If ever there was a car that said 'conspicuous consumption', this had to be it. Introduced with a gas-guzzling 5.0-litre V12 engine, comparable in size and weight to the biggest luxury saloons of the day, yet with a cabin that is best described as 'cosy', the 8 Series looked very out of place in the economic downturn of the early 1990s. Had it first appeared in the late 1970s or mid 1980s as a Porsche 928 and Jaguar XJ-S competitor, it probably would have been a huge success. BMW did its best to promote the car, highlighting the advanced electronics and quiet cruising abilities, but most potential buyers steered clear of BMW showrooms; they were far too busy wondering how they could keep their high-flying jobs. The 8 Series, however, has endured, with used examples now eagerly sought by enthusiasts. Resale values of newer models have strengthened considerably too, so if you're after a Bavarian bargain, you'll need to search hard for an early 1990s model.