1994 BMW (E31) 850 CSI - MANUAL

This BMW 850CSi is a rare example of the marque’s flagship grand tourer of its era, boasting a very smart specification, and remaining original and unmodified. Under the bonnet is the 5.6-litre naturally aspirated ‘S70B56’ V12, producing up to 375bhp and 406lb-ft of torque, coupled to the six-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 75,792 miles.

As the M8 prototype was never developed into a production model, the 850CSi was the pinnacle of the 8-series range, taking the best of the earlier V12 model’s characteristics and enhancing them. The suspension was upgraded with stiffer springs and dampers, a lower ride height, and with more responsive steering. UK and mainland Europe cars also had four-wheel steering - or ‘active rear axle kinematics’ (AHK).

The 850CSi specification also featured more powerful ventilated disc brakes, an engine oil cooler and rear differential oil cooler, reprofiled front and rear bumpers, and reshaped door mirrors. At the rear, there was a new exhaust tailpipe arrangement, and inside there were sport seats and a two-tone leather interior.

First registered in December 1994, its most recent private owner acquired the car five years ago. While there are 10 previous keepers on the V5C, the vendor states that the previous five recorded changes were all while it was owned by the same person. It is now offered for sale by the trade.

Its bodywork presents in very good order, with flush shut lines and no evidence of any prior damage. The vendor does not know if there has ever been remedial paintwork or resprays to any panels in the past, but it is in generally excellent condition today, with only very few minor blemishes in the finish. Its pop-up headlight pods work as they should, and the car retains all of the correct body features, including the shallow rear wing and aerodynamic bumpers. The car rides on 17-inch split-rim alloy wheels, which have only a few small cosmetic imperfections, and all retain their BMW centre caps.

Inside, the two-tone leather upholstery is original, and is in superb condition for its age. There is some slight creasing and signs of use on the driver’s seat base and bolsters, which have been re-connolised in the past, and all three passenger seats are in great shape. The headlining has started to lift in places, but there is no heavy sagging. Its dashboard and door panel trims are in very good order, and there is some wear and minor discolouration to the steering wheel rim and the gear knob, commensurate with the mileage.

Factory-fitted equipment includes electrically adjustable front seats with memory settings for the driver, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, and a six-disc CD changer. One of the flip-out cup holders is missing from inside the glove box, but otherwise the cabin is complete. There are no known electrical faults, and no warning lights on the instrument display.

The last routine maintenance was carried out in October 2020 at 75,790 miles, when technicians at ASM Automotive in Redditch changed the engine oil and filter. Recent services were also carried out in August 2019 at 75,731 miles, and in May 2017 at 74,172 miles, and a full summary is included below.

The most recent MOT test was on 7 January 2021 at 75,794 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories or defects noted. The wheels are fitted with matching Falken tyres on all four corners, which are reported to have around 5mm of tread on the front axle and 3mm at the rear.

Accompanying the car is the black leather document wallet, plus the original set of books, including the stamped maintenance record. The original tool kit remains stored in the flap under the boot lid, and there is even the original white torch in the glove box. A full-size spare wheel is stored under the boot floor.

This BMW 850CSi is a powerful and refined grand tourer, benefiting from a timeless colour scheme and a solid service history record. Not to be confused with the 850i or 850Ci, the CSi is a remarkably rare modern classic with a unique sporting specification. It would make a striking addition to any collection of performance cars or BMWs, and is a superb companion for both weekend outings and cross-continent road trips.

Summary of service history:

• 1,391 miles - Heathrow Ltd - 16/01/1995
• 8,609 miles - BMW Wheatley Hall - 15/04/1995
• 15,114 miles - BMW Wheatley Hall - 07/07/1995
• 23,138 miles - BMW Wheatley Hall - 31/10/1995
• 25,007 miles - BMW Wheatley Hall - 27/09/1996
• 38,857 miles - BMW Robert Stern - 26/04/1998
• 46,087 miles - BMW Robert Stern - 31/08/2000
• 49,973 miles - BMW Robert Stern - 18/03/2002
• 51,480 miles - BMW Robert Stern - 06/04/2004
• 56,715 miles - SRC Hockley Heath - 09/09/2010
• 67,463 miles - SRC Hockley Heath - 28/04/2012
• 70,308 miles - SRC Hockley Heath - 25/04/2014
• 72,799 miles - SRC Hockley Heath - 04/05/2016
• 74,172 miles - SRC Hockley Heath - 05/05/2017
• 75,731 miles - ASM Automotive - 05/08/2019
• 75,790 miles - ASM Automotive - 01/10/2020

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