2019-2020 BMW 8 Series (G15) 840i (340 Hp) Steptronic

The BMW 840i, part of the G15 generation of the 8 Series, represents BMW’s re-entry into the large, luxury coupe market after a nearly two-decade hiatus. Production of this model ran from July 2019 through 2020. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the 8 Series lineup, the 840i aimed to deliver a blend of performance and luxury, appealing to buyers seeking a grand tourer experience without the outright performance focus of the M8. It shares its platform with the 7 Series sedan and the Rolls-Royce Phantom, emphasizing a focus on refinement and driver comfort. The 840i’s primary market was North America, Europe, and Asia, competing with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and the Porsche 911.

Technical Specifications

Brand BMW
Model 8 Series
Generation 8 Series (G15)
Type (Engine) 840i (340 Hp) Steptronic
Start of production July, 2019
End of production 2020
Powertrain Architecture Internal Combustion engine
Body type Coupe
Seats 4
Doors 2
Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) 8.7-9.0 l/100 km (27 – 26.1 US mpg, 32.5 – 31.4 UK mpg, 11.5 – 11.1 km/l)
Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) 6.2-6.3 l/100 km (37.9 – 37.3 US mpg, 45.6 – 44.8 UK mpg, 16.1 – 15.9 km/l)
Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) 7.1-7.3 l/100 km (33.1 – 32.2 US mpg, 39.8 – 38.7 UK mpg, 14.1 – 13.7 km/l)
CO2 emissions (NEDC) 162-166 g/km
Fuel Type Petrol (Gasoline)
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h 5 sec
Acceleration 0 – 62 mph 5 sec
Acceleration 0 – 60 mph 4.8 sec
Maximum speed 250 km/h (155.34 mph)
Emission standard Euro 6d – TEMP
Weight-to-power ratio 5 kg/Hp, 198.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio 3.4 kg/Nm, 292.4 Nm/tonne
Power 340 Hp @ 5000-6500 rpm
Power per litre 113.4 Hp/l
Torque 500 Nm @ 1600-4500 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 1600-4500 rpm)
Engine layout Front, Longitudinal
Engine Model/Code B58B30C
Engine displacement 2998 cm3 (182.95 cu. in.)
Number of cylinders 6
Engine configuration Inline
Cylinder Bore 82 mm (3.23 in.)
Piston Stroke 94.6 mm (3.72 in.)
Compression ratio 11:1
Number of valves per cylinder 4
Fuel injection system Direct injection
Engine aspiration Twin-power turbo, Intercooler
Engine oil capacity 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt)
Kerb Weight 1710 kg (3769.9 lbs.)
Max. weight 2225 kg (4905.29 lbs.)
Max load 515 kg (1135.38 lbs.)
Trunk (boot) space – minimum 420 l (14.83 cu. ft.)
Fuel tank capacity 68 l (17.96 US gal | 14.96 UK gal)
Max. roof load 75 kg (165.35 lbs.)
Length 4843 mm (190.67 in.)
Width 1902 mm (74.88 in.)
Width including mirrors 2137 mm (84.13 in.)
Height 1341 mm (52.8 in.)
Wheelbase 2822 mm (111.1 in.)
Front track 1627 mm (64.06 in.)
Rear (Back) track 1642 mm (64.65 in.)
Ride height (ground clearance) 121 mm (4.76 in.)
Drag coefficient (Cd) 0.29
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) 11.6 m (38.06 ft.)
Drivetrain Architecture The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheel Rear wheel drive
Number of gears and type of gearbox 8 gears, automatic transmission Steptronic
Front suspension Double wishbone
Rear suspension Independent multi-link suspension
Front brakes Ventilated discs
Rear brakes Ventilated discs
Assisting systems ABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering type Steering rack and pinion
Power steering Electric Steering
Tires size 245/45 R18 100Y XL; 275/40 R18 103Y XL
Wheel rims size 8J x 18; 9J x 18

Powertrain & Engine Architecture

The heart of the 840i is BMW’s B58B30C 3.0-liter inline-six engine. This engine is a member of BMW’s modular engine family, known for its smooth power delivery and efficiency. It utilizes a single twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection, and Double-VANOS variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust. The B58 engine produces 340 horsepower at 5,000-6,500 rpm and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. This broad torque curve contributes to strong acceleration in real-world driving conditions. The engine is paired with BMW’s 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, which offers smooth and quick shifts. This transmission is known for its adaptability, offering both automatic and manual shift modes. The 840i features rear-wheel drive as standard, contributing to a classic sports car feel.

Driving Characteristics

The 840i delivers a refined and comfortable driving experience. The combination of the 3.0-liter inline-six and the 8-speed automatic transmission provides effortless acceleration. While not as aggressively tuned as the M8, the 840i still offers a 0-60 mph time of around 4.8 seconds. The automatic transmission is well-programmed, providing smooth upshifts and downshifts, and it adapts to the driver’s style. The gear ratios are optimized for both cruising and spirited driving. Compared to the higher-performance M8, the 840i prioritizes comfort and refinement over outright speed. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, while still offering good body control in corners. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver.

Equipment & Trim Levels

The 840i came standard with a comprehensive list of features, reflecting its luxury positioning. Standard equipment included leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats with memory function, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch central infotainment display with iDrive 7.0, navigation, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a premium sound system. Optional extras included upgraded leather options, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, active roll stabilization, laser headlights, and various driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. Interior trim options included various wood veneers and aluminum accents. The overall interior design emphasized luxury and sophistication, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail.

Chassis & Braking

The 840i utilizes a sophisticated chassis design to deliver a balance of comfort and handling. The front suspension features a double-wishbone setup, while the rear suspension employs an independent multi-link design. This configuration provides excellent wheel control and ride quality. The 840i is equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The braking system is enhanced by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electronic brake-force distribution. The car’s weight distribution is nearly 50/50, contributing to balanced handling characteristics. The standard tire size is 245/45 R18 at the front and 275/40 R18 at the rear, providing good grip in various conditions.

Market Reception & Comparison

The BMW 840i was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its refined driving experience, luxurious interior, and powerful engine. However, some critics noted that the 840i lacked the outright excitement of the M8. Compared to the 850i, the 840i offered a more accessible price point and a slightly more focused driving experience. In terms of fuel economy, the 840i achieved combined fuel consumption figures of around 7.1-7.3 l/100 km (33.1-32.2 US mpg), which was competitive for a vehicle in its class. Reliability reports have been generally positive, with few major issues reported.

Legacy

The B58 engine powering the 840i has proven to be a robust and reliable powerplant. It has gained a reputation for its longevity and relatively low maintenance costs. On the used car market, the 840i represents a compelling value proposition for buyers seeking a luxurious and capable grand tourer. While the initial depreciation has occurred, the 840i still commands a premium price compared to some of its competitors. The G15 8 Series, including the 840i, marked a significant return for BMW to the luxury coupe segment, and it continues to be a desirable vehicle for enthusiasts and discerning buyers alike.

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