[Video] Take A Look At This 1997 BMW 840Ci

I have a fondness for the E31 BMW 8 Series when speaking personally. The 8 Series of that generation will always have a special place in my heart. Having had the chance to come up close and personal with the never-made E31 BMW M8, giving me an absolute nerd-gasm. In this video from JayEmm, we get to see the BMW 840Ci – one of the better versions of the E31.

Certainly, in this video the BMW 840Ci has a five-speed automatic gearbox which isn’t much ideal, but it’s still great. JayEmm expressed his liking of the old 8 Series’ cabin and finds it special, which is rather a fascinating fact. That’s somewhat in contrast to common thought from enthusiasts who think its interior is a bit bland. In retrospect, maybe it’s the old-school ‘90s styling that gives it an interesting vibe. Particularly now where we’re all familiar with remarkably fussy and complicated cabins.

Propelled by 4.4 liter V8-powered version of the 8 Series, 840Ci makes 282 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque when new. It’s more than enough to be enjoyable although that’s not a ton by modern standards, for even the six-cylinder 840i on sale today makes more of both. Besides, having a lighter weight of the V8 compared to the V12 will make the 840Ci a bit more engaging to drive than the more popular model by far, which is the 850CSi.

The ride and handling of the 840Ci is comfortable but also composed even on its large (see: goregous) ALPINA wheels, which JayEmm was really impressed with. The ‘90s style slack on-center steering that it might have is not only common for a car of its era but it’s also sort of welcome in today’s world of hyper-responsive, twitch steering.

Naturally, BMW 840Ci has a lot to criticize for, and any E31 8er for that matter. It’s not the most engaging car to drive quickly; not the most reliable of car, as most 8 Series from that era had some reliability issues; also not particularly quick, even for its era and segment. Nonetheless, the way 840Ci looks, drives and rides, there’s something special that makes it a very desirable classic GT car.