Really looking to get out of my 2006 E90 and into a 840/850. I could sure use some help with a few questions, and appreciate all the input. 1.) Size... I am 6'4" and roughly 295-315lbs. While I fit comfortably in my E90, I would like to know the E31 is going to offer the same type of headroom/legroom. According to the specs, I should be in the clear. Again, just verifying. The closest one to my location (Oklahoma) is 400+ miles away. Therefore, it's kind of tough to go "check it out". 2.) 840 or 850?? I have read forums and reports pertaining to both. This vehicle is going to be my daily driver. While I would prefer to own the V12, it seems the "safer" bet is the V8. There are numerous YouTube videos showing both stock & modified versions of both engines. I really do like the V12 sound! 3.) Maintenance... By the time I make this purchase, I will be prepared to put "some" money into the car if the repairs are basic (i.e. Brakes, Rotors, etc...). There is a shop nearby that has worked on these, as well as a dealership that works on 1-2 every so often. There just are not that many around. Any suggestions on finding a reputable mechanic in a town other than my own to do an inspection where the car to be purchased is located? How do I know I'm being done right? 4.) Longevity... Obviously, the newest model I can find would already be 17 years old (1997). Is this vehicle, with all of it's stunning looks, going to be something that will run for another 10+ years with the appropriate maintenance? Thank you in advance to any opinions/comments shared!
I drove one at O'Fest in 1992, I'm 6'3" & felt comfortable enough in the car - you're a little bigger than me, your best answer will come if you can find someone your height - you might try googling BMW E31 interior specs, maybe you can find one of those diagrams showing seat bottom distance to headliner, etc. See: http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?311-E31-Common-Problems-and-DIY-Fixes https://www.bmwcca.org/forum/index.php?threads/8-series-buying-advice.2663/ That's the first two threads from googling "BMW E31 common problems" http://lmgtfy.com/?q=BMW E31 common problems Might be worth checking out the two websites under "8 Series Registry" here: https://www.bmwcca.org/special-interest-groups
Thank you... I have looked at the specs, and the headroom and legroom both appear to be greater than my E90 byt a few inches on both accounts. Since this vehicle is going to be my daily driver, I can not afford to have major issues go wrong with it. That is directing me more to the E63/E64... Well, that, and my wife! I appreciate the reply.
Great looking car, but as a technical tour-de-force from BMW at the time, they're loaded with electronics, & when those systems/components have issues, I believe they're difficult to diagnose (read: time-consuming, & thus, expensive), and then expensive parts to repair or replace, assuming they're not something hard-to-find, and since there's so much tightly packaged, laborious (read: time-consuming, & thus, expensive) to replace. If you don't have the time & desire to do your own diagnosis & problem resolution, I think those are the things that can get expensive to pay for in a hurry. It's not impossible, but I think maintaining & running E31's run a pretty good chance of being a labor of love rather than practicality. Do the same kind of research on the E63's so you have an idea what you might be in for with those, too.
Thanks again! I appreciate the feedback. I have an idea what I'm up against, which is why I'm not just "jumping" into the first thing that looks good. Which ever one I purchase (E31 or E63) will be driven until the wheels come off, so I am researching as much as I can.
