Enthusiast's uniquely restored Hellrot Red E31 840Ci

1995 BMW 8-Series Description

One of the lower production BMW in the past 30 plus years, the 8-Series coupe was launched in 1990 - replacing the company’s long-running E24 6-Series coupe. It featured more power, more size and arguably the most attractive front end on a production BMW ever, its sleek nose and retractable headlights clearly made homage to BMW’s M-1 Super Car. (Roadflyactually called it the best looking and most stylish BMW ever shortly after it came out).

This very unique example of the E31 is not just a show winner (voted Judge’s Choice this past August at the Boston BMW CCA Concours D’ Elegence) but it is arguably one of the very few E31 coupes in North America that is in similar mechanical and aesthetic condition to the day that it left the factory – the result of a fairly comprehensive restoration to near perfect condition, a process that appropriately began shortly after I purchased it in 2010 as my wife's occasional Sunday driver for when she wasn't carting our kids around in her X5.

How far did I go with the restoration and what expense was spared? Well, for starters, this head turner doesn’t just have unbelievable presentation and fit and finish – it also has a uniquely power plant, aFactory New motor, i.e. long block, yes, a virtually brand new (less than 1,000 miles on it) $10,000+ list price BMW engine that I sourced shortly after I acquired her (from the co-founder of Southeast Sharkfest, Nate Arnold of Winston Salem, NC). While the engine ran strong, it had a bit of unacceptable leakdown numbers in several cylinders, which was actually not uncommon with the early M60 motors. Theses original engines had a “Nickasil” coating on their aluminum cylinder walls that was prone to degrading from the Sulphur in fuels in the mid-nineties. Being a meticulous enthusiast (ask the 6-Series community on the East Coast about the condition and cleanliness of my E24 M6, - I'm on Bimmerforums with same Ebay handle), I decided to replace the engine. Not able to find a clean and appropriate low-mileage replacement for the nature of this car, I ended up sourcing the last known Alusil long-block in North America. (BMW switched to the Alusil block in 1996).

If it matters, the replacement, as well as much of the car’s mechanical work was performed by the former head mechanic of BMW of Warwick, R.I., Leo David – a Mastertech with more than 25 years’ experience with BMWs. Along with the motor, all appropriate engine peripherals – hoses, fuel lines, water pump, sensors, starter, alternator, radiator, etc., were replaced. And, soon afterwards, most of this automobile’s suspension was also refreshed, including ball joints, sway bar links, thrust arms, steering gearbox, front and rear brakes and rotors, as well as front and rear factory springs and front strut cartridges.

Additionally, as eventually needed on all 90’s era BMW coupes, I did a complete rebuild of the sunroof (virtually every component including trollies, liftgate, tracks as well as the sunroof panel itself and the car’s headliner). There are no rips or tears in original interior. Interior seats, motors, etc. all function properly with exception of coin tray in the driver’s door.

This vehicle was purchased with approximately 117,000 miles and presently has barely 124,000 miles. Less than 1,000 miles a year since we've owned it and barely a thousand miles on any of the vehicles improvements including the engine. Most impressive in person is the paint as weinvested nearly $8,000 for the show-quality finish (everything except glass, including doors moldings and all trim removed, rear bumper and front nose covers replaced, completely wet sanded).

This car has literally sat next to my Concours-winning M6 my climate controlled four car garage for nearly a decade. It is driven only a few times per month and we’ve simply decided that it is time to move on. This is a very difficult vehicle to put a price on. It is insured with Hagerty for $35,000. I don't expect that it will fetch anywhere near that. It's not a CSi, nor a V12 with a manual transmission. However, it is a stunning, absolutely beautiful grand touring and unique BMW, particularly given its surprisingly rare color combination. (I believe less than five percent were shipped to the states in this color combination, more than 50 percent came black). Serious bidders are welcome to fly in to inspect the car, we are only an hour from Logan Airport in Boston and 30 minutes from T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, R.I. Approximately 3 ½ hours from New York City and just 15 minutes from the Providence train station. Additionally, I have access to a lift very close by for you to do your own undercarriage inspection.

Vehicle is for sale locally and as such I reserve the right to facilitate such a sale and cancel listing.

E24, E28, E38, E39, M3, M5, M6, I8, Alpina, 6 Series, 635 CSi,