I recently sold my 96 750iL with the intention of buying a reasonably priced new style 7 series.I liked the comfort and power of the 750 but it's size and handling capabilities started to leave me cold.I am now struggling to find anything suitable and have started to consider other options,namely an M3(02ish)or this 8 seriesI approached the owner of a '99 840ci recently as the car appealed,it is Dakar yellow with black leather piped in yellow-factoty ordered BMW individual spec,it has the M tec bodykit and mirrors as per 850csi,and 18"split rim BBS crosspokes.I've always liked the colour.Has the 8 series got rack and pinion steering or a steering box?How do you find the car handles-I know it's still a big and quite heavy car but how good is the handling?Anything in particular to look out for when buying one?The car has a modest 65000 miles or so.Many thanks

There are a bunch of 8 owners from the UK on www.clube31.net and tons of information and pictures already posted.

Thanks I've checked it out and posted there too.Still no answer about steering box or rack and pinion sterring though?

Also would a late 840ci Sport be likely to have EDC?I'm hoping not as I have replaced a couple of shocks on my 750iL!!!Also I really think I prefer the driving of cars without it too Although most on the 7 series forum disagreed!

Cheers!

The steering is not rack and pinion - pretty much the same as the E32.

E31 EDC and the E32 LAD are not the same. The EDC system is dual rate shock absorbers (Sport/Comfort) not a leveling system like the E32. Not sure about the E38 system.

I think i'm correct in saying the "sport" E31's don't have EDC,unless it was an option?