BMW introduced the 8 Series for the 1991 model year. The first generation of 8 Series is known as the E31. This new series of cars were luxury grand tourers, offered with V8 or V12 engine options. A total of four model series were offered, each with it's own transmission options: 840Ci - Automatic, 840Ci - Manual, 850i - Manual, 850i - Automatic, 850Ci - Manual, 850Ci - Automatic, 850CSi - Manual and the Alpina B12. The E31 was built until 1999, when BMW decided to stop production and shelve the 8 Series. In 2018, BMW revived the name with the second generation 8 Series, the G15.