BMW 8 Series E31
The pillarless V12 flagship that defined 1990s grand touring luxury.
- Power
- 300 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 6.8 s
- Top speed
- 155 mph
- Est. value
- $25k–$42k
About the BMW 8 Series E31
The E31 8 Series was BMW's high-tech flagship, designed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz SL and Porsche 928. It was one of the first production cars to feature a drive-by-wire throttle and a multi-link rear axle, all wrapped in a sleek, pillarless body with signature pop-up headlights. The 850Ci (originally badged 850i) is powered by the M70 V12, delivering effortless, smooth power suited for high-speed transcontinental cruising rather than sharp B-road handling. While complex to maintain, it has recently transitioned from a depreciated used car to a highly desirable modern classic.
BMW 8 Series E31 specs
The BMW 8 Series E31 produces 300 bhp (224 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
| Make | BMW |
|---|---|
| Model | 8 Series |
| Generation | E31 |
| Trim | 850Ci |
| Years | 1990–1999 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | About 30,609 built |
| Original price | About $79,000 when new |
| Engine | 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,988 cc (5.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 300 bhp (224 kW) at 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 6.8 s |
| Top speed | 155 mph (250 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,790 kg (3,946 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 168 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a BMW 8 Series E31 worth?
A typical BMW 8 Series E31 is estimated to be worth $25,000 – $42,000 (about £18,000 – £31,000).
Its original price when new was about $79,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
BMW 8 Series E31 rarity in CarSpot
The BMW 8 Series E31 is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 22 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
BMW 8 Series E31 fun facts
- The E31 was one of the first cars designed using Computer-Aided Design (CAD), resulting in a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.29.
- BMW spent over 1.5 billion Deutsche Marks on the development of the 8 Series, which was a massive investment for the era.
- The 850i was the first production car to offer a V12 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, though most buyers opted for the automatic.
