Considered to be classic "grand touring" cars, close to exotic-car level, the 8-Series BMWs were fast, comfortable, stylish, and safe. They were also big, heavy, and thirsty, fitted with plenty of high-tech gear but lacking head and leg space in the back for anyone much above toddler size. The silken V12 engine can quickly shove you back in your seat as you effortlessly overtake other traffic. It's also so flexible you can toddle along at 1000 rpm or so in sixth gear (with manual shift), without "lugging" the engine. Performance from a V8 doesn't lag all that far behind, but both engines guzzle fuel. The 6-speed manual gearbox shifts cleanly, but doesn't help gas mileage much. We averaged 16.4 mpg in an early model, including a lot of highway driving. Ride quality is good for a high-performance automobile, though the Comfort setting lets the nose float slightly over freeway bumps, whereas in Sport mode, the suspension can jitter over washboard surfaces. Steering is firm and communicative, brakes strong, cornering ability on dry pavement outstanding with little body lean. Even with traction control unobtrusively limiting rear-wheel slippage, however, taking a corner too quickly on wet pavement causes this car's tail to slide sideways. Fitting more than two adults inside without cramping everyone isn't so easy. The standard sunroof limits head room for tall people in front. Cargo space also is in short supply. Gauges and controls are logically arrayed, while the standard tilt/telescope steering wheel and supportive seat accommodate a wide range of drivers.

Value for the Money
The 8-Series was a slow seller from the start, partly due to its being prohibitively expensive for all but the very rich. Used-car prices are no bargains, either. An 840Ci always made the most sense from a cost standpoint, because the V12 engine in the 850Ci was not far enough ahead in performance to justify its markedly higher price.