Is the 840 or 850 a decent car?

[bimmer]

What would you guys reccomend instead of an 8? Lots of luxury and power required.

E39 540 or M5.

[Funkmasta]

E39 540 is in his price range if he is considering an E31...

[Charlie]

E39 540 is in his price range if he is considering an E31...

Depends. What sort of e31 buyer is he? The "hmm, a sensible, reasonably maintained 840 for 30k" type, or the "OMG Look at this V12 BMW '91 850 on this buy here-pay here lot for 9k, HAWT!"

-Charlie

[Funkmasta]

Depends. What sort of e31 buyer is he? The "hmm, a sensible, reasonably maintained 840 for 30k" type, or the "OMG Look at this V12 BMW '91 850 on this buy here-pay here lot for 9k, HAWT!"

-Charlie

Well, I figured if he is that sort of buyer, there is a special E39 540 for him as well. :D

[euroshark]

I'm very curious as to how they drive compared to an e30. Can someone share their thoughts?

They are solid and stable on the freeway, stock suspension is really nice. Handling is surprisingly good, though the early 6ers (E12 based) were fairly tail happy. Mine pretty much feels like it's on rails, and that should only improve once all of the suspension bushings are replaced and I get some meatier rubber out back.

They sit low, like really low. If you have ever seen a stock ride height E24 next to an E30 there is like 2 inches difference in overall height. They feel very exclusive and special, and the interior is so cool compared to the E30 or E28, it feels a lot more like a jet fighter or something, especially with Recaros or sport seats.

[CarsSuck]

They are solid and stable on the freeway, stock suspension is really nice. Handling is surprisingly good, though the early 6ers (E12 based) were fairly tail happy. Mine pretty much feels like it's on rails, and that should only improve once all of the suspension bushings are replaced and I get some meatier rubber out back.

They sit low, like really low. If you have ever seen a stock ride height E24 next to an E30 there is like 2 inches difference in overall height. They feel very exclusive and special, and the interior is so cool compared to the E30 or E28, it feels a lot more like a jet fighter or something, especially with Recaros or sport seats.

Thanks for the description. You sound infatuated. And i want one.

[Turf1600]

His 2nd option is a 6. I still think he's set on an 8 though.

[asubimmer]

1) Buy 8 series.
2) Remove shitty motor and gearbox.
3) Replace with ls2/4l80e (auto) drivetrain.
4) Enjoy your quick, reliable, easy to fix 8 series.

drugs are bad...

[Farbin Kaiber]

there is some logic to that ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

...if you live in Australia or NZ...

[steinbachphoto]

I'm very curious as to how they drive compared to an e30. Can someone share their thoughts?

I love driving both.
I have my 91 euro e30 320i cabrio which is fun to just cruise around it with the top down. But the 850i is sooo fun to drive. Handles so nicely and lots of freaking power. I like the looks of both and driving both. I was merging onto the Highway and some one was being an ass and wouldnt let me merge in so I decided to gun it and holy shit was I surprised. I've never stepped "on it" before in the 850 and i just flew, and I got in front of him easily. It felt nice to have that kind of power.
and there hasn't been any problems with this 850i. It's my girlfriends dads and its a 91. But I still like my steering wheel more than his!