--- title: "This BMW ‘858CSL’ Is the Coolest E31 8 Series Build We’ve Ever Seen" description: "Most [BMW]() fans have a love/hate relationship with the original \"E31\"[ 8 Series](). On the one hand, it's a gorgeous, classically '80s-looking grand-touring coupe that was available with a V12 engine. On the other, most models weren't particularly exciting to…" date: "2024-08-23" modified: "2024-08-23" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-bmw-858csl-is-the-coolest-e31-8-series-build-weve-ever-seen" categories: - "BMW News" - "Builds" - "Culture" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "BMW" - "Coupe" - "sports car" --- # This BMW ‘858CSL’ Is the Coolest E31 8 Series Build We’ve Ever Seen ![Front three-quarter render of Reyn Speed Shop 858CSL.]() *\Reyn Speed Shop via Instagram\* Most [BMW]() fans have a love/hate relationship with the original "E31"[ 8 Series](). On the one hand, it's a gorgeous, classically '80s-looking grand-touring coupe that was available with a V12 engine. On the other, most models weren't particularly exciting to drive or very reliable, and were overly complicated. However, some tuning shops have realized the 8 Series' potential as the basis for killer builds. And this BMW "858CSL" from [Reyn Speed Shop]() in California is quite possibly the best one I've ever seen. The most potent of all original 8 Series' was the 850CSi: a V12-powered coupe that had the hardware and driving dynamics worthy of an M badge. But that wasn't enough for Reyn. So the team went to work ripping out an 8 Series' old mechanical guts, replacing its body with a carbon fiber one, and giving it a much more modern interior. > [View this post on Instagram]() > [A post shared by Shooting Tyre (@theshootingtyre)]() First, let's start with the bodywork. Not only is it a full carbon recreation, but it's been widened with what looks like the same box flairs you'd find on an E30 M3. It's a genius widebody addition, because the E30's '80s style fender flairs work perfectly on the 8 Series. It looks a bit like the [E31 BMW M8 prototype]() that never went into production, just without the rear fender vents. Speaking of vents, Reyn also replaced the original 8 Series' popup headlights with hood vents, widened the lower headlights, and gave it an entirely new front bumper. As *[Top Gear Netherlands]()* points out, the nose now resembles Italdesign's timeless [BMW Nazca C2]() concept. However, the *real* star of the show is what's under the hood. Instead of BMW's ancient V12, Reyn stuffed in a stroked 5.8-liter version of the [E60 M5's V10](). That's actually where it gets its name—858. Instead of the E60 M5's maddening "SMG" automated manual transmission, the 858 CSL uses a true six-speed manual. It must sound incredible, too. > [View this post on Instagram]() > [A post shared by Precision Sport Industries (@precisionsport)]() Some E60 M5 bits have made it inside the 858CSL. The steering wheel, center console, shifter, and gauges all look like they were plucked directly from the old M5. Even the seats are from the M5, though they've been modded with race harnesses. Sure, it does away with some of the original E31's classic interior charm, but it makes up for that with more livable amenities. Reyn showed off its 858CSL at the Legends of the Autobahn show during Monterey Car Week, where it won Best of Show in the tuner class. It maintains the look and vibe of the original while replacing the aging mechanical parts that have frustrated Bimmerphiles. I've seen many E31 builds over the years, but this might be the best of them all. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()