BMW series 8
Since its launch in december 1999 the popularity of this site
has increased enormously. Originally the site, still named
www.bmw850.de back then, should provide correct information on the
BMW 850CSi only.
At that time - and unfortunately today sometimes as well - lots of
pieces of wrong information could be found on the internet,
irritating people who were really interested in the 8-series. This
site should be something like a counterweight.
Meanwhile www.e31.net has grown to the internet's by far most
exhaustive source of information on the BMW 8-series coupé -
thanks to a vast number of visitors and loads of email which kept
the motivation alive to turn this site into something special.
The driving position is quite low, adding to the sporty
appeal of the 1-Series. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and
rake, which makes finding a comfortable driving position easy.
BMW's iDrive - a system used on its larger cars to control
functions like satellite navigation, ventilation and entertainment
with a single dial is an option. Many people will find that
although initially confusing, this is a feature they will get used
to. The three-door version has a shallower rear window than on the
five door, so visibility seems to suffer more if choosing this
version.Room in the back falls short of that offered by
Volkswagen's Golf and the Audi A3 Sportback. There's not really
enough room for three adults in the rear, and it's short on head
and legroom. The back is also quite tricky to access, because of a
high sill. The rear seat backs split 60/40 and fold flat on to the
fixed rear bench to extend luggage space. You have to choose ES
models or higher for air conditioning, and electric rear windows
are optional on all below 120i and 120d.Five-speed gearboxes on
116i and 118i until 2006 - six-speed on others. Six airbags; brake
force display; run-flat tyres with puncture warning system;
on-board computer; Isofix child seat mountings and CD player. SE
adds: 16-inch alloys; automatic climate control; front arm rest;
front fog lamps; interior auto dimming mirror; three-spoke leather
sports multifunction steering wheel; lights package and rear park
distance control. Sport models add Black Gomera interior trim;
colour coded exterior body parts; sports seats and sports
suspension. M Sport is as the Sport model but with a styling kit.
Options include: a six-speed automatic gearbox (120i, 120d);
leather trim; business and professional navigation and iDrive
controller/folding screen; HiFi speaker system; Professional HiFi
with Logic7.