View Full Version : BMW 850Ci - Hot wheels or Ford Probe lookalike?
Ski_Banker
05-26-2006, 14:53
Anyone had an 8 series bimmer on here? Not really a track car, but to me they are kindof NSX like (rare, classy, etc). Thoughts on these sexy beasts?
Had an 840csi. They are pretty quick, handle fairly well, and look great.
I always liked them. We used to show people how the windows would automatically raise at 100 MPH.
jimmycinla
05-26-2006, 15:11
I like the 8 series. Get the 840.
Stay away from the 850. Lots of problems with the 12 and a fortune to repair over the 8.
-j-
I like the 8 series. Get the 840.
Stay away from the 850. Lots of problems with the 12 and a fortune to repair over the 8.
-j-
I was going to say the same thing. The 840 had some engine problems (actually all the 3.0 and 4.0 V8's had them and BMW replaced thousands of motors), but hopefully yours would have alrady have the issue resolved by this point. The V12 did not have the same issues, but the oil leaks that can happen are mucho dinero and they eat Thottle potentiometers (and there are 2 on the V12) which cost big $$. At least it can limp home on 1 if the other craps out!
Meeyatch1
05-26-2006, 16:01
Had an 840csi. They are pretty quick, handle fairly well, and look great.
I know there is an 850CSi and an 840ci, but I do not recall any high performance 840CSi. :confused:
This is correct, I think it was 840Ci, 850Ci and 850CSi only. That 850Csi is a sweet looking car.
scorp965
05-26-2006, 16:37
There is an 850i, 850Ci (slightly more power), 850CSi (basically an 'M8'), 840i, and 840Ci - the 840 was never made with a manual transmission, while the 850's can be found with a 6spd - I seriously considered, to the point of test driving and having purchase inspections carried out, a 1992 850i/6spd - it didn't pass the purchase inspection, so I bought a 740i instead.
The 8-series is a great car, very classy, and if you can find an 850CSi (approx $40-50k) it would certainly be a lot of fun to drive - the CSi is available only with a 6spd manual, and has more power than the Ci, by a significant margin.
The main complaint, V12 aside, has to do with electrical issues - this was BMW's flagship of the early 90's, and they packed a lot of untested items into it - these untested items are in disrepair 16-17 years later. LCD pixels on the OBC go out, the power steering wheel fails, etc. - lots of hassle is _possible_ if you make this mistake of buying the wrong E31.
The wheels on the regular 8-series are a bit questionable, one popular alternative is the MK motorsports setup:
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/importcar/playing/offme26/rina_850.jpg
I think the 850CSi looks great as, but I agree the whels on some of the others are dated.
I had forgot the designation change (the 840i was a 4.0 V8 (M60, the problem motor) and the 840CI was a 4.4 (M62, no sulfer motor issues), similarly the 850i was the old 5.0 V12 (M70) and the 850Ci was the 5.4 (?) if recall correctly (M72 or M73 engine designation). The 850Csi was I think a 5.6 V12 and was about 375-380 HP I think. I can not remember the engine designation for it.
scorp965
05-26-2006, 17:05
1992->1996 850CSi = 5.5L S70 B56 V12 engine, with 380hp/550Nm tq
1993->1994 850Ci = 5.0L M70 B50 V12 engine, with 300hp/450Nm tq
1994->1999 850Ci = 5.4L M73 B54 V12 engine, with 326hp/490Nm tq
1989->1992 850i = 5.0L M70 B50 V12 engine, with 300hp/450Nm tq
1996->1999 840Ci = 4.4L M62 B44 V8, with 286hp/420Nm tq
1993->1996 840Ci = 4.0L M60 B40 V8, with 286hp/400Nm tq
We have them a lot here and even one with the Koenig Special option (widebody).
I know there is an 850CSi and an 840ci, but I do not recall any high performance 840CSi. :confused:
You are correct sir, I had an 840ci. I was in a rush to respond and a "s" slipped in there.
Thanks for looking out for me. :wink:
jimmycinla
05-26-2006, 17:44
BMW 850Ci - Hot wheels or Ford Probe lookalike??
I want to see this ^^^ posted on an 8 series forum. :biggrin: :biggrin:
The replies would pretty amusing, I'm sure.
-jim-
The styling of the 8 series is one of my favorites but the two engines welded together thing isn't.
Beautiful car, IMO.
We see a really, really nice 850csi on our morning commute about once a week or so. It's black on black with those big beautiful wheels and it sounds amazing.
I'm super stoked every time I see it because I know the owner is out enjoying what I think is one of the coolest cars of the last 20-years.
I've always loved those cars...It's amazing what the right set of rims do for that car though(kinda like the 91-93 NSX)...I've seen some fugly bone stock ones:eek: and some sick ones with nice rims and lowered too:cool:
Wheelman
05-26-2006, 20:09
I agree, the 8 series is a beautiful piece of machinery and has always been one of my favorites growing up. I was really interested in acquiring one but thought of the potential for maintenance was a little out of my league compared to other cars out there.
Meeyatch1
05-26-2006, 22:22
You are correct sir, I had an 840ci. I was in a rush to respond and a "s" slipped in there.
Thanks for looking out for me. :wink:
I do what I have to do for humanity. But since I know you have unique and modified cars, I figured you might have just made your own 840CSi. ;) :biggrin:
Bigglezworth
05-26-2006, 23:29
Here's my ride from a while back.
http://members.shaw.ca/bigglezworth/BMW/x_000_ph_117745.jpghttp://members.shaw.ca/bigglezworth/BMW/x_000_ph_9804686.jpghttp://members.shaw.ca/bigglezworth/BMW/x_000_ph_3094496.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/bigglezworth/BMW/x_000_ph_3160307.jpghttp://members.shaw.ca/bigglezworth/BMW/x_000_ph_3345769.jpghttp://members.shaw.ca/bigglezworth/BMW/x_000_ph_4904787.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/bigglezworth/BMW/x_000_ph_6589435.jpghttp://members.shaw.ca/bigglezworth/BMW/x_000_ph_7005483.jpghttp://members.shaw.ca/bigglezworth/BMW/x_000_ph_7126533.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/bigglezworth/BMW/x_000_ph_8585735.jpghttp://members.shaw.ca/bigglezworth/BMW/x_000_ph_8734753.jpghttp://members.shaw.ca/bigglezworth/BMW/x_000_ph_8945018.jpg
BMW replaced thousands of motors
That was good for a late night chuckle. Thanks!
Funny for us, but it pissed off a bunch of owners!
Such are the trials and tribulations of those that foolishly spend their money on Bavarian Manure Wagons.
Wasn't it recently discovered that the Z8's frame had severe defects?
Writer J.P. Vettraino who noted that, "designer Henrik Fisker's work honors the sports car's heritage without groveling in front of it, and underneath the beautiful skin is an aluminum space frame as advanced as the underpinnings of many contemporary race cars."
I wonder what hallucinegenic he's addicted to?
So what's the verdict (aside from looks/performance), is the 8 series a good buy or not? Is it going to be a nitemare to maintain and use as an everyday driver?
I think I like the look of a slammed 8 series with the AC Schnitzer(sp?) body kit, in black of course :)
scorp965
05-27-2006, 02:34
It's a great freeway car, it has loads of torque, and is essentially a coupe version of the E38 7-series - if you buy a clean example, and have a purchase inspection done, there is no reason not to buy an 8-series, which 8-series you are after, how much time you're willing to devot to finding one, what kind of transmission and engine you would be after, etc. are all items for you to decide - a good resource for anything BMW are the forums at http://www.roadfly.org - there is one dedicated just to the E31 8-series.
The engine issue, described above, is being blown out of proportion as Hugh has a liking for the melodramatic, and enjoys referring to other marques in a derogatory fashion for reasons unknown; the issue mentioned only affects V8's, so any V12-powered E31 would be exempt, and it only effects early motors that were driven by old people, a brief summary: deposits in US gas would settle in these 'old person driver' cars, and eat through the alloy used in the engine block - many were goodwilled by BMW, and a number of motors never had an issue, my old BMW tech has an E34 540i that was well inside of the issue range and now has over 130k without having the engine replaced.
The only cause for concern is if you happen upon an 840Ci with the 4.0L, rather than the 4.4L, motor - this would also be the 'slowest' E31 available, and would limit you to an automatic transmission - were it me looking the two cars to buy would be either an 850CSi (~$50k) or an 850i/6spd (~$25k)
I own one. Its an 850i. Actually the v12 engine is pretty solid, unlike what the other poster mentioned. Mine is even more rare because its a manual. The car is very sexy. I get more looks in it, then my nsx or the RR silver spur i used to own.
Having said that, i would stay away from these cars. Every electrical problem you can think of, and so many other mechanical problems. It is a nice car to drive and look at, but not to own. Trust me !
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4079/94nsx0691da.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
bangbang001
05-27-2006, 06:17
The 8 series Bmw is a very rare car. I owned a 91 850i and it was the worst Car I have ever owned as far as mechanical repairs. That was my last BMW and after that one. I will never purchase one again. It tore a hole in my rear $ss. When it was running great, it got much attention. If you buy one get the last two years of the 840 series (96 and 97), they are much better cars.
I'll try to find a pic and post.
Run away before you fall in love with it. The 8-series was, as already said a technological showcase and had all kind of problems. If you find a mint car without problems you get the most advanced car made in the late 80' and 90's. Good luck.
Such are the trials and tribulations of those that foolishly spend their money on Bavarian Manure Wagons.
Wasn't it recently discovered that the Z8's frame had severe defects?
Writer J.P. Vettraino who noted that, "designer Henrik Fisker's work honors the sports car's heritage without groveling in front of it, and underneath the beautiful skin is an aluminum space frame as advanced as the underpinnings of many contemporary race cars."
I wonder what hallucinegenic he's addicted to?
So the guy who designed the DB9 and AMV8 also did the Z8? (I know it's not on topic, just trying to learn something).
Tony Montoya
05-27-2006, 09:06
My E31 is the former Canadian press car. I like it.
LeftLane
05-27-2006, 16:05
Ski Banker - you would save a lot of time by just flushing your money down the toilet. Some cars should never be owned out of warranty, and BMW makes all of them.
So the guy who designed the DB9 and AMV8 also did the Z8? (I know it's not on topic, just trying to learn something).
Apparently his vision problems must have started right around the time that BMW contracted him. Or perhaps they simply told him to design and ugly car to save some money since they knew most of them would be scrapped in the not too distant future because of the catastrophic frame failures. :)
P.S. This entire Forun is off topic. :biggrin:
Ski Banker - you would save a lot of time by just flushing your money down the toilet. Some cars should never be owned out of warranty, and BMW makes all of them.
I knew I couldn't possibly be the only person around here that thinks BMWs are crap. Nice to meet you LL. :)
LeftLane
05-27-2006, 21:33
I knew I couldn't possibly be the only person around here that thinks BMWs are crap. Nice to meet you LL. :)
Likewise Hugh, although you and I differ to the extreme in our opinions on the Carrera GT! :wink:
I knew I couldn't possibly be the only person around here that thinks BMWs are crap. Nice to meet you LL. :)
Put me in that boat... I have not had any luck with the Bavarians either...
I would not go to the extent to generalize about all bmw quality.
I owned a 750il, 740i, 528, 540, 325...and they were all solid....i wouldnt say the are bullet proof like a camry or an accord, but they are alright...
As you can see, i have an 850i among other cars....I have owned all kinds of cars, from rolls royce silver spur, to lotus, to merceseds s600 etc.....and the 8 series, is one of the sexiest cars ever made...i can drive a year in my 850i and not run across another. ....thats why they call them the " elusive 8 "...i cant say that about my nsx or RR...or anything else....
Listen to klayton, Bangbang and leftlane advice........"RUN" ...the 8 series are a money pit.
Like they say on Roadfly ( the premier 8 series forum)......they say 8 series are 95/5....95 percent are piece of crap and 5 % are decent....so when you buy an 8 ....expect to put 5 grand just to get it up to shape :)....
Buy a 3 or 5 modern bmw...much much less hassle...
good luck
Ski_Banker
05-30-2006, 18:20
Wow! Lotta good comments on this thread. Thanks ya'll. Good to know about the "money pit" of the 8 series. I wasn't really considering one seriously, just always thought they were sweet cars, $$$ aside. Anyone know how many were produced?
Type 830i 18
840Ci 7803
850i 20072
850Ci 1218
850CSi 1510
8-series total 30621
Alpina B12 5.0 97
Alpina B12 5.7 57
The Alpina B12 5.0 and 5.7 coupés are tuned versions of 850is and 850CSis and do therefore not add to the total of 8-series cars built.
This info from e31.net
I sold my 91 850i way back in 1996. The car had between 40k-50k miles when I sold it. By that time, almost all the electrical parts had been replaced including: wiper motors, seat motors, windows, sunroofs, and other stuffs I cant remember. Beautiful car, but definitely a nigthmare to own.
Ski_Banker
06-07-2008, 18:17
Crikey! I'm getting the *piss away some $$* bug again.
Anyone have anything else to add here?
What would the maintenance be on an 850 driven, say, 5k miles per year. More or less than a Ferrari F355??
Ski Banker - you would save a lot of time by just flushing your money down the toilet. Some cars should never be owned out of warranty, and BMW makes all of them.
I second this as a Previous BMW owner. BMW stands for Break My Wallet. BMW wanted 12k to rebuild the front suspension on my X5. Get a cl55 or sl55 it will break but not as often, atleast imo.
soooooooooo sessy.
soooooooooo 'spensive.
oh, and epic thread bump. great use of the search feature.
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