BMW 8 Series
The BMW 8-series was BMW’s flagship model while it was in production. BMW launched its 8-series in 1989, some say as a successor to the 6-series coupe, other says to simply appeal to the population of the seriously rich.
Only one model was made initially, the 850i which was a two-door, 12-cylinder coupe with 300hp and a top speed of 250km/h. A 4-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission could be installed in the 850i. Two more models on the BMW 8-series were introduced in 1993: the 840Ci and the 850 CSi . The 840Ci had a V-8, 246hp, 5-speed automatic transmission while the 850CSi had a V-12 with 380hp, 6-speed gearbox with sport suspension and the option of upgrading to M-style mirrors and wheels . By 1997, the only two models available were the 840i and the 850i coupes and the 8-series was no longer in production after 1999.
Road tests on new BMW 8-series models showed a consistently strong and fast ride with agility on the pavement belying the weighty vehicles. Rides were smooth yet slightly bumpy in sport suspensions when the roads got rough. Cars in this series were gas guzzlers, with one road tester reporting a mere 16.4mpg. Anti-lock brakes and driver side airbags were standard, and the 850i was the first model to anchor seatbelts to the seat instead of the floor or the roof pillars. Interior space was limited, allowing decent space for driver and front-seat passenger while being quite restricted for rear-seat occupants. Cargo room wasn’t always the greatest, either. |