BMW 8 Series E31 850Csi 5.6 (380 Hp)


Overall Rating

0 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine N/A / 5
Not Rated
Value N/A / 5
Not Rated
Performance N/A / 5
Not Rated
Comfort N/A / 5
Not Rated
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 550 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1900 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 6 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.

850Csi 5.6 (380 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 10 stars

Performance Verdict

The legendary CSi is the pinnacle of E31 performance, delivering supercar-rivalling acceleration and a truly visceral driving experience from its hand-built S70 V12.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption of 12.8 l/100 km is remarkably good for a 5.6L V12 with 380 Hp, reflecting its performance-oriented nature and efficiency efforts.

Best Use Case: Collector's item / High-performance driving

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:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E31: 1989 - 1994).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:8 Series
Generation:E31
Modification (Engine):850Csi 5.6 (380 Hp)
Start of production:1992
End of production:1996
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:380 Hp @ 5300 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:68.1 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:550 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:S70B56 More details about the engine S70B56
Engine displacement:5576
Number of cylinders:12
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:7.5 l
Coolant:13 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:80 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:12.8 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:6 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:5 kg/Hp, 200 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.5 kg/Nm, 289.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:5.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1900
Max. weight:2340
Max load:440
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:320 l
Fuel tank capacity:90 l
Size:
Length:4780 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1855 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1330 mm mm [10mm less]
Wheelbase:2684 mm mm [1mm less]
Front track:1554 mm
Rear (Back) track:1562 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/45 R17; 265/40 R17
Wheel rims size17
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Is the BMW 8 Series the king of its class? Share your thoughts.