BMW E31 8-SERIES BUYERS GUIDE

[@jameslatimer1432]

20 years ahead of its time AMAZING car

[@m2kev789]

Thanks Tim for a great video - your experience with the 8 is invaluable to all owners - they are a beautiful car and I love mine too!😃

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

That's very kind of you.

[@tonykelly6087]

Only discovered this channel a couple of day's back! Love your work and your honesty about the car! Nothing is perfect! Great to see a true enthusiast!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Welcome aboard Tony!

[@pussygalore5947]

Love your enthusiasm- and realism - about these cars. I currently have a 1994 840ci M60 with 89,000 that I have owned for 10 years. We didn't get the Individual Sport version in the US unfortunately. The major issues I've had are: The harmonic balancer fell apart, the radiator exploded after the dealer replaced the valley pan gasket, the general module required redoing to stop a host of electrical issues that occurred in winter temperatures, the secondary water pump went bad and the headlight harness deteriorated. Probably spent $7500 over the ten years/20k miles. The car remains one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen and it drives like no other....damn the torpedoes!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

It's great to hear from the States and the same enthusiasm as we have over here.

[@MiracleManMatt]

Stunning example. I had an 850i for a while (but it needed quite a bit fo work on top of a couple grand I spent!), probably amongst the best looking cars of all time IMO. I really love the pillarless look when the windows are down as well. Your guides were invaluable in helping me fix some of the issues!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks, very kind of you

[@MrPitatom]

I love these cars. I'm picking mine up this morning. They are timeless in looks.

[@SteveThinman]

Thanks for this great Video Tim! I used my 840 6 years long as a daily driver (fitted with an auxiliary heater) and it was a joy even in winter. The only thing which is a major problem is rust. Here in Germany they use so much salt on the roads that you really hear it munching trough the metal. It's a shame that BMW did not used a fully galvanized body on this top of the line car. The reason why I stopped using it every day was the same what you mentioned: congested roads and permanent traffic jams.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Auxiliary heater! Now, that's luxury!

[@Radhatter1]

Excellent Timm please do more! You’ve helped me out with my three E31s over the past 12 years of ownership!!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thank you, my pleasure!

[@jamesdennison3979]

I have been driving E31s for about 20 years now and have only good things to say about them, especially the 840Ci Sport 4.4 which is my favourite by far. However, my butt cheeks puckered at the start and the end of your video when you drove on and off your drive! I have broken my chin spoiler three times now and am always hyper alert to kerbs, speed humps, changes in level etc. Other than that I can't really fault it as a daily driving proposition. I have also found that people really appreciate seeing it being driven and I get more waves and thumbs up with every year that passes.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks James, and yes, the V8's are my favorite, but there again I've had quite a few of then now!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Forgot say that I miss the ground by less than the depth of a Samsung phone - I stuck mine on the drive to show an under-car shot as I left the drive - and just managed to push it along rather than get a decent shot. I do have a metal brace under the lower lip to stop it snapping in half.

[@mrchestwell]

Great video Tim! As a fellow M62 owner, I salute you and your brilliant website - more narrative vids please; you are a natural

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Once I start talking I won't stop, you have been warned - and thanks!

[@anthonydc8100]

I just came across this channel and can’t stop watching , Tim is so kind and pleasurable to listen to . I have a BMW 435 coupe. Cheers 🥂

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks Anthony!

[@iainwallace2618]

8:20 never a truer word said , beautiful car and great video. 👍

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks!

[@TheKeenMechanic]

Thank you for this video mate. Really enjoyed it.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks! It was good fun making it.

[@cosmopolitanranks3996]

Love these videos of yours of the E31. Very informative and detailed.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

My pleasure!

[@joelfildes5544]

Great vid Timm,I’ve had mine 10 years now...daily driver...they are a great ‘bus’...thanks for your help and knowledge over the years.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Always my pleasure Joel

[@joelfildes5544]

Timm's BMW Repairs and Information cheers Timm,them cars are a credit to you,quality counts ! Just got some (cheap £116) TRW inserts for mine,wish me luck on the mission creep...ha,ha...

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks Joel, and good luck!

[@sushant2095]

Thank you for sharing, Timm! Really appreciate this video!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

My pleasure!

[@Tracertme]

What a beautiful looking car.. congratulations a credit to your hard work and ownership. ❤😊

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks so much!

[@drews6616]

Gorgeous car with a great soundtrack 👍.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks - yes, it does sound great!

[@wherethebasshertz1858]

Hi Tim, Thinking of buying an 840Ci and your video has been invaluable. Thank you for posting this and covering important parts and issues. Your car looks fantastic my friend.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindsyebanks7220]

Great informative video Timm. Your videos are an excellent complement to your very informative online E31 resource.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thank you!

[@bobjablonski1515]

I was doing pretty good with my 850 this summer until it ate the water pump. Other than that pretty reliable. OF course it took be a lot to get to that point as it was one step above being a parts car when I bought it. Thanks for the Website I have used it a lot

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

My pleasure!

[@ratsliveonnoevilstar1]

Legend, thanks for all your help with diagnosing faults with my e38. Great website

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Always my pleasure Tom!

[@itnskma9624]

What a lovely clean car... I salute you😎

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

That's very kind of you, Thanks!

[@woooster17]

Beautiful cars... I only have an E63 630i Sport as a daily driver, but I enjoy your videos. One thing though with the steptronic, I find the push to change up and pull to change down counter intuitive.. years ago I had an E39 525 that I did a mod next to the selector to reverse this function.. just meant the +/- symbol was now incorrect, but it felt better to me.. Edit: Just recognised where you are.. I was a Police Officer working in Whitehill, Bordon, Petersfield :)

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

You've got me bang to rights - slap the cuffs on!

[@zerogee768]

I'd love to own one of these. Thought I would like to swap the autobox for a manual. But that's wishing on a star

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Nah, Steptronic is always the way to go - you can still drive manually but don't need a clutch pedal!

[@retrokiller8817]

Hi Tim ! Great channel about this such underrated car out of BMW factory. I wish that there where more content on the internet that explains and kinda dig it out of the Taboo hole that this worth owning and Driwing car actualy is. There are way to many opinions and compare of the e31 to some exotic cars that are known to crack and damage just from looking at them or parking under the wrong cloud on the sky. Definitely e31 is a good car like many other BMW !

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks! Yes, the E31 is a great car!

[@bigbluechopper24]

This is a great series of videos. Could you please add one more video that talks about what to look for when checking one of these cars over before purchase?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks! Yes, that is something I keep meaning to get around to - but you have spurred me on!

[@bigbluechopper24]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Excellent, I cannot wait to see it!

[@theamerican7080]

Fantastic video and some great information! Thanks Timm!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

My pleasure!

[@adibghattas3157]

It is very attractive car .I have 850i 1991 model . The drivers chase me to watch it . I have a problem finding its spare parts in Lebanon Middle East.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I'm not surprised, not many out there!

[@2k_]

enjoyed the video, the car, the ride, sound, and info. Thank you

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jimgoodwin6294]

Great video - always loved these cars but never taken the plunge

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks Jim!

[@gtxtx3]

that bulb out failure warning.. yep typical 8 series haha, my boss had one and the front left indicator always open circuited every few months *rolls eyes* use to shit me off always fixing it till he went and sold it

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

No stamina some people!

[@jayobama9582]

Nice looking machine, I always liked the 8 series as a kid. Good on you for using it as a daily driver. That's where the true joy is. Where did you get the V8 badges from? They set the car off well

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks! Unfortunately the V8 badges are now very rare - I used to get them on Ebay, and with my seven V8's I have bought 21 badges! The last time I bought them there was only one Chinese seller

[@MrCynical999]

Always love to watch your informative videos!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I'll keep doing them then!

[@Alex850i]

Very beautiful colour and interior!!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks!

[@F666black]

very nice video and I have to say 6 speed look and feel much quicker than early cars

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks may friend!

[@mattyb1624]

Great videos mate, keet it up. From an 850 6MT owner in Australia

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks! Most of my family live in Bunbury!

[@hazimakbatur2666]

"I worths repairing"-----I totally agree...

[@mra.a1742]

Amazing spec, very rare to find a good colour combo these days

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I agree!

[@ClassicCarCustodians]

Timm. How are you mate. Fantastic work as always. Keep it up. Regards Alec Cartio.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Hello Alec, great to hear from you - and keep making those E31 video's!

[@hcolin4165]

Great Video N thanks for all the info U have put out through the years....it saved my ASS when I had my Sporty Shorty E38!!! Want anatha one if I can find a decent one...lol!!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Great stuff, you WILL get another one!

[@mantasbaziulis8730]

hello ti m what is fuel how much it takes for 100km/liters ?

[@dips_-um3lb]

Great video timm, thanks

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks!

[@admiregant9313]

Great Car!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks!

[@sheekahjumah4756]

Thanks for the brilliant video Timm. What type of exhaust system have you fitted and any recommendations on where to het it done? Kind Regards

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thank you! The exhaust I have fitted in the video's is 200-cell cats (Longlife), an 'H' pipe that joins the banks together and rather loud Longlife rear boxes. I had it done at a Longlife exhaust fitter in Basingstoke, Hants by their custom fitter Matt Dennis. It's great fun sometimes - and embarrassingly loud other times!

[@pussygalore5947]

Love how beautiful your car is...we didn't get that combination or the Individual Sport here - and US production ended with the '97 model. The one issue that mine has developed is the dead spot in the steering at highway speeds with the car going straight. It needs constant correction and feels unsafe when it regains hold...... Ideas?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Yes - have a watch of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2qsf5usfJiHe5Y

[@jamesjoe9437]

LOVE this video and this car. Saw you driving about and noticed you’re not far from me, I’m in Portsmouth. Have an e38 and an e39 but I think my ideal drive is a V8 e31 or e38 but not sure which would work better as a daily driver. I can take care of SIMPLE fixes but haven’t tried anything seriously mechanical. How different is the drive from e38 to e31? I love the smooth and easy ride of e38 but prefer the look of the e31. If you have any (more) advice I’d love to hear from you!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks! I haven't seen an E38 for AGES around here - used to see them quite often five years ago, now not a sausage. As far as working on, the E31 and E38 are identical, plus the E31 didn't get the horrible temperature mapped thermostat which frizzles everything. The E31 stopped production in 1999 - but it never got the M62TUB44 engine, so no Vanos to worry about. I've had four 7-Series, only one being a Sport model, and that was an E32 - the E31 Sport was very much like it as far as suspension goes. My last E38 had EDC, and when that was set to Sport it was a little like the E31. But, the E31 is so much better in the corners, you sit lower down and there is very little body roll and it is perfectly balanced whereas the E38 was a bit tail-happy. The problem with the E31 always comes down to availability - availability of the car itself and the availability of some parts - with the 840ci all the engine parts are available because the E38 and E39 shared the same engine and there were thousands of those built. However, there are certain trim parts that cannot be found these days - and some breakers charge a huge premium on the parts.

[@jamesjoe9437]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Thanks for the reply and useful insights. Seeing as I'm not made of money right now, E38 looks like the better option. I think I prefer the comfort/cruise feel with power in a straight line for a bit of a laugh. More practical too I guess! By the time I can afford the E31 I'd like, they'll be mega money! Cheers

[@carenthusiast172]

Thank you for the video. And I have a question: how much money do you spend on the car annually in average? And if you know other E31 owners, how much do they do?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

All I have paid for the last two or three years is for oil and filters, the mandatory MOT test and petrol!

[@carenthusiast172]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation wow, thank you for the information!

[@christianferrari00]

Nice Video!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks!

[@jameslatimer1432]

Give it 2 oil CHANGES a year and it will last for EVER great car love it ,,

[@MrBjhuddz]

I hate you (envy). Brilliant video!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks!

[@ste002]

Lovely vehicle Tim. Do you happen to know the BMW wheel style number for your wheels (assuming they're not aftermarket)? Love the look of the wheels in the vid, they really suit the e31.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Yes, they are Rondell 58's - not an OEM wheel - but at the last car meeting I went to where 22 E31's were on show, 9 of them had Rondell 58's! I got them at Projex on the outskirts of Bristol - unfortunately they are no longer available in 18" and rotten ones turn up on Ebay for scary amounts of money.

[@normanbull1969]

Thanks for all the great videos . Is there any info on removal of the nose cone? I have found all the fixings around the wheel arch, screws along the top and bottom plus plastic rivets and long bolts around the grills and lights but, it still feels very solid along the front edge. As I can't see any obvious fastenings ,I am baffled!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I haven't ever removed mine - but this diagram should help: www.meeknet.co.uk/e38/pdf/E31CompleteCarManual.pdf#page=12

[@normanbull1969]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Cheers Tim. Much appreciated.

[@EmilehUnk]

Too bad on the secondhand market (EU) I only seem to be able to find E31s with the conventional automatic instead of the step-tropic. :(

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Steptronic was introduced with the M62 4.4Ltr engine around 95/96 - the M60 4.0Ltr never got the Steptronic - so look for later models!

[@ksmuffin]

I love my 840ci.. if it had a manual it'd be perfect.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

The Steptronic is my favourite!

[@cars2drive298]

thanks to your vid, i m looking for one, and i m gonna sell my e type..definitely not a daily ! lol

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Unless the E-Type is rusting to bits - keep it!

[@cars2drive298]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation it comes from Texas so its rust free, but the point is to go every year from Belgium to Portugal.. i m amazed by the prices in UK for those 840 , half from the ones on the continent !!

[@NasY645]

Beautiful car

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

It sure is Naeem!

[@_B.M_]

What is the name of the colour of your car? Roughly, what is the average mpg you are getting?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

It's Mora Metallic and I get 22 MPG!

[@povdrivekls8369]

I am about to buy an lsd 3:15 from a e32 e34 for my 740i e38 manual gearbox . Can you please tell me if i can fit that in my car ? How hard is it and what do i need to replace to can fit it . I saw your movie about replace in your car but i didn t understand very well what i need to make the replace

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I don't think E32 differentials are compatible with the E38. The best source is from an E39

[@wightwalker2453]

Lovely lovely car!!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks!

[@rizmaartino]

1:29 Obviously. But many ppl dont realize it

[@normanbull1969]

Hi Timm, is it difficult to remove the outer sunroof panel for re painting?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Yes easy, but hard to explain! You tilt the sunroof (by pressing the button upwards), the sunroof trim panel will move backwards a short way. Sit in the drivers seat and lift your hands into the sunroof cavity and feel backwards - there are two plastic levers that are affixed at the back and the ends are accessible to you - push each one outwards (I think - it might be inwards) and then the trim panel can be pushed fully back. That exposes the six Torx bolts that attach the sunroof lid. You can see similar Torx bolts in this routine: www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/Moonroof/Index.htm

[@trev0rcRs]

Hey Tim. How good would you say the headroom is?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Some owners have reported that the headroom is inadequate - but for me at 5'11 it is fine

[@madontherun]

Theres not a single car on the planet that I'd prefer to one of these.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I agree!

[@woocash7488]

Lovely car, I have a 850i. Does your car have day running lights from the factory?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks! No, I just switch on my LED sidelights when I drive!

[@AdamA63]

How far do you have to drive to work? I hope it is not far :).

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Not far, around 20 miles but in all conditions!

[@ChevyBM]

Cant you just delete the cats? It sounds better after it and should help the car to breath better! The E31 is my favorite BMW, would you recommend the V8 over the V12?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Well, cats do reduce emissions, and we would have a hard job passing our MOT in the UK without them.

[@djthoronyc]

what size wheels are you running? and also I have a 1991 850i I just notice white smoke coming from exhaust ,do you think a NO SMOKE OIL ADDITIVE WOULD FIX THIS ISSUE?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

They are 18" Rondell 58's - which are now discontinued, there are loads of E31's with them fitted in the UK. White smoke is usually just water vapour - the big BMW's bung out a LOT of it in cold weather.

[@djthoronyc]

Thanks for reply I just purchased the car I’m in NYC I brought the car from California and I drove it 3,000 miles back to nyc with no issue at all and it’s been sitting for over a month now when I start it up there is a bunch white smoke coming from exhaust but it slows down a little when car is warmed up but it never stops smoking completely so I am a little concerned, there are no check engine light on or low fluid levels on at all , so I was just trying to figure out why all of sudden it’s smoking now

[@djthoronyc]

Timm's BMW Repairs and Information thanks for the reply i just recently purchased the car from California and I drove it 3,000 miles all the way back home to NYC where I live with no issues at all and that car has been sitting for a whole month now when I start it up there is lots of white smoke coming from exhaust it slows down a little bit when the car is warmed up but it never stops completely there are no check engine lights on or low fluids level lights on so I was just concerned as to why all of a sudden it’s smoking now

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Have a watch of this - this is how much white smoke an E31 bungs out on a cold day: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ_Yd5qCl5t8gcU

[@hakansundstrombmwsweden7645]

Hi Tim Hakan herr från Sweden, like tour channel and whanted to ask you a question. I havet a brunch of old Bremers 1602, 2002, 2000 touring an e21 an e30 525i and an old 2000 ca from 1968. I know a Guy herr nearby WHO bought an 850 new and stoppad using it in 1998, its Bern sitting in His garage ever since, IV tryed to by it 10 Tears Ago bit hej was salong to much, i think illa be able to get it really cheap now. Is this no, No or whould you advise me to go for it. Beemergreeting from Hakan in Stockholm.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I think most members on the Forums would advise against it - but if you can get it for a great price then why not! I would replace most of the fuel supply system, plugs, HT leads, caps and rotors, oil change, most (if not all) of the coolant lines - and an oil change, brake fluid flush and take it from there!

[@marcocerqueira2732]

So I noticed quite a lot of vibration coming through the steering wheel. Is that due to bad roads or are these cars that stiff?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

The Sport models are very 'live' and you get a good deal of feedback of the road surfaces - the non-Sport are a bit more refined!

[@marcocerqueira2732]

Thanks for the reply Timm. How can I visually tell a sport model from non-sport?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

If you have an 840ci with the csi body-kit then it is probably a Sport - but, no csi front and rear spoiler and not a Sport. Full details here: www.meeknet.co.uk/E31/Buying_Guide/BMW_E31_8-Series_Buying_Guide.htm

[@Radhatter1]

What’s your MPG in town Timm I’m getting 14.5 in Hong Kong !

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I never bother to check anymore - the way I drive the result may be distressing! But you can see in one of the video's that my overall MPG is around 18.1 or so - and that's mostly A-roads and a little town driving. The E31 was never designed for economy, whereas the E38 of the same age got the 'econometer' on the dash and the temperature-mapped thermostat - we got just got a big engine and catalytic converters. There was a slight nod at economy by making the differential 2.81 in ratio (M62) and 2.91 (M62) which really just knocked the acceleration and made drivers press the pedal harder - hence why I fitted a 3.15 version.

[@leenevin8451]

how often you filter and fluid on the gearbox?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I had it done at 120K, and it's probably around now (170K) that it needs doing again.

[@leenevin8451]

Timm's BMW Repairs and Information every 50k it needs it. Especially if previously neglected. However these boxes withstand punishment better than new ones

[@nighttrain1565]

Are you saying csi on purpose? It's CSL right?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I am, it IS CSI Sport Trim - the E31's flagship was the 850csi

[@nighttrain1565]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation so Coupe Sport Light not Crime Scene Investigation 😅

[@StivensGameZone]

my dream is to learn same as you to reparir my 735i e38...and engoj and drive a real car till end of my life..i need NOthing else..no other car...nothing..

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

And why not? I think just the same - and I knew very little when I got my first BMW 40 years ago and just learned as I went along!

[@JJsAutomotive]

Has anyone commented "sad that it isn't a manual"? Well, I am now.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

You're the first! But probably because you can use the Steptronic as a manual, it's faster than the manual 6-speed, and you don't have to press that dratted clutch!

[@JJsAutomotive]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation ...which all the "nerds" (like me) want to press. :D Not hating. Commenting just because of commenting, really. Left a like & all that.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

@@JJsAutomotive Don't worry! I like ALL comments, and happy to hear from you!

[@markroche6050]

Do you have a Facebook page or anything tim.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

No, everything is on https:\\www.meeknet.co.uk/e31

[@leenevin8451]

don't let these cars sit basically

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I don't!

[@leenevin8451]

10k is a long oil change

[@DustyPearl-13]

Manual!

[@joelstatosky1817]

Hello terrible first car decision.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Grown-ups only!