1991-1997 BMW 8-Series: Year-to-Year Changes
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1997 BMW 8-Series. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1997 BMW 8-Series.
Year to Year Changes
1992 BMW 8-Series:
A gearshift interlock was among the few changes to BMW's high-level 2+2 coupe in its second season, to prevent the automatic transmission from shifting out of park unless the brake pedal was applied. BMW's optional Electronic Damping Control gained a more pronounced differentiation between its Comfort and Sport modes. Pressing the end of the wiper and turn-signal stalks now allowed the driver to scroll through the cellular phone's stored numbers, place a call, or end a call.
1993 BMW 8-Series:
BMW renamed its 2+2 coupe the 850Ci, thus emphasizing its coupe body style. A passenger-side airbag joined the original driver's airbag, and the cabin gained maple trim. Rear seatbacks now split and folded, and contained a new trunk pass-through. Either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic could be installed.
1994 BMW 8-Series:
A new V8 model, named 840Ci, joined this lineup this year. It used the same 282-horsepower, 4.0-liter V8 engine as the 740i/iL sedan, driving a 5-speed automatic transmission. Also new was a limited-edition 12-cylinder model, called 850CSi, fitted with a 372-horsepower, 5.6-liter V12. That one came with a 6-speed gearbox, sport suspension, lower ride height, and 17-inch tires. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission was available in this year's 850Ci coupe, which added such standard features as interior wood trim, a remote control antitheft alarm, front center armrest, and 250-watt stereo system.
1995 BMW 8-Series:
As the 1995 model year began, the 840Ci was the only model to reach dealerships, essentially unchanged. Later, only a few 840Ci and 850CSi coupes arrived for sale. The regular V12 engine for the 850Ci grew in size, to 5.4 liters and a 322-horsepower rating.
1996 BMW 8-Series:
The high-performance 850CSi coupe was gone, leaving only the 840Ci and 850Ci. The 840Ci got a new 4.4-liter V8 engine when production began early in 1996. Servotronic variable-assist power steering was standard on both models. Maple interior trim, already in the 850Ci, was added to the 840Ci's interior. Electronic Damping Control, adjusting suspension firmness based on how the car was driven, was standard on the 850Ci and a new option for the 840Ci.
1997 BMW 8-Series:
Final versions of BMW's biggest coupe went on sale in summer 1996, showing no significant change.
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