The Gentleman Magazine Issue 15 | June 2019 | Page 40

The level of heating is adjusted by a three-stage switch
integrated into the switch for the convertible roof. Other
warming optional extras include ventilated seats and a Heat
Comfort Package with a heated steering wheel.
Safety and connectivity as standard:
A new convertible-only rollover protection system has been
engineered for the car. It consists of two protective aluminium
bars fitted within the head restraints and they will be deployed
if the car is likely to roll over to protect up to four occupants.
Standard driver assistance systems on the BMW 8 Series
Convertible includes the Head-Up Display and Active Guard,
which comprises the Collision Warning and Pedestrian
Warning system with City Braking function. In addition to
Parking Assistant, which includes a rear-view camera and
the Reversing Assistant. Among the items on the options list
is Driving Assistant Professional (extra features include the
Steering and lane control assistant).
Engines:
Two engines are used in the BMW 8 Series Convertible and
they are accompanied by a model-specific sports exhaust
system.
The BMW M850i xDrive version is powered by a 530hp V8
petrol delivering a peak torque of 750Nm and a zero and
62mph time of 3.9 seconds, while the BMW 840d xDrive
features a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel. This unit offers 320hp, a
peak torque of 700Nm and will accelerate from zero to 62mph
in 5.2 seconds.
Both engines meet the Euro 6d-TEMP standard. They channel
their power through to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic
Sport gearbox and the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The M Sport differential is fitted as standard on the BMW
M850i xDrive and, as well as improving traction, improves
agility particularly when the car is exiting corners.
40 | The Gentleman Magazine “Powered by
Chassis:
The racing know-how of BMW M GmbH Racing was used
for detailed modifications and enhancements as well as the
overall set-up to optimise torsional rigidity and ensure the car
delivers driving pleasure while having the ability to transport
up to four occupants in luxury. Adaptive M suspension with
electronically controlled dampers is standard, as is BMW’s
Integral Active Steering (on the 840d xDrive and M850i only)
– a system that turns the rear wheels (at speeds of up to 45mph)
to improve agility as well as reducing the turning circle.
Damping characteristics can be adjusted via the Driving
Experience Control switch. SPORT and SPORT+ modes
activate optimal responses for dynamic handling. This is
noticeably different from the comfort-oriented damper setting
in ECO Pro and COMFORT modes.
Active roll stabilisation, which improves ride quality, is
available for the new BMW M850i xDrive Convertible as part
of the optional Adaptive M suspension Professional package.
Model-specific M Sport braking systems, light-alloy wheels
with mixed-size high-performance tyres:
All versions combine four-piston, fixed-calliper brakes at the
front and single-piston, floating-calliper brakes at the rear.
The electronic parking brake – operated by means of a button
located on the centre console – is integrated into the rear brake
callipers.
The new BMW 840d xDrive Convertible includes an M Sport
braking system with 374mm discs. When specified with the
optional M Technic Sport Package, the BMW 840d xDrive
comes with 395mm brake discs (fitted on the BMW M850i
xDrive as standard). Both versions of the M Sport braking
system are recognisable by their blue callipers bearing the M
logo.
, Securing the Internet of Things”