Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (250 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2025
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between appreciation for its capabilities and criticism of its character.
4 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentLack of driving emotion/excitement
Described as bland, boring, or lacking visceral feel despite high performance.
- RecurrentRide quality
Described as very stiff, to the point of compromising its grand touring comfort, especially when compared to the M850i.
- RecurrentDepreciation
Noted as "terrible" and worse than some competitors like Aston Martin.
+ 1 more issueShow fewer
- IsolatedIgnition coil and coolant hose failures
On the hot-V 4.4L V8 in related models (M6), noted as a potential age-related concern for the M8.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version (e.g., Coupe vs. Gran Coupe, Competition vs. base). Discussions mention both Coupe and Gran Coupe body styles, with a subjective preference for Coupe styling but acknowledgment that the Gran Coupe offers slightly more comfort due to a longer wheelbase without giving up performance. The Competition model is mentioned but not specifically elevated above the standard M8 in owner feedback.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Porsche 911, Audi R8, Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe, Bentley Continental GT and Aston Martin DB11.
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Overall sentiment
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between appreciation for its capabilities and criticism of its character. The vehicle is widely acknowledged as extremely fast, comfortable, luxurious, and built to a high quality with tight assembly tolerances. It is consistently described as an excellent grand tourer that does everything well, offering a blend of performance, technology, and daily usability. However, a recurrent and strong criticism centers on a perceived lack of driving emotion and excitement; it is frequently described as feeling "bland," "boring to drive," or lacking the special, visceral feel expected from a car in its segment. This sentiment positions it as a competent but emotionally detached luxury performance vehicle, often compared to alternatives for "rich old guys." Owner satisfaction appears high for those prioritizing comfort and capability, but low for those seeking an engaging or thrilling driving experience.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a luxury grand tourer and "supercar killer" in a utility car form, rather than a pure sports car. It is considered a superior grand tourer to the McLaren GT in terms of comfort, build quality, and daily usability, though the McLaren feels more special. It is frequently compared to the Bentley Continental GT and Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe as a comfortable, fast, luxurious coupe alternative. It is noted as less engaging to drive than sports cars like the Porsche 911 or Audi R8. Compared to the Aston Martin DB11, it is described as having a stiffer, less comfortable ride, making it a less ideal grand tourer. The BMW M850i is mentioned by some as a more comfortable and better value grand touring choice within the BMW lineup.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient specific configuration data from owner discussions. One mention suggests the M8 Gran Coupe remains available for new orders while the Coupe is no longer in production. No consensus on drivetrain, trim, or options.
General recommendations
Recommended for buyers seeking a brutally fast, comfortable, and technologically advanced grand tourer with high build quality and daily usability. Suitable for long-distance travel, commuting, and as a practical performance car. NOT recommended for driving enthusiasts who prioritize raw emotion, engagement, or a thrilling, visceral driving experience over outright comfort and capability. Strongly advised to test drive against key competitors (e.g., Porsche 911, Aston Martin DB11, Bentley Continental GT) to evaluate if its driving character aligns with personal expectations. Consider certified pre-owned (CPO) for warranty coverage. Be aware of significant depreciation.
Remarks
The platform (shared with M5) is considered one of the best BMW has ever built, praised for its capability and quality. The "hot-V" engine configuration is flagged as a potential long-term reliability concern for ignition components based on experience with the preceding S63 engine in the M6. The car's reputation for attracting "ahole drivers" is noted as a minor social drawback. Owner reports indicate high mechanical reliability within warranty periods, with some examples experiencing zero issues over significant mileage. Analysis based on owner discussions covering the F92/F93 generation M8.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
Recall notices6 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2020 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 21V096000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2020 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 21V062000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
2020 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 19V883000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 M5 and 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles. The transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit.
2019 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 21V096000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2019 · fuel system, other:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 19V513000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, resulting in a fuel leak.
2019 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V684000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Specifications
Enthusiast code: F91
Competition 4.4 V8 xDrive
4.4L 8-cylinder · 625 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2022–2026