The BMW 8 Series (chassis code: E31); is a V8 or V12-engined 2-door 2+2 coupe built by BMW from 1989 to 1999. This car was offered for sale in the USA from 1991 to 1997.While it did supplant the original E24 based 6 Series BMW car in 1991, a common misconception is that the 8 Series BMW was developed as a successor. However, it was actually an entirely new class aimed at a different market, with a substantially higher price point and better performance than the 6 series. The 8 Series BMW was designed as a direct competitor to the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and S-Class coupes (later renamed the CL-Class). While it has less rear passenger volume than the CL which is considered a two-door sedan, the 8 Series could accommodate two passengers in the rear seats, while the SL roadster is a two-seater.
The BMW 8 Series car was BMW's flagship car while in production. Accounting for inflation, a new model cost above $110,000 and had an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Although with the limiters removed, the vehicle top speed was estimated at 186 mph (299 km/h). Worldwide production ceased on May 12, 1999, with 30,621 built.