The 1997 BMW 840Ci we featured a few days ago represents the swan song for the E31, however, the 850CSi could be considered the zenith of this grand touring coupe. While it didn’t officially wear the M badge, this is as close to an M8 as you could get, if one doesn’t consider the one prototype M8 produced. Only 225 of these beasts were made, featuring the S70B56 5.6 liter V12. Backed up by a six-speed manual transmission, the CSi pumped out 375 horsepower and 410 lb ft. of torque, with 60 miles per hour arriving in roughly 5.5 seconds. Almost twenty years on, this isn’t blisteringly fast, but very respectable. With the throwing star alloy wheels and beefy looks, who wouldn’t want to cruise around in one of these, even if it isn’t the fastest car on the block? This example for sale in Texas has under 10,000 miles on the clock and could be the closest thing to buying a new 850CSi as you could get at this moment in time.
1994 BMW 850CSi on eBay
Brilliant red/Parchment, 7,300 miles, 1 of 225 US models for 1994-95, sunroof, heated seats, factory phone and CD changer, all original, finest available.
Much like the Porsche 928GTS, these BMW über coupes have seen prices skyrocket in the last few years. While an ordinary 840Ci or 850Ci in the best condition available might see a maximum value in the mid $20,000 range, these CSi models are a different proposition altogether. This could possibly be one of the lowest mileage examples of a CSi in the world, so of course that would carry a premium. These coupes were almost $100,000 new, so is a little more than $20,000 off the sticker enough? If I had to value this, I would probably guess between $40,000 to $60,000 would be a more reasonable level. But, with such a limited supply, this car may turn out to be one of those instances where it is worth whatever someone is willing to pay.
-Paul
Sorry Paul can’t agree with your writeup on this. Been there done that. This car had such poor electronics and engine controls an old MG would look reliable comparably.
Nice car, sure, but these uber-rare, ultra-low-mileage examples of flagship models typically go for crazy money…so there’s really no need to worry about the potential maintenance/repair nightmare. Someone in a financial position to buy this probably isn’t terribly concerned about reliability cost. In fact, it’s probably no more unpleasant to maintain than his or her other uber-rare, ultra-low-mileage high-end semi-exotic machinery.
It was an amazing car and a beautiful design 20 years ago and it still is today… but I wouldn’t own a BMW v12 if someone gave it to me.
If someone GAVE this car to me, I would definitely be happy to own it, Wes.
Of course, I would probably need to put the money I didn’t spend purchasing it towards repairs…
Too much trouble to maintain even if someone gave it to me.
Fortunately or unfortunately, Wes, neither of us will likely have to worry about someone giving us one of these, right?
…that or any other BMW v12. I did inherit a 1998 Dodge pickup from my grandfather but my cousin purchased it from me as I didn’t have much use for it. It was 10 years old at the time and only had 58,000 miles on the odo.
BMW V12 not reliable? Where are these comments coming from? These are rock solid engines. The M73 in my E38 purrs like a kitten and still pulls like a freight train. Barely broken in at 100K miles. Just basic maintenance plugs, filters and oil and you’re good to go.
[…] coupes, the CSi models aren’t a cheap proposition, as they were built in limited numbers. The last CSi we featured was an extremely low mileage example that was being offered for a mint. At a little […]