632 Regal
10-22-2006, 08:53 PM
for all you that have been following along and scouring the local papers and ebay I found this article, very nice short snips about the different years and options.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series: Highlights
Building upon the idea of its luxurious 750iL sedan, BMW turned to a comparable 2+2 coupe for 1991. Introduced in June 1990, it served as the successor to BMW's 635CSi coupe and cost even more than the 750iL. BMW's familiar "twin-kidney" grille was installed, but the rear-drive 850i wore hidden headlamps, a feature never before seen on BMW models in the U.S. Although its 296-horsepower, 5.0-liter V12 engine came from the 750iL, the new 850i was created with a more sporty demeanor. Either a 4-speed automatic or a new 6-speed manual transmission could be installed. Standard 850i features included Automatic Stability Control (ASC), which limited power to the rear wheels when wheel slippage was detected during acceleration. Models with manual shift got a different version, ASC + T, which also applied brakes to the rear wheels to restore traction. The 850i was the first model to use BMW's new Seat-Integrated Belt system, which integrated the belt system into the seat instead of anchoring it to the floor and/or roof pillars. All 850i coupes had a driver's airbag and antilock braking. Electronic Damping Control (EDC III) became optional in the fall, several months after the 850i went on sale. With EDC III, suspension firmness adjusted automatically based on how the car was being driven. In addition, the driver could choose Comfort or Sport setting, using an interior switch. Rivals included the Mercedes-Benz 500SL roadster, joined later by the Lexus SC 400.Year-to-Year Changes
1992 BMW 8-Series: A gearshift interlock was among the few changes to BMW's high-level 2+2 coupe in its second season, to prevent the automatic transmission from shifting out of park unless the brake pedal was applied. BMW's optional Electronic Damping Control gained a more pronounced differentiation between its Comfort and Sport modes. Pressing the end of the wiper and turn-signal stalks now allowed the driver to scroll through the cellular phone's stored numbers, place a call, or end a call.1993 BMW 8-Series: BMW renamed its 2+2 coupe the 850Ci, thus emphasizing its coupe body style. A passenger-side airbag joined the original driver's airbag, and the cabin gained maple trim. Rear seatbacks now split and folded, and contained a new trunk pass-through. Either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic could be installed.
1994 BMW 8-Series: A new V8 model, named 840Ci, joined this lineup this year. It used the same 282-horsepower, 4.0-liter V8 engine as the 740i/iL sedan, driving a 5-speed automatic transmission. Also new was a limited-edition 12-cylinder model, called 850CSi, fitted with a 372-horsepower, 5.6-liter V12. That one came with a 6-speed gearbox, sport suspension, lower ride height, and 17-inch tires. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission was available in this year's 850Ci coupe, which added such standard features as interior wood trim, a remote control antitheft alarm, front center armrest, and 250-watt stereo system.
1995 BMW 8-Series: As the 1995 model year began, the 840Ci was the only model to reach dealerships, essentially unchanged. Later, only a few 840Ci and 850CSi coupes arrived for sale. The regular V12 engine for the 850Ci grew in size, to 5.4 liters and a 322-horsepower rating.
1996 BMW 8-Series: The high-performance 850CSi coupe was gone, leaving only the 840Ci and 850Ci. The 840Ci got a new 4.4-liter V8 engine when production began early in 1996. Servotronic variable-assist power steering was standard on both models. Maple interior trim, already in the 850Ci, was added to the 840Ci's interior. Electronic Damping Control, adjusting suspension firmness based on how the car was driven, was standard on the 850Ci and a new option for the 840Ci.
1997 BMW 8-Series: Final versions of BMW's biggest coupe went on sale in summer 1996, showing no significant change.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Road Test (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewroadtest/)
Consumer Guide® is the only online source for comprehensive used-vehicle reviews (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewroadtest/). Our automotive editors evaluate a vehicle in ten important categories: acceleration, fuel economy (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewroadtest/), ride quality, handling, quietness, controls, front-seat room, rear-seat room, cargo volume, and overall value. The Consumer Guide® 1991-97 BMW 8-Series road test (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewroadtest/) gives consumers a quick snapshot of a vehicle's performance with pros, cons, and numeric ratings. Finally, we summarize the road test (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewroadtest/) with our exclusive "Value for the Money."
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Reliability (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewreliability/)
Consumer Guide's® editors help take the guesswork out of choosing a used vehicle with our reliability page. Our 1991-97 BMW 8-Series reliability (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewreliability/) page includes common trouble spots, average repair costs (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewreliability/), and NHTSA safety recalls (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewreliability/). While no one can predict how reliable a used vehicle might be, it's nice to know what problems to look for and how much a typical repair might cost.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Prices (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewprices/)
Consumer Guide's® used-vehicle price charts (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewprices/) help you quickly narrow down the selling price for more than 500 used vehicles from 1990 to the present. Our 1991-97 BMW 8-Series price (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewprices/) charts allow you to calculate price based on condition, mileage, and equipment level.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Specs & Safety (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewspecs/)
Consumer Guide's® 1991-97 BMW 8-Series used (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewspecs/)-vehicle review includes detailed specifications (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewspecs/) charts. Unique body styles are identified and key measurements include exterior and interior dimensions, curb weight, towing and payload ranges, and cargo volume. We also include engine specifications (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewspecs/), fuel-tank capacity, and EPA fuel-economy numbers. Augmenting this Consumer Guide® information are NHTSA crash-test (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewspecs/) results.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Photos (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewphotos/)
Since so many vehicles look alike, the Consumer Guide® 1991-97 BMW 8-Series used (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewphotos/)-vehicle review includes includes a photo gallery (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewphotos/) displaying five unique images. The 1991-97 BMW 8-Series photo gallery (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewphotos/) includes both exterior and interior photographs the vehicle. Captions that identify year, make, model, body style, and trim level are also included.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Used Car Classfieds (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/ClassifiedListings/)
Consumer Guide® Automotive makes finding that used BMW 8-Series a breeze with our on-line Used Car Classifieds (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/ClassifiedListings/). Once you've selected your vehicle using our in-depth reviews, you can browse for BMW 8-Seriess in our used car listings. The classifieds (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/ClassifiedListings/) include pre-owned vehicles from used-car dealers in your area. With our comprehensive reviews and on-line Used Car Classified section, Consumer Guide® has everything you need to make used car shopping easy, fast, and fun.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Review (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewshowall/)
Check out the Consumer Guide® 1991-97 BMW 8-Series (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewshowall/) comprehensive Full Review (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewshowall/) before you buy. Our expert auto editors have kicked the tires and slammed the doors on more than 2000 cars and trucks in the past decade. Our used-vehicle reports (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewshowall/) are the most complete in the industry. In addition to road tests, current prices, and detailed specifications charts we add repair costs, trouble spots, and safety recalls. Our road tests (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewshowall/) include real-world fuel-economy numbers, vehicle ratings, and overall value assessments.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series: Highlights
Building upon the idea of its luxurious 750iL sedan, BMW turned to a comparable 2+2 coupe for 1991. Introduced in June 1990, it served as the successor to BMW's 635CSi coupe and cost even more than the 750iL. BMW's familiar "twin-kidney" grille was installed, but the rear-drive 850i wore hidden headlamps, a feature never before seen on BMW models in the U.S. Although its 296-horsepower, 5.0-liter V12 engine came from the 750iL, the new 850i was created with a more sporty demeanor. Either a 4-speed automatic or a new 6-speed manual transmission could be installed. Standard 850i features included Automatic Stability Control (ASC), which limited power to the rear wheels when wheel slippage was detected during acceleration. Models with manual shift got a different version, ASC + T, which also applied brakes to the rear wheels to restore traction. The 850i was the first model to use BMW's new Seat-Integrated Belt system, which integrated the belt system into the seat instead of anchoring it to the floor and/or roof pillars. All 850i coupes had a driver's airbag and antilock braking. Electronic Damping Control (EDC III) became optional in the fall, several months after the 850i went on sale. With EDC III, suspension firmness adjusted automatically based on how the car was being driven. In addition, the driver could choose Comfort or Sport setting, using an interior switch. Rivals included the Mercedes-Benz 500SL roadster, joined later by the Lexus SC 400.Year-to-Year Changes
1992 BMW 8-Series: A gearshift interlock was among the few changes to BMW's high-level 2+2 coupe in its second season, to prevent the automatic transmission from shifting out of park unless the brake pedal was applied. BMW's optional Electronic Damping Control gained a more pronounced differentiation between its Comfort and Sport modes. Pressing the end of the wiper and turn-signal stalks now allowed the driver to scroll through the cellular phone's stored numbers, place a call, or end a call.1993 BMW 8-Series: BMW renamed its 2+2 coupe the 850Ci, thus emphasizing its coupe body style. A passenger-side airbag joined the original driver's airbag, and the cabin gained maple trim. Rear seatbacks now split and folded, and contained a new trunk pass-through. Either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic could be installed.
1994 BMW 8-Series: A new V8 model, named 840Ci, joined this lineup this year. It used the same 282-horsepower, 4.0-liter V8 engine as the 740i/iL sedan, driving a 5-speed automatic transmission. Also new was a limited-edition 12-cylinder model, called 850CSi, fitted with a 372-horsepower, 5.6-liter V12. That one came with a 6-speed gearbox, sport suspension, lower ride height, and 17-inch tires. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission was available in this year's 850Ci coupe, which added such standard features as interior wood trim, a remote control antitheft alarm, front center armrest, and 250-watt stereo system.
1995 BMW 8-Series: As the 1995 model year began, the 840Ci was the only model to reach dealerships, essentially unchanged. Later, only a few 840Ci and 850CSi coupes arrived for sale. The regular V12 engine for the 850Ci grew in size, to 5.4 liters and a 322-horsepower rating.
1996 BMW 8-Series: The high-performance 850CSi coupe was gone, leaving only the 840Ci and 850Ci. The 840Ci got a new 4.4-liter V8 engine when production began early in 1996. Servotronic variable-assist power steering was standard on both models. Maple interior trim, already in the 850Ci, was added to the 840Ci's interior. Electronic Damping Control, adjusting suspension firmness based on how the car was driven, was standard on the 850Ci and a new option for the 840Ci.
1997 BMW 8-Series: Final versions of BMW's biggest coupe went on sale in summer 1996, showing no significant change.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Road Test (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewroadtest/)
Consumer Guide® is the only online source for comprehensive used-vehicle reviews (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewroadtest/). Our automotive editors evaluate a vehicle in ten important categories: acceleration, fuel economy (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewroadtest/), ride quality, handling, quietness, controls, front-seat room, rear-seat room, cargo volume, and overall value. The Consumer Guide® 1991-97 BMW 8-Series road test (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewroadtest/) gives consumers a quick snapshot of a vehicle's performance with pros, cons, and numeric ratings. Finally, we summarize the road test (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewroadtest/) with our exclusive "Value for the Money."
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Reliability (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewreliability/)
Consumer Guide's® editors help take the guesswork out of choosing a used vehicle with our reliability page. Our 1991-97 BMW 8-Series reliability (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewreliability/) page includes common trouble spots, average repair costs (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewreliability/), and NHTSA safety recalls (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewreliability/). While no one can predict how reliable a used vehicle might be, it's nice to know what problems to look for and how much a typical repair might cost.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Prices (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewprices/)
Consumer Guide's® used-vehicle price charts (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewprices/) help you quickly narrow down the selling price for more than 500 used vehicles from 1990 to the present. Our 1991-97 BMW 8-Series price (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewprices/) charts allow you to calculate price based on condition, mileage, and equipment level.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Specs & Safety (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewspecs/)
Consumer Guide's® 1991-97 BMW 8-Series used (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewspecs/)-vehicle review includes detailed specifications (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewspecs/) charts. Unique body styles are identified and key measurements include exterior and interior dimensions, curb weight, towing and payload ranges, and cargo volume. We also include engine specifications (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewspecs/), fuel-tank capacity, and EPA fuel-economy numbers. Augmenting this Consumer Guide® information are NHTSA crash-test (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewspecs/) results.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Photos (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewphotos/)
Since so many vehicles look alike, the Consumer Guide® 1991-97 BMW 8-Series used (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewphotos/)-vehicle review includes includes a photo gallery (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewphotos/) displaying five unique images. The 1991-97 BMW 8-Series photo gallery (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewphotos/) includes both exterior and interior photographs the vehicle. Captions that identify year, make, model, body style, and trim level are also included.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Used Car Classfieds (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/ClassifiedListings/)
Consumer Guide® Automotive makes finding that used BMW 8-Series a breeze with our on-line Used Car Classifieds (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/ClassifiedListings/). Once you've selected your vehicle using our in-depth reviews, you can browse for BMW 8-Seriess in our used car listings. The classifieds (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/ClassifiedListings/) include pre-owned vehicles from used-car dealers in your area. With our comprehensive reviews and on-line Used Car Classified section, Consumer Guide® has everything you need to make used car shopping easy, fast, and fun.
1991-97 BMW 8-Series Review (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewshowall/)
Check out the Consumer Guide® 1991-97 BMW 8-Series (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewshowall/) comprehensive Full Review (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewshowall/) before you buy. Our expert auto editors have kicked the tires and slammed the doors on more than 2000 cars and trucks in the past decade. Our used-vehicle reports (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewshowall/) are the most complete in the industry. In addition to road tests, current prices, and detailed specifications charts we add repair costs, trouble spots, and safety recalls. Our road tests (http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/Used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2337/Act/usedcarreviewshowall/) include real-world fuel-economy numbers, vehicle ratings, and overall value assessments.