The 8 Series was introduced in 1989 (E31 code) and was only available as a two-door coupé. It was powered by naturally aspirated V8 and V12 engines. The E31 started production just as the E24 6 series production ended, however it is not considered a direct successor. It was later discontinued in 1999 due to poor sales.  Design work of the first generation E31 8 Series began in 1984, with final design phase and production development starting in 1986. The car debuted at the 1989 Frankfurt Moor Show, and was produced until 1999 The 8 Series was designed to move beyond the market of the 6 series, featuring greater performance and an increased price. The 8 Series was the first road car to offer a V12 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and was one of the first vehicles to be fitted with electronic drive-by-wire throttle. The 8 Series was also among one of BMW's first cars to use a multi-link rear axle.

The model range was later reintroduced in 2018 with the second generation, G15 8 Series.

•  Specifications
•  Bodywork
• Length : cm (in): 478 (188.2)
• Width : cm (in): 186 (73)
• Height : cm (in): 134 (52.8)
• Wheelbase : cm (in) : 268 (105.7)
• Weight: kg (lb) : 1790 (3946)
• Mechanics.
• Displacement : V12 4988 cc (305 cu in), front-mounted
• Valve gear : 24
• Fuel system : Bosch motronic injection
• Gearbox : 6-speed manual
• Drive wheels : rear-wheel drive
• Maximum power : 296 hp at 5200 rpm
• Maximum torque : 450 Nm at 4100 rpm
• Maximum speed : 250 km/h
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