1997 Bmw 840ci problems
The BMW E31 is the first generation of the BMW 8 Series. It is a grand tourer built by BMW from 1990 to 1999 as a 2-door coupé, powered by either a V8 or V12 engine. Whilst it did supplant the original E24 based 6 Series in 1990, it was not a direct successor, but a new model class with a substantially higher price and performance than the 6 Series.
Development
Development of the 8 Series began in July 1981, with the design phase reaching completion in 1986, although the launch was delayed due to still-strong 6 Series sales. The 8 Series debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in early September 1989. The 8 Series was designed to move beyond the market of the original 6 Series. The 8 Series had substantially improved performance, as well as a far higher purchase price.
Over 1.5 billion Deutsche Marks were spent on total development (2019 USD nearly $900 million). BMW used CAD tools, still unusual at the time, to design the car's all-new body. Combined with wind tunnel testing, the resulting car had a drag coefficient of Cd=0.29, a major improvement from the previous BMW M6/635CSi's 0.39.
The 8 Series offered the first V12 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission on a road car. It was one of the first vehicles to be fitted with an electronic drive-by-wire throttle. The 8 Series was one of BMW's first cars, together with the Z1, to use a multi-link rear axle.
CAD modelling allowed the 8 Series unibody to be 3 kg (6.6 lb) lighter than that of the preceding 6 Series (E24). However the production 8 Series was significantly heavier when completed due to the large engine and added luxury items—a source of criticism from those who wanted BMW to concentrate on the driving experience. Some of the car's weight may have been due to its pillar-less "hardtop" body style which lacked a "B" pillar.
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Common 1997 Bmw 840ci problems
The 1997 BMW 840Ci is known for several common problems that owners have reported. One of the most frequent issues is related to the Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Traction (T) system, which can cause warning lights to appear on the dashboard.
Another common problem is the "dreaded shimmy," a wheel-wobble that usually shows itself under braking, especially when coming off a motorway intersection and braking from high speed. This issue is often an indication of general wear in the steering system and suspension, and it can worsen over time if not addressed.
The E31 8-Series, including the 840Ci, is known for having lights and wiring issues, as well as worn-out bushes and cosmetic problems.
The V12 engines in the E31 8-Series have their own specific problems, mainly related to the Electronic Motor Load (EML) control of the engine, which is better known as a fly-by-wire control system.
In summary, the 1997 BMW 840Ci has several common problems that owners should be aware of, including issues with the ASC and T system, the "dreaded shimmy," lights and wiring problems, and specific issues with the V12 engines' EML control system. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent or address these issues, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
What is the top speed of the BMW 840Ci?
General performance
| Category | BMW 840CI | BMW 850 CSi |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | 250 kph (155 mph) | 250 kph (155 mph) |
| Est. max acceleration | 0.41 g (4 m/s²) | 0.55 g (5 m/s²) |
| Fuel economy | 14.4 l/100 km (16 mpg US / 20 UK) | 8.5 l/100 km (28 mpg US / 33 UK) |
| 100 kph - 0 | 38 m (126 ft) | 36 m (118 ft) |
What is the 0 60 of BMW E31 840Ci?
Performance
| 0 - 40 kph | 2.6 s |
|---|---|
| Est. 100 - 140 kph | 5.8 s |
| Est. 100 - 200 kph | 24.1 s |
| Est. 0 - 60 mph | 7.2 s |
| Est. 1/8 mile | 11.0 s @ 77.7 mph |
What is the specs of BMW 840Ci E31?
| BMW E31 8 Series 840 Ci Engine Technical Data | |
|---|---|
| Engine displacement : | 268.4 cu-in / 4398 cm3 |
| Bore x Stroke : | 3.62 x 3.26 inches 92 x 82.7 mm |
| Number of valves : | 32 Valves |
| Aspiration : | naturally-aspirated |
What engine is in the BMW 840Ci?
The 840Ci (4.0/4.4 L V8) models were equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission.
What engine is in the BMW 840Ci?
The 840Ci (4.0/4.4 L V8) models were equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission.
What is the fuel consumption of BMW 840Ci?
It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 11L/100km for Coupe /PULP for the latest year the model was manufactured.
What is the top speed of the BMW 840Ci?
General performance
| Category | BMW 840CI | BMW 850 CSi |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | 250 kph (155 mph) | 250 kph (155 mph) |
| Est. max acceleration | 0.41 g (4 m/s²) | 0.55 g (5 m/s²) |
| Fuel economy | 14.4 l/100 km (16 mpg US / 20 UK) | 8.5 l/100 km (28 mpg US / 33 UK) |
| 100 kph - 0 | 38 m (126 ft) | 36 m (118 ft) |
What is the 0 60 on a 1997 BMW 8 Series?
1997 BMW 8 Series Specs, Features & Options
| 1 of 2 8 Series 850Ci Coupe 2D | 2 of 2 8 Series 840Ci Coupe 2D |
|---|---|
| See Pricing See Cars in Stock | See Pricing See Cars in Stock |
| 37.7 feet | 37.7 feet |
| 0 - 60 | |
| 6.4 seconds | 7 seconds |
1997 Bmw 840ci car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 840ci problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Bmw 840ci vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Bmw 840ci complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Bmw 840ci.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-04
- VIN: WBAEF8324VC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 1. HEADLIGHT ADJUSTERS FALL OFF AND THE POP-UP HEADLIGHTS TILT DOWN. 2. VISIBILITY BECOMES POOR AT NIGHT - A SAFETY PROBLEM. 3. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER - PARTS ON BACKORDER SINCE AT LEAST NOVEMBER 4, 2005. NO REPAIR IS POSSIBLE WITHOUT PARTS. DEALER SAYS 139 PART KITS ARE ON BACKORDER AS OF 3/12/06, INDICATING WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH VERY RARE CAR. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
- VIN: WBAEF8329VC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: ADJUSTERS FALL OFF AND THE HEADLIGHTS TILT DOWN AND VISIBILITY BECOMES VERY POOR AT NIGHT.
1997 Bmw 840ci recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1997 Bmw 840ci.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Bmw 840ci problems:
Timm's BMW E31 8-Series Common Problems
The usual problem is that the clutch fails and the fan cannot produce enough air-flow. The fault will show itself when the car is stationary when it will ...
840ci vs. 850ci reliability, maintenance costs, and market value, all ...
Oct 9, 2017 ... In my experience of the 840ci - only 5% of problems are engine ... My Cars - 1991 BMW 850i - mine for fun, 1993 ... '97 528i Auto - GONE. clubE31's ...
1997 BMW 840Ci Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
Problem with your 1997 BMW 840Ci? Our list of 4 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 BMW 840Ci.
96 and 97 BMW 840Ci shift selector switch problems and fixes
Oct 28, 2013 ... I read on the internet that this water entering a switch issue was too common, even the ZF motorcycle transmission switches had same problems.
1997 BMW 840Ci Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 1997 BMW 840Ci repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified BMW mechanics near you.
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