BMW 8 Series G14 (2019–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 85+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
33
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2019–2026
0
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2019-2026 G14 8 Series broadly praise it as a beautiful, comfortable, and refined grand tourer, with the B58-powered 840i frequently called one of the best-looking current BMWs and a consummate daily driver.
5 problems reported (5 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- IsolatedInterior creaks and rattles
- IsolatedFit and finish below expectations for the price
- IsolatedLack of massage seats despite the car's luxury positioning
+ 2 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedLimited aftermarket exhaust options for the 840i
- IsolatedPassenger seat resetting to the most forward position when the engine is off
The version owners recommend
The M850i is the most frequently recommended version, with multiple owners describing the V8 as more appropriate for the car's size and character, and some 840i owners expressing regret and trading up. The 840i with the B58 is widely praised as reliable and smooth, but owners consistently note its power is modest for the price. Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive consensus on model year, though several owners recommend pre-owned 2020-2022 examples to avoid depreciation.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW 440i Gran Coupe, BMW M340i, BMW 540i, BMW M850i and BMW 740i.
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2019-2026 G14 8 Series broadly praise it as a beautiful, comfortable, and refined grand tourer, with the B58-powered 840i frequently called one of the best-looking current BMWs and a consummate daily driver. The interior draws consistent praise for its luxury touches: leather dash, ceramic controls, massaging seats, and optional Bowers & Wilkins audio: which owners note are not even available on the 3 and 4 Series. Criticism centers on steep depreciation, a fit and finish that some owners feel falls short of the price point (creaks and rattles), and the 840i's modest power output relative to its cost. Later model years (2022-2024) receive similar praise, with the LCI bringing revised front air inlets and an illuminated grille, though owners note the changes are subtle enough that a low-mileage pre-LCI car represents better value.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the 8 Series above the 4 Series and 5 Series in luxury, refinement, and road presence, describing the gap as comparable to a C-Class versus S-Class. Against the 440i Gran Coupe, owners say the 8 Series is heavier, slower, and harder to tune, but far more comfortable and luxurious, with significantly better seats and interior materials. The M850i is positioned as the more fitting engine for such a large GT car, with several owners regretting choosing the 840i and trading up. Against the Porsche 911 and Mercedes S-Class Coupe, owners see the 8 Series as a luxury GT rather than a sports car, and some question whether buyers at this price point would choose it over more prestigious brands.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the M850i for those who want power and V8 sound, and the 840i for those prioritizing reliability and efficiency. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system is repeatedly recommended as a must-have option. The Gran Coupe body style is favored by owners needing rear-seat space and practicality, while the coupe is preferred for looks. Owners advise buying pre-owned 2020-2022 examples with low mileage rather than new, citing steep depreciation. A well-optioned car should include the parking assistance package, premium package, and heads-up display, as basic specs feel lacking in creature comforts.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers wanting a comfortable, elegant daily driver or grand tourer with strong road presence and a reliable B58 or V8 engine. Owners recommend avoiding brand-new purchases due to heavy depreciation and instead targeting low-mileage pre-owned 2020-2022 cars, ideally still under original warranty. Buyers should verify options carefully, as many cars on dealer lots are basic specs lacking adaptive cruise control, heads-up display, and premium audio. Inspect for interior creaks and rattles, and consider the M850i over the 840i if power and sound matter more than fuel economy.
Remarks
Owners frequently note the 8 Series depreciates heavily, making used examples strong value. The 840i uses a detuned version of the B58 found in the 440i, which owners describe as smooth but noticeably less powerful. Some owners express concern that BMW's current design direction may not produce a worthy successor. Analysis based on approximately 85 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 0 | wheels |
| 2022 | 14 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2020 | 5 | 0 | service brakes |
| 2019 | 8 | 0 | air bags |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.