An award-winning example of BMW’s coveted modern classic grand tourer, with interesting provenance and a desirable specification. Under the bonnet sits a 4.4-litre ‘M62B44’ V8 developing around 210kW, which is sent to the rear wheels via a smooth five-speed ‘Steptronic’ automatic transmission. Top speed is a claimed 250km/h. This unique car is understood to be the only 1997 Australian-market example finished with Arctic Silver Metallic and black leather upholstery, a claim that has been verified with several reputable sources, and was specified with several M-Technic options. Built in July 1997 at BMW’s Dingolfing factory, it was first registered in January 1998 in Albury, NSW, via former BMW dealer Wodonga Prestige, with a purchase price of $215,690. The car was driven an average of 16,320 km per year until 2005, after which it was used only for holidays and work trips. During the later portion of ownership, it was driven sparingly due to health issues, and covered an average of 1,370 km per year. The car was acquired by the seller from its first owner in February 2021, who nicknamed it ‘Desiree’ and subjected it to extensive repair work. The car was refurbished with assistance from various Albury and Wodonga-based automotive businesses, including Border BM, Status Customs Paint Repairs, Universal Upholstery, Fatal Finishes, Pedders, Tower Tyres, WRT Powder Coating, and Stuckey’s Tyres of Melbourne. In order for it to be repaired and re-registered, parts were sourced from seven overseas countries; Lithuania, the USA, the UK, Latvia, Egypt, Germany and Poland, as well as Australia. This particular car stands out from other E31 models with its factory-fitted features, such as the front and rear lower bodywork sections. The car has been shown at the 2022 Melbourne German Auto Show and the 2022 BMW Nationals in Canberra, where it was awarded ‘second in class’ in the concours section, as well as at the recent 2023 BMW Nationals held in Coolangatta, Queensland where it was awarded ‘third in class’ in the concours section. The car is registered in Victoria until August 2023 and the odometer currently indicates 154,180 km. The car was specified with a number of ‘M’ options, including the aerodynamic package, special side mirrors, the leather-trimmed steering wheel with tri-coloured stitching, and 17-inch ‘throwing star’ light alloy wheels with staggered widths, which are currently shod with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres in fitments 235/45ZR17 at the front and 265/40ZR17 at the rear. Factory equipment includes cruise control, a lift-and-slide sunroof, velour floor mats, an auto-dip rear-view mirror, electrically adjustable seats with memory function, the HiFi speaker system, automatic air flow control, headlight washers, a Nokia car phone, a six-disc CD changer, Servotronic hydro steering, and an electrically adjustable steering column. Accompanying the vehicle will be its original owner’s manuals and service book, a supplementary owner’s manual, various pieces of sales literature, a rechargeable torch, a ski bag, a first aid kit, a jack, a complete toolkit, a collection of maintenance invoices, and a 64-page information/photo book created by the seller, which goes into detail about the BMW 8 Series, the car’s specification and the restoration process. Please note: the registration ‘BRB 847’ will not be included in the sale. A Victorian RWC was issued in July 2022. Overall, the car’s paintwork is reported to be in excellent condition, with minor blemishes as shown. The interior of the cabin presents well overall and has been very well-preserved. Only the roof lining has been retrimmed. The carpet in the boot has a stain that can be seen in the photos. The digital clock does not always illuminate, and the sliding roof mechanism needs attention and does not move as freely as it should. The seller is not aware of any further electrical of mechanical faults. The new Michelin tyres were fitted not long after purchasing the car just over two years ago. The most recent full service of the car was carried out in May 2023 at 154,146 km. A minor oil leak from a hydraulic hose was repaired in February 2023 at 150,885 km. An overhaul of the car was carried out by Border BM in Albury, NSW in May 2021 at 143,962 km, which involved various repairs to bring the car up to a Victorian roadworthy standard. The oils, filters, control arms, dust boots, brakes, etc. were also replaced. During the seller’s ownership, the car has been serviced by Border BM in Albury, New South Wales. This BMW (E31) 840 Ci is a handsome example of the stylish German coupe, understood to be the only 1997 Australian-market car finished with Arctic Silver Metallic and black leather upholstery, and which also features desirable ‘M’ options. Having been cherished by its first owner for 23 years, it was acquired by the seller in 2021, and subsequently refurbished. Now nicknamed ‘Desiree’, the car has been shown at the 2022 Melbourne German Auto Show and the 2022 BMW Nationals in Canberra, where it was awarded ‘second in class’ in the concours section, as well as at the 2023 BMW Nationals held in Coolangatta, where it was awarded ‘third in class’ in the concours section. Now freshly serviced, it would make a wonderful car show companion, a sublime weekend cruiser, or a smart addition to a collection. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.