1993 BMW 850 I

Highlights

Smart example of BMW’s stylish V12 coupe
Rare to find in this condition
Attractive Calypso metallic over grey colour combination
The E31 is an increasingly sought-after modern classic
MOT to February 2024 with no advisories
Has clearly been well cared for with recent investment

The Appeal

When it came to replacing the gorgeous E24 ‘shark nose’ 6-Series, BMW decided on a new approach. They would push the new coupe upmarket, combining technological sophistication with V12 power and a tempting luxury specification.

The E31 8-Series was all those things plus brilliantly styled, its shape incorporating enticing details like pop up headlamps and a pillarless profile. Sales were never quite what BMW expected, but today these cars are increasingly sought-after for their combination of silky-smooth V12 power, design wizardry and a beguiling sort of louche style.

This 850i has the desirable 5litre V12 engine and an attractive Calypso metallic over grey leather colour combination. With evidence of recent investment this is a smartly standard car that is both rare and rewarding.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st January 1993
VIN records show that this car was produced on 27th May 1992
Current owner since 18th September 2016
MOT records indicate that it has been stored for much of the last 11 years
Has covered less than 2,000 miles since 2012
Some history included with the car
Factory book pack including handbook in good condition
MOT to 27th February 2024 with no advisories

The Interior

Ruched grey leather interior in very presentable condition for a 30 year old car
Pleasingly standard interior, only the radio has been updated to a later Pioneer bluetooth model
Some light areas of wear but certainly less than might be expected from a car of this age
Uprated sound system with boot-mounted Kenwood enhancements and Vibe amp
Originally factory-supplied with a BMW Business sound system - the CD multichanger remains in the boot
High specification includes optional electric sunroof and electric front seats with memory function
Trip computer
Leather interior is well kept, showing only very light discolouration
There is some wear on the driver’s seat bolster and marks on the headrests
The seats would likely respond well to a professional valet to return the colour and softness
Headlining is unmarked but the colour is different from the sunroof panel
Dashboard is excellent with unmarked trim and clear dials
Lower dashboard attractively trimmed in light grey leather
Door cards in good condition with smart two-tone grey finish
Switchgear looks very original and well maintained with clear decals and no visible scratches
Some wear visible on the leather gear knob but not unsightly
Leather steering wheel with optional electric column adjustment and Alpina centre badge
The left hand centre vent is slightly damaged with cracked surrounding trim
Boot area is well presented but with missing carpet on the seat backs
Carpets are in good condition throughout with no visible stains

The Exterior

Calypso red metallic is one of the most attractive shades for these cars and presents well
Paintwork appears to have been fully or partly resprayed recently and shows deep shine and few marks
There are some areas of overspray inside the doors but the paintwork is otherwise very good
Classic pillarless coupe design with iconic pop-up headlamps
Debadged bootlid disguises the capability of this V12 super coupe
Quad tailpipes
Headlamp washers
Appears to have been lowered to improve the stance
18in M Sport alloy wheels have been refurbished and are unmarked
Bridgestone rear tyres, unbranded tyres on the front, all with good tread
The only area of corrosion we could spot is on the nearside rear arch by the sill
There is also a small area of poor paint by the edge of the offside front bumper
The lower grille trim on the front bumper is missing

The Mechanics

4,988cc M70B50 V12 naturally aspirated BMW engine delivering 295bhp
Clever multi-link rear axle provided excellent ride and driving dynamics
4spd automatic gearbox
Unfortunately at the time of writing we do not know the service or maintenance history of this car

Summary

BMWs new 8-Series was designed to take the fight right Mercedes-Benz’s door with a technologically advanced, beautifully engineered and styled coupe.

And it did just that, as the svelte lines of this beautiful 1993 850i show. Pleasingly standard and clearly well maintained it also shows evidence of recent investment. This is a great opportunity to acquire a good example of one of these increasingly sought after coupes.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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