupe design
- • Powerful and smooth V8 and V12 engine options
- • Luxurious and comfortable interior, ideal for grand touring
- • Excellent high-speed stability and highway cruising ability
- • Advanced technology for its era (e.g., drive-by-wire, multi-link rear suspension)
- • Increasing collector appeal and classic status
Cons:
- • High maintenance and running costs, especially for V12 models
- • Complex electronics can be prone to issues with age
- • Heavy fuel consumption, particularly in urban driving
- • Limited rear seat space and practicality for more than two occupants
- • Parts can be expensive and sometimes difficult to source
Specifications:
| General: |
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 8 Series |
| Generation: | E31 |
| Modification (Engine): | 850i (300 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1989 |
| End of production: | 1992 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: |
| Power: | 300 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 60.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 450 Nm @ 4100 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M70B50 |
| Engine displacement: | 4988 |
| Number of cylinders: | 12 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7.5 l |
| Coolant: | 13 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 75 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.8:1 |
| Performance: |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 19.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6 kg/Hp, 167.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4 kg/Nm, 251.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7 sec |
| Space: |
| Kerb Weight: | 1790 |
| Max. weight: | 2190 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 360 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Size: |
| Length: | 4780 mm mm |
| Width: | 1855 mm mm |
| Height: | 1340 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2684 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1554 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1562 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.5 m |
| Powertrain: |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
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| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
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| Number of gears | 4 |
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| Transmission type | Automatic |
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| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
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| Rear brakes | Disc |
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| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
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| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
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| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
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| Tires size | 235/50 ZR 16 |
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| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Behind the wheel of the BMW 8 Series. How does it handle on the road?