1997 BMW 8 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 1997 BMW 840Ci is probably the best of the 8-Series line Up since the introduction of the Series in 1991 here in North America. Nad heres why... The 850Ci was equipped with a V-12 which produced about 300HP but with an overly complicated engine management system--two in fact. Two, ECUs each controlling 6-cylindars, two fuel pumps, two intakes, two of everything and as a result, twice as many headaches as the 840Ci introduced in or around 1994 which utilized the V-8 producing 287HP. Both cars looked virtually the same using the same body panels, trim pieces, bumper covers front grill and taillights. the only real telltale difference was the exhaust outlets which were square on the 850s and round on the 840s. The 840Cis also had teething problems early on in regards to cylinder lining failures in the earliest models due to Nikasil delamination and later, BMW switched over to Alusil which held up well for the remainder of all M62 V-8 engine block production through the end of production. The M60 V-12 always used Alusil and did not suffer from cylinder liner failure. Now for the Buyers Value portion of the review: The BMW 840Ci is the better choice for todays buyers. The engine to seek out is the M62 B44 Non-VANOS version. The Single VANOS should be avoided but the Double VANOS is the engine version you should look for. For the value of BMWs Flagship of the 1990s, the BMW 840CI is the Kings Crown. Plenty of power, plenty of prestige and plenty of value! Seek out the last year of production: 1997 BMW 840Ci M62B44 Non-VANOS.Sep 13, 2022