1996 BMW 840Ci

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

The BMW E31, produced from 1990 to 1999, is the first generation of the 8 Series, designed as a high-performance grand tourer available in two-door coupe form with V8 and V12 engine options. Developed with a significant investment of over 1.5 billion Deutsche Marks, its design process began in 1981, culminating in its debut at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show. Positioned above the original E24 6 Series, the E31 aimed to offer enhanced luxury and performance, featuring advanced CAD tools and extensive wind tunnel testing that resulted in an impressive drag coefficient of Cd=0.29, showcasing its aerodynamic efficiency and innovative engineering. In 1996, the 840ci received BMW’s excellent 4.4-liter V8; same horsepower but now with 310 lb-ft of torque. American-spec V8 versions all have a five-speed automatic. “There’s something timelessly gorgeous about the 8 Series, or E31 to all those factory code completists,” Motor Trend wrote. It is hard not to see why these cars have remained a highly sought-after model, even 25 years after the final example rolled off the assembly line.  

Highlights 

• Timeless BMW 8-series E31 coupe 

• M62 4.4-liter DOHC, 32-valve V8 producing 282 hp @ 5700 rpm 

• Finished in Alpinweiss (Alpine White) over Pergament (Parchment) Nappa leather interior 

• The chassis number (WBAEF8326TCC31018) decodes as: 

  • W – Germany country of origin 

  • B – BMW 

  • A – Passenger car 

  • E – 840i line 

  • F – 840i/840ci 

  • 8 – 840ci automatic 

  • 3 – Passenger vehicle 

  • 2 – Manual belts with air bags 

  • 6 – Check digit 

  • T – 1996 model year 

  • C – Dingolfing, Germany, final assembly plant 

  • C31018 – Sequential production number 

• Options include but are not limited to: 

  • S431 – Interior mirror with automatic-dip 

  • S438 – Fine wood trim 

  • S488 – Lumbar support, driver and passenger 

  • S640 – Preparation for telephone installation universal 

  • S694 – Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer 

  • S241 – Air bag for driver and passenger 

  • S245 – Steering wheel column adjustment, electric 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

 Features 

• Repairs made under current ownership include: 

  • 7/2023 – Replace #2 oxygen sensor  

  • 8/2023 – A/C serviced  

  • 9/2023 – Replace front and rear brake pads, rotors and sensors  

  • 10/2023 – Replace rear axle seal  

  • 4/2024 – Transmission pan gasket replaced, valve cover gasket replaced, rebuild steering box  

  • 9/2024 – Replaced both catalytic converters 

  • Repairs under the previous owner (a friend of the consignor) includes: 

  • Front driver and passenger seat reupholstered  

  • Rebuild sunroof mechanics and repaint sunroof 

  • New headliner due to a small portion sagging  

  • Timing cover reseal, crankshaft reseal, water pump replacement, new thermostat, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, power steering flush, brake flush, engine mounts, new spare key, new tires, door lock actuator 

• CD Player 

• Cruise control 

• Dual power front seats 

• Leather seating 

• Power driver’s seat 

• Power windows 

• Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel 

 Known Imperfections 

• Seats have been reupholstered 

• Small chips in paint in lower valance and hood 

Included 

• Service warranty information book 

• Original floor mats 

• New never used front bra 

 Ownership History 

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this four-owner 1996 BMW 840ci in California, Arizona, and back to southern California in 2018. It currently shows 85,197 miles. The consignor states, “This is my second 840ci, they are fabulous vehicles and epitomize the ultimate driving machine! The prior owner was a friend who had the vehicle for five years before I obtained it.  He took excellent care and spared no expense.”