The Secret BMW M8 Is The Only V12 Powered M-Car Ever Made: The E31 Story — Jason Cammisa Revelations

Summary

The script tells the story of the BMW E31, a car that was technologically advanced but fell short in delivering a thrilling driving experience. Initially seen as an embarrassment, it was saved by BMW's Motorsport division, which transformed it into the V12-powered M8, a car that finally matched its stunning looks with performance. Despite being a hidden gem, the M8 suffered from a lack of recognition due to BMW's reluctance to use the M badge, leading to a limited production and a missed opportunity for a flagship model.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The BMW E31 was criticized for being beautiful yet boring to drive, failing to live up to its high-tech appearance with a dull driving experience.
• 🚗 The 850i was intended to showcase BMW's cutting-edge technology, including multiplexing buses and elastokinematics, but it missed the mark on what wealthy buyers actually wanted.
• 🔧 BMW Motorsport's intervention transformed the E31 into the V12-powered M8, which solved the driving experience issue, but it was not widely recognized due to the absence of M badges.
• 💡 The E31's development began in the early 1980s with a focus on new technology and aerodynamics, aiming to be a flagship vehicle with an unprecedented low drag coefficient.
• 💸 The M70 V12 engine was expensive and complex, using two engine management systems and being the first German 12-cylinder engine in over 50 years.
• 🛠 The E31 featured many industry firsts, such as a tire pressure monitoring system, moisture sensors, and electrically variable wiper pressure, showcasing BMW's technological ambitions.
• 📉 Despite high initial demand, the 850i received negative reviews for its lack of excitement and was outperformed by the Mercedes 500 SL in terms of sales and customer satisfaction.
• 🛑 BMW had to reduce production and reconsider their strategy, leading to the development of the 850 CSI with M's involvement, which significantly improved the car's performance and driving dynamics.
• 🏎️ The 850 CSI, essentially an M8 in all but name, received high praise from automotive magazines for its transformation into a serious sports car with a fun driving experience.
• 🏷️ The lack of M badges on the 850 CSI may have contributed to its low profile and rarity, with only 1,510 units produced, making it one of the rarest M cars.
• 📚 Two key lessons emerged from the E31's story: the importance of aligning with customer expectations and the significance of M badges for M cars, which BMW has since embraced.

Q & A

What was the main issue with the BMW E31 850i according to the script?

The main issue with the BMW E31 850i was that despite its impressive looks, it had a dull driving experience and failed to deliver on the performance that its appearance promised.

What was the original intention behind the creation of the BMW E31?

The original intention behind the creation of the BMW E31 was to be a rolling showpiece for ultra-nerdy future tech and a self-congratulatory flagship vehicle to showcase BMW's technological advancements.

What technological features were initially planned for the E31 that highlight its focus on innovation?

The E31 was initially planned to include solar panels for the AC system, an acoustic notification radar system, a tire pressure monitoring system, and moisture sensors that activated windshield wipers and closed sunroofs.

What was unique about the E31's engine in terms of its development?

The E31's engine was unique because it was the first 12-cylinder engine to come out of Germany since before the war, created by combining two 2.5L single cam two-valve per cylinder M20 straight sixes from the E30 325i.

Why was the BMW E31's V12 engine not considered particularly advanced despite its high-tech appearance?

The V12 engine was not considered particularly advanced because it was essentially two independent straight sixes, each with its own set of components, including two completely independent fuel supplies.

What was the significance of the BMW 850i's multi-link rear suspension?

The multi-link rear suspension, known as the integral rear axle, was significant because it allowed for precise wheel control without harshness and was known for stability, which was a key component in many of the world's best handling cars.

Why did the BMW 850i receive negative reviews from automotive magazines?

The BMW 850i received negative reviews because it was considered boring to drive, with no steering feel, not much speed, no excitement, and no noise from the V12 engine, which was a major letdown for a car of its supposed sporting character.

What was the outcome of BMW's decision to involve their Motorsport division in the development of the E31?

Involving the Motorsport division resulted in the creation of the only V12 powered production M car ever, which solved the E31's dilemma by finally making the car drive as impressively as it looked.

Why did BMW not initially put an M badge on the exterior of the E31 when it was transformed into an M car?

BMW did not put an M badge on the exterior because they were deluded about flagships and did not realize that in customers' minds, an M badge signified a BMW flagship, leading to the car being called the 850 CSI instead.

What were the key performance upgrades made by BMW's Motorsport division to the E31 to create the 850 CSI?

The key performance upgrades included boring and stroking the M70 engine to 5.6L with higher compression, lighter pistons, a forged crank, a higher redline, hotter cams, a less restrictive exhaust, and a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential.

How did the reception of the 850 CSI differ from the original 850i, and what did critics say about the changes?

The 850 CSI received much more positive reviews compared to the original 850i, with critics praising it as a symbol of power, a statement of supreme technical accomplishment, and a serious sports car that was fun to drive.