[Bosstime]

Hi everyone,

I currently own a 2019 540i M Sport - is upgrading to a new 840i Gran Coupe worth the price difference? Thanks for any input...

[SteveinArizona]

are you saying a new 204i vs. a new 840i or a used one of both or a combo?

Also, what are your likes and needs in driving?

[Bosstime]

Hi Steve,

No specific needs (except maybe for acceleration) - just comparing the two vehicles side by side as a 'daily driver'...thanks.

[MauiSteve]

I kinda looked at this myself and came to the conclusion that it is not worth it. With the 840i GC you get a longer lower sleeker modern styling with a touch more luxury, but at a way higher price point. Identical engine, similar passenger space and trunk capacity. The suspension and handling is not different enough to justify the cost.

Coming from a 2019 you will gain some tech with iDrive 7 and remote software updates.

The 840i GC is one of those flagship vehicles that's nice to have, fewer seen on the road, and absolutely is a nice vehicle but a well optioned 540i MSport is a far better buy that will let you keep about an extra 23 grand in your pocket toward the next ride.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by Bosstime

Hi Steve,

No specific needs (except maybe for acceleration) - just comparing the two vehicles side by side as a 'daily driver'...thanks.

For a DD, I don't see the need to pay for the higher car UNLESS you are going to buy a new one and in that case, you need to decide on how you feel about the nose as the new 440 has the Bugs Bunny nose while the 840 has the traditional nose.

But if you were to get a new/newer one, I would recommend the Nappa/Merino upholstery vs. the Dakota or Sensatec. In fact, as I have opined in other threads, if deciding between Dakota and Sensatec, I would go for Sensatec.

The larger size of the 8 series will also mean tighter parking, etc.

[KoenG]

Don't know whether my opinion counts, but I would not pay the extra cash for a near identical car of which I personally don't believe it has the better overall accomplished design or drives any better. As a DD, I can imagine many circumstances where I would actually prefer driving the 5 iso the 8. Vice versa... not really.

On the other hand, when you think the different looks and the different ambient in the interiour is worth it, by all means go with the 8. We all know that such a vehicle is never a full rational choice but is mainly motivated by experience and preferences. I'am also certain that the ignorant observer (like 99%) will be much more impressed by the 8. A 5 series will be perceived as a decent mid class , but a 8 GC is automatically considered to be a top class exclusivity.

When you're not keeping it for a long time, you'll get some of the extra cash paid back. I would expect that you can recuperate half of the extra cost for acquisition back after 4 to 5 years easily. On the other hand, when you'll keep it for ever, you'll have the extra flair and exclusivity for ever and more chance you'll own a BMW classic.

So... are you a brain or a heart person?

[18340i]

probably not

[COBodom]

I was in a similar predicament last year.

I was ONLY considering the 8 series based on the exterior looks and rarity. There is noting else in the 8 series that I fancy over the 5 series. Kinda was in a mood for something different than a vanilla 4 door sedan. I ended up with the 5 series lol.

The GC flavor of the 8 series is a missed design in my opinion. It is not sexy at all. It looks awkward, heavy and long. When I look at it I don't see performance I see a weird limo. I think the 5 series looks much better and way more elegant than GC.

The 8 coupe is a different story.

[BMWGUYinCO]

Originally Posted by Bosstime

Hi everyone,

I currently own a 2019 540i M Sport - is upgrading to a new 840i Gran Coupe worth the price difference? Thanks for any input...

In my opinion? No - while the gran coupe looks amazing, that (looks) would be really the primary difference but that alone isn't worth the price difference.

What about trying to find a '21 M850 Gran Coupe? There are some really good deals if you can find one in your preferred color/option combination (Check SonicAutomotive BMW for instance) and then it would be worth it.

[LuvMyE92]

I had a 6 series GC and found it to be a very disappointing ownership experience.

It looked fabulous though.

I recently borrowed a new 840i coupe for a day. Compared to my 540i, it sounded better (exhaust/intake/ASD) but had a less comfortable ride, much more road noise, nicer interior, harder to get in and out of, and certainly not worth the price premium.

[ztx84]

This is a really interesting discussion... I too have been contemplating whether an 8 series, and specifically whether an 840i would be a wise choice coming out of a 540i, but I too have been pretty hesitant. In my view the 540 is such a well rounded car - in the UK now we can't buy them new which is a real shame (only have the 545e to go for)... My attention has now shifted to an M4 which is a totally different animal, but I am trying to see if there is a way I can keep my 540 alongside it for routine duties.

[stein_325i]

In my opinion no, you could get an M550i for the price of a base 840i, and the 840i does not offer much of an "upgrade" outside of looks, not to mention depreciation on both the 5 and 8 will be awful.

[Bosstime]

Hi everyone - thanks for the comments and so far the overall opinion is that the 840i is not worth the $$ over the 540i...that's what I was thinking...

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by Bosstime

Hi everyone - thanks for the comments and so far the overall opinion is that the 840i is not worth the $$ over the 540i...that's what I was thinking...

For some additional perspective, it wouldn't hurt to ask for input over on the 8 Series forum.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Bob in IL

For some additional perspective, it wouldn't hurt to ask for input over on the 8 Series forum.

And you will get the opposite view! "the 840 is worth every penny and far superior". Which pretty much tells you car opinions are very subjective and that's a good thing.

[Jim-Bow]

It depends on the price difference, my 530d is due to go back and whilst I really like(d) my 5er I wanted something a bit more fun, I was originally planning to go to the new 3 series (I had an f30 previously) and go for the m340i straight six (perhaps a last hurrah as it may be all electric next time) but after looking at the deals it ended up beating cheaper getting the 840i GC than the m340i or 545e (the only real straight six option). The 3 was great fun, but actually so was the 8 with the rear wheel steering, and for less money the 8 was a no brainier (and a far rarer sight on the road).

One thing I will say though is it's a tough choice, all were amazing cars to drive.

[8GranCouper]

Sorry for the necrobump, but I've been having this same dilemma deciding between the 840 and 540. The 8 has depreciated so much that prices are barely more than the 5 of the same year that I'm having a hard time deciding between the two, especially as it's so hard to find a used 5 that isn't barebones with Sensatec. For those who have had experience with both, does the 8 cost more to maintain than the 5? Is the ride quality and driving characteristics that much different from a 5 with the same powertrain? I would assume not since they have the same B58, ZF trans, platform, and other components but I want to hear from the owners.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

For a DD, I don't see the need to pay for the higher car UNLESS you are going to buy a new one and in that case, you need to decide on how you feel about the nose as the new 440 has the Bugs Bunny nose while the 840 has the traditional nose.

But if you were to get a new/newer one, I would recommend the Nappa/Merino upholstery vs. the Dakota or Sensatec. In fact, as I have opined in other threads, if deciding between Dakota and Sensatec, I would go for Sensatec.

The larger size of the 8 series will also mean tighter parking, etc.

840 only comes with Merino. I don’t think he asked about the 440.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by 8GranCouper

Sorry for the necrobump, but I've been having this same dilemma deciding between the 840 and 540. The 8 has depreciated so much that prices are barely more than the 5 of the same year that I'm having a hard time deciding between the two, especially as it's so hard to find a used 5 that isn't barebones with Sensatec. For those who have had experience with both, does the 8 cost more to maintain than the 5? Is the ride quality and driving characteristics that much different from a 5 with the same powertrain? I would assume not since they have the same B58, ZF trans, platform, and other components but I want to hear from the owners.

Can’t speak to the 8 but I like the thread and the question. I am intrigued by the 8GC but I’m not sure I’d spend the premium for the 840, new. Your dilemma is different. If prices were close and buying used, it would be a tough choice. Would depend on options of both cars. Would definitely have to drive an 8.

I had a 2018 540 and now a 2020 M550.

I wonder if the 8 would be heavier and a tad slower? The B58 is a great engine in the 5.

Probably would come down to options and purpose and where I was using it. 8 will be harder to park and would make me paranoid in crowded parking lots. But man, they have such a loud presence on the road. 5 blends in more. Kind of depends on your personality on that.

[RonronEG]

I'm currently shopping for a M850i GC, the thing that stands out to me is how much more interior room there is. Parking is indeed a bit more involved as it's a bit longer and lower. The biggest cons so far are no massaging seats available and no dual articulating seat backs. The 8 drove well although steering felt a bit more disconnected than in my 540 (both with DHP or equivalent).

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by RonronEG

I'm currently shopping for a M850i GC, the thing that stands out to me is how much more interior room there is. Parking is indeed a bit more involved as it's a bit longer and lower. The biggest cons so far are no massaging seats available and no dual articulating seat backs. The 8 drove well although steering felt a bit more disconnected than in my 540 (both with DHP or equivalent).

Once you have them (comfort seats), you can't go back.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by RonronEG

I'm currently shopping for a M850i GC, the thing that stands out to me is how much more interior room there is. Parking is indeed a bit more involved as it's a bit longer and lower. The biggest cons so far are no massaging seats available and no dual articulating seat backs. The 8 drove well although steering felt a bit more disconnected than in my 540 (both with DHP or equivalent).

If it’s lower than my M550 with DHP then I feel like I’d scrape it all the time. Happens rarely in my car but it does happen.

I’m surprised the steering feels more disconnected. I get it’s bigger but I’d think the sensation would be similar