BMW 8 Series G16 (2019–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 73+ 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 G16 8 Series Gran Coupe broadly praise it as a beautiful, comfortable, and refined daily driver, with the B58 engine in the 840i frequently called reliable and the interior materials and seats described as significantly better than those in the 3 and 4 Series.
6 problems reported (1 recurrent, 5 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentDepreciation is steep
- IsolatedFit and finish could be better, with creaks and rattles noted
- IsolatedInterior feels basic without optional packages such as parking assistance, adaptive cruise control, and heads-up display
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedSome owners find the interior disappointing relative to expectations for an 8 Series
- IsolatedLack of massage seats despite the car's luxury positioning
- IsolatedLimited aftermarket exhaust options for the 840i
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal suggests the M850i is favored by several owners who traded in their 840i for the V8, while others strongly defend the 840i's B58 as reliable and sufficient, and the M8 is described by at least one owner as too much car for daily use.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW 440i Gran Coupe, BMW M340i, BMW 540i, BMW M850i and BMW M8.
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the G16 8 Series Gran Coupe broadly praise it as a beautiful, comfortable, and refined daily driver, with the B58 engine in the 840i frequently called reliable and the interior materials and seats described as significantly better than those in the 3 and 4 Series. The most common criticisms are heavy depreciation, a somewhat basic-feeling interior relative to its price and flagship positioning, and a preference among some owners for the V8 in the M850i over the 840i's inline-six. Early and late model year differences center on the LCI update, with owners noting revised front air inlets and an illuminated grille on later cars, and several advising buyers to skip new purchases in favor of low-mileage used examples to avoid the steepest depreciation.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the 840i as more luxurious and refined than the 440i and 3/4 Series, citing better seats, leather dash, ceramic controls, and superior fit and finish, while acknowledging it is bigger, heavier, and slower. Against the M850i and M8, the 840i is seen as the comfort-focused choice, with some owners saying the V8 better suits the car's grand tourer character. Versus the 540i, some owners say they would take the 5 Series and keep the leftover cash. Against the S-Class Coupe and Porsche 911, owners describe the 8 Series as a rare sight and a genuine grand tourer rather than a true sports car, with one noting it is not a sports car despite being sportier than expected.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the Gran Coupe body style for practicality, with several noting the extra room for passengers and cargo. The Bowers and Wilkins stereo is repeatedly recommended, with owners noting it is hard to find on pre-owned examples. The M850i is suggested for those wanting V8 power and sound, with one owner noting it can be found for around $10k more than an 840i in newer used examples. Owners advise buying a 2022 or 2023 used rather than new to avoid steep depreciation, and one owner specifically recommends seeking the parking assistance package, premium package, and heads-up display.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers wanting a comfortable, luxurious, and distinctive daily driver or grand tourer who prioritize refinement over outright performance. Owners strongly advise against buying new due to heavy depreciation, recommending low-mileage pre-owned examples instead. Those wanting more power and sound are steered toward the M850i or M8, while the 840i is recommended for its reliable B58 and lower running costs. Buyers should verify options like the Bowers and Wilkins audio, premium package, and heads-up display, as base specs feel basic. One owner advises not thrashing the car excessively.
Remarks
Owners frequently debate the 840i versus M850i engine choice, with the V8 favored for sound and character and the B58 praised for reliability. The Gran Coupe versus Coupe styling split is described as having no middle ground, with owners firmly in one camp or the other. Several owners note the 8 Series is a rare sight on the road, which some view as a positive. Analysis based on approximately 73 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.