[Avallon]

So...

I test drove an 840i today.

Loved the engine, the interior was great and the design was very nice

However, I was a bit underwhelmed overall - it was parked in front of a well specced 4 series and didn't seem or look that much of a 'class above' like I was expecting.

I now face a dilemma - do I go for a 4 yr lease at £690 a month (no deposit), or do I go for something like an A6, which I could either get at £490 a month over 4 years, or for £560 for 2 years, enabling me to swap when hopefully prices have come down a bit.

Maybe the wrong place to ask - but what do people think?

[Wavy]

Did the 840 have the M-Sport Package?

[Avallon]

It did - it's standard in the UK. No laserlights like in the US though...

[Wavy]

If you're not completely sold on it, don't get it. I agree the base models don't look great on the road. The B8/M8 are beautiful and have lots of presence. The color plays a big role as well.

[Avallon]

that could have played a part - the car I drove was black.

I was thinking of going for san remo green.

[SSBMW14]

Originally Posted by Avallon

that could have played a part - the car I drove was black.

I was thinking of going for san remo green.

Did you test drive the 4 series? I did back to back test drives of the M440i and the 840i and although in theory the power of the M440i is higher, the 840i drove better (I even felt it was faster on a straight road), was far more comfortable and had more presence - I certainly got more looks from other drivers on the test drive of the 8 and have since in my actual 840i.

My 840i is in San Remo Green - and if you want to see picks head over to the green thread https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=30036845

IMHO the 8 is way better than the Audi’s you’re considering.

At the end of the day it is personal preference and in this case your preference. And as the previous poster says don’t go for the 8 if not sure.

[Avallon]

Thanks - funnily enough, your pictures were the ones that made me settle on San Remo.

I've not test driven a 4 series, as I haven't been that interested in one.

As you've had experience of both, how would you compare them in terms of road presence?

[SSBMW14]

Originally Posted by Avallon

Thanks - funnily enough, your pictures were the ones that made me settle on San Remo.
😅small world

I've not test driven a 4 series, as I haven't been that interested in one.

As you've had experience of both, how would you compare them in terms of road presence?

Without hesitation the 840i. There are so few off them in the UK. Plus IMO it is the best looking BMW on the market today.

[Accentu8]

I’m also in the 840 camp over any 4 series, but I can’t deal with beaver tooth/bugs bunny face.

The 8 also looks amazing in Skyscraper. I also like San Remo, but for me, I think I’d be more likely to get tired of a ‘color’.

Purchased the ‘23 in December. Wasn’t super impressed with power and exhaust sound initially, but now over 2k miles and this car is amazing in every way!

I did replace the Goodyear RFT tires with Continental DWS06+ 245/40 front and 275/35 rear which, to me, improved the overall looks because the new tire ratio filled out the wheel well better, actually looks lowered.

[hersh67]

whats your budget like? as stated before, an individual color on the curves of the 8 series makes all the difference if your budget and wait time permits. also adding things like carbon fiber spoiler, rocker panels, roof, front lip, diffuser will make you forget about that audi and 4 series. the dealer can assist you with most of these add-ons straight from the factory.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by Wavy

If you're not completely sold on it, don't get it. I agree the base models don't look great on the road. The B8/M8 are beautiful and have lots of presence. The color plays a big role as well.

Agreed with one caveat as you didn't include it, i.e., the M850i has lots of presence as well. There's an owner of a white 840i convertible at work and parks in the same area of the garage as I.

For grins one day I parked next to it. To your point color matters and Alpine white with a black top pales in comparison to my Tanzanite Blue and CF roof. It doesn't have the M Sport package so cerium vs shadow line and even a bigger gap.

[Avallon]

That skyscraper grey looks great. I agree that the accessories / options can really make the difference.

The problem is that I'm already stretching the budget. I will spec the 894m alloys and service pack, and that's about as far as I'm able to go...

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by Avallon

That skyscraper grey looks great. I agree that the accessories / options can really make the difference.

The problem is that I'm already stretching the budget. I will spec the 894m alloys and service pack, and that's about as far as I'm able to go...

Service pack? If you're referring to an Ultimate Care Plus package drop that given you're intending on leasing. $ better spent on Drivers Assistance Pro, B&W audio, Full vs Extended leather, etc. Your choice but options are better than the useless service package.

[Avallon]

In the UK it's basically a pack covering routine servicing for 4 yrs at a cost of $1800 USD.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by Avallon

In the UK it's basically a pack covering routine servicing for 4 yrs at a cost of $1800 USD.

Okay a few questions. Will they not offer a 3-year lease? Does that include brakes? I personally wasted a $600 up charge for adding brakes to cover the 3-year lease for my 2020 M850i. If you're not a crazy stop and go driver the brakes on a 840i will long surpass 4 years of the lease.

If a 3-year lease is unavailable then the first 3 years of standard ultimate care will cover everything (minus brakes) and on year 4 you will need to pay for oil changes, etc. $1800 up front is a losing proposition and that alone covers Drivers Assistance Pro.

Update: after giving the UK configurator a go as some desirable options are only available in a package including standard ones here in the US, e.g., heated/ventilated seats, soft close doors, etc. I'd still pull that $1800 US into at least the Comfort Plus Pack or stretch and get the Technology Plus Pack and forgo the niceties of the Comfort Plus for features that truly make the 8-series a dream to own.

[Avallon]

The difference in various regions are interesting.

I could reduce the lease to 3 yrs but the price would go up from USD 850 to 930 a month. In the UK you only get a warranty as standard (there is no ultimate care). No servicing. Brakes are excluded.

In the UK you can only get the driving assistant as part of a technology plus pack at USD 7800.

[SSBMW14]

Originally Posted by Avallon

The difference in various regions are interesting.

I could reduce the lease to 3 yrs but the price would go up from USD 850 to 930 a month. In the UK you only get a warranty as standard (there is no ultimate care). No servicing. Brakes are excluded.

In the UK you can only get the driving assistant as part of a technology plus pack at USD 7800.

What discount have you negotiated on the car? You should be able to get at least 22%.

[Beemer5to3]

SSBMW14 yeah easily north of 20% achievable. Think he’s looking at leasing though rather than PCP.

OP - worth looking at a 48 month PCP as monthlies / deposit may be similar and your break point will be at around the 3 year mark.

[Avallon]

Originally Posted by Beemer5to3

SSBMW14 yeah easily north of 20% achievable. Think he’s looking at leasing though rather than PCP.

OP - worth looking at a 48 month PCP as monthlies / deposit may be similar and your break point will be at around the 3 year mark.

good tip - unfortunately nowhere near.

RRP £80500 / $99200

BMW Finance Contribution £16000 / $20000

Additional discount £1600 / $2000.

Monthly £880 / $1085.

The lease deal above is 1+47 / 1+36.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by Avallon

The difference in various regions are interesting.

I could reduce the lease to 3 yrs but the price would go up from USD 850 to 930 a month. In the UK you only get a warranty as standard (there is no ultimate care). No servicing. Brakes are excluded.

In the UK you can only get the driving assistant as part of a technology plus pack at USD 7800.

Yep and found the service add on which is once again standard in the US. Total LOL on the UK Service Inclusive which makes it sound like an exclusive add-on perk. Nope just driving up revenue for BMW in the UK market.

[Beemer5to3]

Originally Posted by Avallon

good tip - unfortunately nowhere near.

RRP £80500 / $99200

BMW Finance Contribution £16000 / $20000

Additional discount £1600 / $2000.

Monthly £880 / $1085.

The lease deal above is 1+47 / 1+36.

A 1+47 at £690 a month is an absolute steal mate - I’d go for that, albeit it’ll be a standard car. No bad thing though if you’re leasing - it’s very well kitted out as standard to be fair, and you’ve not got to worry about resale etc.

If you’re that worried about warranty you can get an aftermarket warranty for the last year, or BMW do an extended warranty too.

[Avallon]

it is good value tbf (for the UK),

just had a look at the US pricing, the 850i is only marginally more expensive than the 840i in the UK...

edit: Actually, it's cheaper when you take options into account!