I was visiting home (Seattle, WA) recently, and went to a fish and chips spot on one of the local lakes to meet up with friends and family. Â As I walked through the parking lot I remembered that this was the place I had first seen a BMW 8-series many years ago. Â It was a later 850CSi as opposed to today’s 850i so it had a little extra mojo, but the low-slung GT shape is as magnetic now as it was back in 5th grade. Â The E24-like greenhouse, sweeping fender flares and imposing rear end make for an unmistakable car and one of the cleanest examples of a BMW halo-car.
The initial 850i models may be the least powerful of the eights, but it’s all relative, and we’re talking about a 5.0L V12! Â This decked out 8-series also comes with the rare (and awesome) 6-speed manual.
1992 BMW 850i 6-speed for sale on Craigslist
The bad: Â Complex V12 is a beast for maintenance. Â Only the onboard computer, one of two, is working. Â I never liked those wheels; they look too small and cheap.
The good: 5.0L V12 connected directly to 6 gears. Â Timeless, gorgeous shape. Â Plenty of luxury, including a car phone! (Can this be connected to my cell number?)
Even with less than 90k miles, if you go into a V12, or a BMW, let alone a BMW V12, without thinking you’re going to spend some money, you’re dumb. Â With that established, this is a whole lot of car and engine for $13k that could be spruced up into one hell of a grand tourer.
It appears to be flagged and gone already. Just as well, V12 BMW’s both attract and frighten me. Probably better just to not look. I wonder what a rebuild on this engine would run?