BMW 8 Series

The BMW 8 Series (chassis code BMW E31) is a V8 or V12-engined 2-door 2+2 coupe built by BMW from 1989 to 1999.

While it did supplant the original E24 based 6 Series in 1989, a common misconception is that the 8 Series was developed as a successor. However, it was actually an entirely new class aimed at a different market, with a substantially higher price point and performance than the 6 series. The 8 Series was designed as a direct competitor to the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and S-Class coupes (later renamed the CL-Class).

The BMW 8 Series was BMW's flagship car while in production. A new vehicle cost around US$100,000 and had an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), although with the limiters removed top speed was estimated at 186 mph (299 km/h). Worldwide production ceased May 12, 1999, with 30,621 built.

BMW is rumored to have plans to revive the 8 Series name for a potential "four-door coupe," much like the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. The existing E63/E64 6-Series two-door coupe currently completes with the CLS-Class in that price point.

See Wikicars' comprehensive BMW 8 Series Review.

Styles and Major Options
Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.

Pricing
Add more fields as necessary.

Gas Mileage
Add more fields as necessary.

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Reliability
Warranty options and scheduled maintainence information should be mentioned here.

All engines are robust and reliable if properly serviced and the ZF Atomatic gearboxes would give no trouble. However, the computers in the 8 Series can give trouble but they're not unreliable as other modern cars' electronics. The front indicators are easy to break and are expensive to replace. Plastics are prone to damage and are also expensive to repair or replace.

Safety

 * Driver's Airbag
 * Front passenger Airbag (Added in 1994)
 * Anti-lock Brakes
 * Traction Control System

Photos
Add Photos of the vehicle here.

Please make sure not to use copyrighted photos.

Colors

 * Arctic Silver
 * Oxford Green Metallic
 * Gunmetal Grey
 * Titanium Silver
 * Mauritius Blue

Main Competitors

 * Jaguar XK8
 * Porsche 928
 * Honda NSX

Hybrid Models
If there are hybrid versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.

Unique Attributes
If there are any features of this vehicle that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class, then mention those unique attributes here.

Resale Values
Add more fields as necessary.

Criticisms
Please make sure to keep critiques in a third-person point of view. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Generations
Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.

Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures.

Worldwide
If the vehicle is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the  goes by another name in these other markets.

Design quirks and oddities
Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the vehicle in this section.

Awards
List out notable awards that the model has recieved while in production. Boldface the company or organization that gives out the award, and Italicize the name of the award.