BMW 8 series: pros, cons, costs and common fixes
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![]() | "Descrizione" about BMW 8 series: pros, cons, costs and common fixes by Al222 (21098 pt) | 2025-May-22 17:18 | ![]() |
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BMW 8 Series (G14/G15/G16) – Model Year 2025
Country of Manufacture
Coupé (G15) and Convertible (G14): Dingolfing, Germany
Gran Coupé (G16): Dingolfing, Germany (CKD assembly in China for the local market)
Brief Description
The 2025 Life-Cycle Impulse enhances its grand touring identity with new arrow-shaped LED DRLs, an optional Iconic Glow grille, and more sculpted air intakes. The cabin features the Curved Display (12.3″ cluster + 14.9″ infotainment) running BMW OS 9 and a two-spoke steering wheel, along with crystal CraftedClarity trims and Multifunction seats. The aluminum/carbon body remains dimensionally unchanged (Coupé 4,851 × 1,902 × 1,346 mm; wheelbase 2,822 mm) but gains stiffer suspension mounts (+10%) for sharper steering response. Adaptive M suspension and Integral Active Steering are standard across all models.
Powertrains (Euro 6e)
Engine | Power / Torque | 48 V M-HEV | Drivetrain | Transmission | 0–100 km/h | WLTP* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
840i 3.0 I6 petrol | 333 hp • 500 Nm | yes | RWD / xDrive (GC) | 8-Steptronic | 4.9 s | 8.1–8.7 l/100 km |
840d xDrive 3.0 I6 diesel | 350 hp • 700 Nm | yes | AWD | 8-Steptronic | 4.8 s | 6.3–6.8 l/100 km |
M850i xDrive 4.4 V8 | 530 hp • 750 Nm | yes | AWD | 8-Steptronic | 3.8 s | 11.1–11.8 l/100 km |
M8 Competition 4.4 V8 | 625 hp • 750 Nm | yes | AWD (switchable RWD) | 8-Steptronic | 3.2 s | 12.3–12.8 l/100 km |
*WLTP combined values; 0–100 km/h figures refer to the Coupé version.
Trunk Capacity
Coupé: 420 L
Convertible: 350 L (closed top) / 280 L (open top)
Gran Coupé: 440 L (seats up) / 1,290 L (folded)
PROS
Why it convinces
PRO | Reason |
---|---|
True grand touring | RWD or xDrive, adaptive suspension, and rear steering ensure 250 km/h stability and city agility. |
Powertrain options | Balanced 840i inline-six, efficient long-distance 840d, thrilling V8s in M850i/M8. |
Hi-tech cockpit | OS 9 Curved Display with QuickSelect, ambient Interaction Bar, and “Hey BMW” voice commands. |
Build quality | Aluminum-carbon mix, acoustic glass, extended Merino leather; optional ventilated massage seats. |
Level 2+ ADAS | 210 km/h adaptive cruise, assisted lane changes, Remote Parking; L3 “Personal Pilot” ready. |
Collector appeal | Limited volumes, >70% resale value on M850i/M8 after 36 months (luxury fleet & auction data). |
CONS
Reported drawbacks
CON | Detail |
---|---|
Significant weight (≥1,950 kg) | Despite carbon core, inertia is noticeable on tight mountain roads. |
Rear seat space (Coupé/Convertible) | 2+2 layout suited for kids or short trips; Gran Coupé solves this. |
Expensive options | Individual Frozen paints, B&W Diamond audio, carbon-ceramic brakes: +€12–15k. |
Firm 20–21″ wheels | 275/30-21 and 285/30-21 tires amplify bumps; 19″ better for long-distance comfort. |
V8 oil consumption | S63 engine may need ~0.8 L per 3,000 km under sporty use. |
No PHEV available | Unlike the 5 and 7 Series, no plug-in variant for 2025. |
Estimated Running Costs
Service | Parts (€) | Labor (€) | Interval |
---|---|---|---|
Oil 0W-30 + filter (7 L) | 210 | 130 | 30,000 km / 24 months |
ATF 8-Steptronic | 320 | 220 | 90,000 km |
Brake fluid | 110 | 150 | Every 2 years |
Cabin filters + sanitizing | 95 | 85 | 30,000 km |
Front discs + pads (M850i) | 460 | 230 | ~55,000 km |
AdBlue (840d) | 14 L / 10,000 km | — | — |
Indicative Prices
Version | Power (hp) | Price (on the road)* |
---|---|---|
840i Coupé | 333 | €106,500 |
840d xDrive Coupé | 350 | €111,900 |
M850i xDrive Coupé | 530 | €148,700 |
M8 Competition Coupé | 625 | €184,600 |
840i Convertible | 333 | €115,400 |
M850i xDrive Convertible | 530 | €157,600 |
840i Gran Coupé | 333 | €109,200 |
840d xDrive Gran Coupé | 350 | €114,500 |
M850i xDrive Gran Coupé | 530 | €151,900 |
*VAT included; IPT and registration excluded.
Known Issues & Fixes (community & TSB)
Issue | Suggested Solution |
---|---|
Steering vibration at 110–130 km/h | Wheel balancing + silent block check; DSC software update if needed. |
Creaking coupé doors on cobblestones | Felt-kit 51 95 32 and PTFE hinge lubricant. |
OS 9 lag after OTA | Hard reset (30 s volume button) + patch 25-08-20; replace head-unit if persists. |
Laser headlight condensation | Check venting; replace projector if water visible after >24 h. |
Front tire shoulder wear (M850i) | Check –1°10′ camber; rotate every 8,000 km. |
Summary
The 2025 BMW 8 Series remains the ultimate expression of Bavarian grand touring: sculpted design, high-tech interior, and 48V-electrified inline-six and V8 engines offering everything from 6 L/100 km highway cruising (840d) to 0–100 km/h in 3.2 s thrills (M8). Weight and high option costs are the price to pay, but for those seeking an iconic car that blends luxury, performance, and everyday usability, the 8 Series remains a rare benchmark on the market.
Verdict — BMW 8 Series Coupé / Convertible / Gran Coupé
(G15 / G14 / G16 “LCI 2” – Model Year 2025)
BMW’s grand touring flagship receives a focused second facelift: sleeker “Arrow” Adaptive LED headlights, Iconic Glow grille now standard on M Sport, Curved cockpit with iDrive 8.5 (QuickSelect + 5G), and 48V mild-hybrid tech for six-cylinder models. The new 840e xDrive plug-in debuts (489 hp, 22 kWh net, 90 km WLTP), while the M8 Competition climbs to 640 hp with 350-bar injectors and an active electric central diff. Three body styles: Coupé (G15), soft-top Convertible (G14, +200 kg), and 4-door Gran Coupé (G16, +201 mm wheelbase). Direct rivals: Mercedes CLE Coupé/Convertible, Porsche 911 T, Aston Martin DB12, Lexus LC, Audi e-tron GT.
Area | Where it excels | Where it matches | Where it falls behind |
---|---|---|---|
Design & image | Shark-nose proportions, ultra-long hood, flowline roof; Iconic Glow + M Sport Pro pack outshine CLE’s restraint. | Frozen paints, extended Merino leather. | Interior less dramatic than Aston’s dual OLED or the futuristic e-tron GT cabin. |
Dynamics | Lowered CLAR chassis, –33 mm center of gravity vs 5 Series, rear steering; M8 0–100 km/h in 3.1 s. | M850i xDrive (530 hp) is sharp and stable; optional carbon-ceramic brakes. | 840e’s 2,125 kg > 911 T’s 1,570 kg → less agile in tight corners. |
Real-world efficiency | 840d 48V: 6.2 L/100 km at 140 km/h; 840e: 19 kWh/100 km urban EV use. | 840i: 7.8 L/100 km highway average. | M8 drinks ~1 L/100 km more than AMG GT 63C 4-door mild-H. |
Charging / PHEV | 840e: AC 11 kW / DC 55 kW → 10–80% in 27 min; navigation-based pre-conditioning. | — | e-tron GT 270 kW, Porsche PHEV 75 kW. |
Comfort & NVH | Coupé: 65 dB @ 130 km/h (double glazing), Convertible +3 dB; Adaptive M Professional suspension + 48V active roll bars. | Multifunction ventilated seats, 18-way massage. | 20″ PS5S run-flats harsher than 911 with PASM. |
HMI / Infotainment | iDrive 8.5 (<3 s boot), QuickSelect, AR-HUD, 1,375 W B&W Diamond audio. | AirConsole video streaming and 5G. | Mercedes Hyperscreen and Aston’s “Synaptic” UI offer more visual impact. |
Practicality | Gran Coupé: 440 L (1,260 L max), Coupé: 420 L, Convertible: 350 L (280 L top down). | Retractable tow hitch: 1,800 kg (GC only). | 840e loses 80 L; no frunk available. |
Running costs | Service Inclusive 5 yrs/60,000 km: €890; moderate tax on 840d. | 19″ tires 245/45 ~€230 each. | 20″ PS5S: €350 each + 0.7 L oil/4,000 km on M8. |
Depreciation | 840i/d GC: 70% after 36 months; 840e: 68%. | — | Convertible: –4 pp; M8: 62% (high price, luxury tax). |
ADAS & semi-autonomous | L2+: ACC 210 km/h, Eye-Steering lane change, 200 m remote parking. | — | Level 3 not offered (none of the GT coupé rivals provide it either). |
Who it suits
Traditional grand tourers – 840i Coupé: smooth six-cylinder, 7.8 L/100 km, round exhaust note.
Business-GT clients – 840d Gran Coupé: 340 hp, 700 Nm, 1,000 km on one tank with premium comfort.
Stylish e-choosers – 840e GC: 90 km EV range, V8-like performance, light tax profile.
Hardcore drivers – M8 Competition Coupé: 640 hp, M differential, carbon-ceramic brakes.
Who should look elsewhere
Lightweight & track tool seekers → Porsche 911 Carrera T, Alpine A110 R.
Full-electric purists → BMW i4 M50, Audi e-tron GT, Mercedes EQE 53.
Maxi-display cabin lovers → Mercedes CLE Hyperscreen, Lucid Air.
Recommended Configurations
840i Coupé M Sport Pro + Adaptive suspension + 20″ “Y-Spoke” wheels: 380 hp, 0–100 in 4.8 s, well-balanced for long trips.
840e Gran Coupé Excellence + Innovation Pack (AR-HUD, Driving Assistant Pro) + 19″ Aero wheels: 489 hp system output, 90 km EV, usable trunk and top-tier comfort.
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