The BMW 8 Series was a two door coupe featuring four seats and came in both a V8 and V12 option. The car was first launched in 1989 continuing in production until 1999 and was seen as the flagship car of the BMW organisation.

The 830i was introduced in 1990 as a new entry model to the BMW 8 Series range and featured the 218 PS 3 litre V8 engine. This was the same engine used in the 530i and 730i. With only 18 produced however all but one were dismantled, with the sole survivor residing in the BMW museum. The 8 Series was limited to a top speed of 155 mph.

The 840Ci was introduced as a replacement to the failed attempt of the 830i and featured a 4 litre 286 PS engine. In 1995 an up rated engine was added which was the 4.4 litre, delivering improved fuel economy and torque without increasing the overall performance of the car. The transmissions as standard on the 840Ci were 5 speed automatics, though European markets were offered a 6 speed manual as an alternative.

A 5 litre V12 engine was added to the 850i in 1990, which delivered an impressive 300 PS. The transmissions were also amended for automatic drivers in the 4 speed automatic, whilst the 6 speed manual remained from the 840Ci.

The BMW 8 Series 850CSi featured a retuned 850i engine, delivering 380 PS. Other notable alterations included the introduction of stiffer springs to help with the ride and overall drive of the car. External modifications included new front and rear bumpers, larger wheels and four rounded exhausts at the rear of the car, a standard in the modern day M Series.

Whilst the M Series features across all BMW's there was only ever one created for the BMW 8 Series as a prototype. The test car delivered a staggering 558 PS, though it was deemed that there was no market for such a car and therefore the project was scrapped.

Alpina are renowned for taking a standard BMW and making their own modifications to the engine and design of the car and the 8 Series was no different with the production of the B12. A 5 litre coupe model was launched delivering 355 PS as well as a 5.7 litre delivering 422 PS. The car also sported a number of design alterations to distinguish it from the standard 8 Series.