I Bought the CHEAPEST BMW E31 8 Series in America | So what's wrong with it?

A long time bucket list BMW for me has always been an E31 8 series from the 90s. I always found them to be super unique and beautiful, however so does everyone else because the prices for them have gotten quite expensive. Well patience is a virtue and I've been patient for so long that I stumbled across what I have seen to be the cheapest E31 listed for sale in all of America, no kidding, I have not seen one for less than I paid. So lets see what makes this 1995 840ci so cheap!

[@RaheesGarage]

i bought my laguna green 850i last year in 7mins after getting listed, $2200, in good condition no rust, no paint blemishes with 89,000 miles.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

I said I bought the cheapest one, you sir STOLE that car🤣🤣🤣

[@jessekuchinski1172]

Thats better than winning the powerball

[@bricklawson9745]

I sold BMWs in 1999. As I remember, it was a compression test the mechanics relied on to determine if BMW would replace the engine with this issue. There was a trick some did, if their car passed the Compression test, then the person would go use regular unleaded gasoline for a month or so they could then fail and get a new engine at like 80k. BMW replaced the engines for free if they failed that test... up until 100k. No time limit. After 100k you SOL 😂

[@m3nameisjosh464]

That is awesome to know!!! Definitely going to give it a compression test now and get to the bottom of it

[@xcofcd]

I think this had to do with their coating on the cylinderwalls. They were nikasil and it failed with low grade fuel. They then changed to alusil later if I remember correctly. I think that's probably what you mean...

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@xcofcd yes that is precisely the issue

[@raydiamond-qi3dv]

My dad had a 850ci for 19 years had 2 ❤ still got it uk🎉💎👊🏾

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Awesome!!!

[@renas5371]

M62 with m60 top and 6 speed makes the most sense, also keep it as you will struggle finding another one for decent money with decent body work. Will make for an interesting project on the channel too as people love these things.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thats the hope for it!!

[@kennyurdanofuall534]

i have an e32 with the m60b40 and the 5hp24 and idk something about that e31 dont seem right. if you were flooring it, its definitely underpowered or has something else wrong with it. these m60s usually get up and go pretty nicely, especially in a chassis like the e31, so i look forward to seeing you do the whole compression test and such on it because I personally think it would be a badass car for you to own for a while, espically if you manual swap it 😎

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yeah im pretty sure we will find this thing is down on compression in at least a fee cylinders, my old 540 was a rocketship haha

[@juancorrea9037]

You would look good daily driving that E31 Josh. The swap has to be done. That car will be a lot better manual I think. Now, time to find a good engine and trans for the swap. Please keep it with a 90's engine and ITB's if posible. A better sounding muffler will be nice too. Got my money on you bro. I know you can pull this one.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thanks Juan! Shouldn’t be hard finding the right engine for it!

[@craigthuet2639]

My dream car… congrats! I have a e34 540/6 with full costume exhaust. Yo will love that car. As you know. Really enjoy your channel and your passion for old school bimmers. I fell the same way. Take care

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thanks Craig!!! I appreciate that!

[@NishiyamaArtist]

In the Day, the competition at acceleration at the line was intense, this BMW with M Power and stripes to proves it, the engines are slightly revved, so many competitors show up at the line, this time a Corvette with the extended front end, not hiding 8 cylinders of detroit. The 840ci revs, the hood double extended, the Corvette's drivers considers the length of the hood - could it have a 8 - 12 cylinders, both edge to the line. As the driver assesses the driver of the beemer, he's sorta pauses, the M stripes. The light flashes, the green . . . both accelerate comparably, but the 840ci has a kid and his buddy that are both tucked in the back and after accelerating reasonably quickly, pressing the kids into the seats - he levels off at 35 mph and continues the drive to the market.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Hahahah love this dude

[@zaurkomachkov520]

Finally, an e31. Congrats, Josh. Looking forward to more videos with this beauty

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Finally is right!!!

[@mikaeljonsson4686]

Aaaaaa, the E31! 🤩🤩🤩 Miss my tobagoblue -93 850 Ci badly.... Such a timeless beautiful design! 🥰😍 That V8 were in the 540 and 740 too so if you need a replacement engine it shouldn´t be too hard to find.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yeah im not too worried about finding a replacement engine!

[@torygyberg8837]

Such cool cars! And yea, M539 does make it look easy :)

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Making me confident I can fix a v12 car hahah

[@Darthvolvo]

Nice score! Looks like you'll have another fun project on your hands!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

yet another!

[@berwhaletheavenger]

I had a 1997 4.4 one of these 20 odd years ago when they were still nice and newish. I don't think I'd want one now. So much is NLA - suspension arms and even things like the side indicator repeaters. Great looking car though.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yeahhh they are kind of costly nightmares at this point. Wish me luck!

[@berwhaletheavenger]

@@m3nameisjosh464 GOOD LUCK!😂

[@bricklawson9745]

Sweet! I always thought that was one of the best looking BMWs ever made... As I type this you are now saying these exact words 😂

[@m3nameisjosh464]

As you heard, I agree😉

[@habsom1406]

Dude you must be reading my mind, I concur with everything you said about this beauty. I've loved these cars ever since they came out and they look even classier decades down the line. Never seen one in this colour and I absolutely love it, especially with those M parallel wheels. With so many cars these days in dark shades, this stands out and looks classy with those wheels. You're right about the vinyl M stripes though, they have to go! Man this car suits you, you gotta keep it dude, it put a great big smile on your face. I can't believe I'm watching you in the driving seat and I'm here wearing the same chequered coat, ha! Very warm and comfortable btw. Love the way you describe and express yourself Josh, one cool BMW aficionado. Looking forward to more on the e31. Thanks for making all this great content man. 👍😎

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Wow thank you man!! I appreciate this!!! Absolutely love my checkered flannel! Wear it all winter long😏. It’s crazy how many people said they have never seen an E31 in this color! I feel like I see more in white than any other color! Haha. I appreciate your comment a lot man!

[@aarondavidsmith208]

Radical bro! Congrats. Very cool car.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you!

[@trevorpayne8212]

I love this car....can't wait to see wat u do wit it😊

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Same!!!

[@kayomagalhaes3988]

was waiting for this i can't lie, she might be a keeper!!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

She just might!!

[@alpinevicemotorsports1805]

Hell yeah!! I’m picking up a cheap 850i soon. Always wanted an e31

[@m3nameisjosh464]

You got all the v12 parts so should be a walk in the park😉

[@elijahlane411]

Awesome buy and congrats. Almost 2 years ago I purchased a 1994 840Ci that was sitting for around 8 years, picked it up for $800. I had a similar issue with the oil burning, even had to do the same thing with that PCV hose and route it so that its not in the intake manifold, because it would fill it with oil. Mine was smoking just as bad. I swapped out the PCV valve at the back of the intake manifold but it still had the same issue. I dug deeper and found theres another PCV valve behind the timing cover that tends to get clogged up, i was planning on replacing it but i ended up selling the car so i never found out what the issue was, but if you have good compression (while engine is warm) then the issue is most likely that PCV valve behind the timing cover. Best of luck with it though. I now have a 1996 840Ci (M62B44, servotronic steering, tiptronic trans) and it’s honestly a night and day difference. The M62 (non-vanos) is a much better engine in general. So whichever route you end up going, whether you swap it or fix it, you’re good. Also, The E36 M3 3 spoke steering wheel bolts right up to that car and looks sick as well.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Wow thank you for this information man!! Would have never known! Ill dig into it and see!!

[@elijahlane411]

@@m3nameisjosh464 no problem man, ive fixed tons of issues on both my E31's and i got some knowledge and connections so if you need some help feel free to reach out and ill do my best to help as best i can with the info ive gathered over the years

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@elijahlane411 thanks brotha!

[@willjam465]

I have always loved these cars. I remember when new. Thought they were the best looking cars on the road. Still a beautiful design, to me. Very cool buy! I would love to buy one and swap in the S65 with 6sp manual. Add the 850csi body kit and it would be a super-cool resto-mod. Wonder if part of the issue is blocked cats? You talk about sluggishness and exhaust smell. May also be down on compression as well.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Going to check the compression soon for the next episode and we will see. Clogged cats could definitely be a factor too

[@deanirwin3645]

You and Sreten need to do a joint video on this. You know he loves the 8 series

[@m3nameisjosh464]

I know!! Haha

[@davidt.6415]

Do the m60b44! I got a 94 840ci with a getrag 6 speed out of a 540 I swapped into it. I had to lengthen my driveshaft by 6" by at the front half. I will be building a m60 using a 4.6is block pretty soon! I got my 840ci for $5.4k 4 years ago 😉

[@mikaeljonsson4686]

Always these ridiculous money in the US... no way you get an E31 under $25k in Sweden... 😪

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thats the plan!!!! Any info on the shop that lengthened driveshaft? I need to do this

[@davidt.6415]

@m3nameisjosh464 I think any driveshaft shop that deals with offroad rigs can do it. I got mine done at South Bay driveline in San Jose California.

[@AlmightyRem]

If they are early year m parallels then they will be forged alloys instead of later model cast alloys. Check if the part numbers are stamped into the alloy as apposed to raised cast numbers 😄👌

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Will do!

[@joel_pope1069]

Might be able to bore out the original cylinder chambers to a 4.4L? I don’t know how it will be cost wise but you will be able to keep the original block 🙌

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Probably more worthwhile to just grab a m62

[@del9665]

I own an 850 in Chicago. Let me know if you want to see it. Not bad to own. Like any other classic, you need to be informed/ prepared for ownership. Congrats!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you!!!!

[@lrnasigo1]

I remember the first time I met Oscar De La Hoya in 92’ he drove up in a white 850i. I was more excited seeing the car

[@m3nameisjosh464]

That is awesome!!

[@MrMokkeli]

Screaming CSi bodykit! Nice buy, that M60 is nice to work with. Less problems than M70 :D

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yeah thats why Ive always wanted an 840 over 850 haha

[@bricklawson9745]

I would love to see you put a manual in this!! 🤞

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thats the hopeful plan!!!

[@bricklawson9745]

Sweet!!

[@carolinacars739]

Before I saw the channel name, I thought this was the latest Hoovie's Garage vid haha! Adjusted for inflation, that would have cost new $146,507 if you took the final sticker price! 😲 👍 to the manual swap!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Not only the big name guys can buy deals🥲🤣

[@patrykzmuda674]

m52 had also nicasil i do still have e36 m52b28 eu spec with nicasil 400 k kms still doing great on LPG:) u can do the 4.4 hybrid m60 top ( sharp cams better intake) and 4.4 bottom would be nice to see a official build like that :D

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thats exactly my plan! But apparently you guys have better fuel over there so they weren’t susceptible like they were here!

[@deanirwin3645]

The little solar panel is a trickle charger. I have one on my E30

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Oh no way! That’s super cool!

[@waterlawma]

The fumes might be because your're missing some bits around the cabin air filters. Those are located in the engine compartment in front of the windshield. just bought a 840 a week ago. a little rougher looking than yours.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yeah the filters are in the trunk luckily haha

[@keithmattioli5159]

Gorgeous car but do the M60 engines have the same valve seal issues that the later M62s do?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Nope, they have cylinder lining issues but thats it

[@JackJones-pw6cw]

Bro, the cheapest one here in germany currently listed is 25k… I’m so jealous, these are beautiful cars

[@m3nameisjosh464]

WOW

[@teamphashash]

Never seen it in this color. Wow I love it as is bro. Good buy there. Find wheels for it and let the E28 535ITB have the///M parallels❤

[@m3nameisjosh464]

The 18s are too big for e28, unfortunately theres other plans for that car

[@teamphashash]

@@m3nameisjosh464 Can't wait for that. Looking forward to content on this new baby. Pillar less is just too sexy bro. I'll be following this for sure.

[@ginikaibe]

How do you feel about running intake systems on Bmw's, I've been watching your videos and it seems like you don't really go for that when building your cars. Do you prefer running Stock OEM intake systems and why? And if you had the chance of running an intake system would you and what brands would you prefer? Also what are the type of performance medications do you like to do to your builds, as far as the engine, exhaust, and suspension, whats the perfect build for you?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Good observation, yes I do not like cold air intakes, because they are proven to gain you nothing when it comes to performance. BMW designs intakes very well, unless going for something like a CSL airbox or an eventuri(which I have) on my E46 M3, or a full on ITB build, i will always do stock intakes. For performance mods, it depends on the build, some cars are turbo, others are ITBs and velocity stacks, typically I like headers and cat deletes, tunes, and coilovers with upgraded suspension components

[@ginikaibe]

@@m3nameisjosh464 Perfect answer thank you. 👍🏾

[@VaniBomJR]

Yo broski. Shoutout man. That's a beautiful ride fam. R.E.S.P.E.C.T got some great taste man. I'm a BMW enthusiasts myself. I recently got my e34. I know this is probably irrelevant at this point since it's an E31 video. But wanted to ask if you could help me out man. Would really appreciate. Need intake camshaft for my E34 M50B25TU. Previous owner (my grandfather) had it a long time now problems. Car started overheating he took it to a mechanic. 3 years since. No progress just money request. So I decided to finally go and get the car myself. He did some work. Replaced some piston o rings. Timing etc. But one cam is missing. Intake camshaft. And water pimp is toast... please man. Need new water pump and intake cam for my e34. Since iam all the way in NAMIBIA I don't have any aftermarket support and I don't know where to go shop for internationally. R.E.S.P.E.C.T

[@placeholdername3206]

These are cool cars

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Super cool

[@mikesphoenix_e46m3]

aww man these are amazing always wanted one of these right back from being a kid you must make this your keeper think you would regret selling it and engine dont seem bad to me add do plenty checks first and i know the valve stems can leak abit on these engines could just be that

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Going to further investigate soon!

[@mikesphoenix_e46m3]

@@m3nameisjosh464 will look forward to the next video mate 😎👍

[@FadiHenryy]

Is it a m60 in the e31? i picked up an e39 with the m62 for super cheap and all it needed was a full cooling system overhaul and valve cover gaskets. Wondering if crankcase problem is also in the m62b44.. edit: nvm just listened to minute 29! but yes 6 speed with the m62b44 would be amazing for this e31

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yessir its likely cylinder walls failing

[@JDLNYC]

Someone needs to drop v10 in there

[@rodsjames9298]

hello josh , i have a question ,i want to change the steering rack in my e34 because its very sloppy etc... what steering rack would fit in ?46?36? or do you have something to recommend ?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

E34s dont have steering racks. There is no rack that fits into an e34 from other models

[@user-zg5hx1bh8f]

If nicasil issues… what about a rebuilt with sleeves?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Not worth the work

[@L7Fx]

lmfaooooo why you hating on all his M performance decorations 😂😭

[@m3nameisjosh464]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nikolakarovic5964]

I would swap it for v12 from series 7 but here in Eu Bmw isnt alowing that.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

V12 8 series exist

[@mariosnikolaou5212]

Coupe injection? I don't think the i means injection. Absolutely astonishing looking car. Greetings from Greece.

[@carolinacars739]

I think the "i" did stand for injection at one point, but by the 90s, that was a redundant designation. For whatever reason BMW has stuck with it though.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Maybe by 90s it changed but the 70s and 80s designation of carbed verse injected cars was CS or CSI, hence a 3.0cs is carbed and 3.0csi is injected. “Coupe sport injection”

[@carolinacars739]

@@m3nameisjosh464 Yeah it probably still stands for injection. By redundant, I mean that by the 90s everything was injected so BMW probably didn't need to keep the "i", but they did and put it on all models haha.

[@skidmeister]

When is the new mic coming?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

This is the new mic sir, had the settings mixed up

[@bavariansharks7149]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@raduorban]

E39 m5 engine swap is the right way for this car 🥰

[@m3nameisjosh464]

If i could find one cheaper!!

[@k-dawg58]

Whatever our boii Josh get , we will get it too lol , e31 850i on the list

[@m3nameisjosh464]

YESSSIR!!!!

[@k-dawg58]

@@m3nameisjosh464 please do a full m60b44 build vid, your videos is the most helpful out of all other channel

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@k-dawg58 thats the plan😏

[@purplejerry1]

hmmmm cool unique engine stuff 🤔🤔🤔 (v12 6 speed swap)

[@m3nameisjosh464]

If i wanted a v12 id get an 850. Would be overly ineffective to swap a 840 to a v12

[@dragonballshorts7123]

what if you ls swap it!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Neverrr

[@GalvanizedGreatness]

I guess you beat me to it for buying the cheapest one

[@m3nameisjosh464]

😏😏😏

[@RaHorakthi33]

do you get petrol for free?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yes I pump it straight out of the ground

[@sansanper7562]

Is it me or does it have rod knock ?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

I thought so too and to my dismay I heard the same noise once I fired up new engine, turns out the alternator bearing is garbage!

[@sansanper7562]

@@m3nameisjosh464 oh the alternator bearing! Who would have thought?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@sansanper7562 certainly not me! Lol

[@Khan_Art_]

Looks like a come up to me. I don't see anything wrong. Clean her up! Polish and interior.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Exactly!!

[@blockpartyvintage1568]

Put in S65

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Oh man that’s a little intense, s62 would be more likely

[@Barisic32]

Just came back from work and this showed up in my notifications, there is no better way to start Monday after work chill than this!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yesssir!!!🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@JK-dl5nt]

Lmaoo, I paid a percentage of this. Well obviously

[@m3nameisjosh464]

I tried to talk my way around saying an actual price and short circuited🥲

[@JK-dl5nt]

must of been the fumes, lol. Love the content. @@m3nameisjosh464

[@peanutbutterpadre1519]

unpopular opinion put in a 6.0 ls

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Only BMW engines around here😏

[@peanutbutterpadre1519]

@@m3nameisjosh464 100% less timeing chain guides 75% less cam shafts 30% more power and torque... just write bmw on the block i promise ill look the other way 😂

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@peanutbutterpadre1519 hahahahah

[@westcoasthimbo]

swap it for the e53 4.6is engine

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Sounds not easy haha

[@cristianneacsu6332]

M50 swap it :)

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Crazyyy

[@LifestrongCo.]

swappy swappy

[@thepcmrtim]

Btw 69k in today's money is $139,299.86

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Absolutely insane amount of money, i paid quarters compared to that haha