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 1997 BMW 840Ci

1997 BMW 840Ci exterior
After experimenting with others, I finally decided on 17" Throwing Star wheels and Michelin tires.

Confident in BMW as my marque of choice, I was ready buy a very special car. I've always admired big GT "super coupes" and felt the time was right. Fortunately BMW offers just such a car in the 8 series. This time I wanted to purchase an example from the last model year built, and in like-new condition.

After over a year of searching I finally found what I was looking for in September of '07: a 1997 model in a special color (Orient Blue), with grey interior, and in mostly stock condition. As a bonus, this car already had the cool CSi body kit and very low mileage.

Unfortunately the car was located over 1000 miles away. I eventually flew to pick up the car and arrived back home after a three day drive. After some remedial maintenance I soon had the car running "properly" and quickly began personalizing the car with custom additions and modifications. After all, this is what makes owning a car fun!

1997 BMW 840Ci interior
I added the sport steering wheel, factory in-dash CD player, and center cup holder.

One of my special interests is taking a good product and making it better. This car is no exception. I soon embarked on what I call my "8 series modernization project" - an effort to modernize the 8 series while keeping a stock (tasteful) appearance. This will be accomplished using factory parts as much as possible. Most of these projects will be outlined in my DIY write-ups. So far, I have done the following:

  • Factory in-dash CD head unit (CD43) with Phatbox mp3 player (write-up).
  • CD changer-delete trunk liner.
  • Homelink transmitter installed in headliner (write-up).
  • Factory wood kit replaced with standard black trim.
  • Steptronic shift pattern reversal (write-up).
  • 3-spoke sport steering wheel (write-up).
  • Tinted windows.
  • Custom center cup/coin holder (write-up).
  • 17" staggered, style 21, "throwing star" wheels with Michelin Pilot tires.
  • Ski bag removed (trunk pass-thru now actually practical).
  • Factory chrome exhaust tips.
BMW 840Ci rear view
Rear view with chrome exhaust tips, CSi valence, and previous 17" BBS RS-198 wheels.

These cars tend to draw you in, and before you realize it you'll be spending much time and money making the car "right". So far, I have endeavoured with the following maintenance common to the 8-series:

  • Headlight bucket rebuild (using copper adjuster caps)
  • Front suspension rebuild (upper & lower control arms, idler bushing, center link, tie rods)
  • Radiator (from 540i)
  • Headliner replacement (write-up)

  Please leave feedback in my guestbook!

Frankie
Austin, TX