8 Series
The BMW 8 Series is a range of grand tourer coupes and convertibles produced by BMW. Introduced in 1990 under the E31 model code, it was relaunched in 2018 with the G15 generation. This page brings together the versions referenced by ScanRacer, including years, variants, rarities, and available detailed pages. It links the model overview to version-by-year pages.
Variants by year
2018
1990
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The BMW 8 Series is a range of grand tourer coupes and convertibles produced by BMW. Introduced in 1990 under the E31 model code, it was relaunched in 2018 with the G15 generation. This page brings together the versions referenced by ScanRacer, including years, variants, rarities, and available detailed pages. It links the model overview to version-by-year pages.
History
The BMW 8 Series was first introduced at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show, marking a significant advancement over the previous 6 Series. Designed to offer superior performance and a higher price point, the 8 Series was the first road car to feature a V12 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. It was also among the first to be equipped with an electronic drive-by-wire throttle system. Production of the first generation (E31) began in 1990 and concluded in 1999, with over 30,000 units produced. In 2018, BMW relaunched the 8 Series with the G15 generation, available in coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe variants, succeeding the 6 Series. This new generation introduced inline-six engines, high-performance versions like the BMW M8, and luxury variants such as the Alpina B8. Production of the G15 generation commenced in late 2018 and continued until 2026, with over 48,000 units produced. (en.wikipedia.org)
Generations
The BMW 8 Series has undergone two main generations: - **First generation (E31, 1990-1999)**: Produced from 1990 to 1999, with over 30,000 units manufactured. Available as a two-door coupe, it was equipped with naturally aspirated V8 and V12 engines. Production was discontinued due to poor sales. (en.wikipedia.org) - **Second generation (G15/G14/G16, 2018-2026)**: Reintroduced in 2018, this generation was produced until 2026, with over 48,000 units produced. Offered in coupe (G15), convertible (G14), and Gran Coupe (G16) variants, it succeeded the 6 Series. This generation introduced inline-six engines, high-performance versions like the BMW M8, and luxury variants such as the Alpina B8. (en.wikipedia.org)
Key differences
The BMW 8 Series has evolved significantly between the E31 and G15/G14/G16 generations: - **Design**: The E31 generation featured a wedge-shaped body with a long hood and steep rear, while the G15/G14/G16 generation adopts more fluid and modern lines. - **Technology**: The E31 was among the first to be equipped with an electronic drive-by-wire throttle system, whereas the G15/G14/G16 integrates advanced technologies such as the 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the illuminated kidney grille system. - **Performance**: The E31 offered naturally aspirated V8 and V12 engines, while the G15/G14/G16 offers inline-six engines, high-performance versions like the BMW M8, and luxury variants such as the Alpina B8. - **Production**: Production of the E31 generation was discontinued due to poor sales, whereas the G15/G14/G16 generation has achieved commercial success with over 48,000 units produced by 2026. (en.wikipedia.org)
Photo recognition
To identify a BMW 8 Series, look for the following features: - **Exterior design**: Wedge-shaped body with a long hood and steep rear for the E31 generation (1990-1999), and more fluid and modern lines for the G15/G14/G16 generation (2018-2026). - **Grille**: Distinctive front grille with kidney-shaped vents. - **Doors**: Two doors for coupe and convertible versions, and four doors for the Gran Coupe version. - **Engine**: V8 or V12 engines for the E31 generation, and inline-six engines for the G15/G14/G16 generation. - **Badges**: "8 Series" badges on the trunk and front fenders. These elements can help you recognize a BMW 8 Series.
Important versions
Notable versions of the BMW 8 Series include: - **BMW 850i (E31)**: Equipped with a 5.0-liter V12 engine producing 220 kW, launched in 1990. - **BMW 850CSi (E31)**: High-performance version with a 5.6-liter V12 engine producing 280 kW, launched in 1992. - **BMW 840Ci (E31)**: Version with a 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 210 kW, launched in 1993. - **BMW M8 (G15)**: High-performance version of the G15 generation, equipped with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, produced until 2025. - **BMW Alpina B8 (G15)**: Luxury version of the G15 generation, developed in collaboration with the Alpina tuner. These versions have marked the history of the BMW 8 Series with their performance and distinctive features.
References
- BMW 8 Series Model Years | BMW 8 Series Model Year HistoryJ.D. Power
- BMW 8 Series Coupe - All Models by Year (2018-Present) - Specs, Pictures & HistoryAutoevolution
- https://www.bmw.com/en-au/models/8-series.htmlbmw.com
- https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/8-series.htmlbmwusa.com
- https://www.bmw.ru/all-models/8-seriesbmw.ru
- https://www.bmw.com.mo/en/all-models/8-series.htmlbmw.com.mo
- https://cars-data.com/en/bmw/8-seriescars-data.com
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the BMW 8 Series produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 1990 - 2018.
- How many BMW 8 Series examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 2 published scans from 2 members, with the latest photo added in June 2026.