A buddy of mine is strongly considering buying a used BMW 840ci with the 4.0 litre 32v engine.He wants a 1994 to 1997 model..has anyone out there ever owned or worked on one that can give feedback as far as to their quality and reliability? I dont want him to invest in a car that has a lot of reliability and quality problems.Any feedback anyone can give on this model car would be highly appreciated.

Thanks
Phillip
1992 300CE
81,000 miles

I've always liked these surprisingly unpopular cars. I haven't heard of any problems. The 4.4l V-8 and the 5spd auto transmission are widely used in the BMW model range, so parts and working knowledge are widely available. I think the electrical system is complex and the rear suspension is bespoke, with passive rear wheel steer. A car of this calibre is always going to be more expensive to fix than an econobox, but it shouldn't go wrong too often. As I say, I haven't heard of any problems, they seem to be beautifully built.

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JJ Rodger
2013 G350 Bluetec
1999 SL 500
1993 E300 diesel T
1990 190

Body Styling is beautiful.

I have heard the early V8's, within those model years had issues with the U.S. Fuel. He should check up on this, and see if this applies to that vehicle. if so, he should make sure the engine has the new engine from BMW, because otherwise he will probably run into many problems.

I have heard stories about the 840 being very unreliable, and that they require tons of maintenance to stay running.

I was looking at buying one instead of my CE, and Decided based on the things I had heard about maintenance and reliability, that it was not the car for me.

My benz has been very very reliable for the last year and a half, needing only regular maintenance. Yes the tranny did go and needed ot be rebuilt, but you can't blame that on anything but the previous owners lack of maintenance ont he tranny. My mechanic when I had the car there, Was talking about how clean and how well my car runs.

Hows your CE doing? Did you get the wheels yet? I'm getting the 17" Carlsson 1/6 wheels. They will look great on the car. Check my post in wheels and tires about which wheels should I get. Its been a toss up for me all week over the carlsson, and new AMG 203 and Double spoke wheels. I love the racyness of the AMGs, but the carlsson look classy and the carlsson suit the lines of the car very nicely.

Alon

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

No, terrible cars. My brother just researched and bought an 8-series BMW, so he went through all this. Do not under any circumstances purchase a US model 840. The Nikasil engine blocks in these cars are eroded by the sulphur in US gasoline. Literally, the cylinder walls disappear over time. Search Google using "BMW nikasil problem" - you'll get plenty of hits. BMW did eventually correct the problem, but I'm not certain if the US ever received 840s with the improved engine. In contrast, the 850 V12 engine is fine - it uses an alusil block, which has never experienced problems. This is what my brother ended up purchasing.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback on the BMW 840ci cars.Your input is very much appreciated.I will tell him to avoid that model car.I did find it strange when he showed me one for sale on Autotrader.com that had only 24,000 miles on it but already had the head gaskets replaced!!I envisioned a big red flag.Thanks again...you all just saved him a lot of grief.

Alon I bought a set of Mille/Miglia Bellos wheels for my 1992 300CE.They are very nice/16X7.5"40et...205/55/16 toyo tires.
The car is running very well and has had no major problems so far.Hope that all is going well with the work that you are doing on your car.You are correct that there are a lot of wheels that will look good on your car...tough choices!! I do l,ike the Carlson wheels myself.

Phillip
1992 300CE
81,000 miles

You might wanna have him check this site out
http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e31/

Didn't they change from the 4.0 to the 4.4 V8 engine? Do they both suffer from the problem?
I've never liked the things anyway... just a 7-series with an '80s 2-door body.


later

Russ

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190E's:
2.5-16v 1990 90,000m Astral Silver
2.0E 8v 1986 107,000m Black 2nd owner
http://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall.jpghttp://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall2.jpg

Its my understanding that they did indeed go to a 4.4 liter engine in 1997.The newer engine I have been told does not have the problems of its predesessor the 4.0l V-8.

Phillip