Introduction
Jacob Boodrie
Arguably far more technically advanced than any other car in the '90s - the gorgeously maturing 8 Series.
The 8 Series is truly an iconic car and it was much ahead of its time when it was launched in 1989 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The E31 is the first generation variant grand tourer based on the E24 6 series platform. To boost sales BMW realised a 200kg lighter much more affordable 8 series badged the 840Ci. This 2 door coupe is powered by the large and reliable V8 4.0L M60B40 engine coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission with a power output of 286bhp.
This example comes to market from ~14 year ownership - Daniel has completely rebuilt the car with many additional optional extras and the sports body kit from the high spec'd 8 series. Presented in an attractive "Cosmosschwarz Metallic" over grey colourway, the car has been resprayed and given meticulous detail from Daniel offering extra appeal.
This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Daniel the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
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Hi, I’m making progress on getting an inspection organised on Thursday. Regards, D.
Hi Nikasil was not a uk issue due to our low sulphur fuels as I understand it, anyway the engine displays no signs of bore-ware, idles smoothly and no smoke. I have no previous history so can’t say wether it had a new block.
Hi, great looking car. Understand the MB60B40 engine used Nikasil bore linings with the associated problem of premature cylinder bore wear resulting in loss of compression.
Is the engine the original fitment, or do you know whether it received a replacement short block, courtesy of BMW who addressed the problem, as they did on my previous E39.
Regards
Hi, this car has been beautifully restored can I ask what exhaust you fitted on it please? Sounds amazing!
Eisenmann race
Hi there. Fabulous E31! How is the noise in the cabin with windows up at motorways speeds please, any drone? Thank you
Fine, Its loud if you accelerate hard at low speeds, but cruising speeds are quite
Thank you.
Hi, many thanks for the info (it’s clearly been a labour of love!) — I’ve sent availability for inspection. Totally understand re. air con compressor… If i’m fortunate to ‘win’… was trying to avoid putting her straight into garage for air con repair! Weather is so toasty at the moment… air con is very necessary!
I hear you when you say it’s difficult to see her go. I actually remember tears welling up when my last one was loaded up for her onward journey to her new home!
One does get attached to ones toys! Like you, circumstances dictate when the come and go!
If it does come to me… I’ll get the air con work done and assure you it will have a good, enthusiast owned, home.
So is this what you do for a living — keep old german legends on the road or it a worthwhile hobby?
Regards, Dav
Hyperbole.
I honestly cant remember, but I’ll do my best.
Fuel sender unit replaced with dealer new.
Radiator replaced.
Ac condenser and dryer replaced (then found a leak on the compressor but never got round to changing it, although, did source a new replacement).
Steering box was replaced with new old stock hydro assist version, easy to upgrade as the wiring is there and the relay plugs into the panel. It realy makes a huge difference at low speeds and stiffens up at speed.
Eibach lowering springs and Bilstein shocks along with camber plates.
Rear strut reinforcements fitted.
Brakes all look new, but I cant remember when. It only does a few miles a year so nothing is older than a 1000miles.
Eisenmann race exhaust.
All speakers upgraded with new wiring and amplifier (old wiring is still there) Hertz, audison, and rainbow equipment used. I did have a sub in the boot but removed it to use in my 850 and felt it may give the wrong impression of the owner/car!
Bushes replaced with powerflex when needed and several have been.
There was an issue with the gear shift becoming tight when warmed up, so following a tutorial I found, we changed a part in the gear box, and now all is good. It was a genuine Zf part and seems to be getting a common fault on 5hp 24s.
Sun roof re-build.
FTP’s replaced with new.
Csi air ducts fitted which keeps it cooler, many e31 owners ask why they see air through the lower m-tec bumper, its because you need to use the 850csi parts list to close the gap not the 840ci!
As many pieces of interior trim that were available from BMW have been replaced where needed.
There will be more but I cant remember it all.
Yes, both windows dip and rise with door handles (inside and out)
Mirrors dip in reverse.
Postcode EX39 1BH
Don’t think theres a problem with sill covers.
Not interested in fitting the compressor, I’m finding it a big thing to let this car go as It was the first one I’ve done and has sentimental value, however I know its what I have to do, therefore I dont want to be working on it, I’ve shut it in the garage where it will stay untill collection.
If I did anything I’d change the exhaust as its a bit loud for me, although others seem to love it. Personal opion I guess.
The other one is an 850 that I’ve stripped to bare shell, re-painted, powder coated, re bushed, engine re-built etc etc.
I’m yet to drive that one, so cant sell yet!
Hope this helps
Daniel
Hi, many thanks for the detailed explanation. I’ll investigate if an inspection is possible within timeframe of auction. It sounds as though you’re fairly handy as a mechanic 😉 and clearly knowledgable re. e31s. Description talks about rebuilding car from ground up… is that hyperbole — or an accurate description of your efforts? Do you have a list of all the big jobs you’ve done?
Re. Air con compressor — how big a job is that to swap out/re-gas?
Would you consider getting it done (at my cost) before uplift?
Can you send me your postcode — I can’t start online inspection form without it.
Thanks for clarifying re. aerial. I seen it on some cars and not others.
A couple of final things… it may just be a quirk of camera angle…the underside of one of sills looks a bit warped/damaged. Is that the case or just a bad acute angle?
Do windows dip correctly on entry.
Do wing mirrors dip on reverse (if mirrors came from another car)?
Lastly, if you were being picky — what is worst thing about the car? What would you do if you were keeping it?
I’ll get in touch with Trade Classics about possible inspection.
You mentioned you’ve another e31 — must be special car if you’re willing to let this one go?!
Kind Regards, Dav
Hi,
I bought the car when you could get a reasonable example for 3-4k so it didn’t take much to write them off, the main damage was a cracked nose and dented wing and a large circular dent in the wind screen . There was also minor storage marks on almost every panel. I don’t have pictures or very much in the way of receipts as I didn’t plan on ever selling but other cars have come along and I’ve run out of room, so its move or sell one!
Everything electrical works, sun roof can be seen in the the video (its been rebuilt with new dealer parts and works perfectly) Seats operate as they should with no twisting and yes the heater mats
work as well. Yes Seat backs move forward as they should, the newer release handles have a metal levers inside unlike the older ones that were all plastic an prone to breaking, I’ve updated both.
Two keys present and a spare ews chip.
Set of owner manuals present, but not original to the car as it only came with keys and v5, it is the correct set for the year though.
Washers work.
I believe the antenna is and is a telephone antenna available for the e36 e34 e39 e38 and e31, The same one came on my 850 and I seen many e31s with them over the years.
Yes to inspection but needs to be arranged through Trade classics.
Collection would be from Bideford .
One other query – what is the aerial near the boot?
Hi, I have tip my hat to you with regards your attention to detail… very impressive! A couple of queries… do you have any info on the extent of damage when car was written off? Did you do all the work to get it back on the road? Description says electrics weren’t tested — everything works? Windows, seats, heated seats, sunroof etc. Pop up light washer jets work? Both seat backs release and move forward as they should? Do you have any idea of cost to swap out air conditioning compressor / regas etc.? Two keys? Handbooks? Can you send me your postcode so i can get a transporter cost? Sorry for all the questions — I’m in sunny Glasgow – so no easy way to view. Would you be open to an independent inspection?
Vehicle Location
Bideford
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