BMW 850 CSI

Country of Manufacture: Germany    
Vin #: WBSEG9327RCD00029
Model Type: 2 Door Coupe
Body Designer: Claus Luthe
Engine: Aluminum block & heads V12. Single overhead camshaft, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower: 378 (SAE) at 5300 rpm
Torque: 406 lb at 4000 rpm
Transmission: 6 speed manual gearbox
Suspension:
Front-McPherson struts, double pivot lower arms, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar.
Rear-Multi-link, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar
Brakes:
Front- 12.8" vented discs
Rear- 12.8" discs
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited).  0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds

History: The BMW 8 Series (E31) line was introduced in 1990. It was designed as a “halo” car for the entire BMW range and was developed at enormous cost especially given that high production numbers were never envisaged. It was a breakthrough car in many respects: the first V12 ever to be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, and the first car to have “drive by wire” throttle control. There were V8 and V12 engine options.

Production: The ultimate version of the 8 series is the 850 CSI.  Originally envisaged as the high performance “M” car for the series, it was never given this official designation although the high performance V12 engine and the suspension and brake upgrades were developed by the M division. Accordingly, the engines are officially badged “M ”.

Engine upgrades included a displacement increase (from 5.0 to 5.6 liters), increasing horse power from 296 to 378 and torque from 332 ft lbs. to 406 ft lbs. The resulting compression ratio went from 8.8 to 9.8:1. Rear end final drive ratio was shortened to 2.93:1 from 2.65:1. Other upgrades included “beefing” up the brakes and suspension, lowering the car 1.5”, larger M styled 17” “throwing star” forged wheels, new front and rear air dams, and rocker panels.  On the inside, seats featured gathered Nappa leather and yew hardwood.

Only 1510 cars were produced for worldwide consumption. Most surviving cars are high mileage and rarely properly maintained. BMW 850’s are hugely complicated, maintenance is costly and parts are both rare and expensive. Consequently, maintenance was often neglected when values were so low, for so long.  Now, with these cars becoming highly collectible, they are appreciating markedly in value and super low mileage examples are highly coveted.

This car only has 10,623 documented miles from new.

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