Selling a non-running BMW 8 Series
Most of the 8 Series' NHTSA complaints come from the 1990s car, not the modern one: 32 of 55. The E31 coupe left production in 1999, and BMW brought the name back in 2018 on a different car.
- Generations
- E31 (1990-1999), G14/G15/G16 (2018-2026)
- Complaints to NHTSA
- 55
- Complaints on 1990s cars
- 32
- Years with the most complaints
- 1991 and 1997 (10 each)
- Recall campaigns
- 15
- Component named most
- Exterior lighting (12)
So the first question is which 8 Series you have. Either way, if it no longer runs or needs more than it is worth, we buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US.
The E31 coupe: 1990 to 1999
Wikipedia says design work on the E31 began in 1984 and the car debuted at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show. It came only as a two-door coupe, with naturally aspirated V8 and V12 engines. It was meant to sit above the E24 6 Series with more performance and a higher price. Wikipedia says it was discontinued in 1999 because of poor sales. The EPA lists 840ci, 850ci, 850csi and 850i versions.
Its complaints cluster at the two ends. The 1991 has 10, and six of those name exterior lighting. The 1997 also has 10: four name the electrical system, and two report a fire.
Four recalls reach these cars. These vehicle counts cover each full campaign, and some campaigns took in other BMW models as well:
- 96V110 (1991-1992): the air bag contact ring locking tab in the steering wheel can break. Dealers fitted a new design of tab.
- 98V178 (1991-1995): a cooling part failing can push coolant temperature and pressure up. Dealers installed a new radiator cap.
- 94V017 (1994): the remote could close the windows and sunroof from farther away than the federal limit of 6 meters.
- 97V131 (1994-1997): a plastic bushing on the cruise control or throttle cable could break. Dealers added a steel clip.
The modern car: 2019 to 2026
Wikipedia says the second generation was announced on June 15, 2018, first as a coupe (G15), then a convertible (G14) and the four-door Gran Coupe (G16). It succeeded the F06/F12/F13 6 Series lineup and was built in Dingolfing, Germany, and Bangkok, Thailand. Versions include the 840i, 840i xDrive and M850i xDrive.
These years hold 23 complaints. The 2022 stands out, with five of its seven naming the electrical system. Recalls on these cars include:
- 19V513 (2019 M850i xDrive): high pressure fuel pumps replaced.
- 21V062 (2020-2021): the integrated brake system replaced.
- 25V644 (2020-2025 840i): after repeated start attempts, the starter may overheat. Dealers replace it.
- 26V525 (2022-2026 840i): dealers check the joint between the driveshaft and rear differential.
Those campaigns cover the 7 Series, 5 Series, X5, X7 and others too. Their vehicle counts, such as 145,102 for 25V644, are not 8 Series counts.
Complaints and recalls by model year
NHTSA's owner complaint file for the 8 Series as of October 10, 2026. Years not listed have none on file, and the 2023-2026 cars are still adding to theirs.
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns | Top component |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 10 | 2 | Exterior lighting (6) |
| 1992 | 1 | 2 | Exterior lighting (1) |
| 1993 | 2 | 1 | Seat belts, brakes (1 each) |
| 1994 | 1 | 3 | Exterior lighting (1) |
| 1995 | 5 | 2 | Visibility, lighting, tires (1 each) |
| 1996 | 3 | 1 | Lighting, equipment, visibility (1 each) |
| 1997 | 10 | 1 | Electrical system (4) |
| 2019 | 9 | 3 | Power train (2) |
| 2020 | 5 | 6 | Steering, electrical (1 each) |
| 2022 | 7 | 2 | Electrical system (5) |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 | Engine, wheels (1 each) |
Fix it or sell it?
- E31 that has sat for years? Our old project car guide covers selling one unfinished.
- Electrical faults on a 2022? See electrical problems for when to stop chasing them.
- Any year: check the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup before paying for brake, starter or driveshaft work.
Selling your 8 Series whole
- Note the VIN, mileage, engine and whether it starts.
- Get an offer online or call (877) 421-6008.
- Is your 8 Series garaged, covered or on the street? And do the tires hold air?
- Sell the whole car as it sits. Leave the wheels and trim on, and say if parts are boxed or missing.
- Hand the driver the title and show a photo ID. After you sell covers plates and insurance.
Questions people ask
- Which 8 Series years have the most NHTSA complaints?
- The 1991 and 1997 have 10 apiece, as of October 10, 2026. Of the modern cars, the 2019 has 9 and the 2022 has 7. Modern 8 Series cars are just a few years old.
- Do the old 8 Series recalls still apply to my car?
- These are listed for the car. Run the 8 Series VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The 1990s campaigns covered an air bag locking tab, the cruise and throttle cables, a radiator cap and a remote window feature. NHTSA's vehicle counts are for each whole campaign, which may have covered other BMW models too.
- Will you buy a 1990s 8 Series that has sat for years?
- Yes. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US. Let us know how long it's been sitting, if the tires stay up, and its location.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from one of these. Checked October 11, 2026.
- NHTSA complaints flat file (FLAT_CMPL.zip), BMW 8 Series, downloaded October 10, 2026 nhtsa.gov
- EPA fuel economy data: BMW 8 Series model years and versions fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 94V017: remote window and sunroof closing nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 96V110: air bag contact ring locking tab nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 97V131: cruise control and throttle cables nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 98V178: radiator cap nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 19V513: high pressure fuel pump nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 21V062: integrated brake system nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 25V644: engine starter overheating nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 26V525: driveshaft to rear differential connection nhtsa.gov
- Wikipedia: BMW 8 Series (E31 and G14/G15/G16) en.wikipedia.org