1993 BMW 8 Series 850Ci Jet Black / Black Leather
1993 BMW 8-Series 850Ci Description:
1993 BMW (E31) 850CiJet Black Exterior (668)
Black Leather Interior (0525)
133,400 Miles
M70B50 V12 5.0- Liter Engine
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Leather Steering Wheel
Electric Steering Wheel Adjustment
Power Heated Seats
Lumbar Support
Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror
BMW Premium Sound
CD Changer
On-Board Computer
Dual Independent Climate Control
ASC (Automatic Stability Control)
Breyton Inspiration Wheels
Continental Extreme Contact DWS Tires
BMW Carpet Floor Mats
3-Owner Colorado Car
Clean Carfax
Background
The 8 Series (known as the E31 in BMW speak) was the pinnacle of a legacy of BMW Sport Coupes dating back to the iconic 3.0 CS. When it was released in 1990, it was a new flagship, and much more than simply an evolution of the E24 6 Series. With the 8 Series, BMW targeted the exclusive market occupied by grand tourers from Aston Martin and Maserati. At its heart was the 12-cylinder M70 5-liter engine. The buttery smooth V12 engine was derived from the architecture of two 2.5-liter M20 6-cylinder engines mated together, but updated with mass airflow sensors, hydraulic lifters, chain driven timing components, separate ECUs, and electronic throttle control—a first for a production BMW engine. Other firsts were the widespread use of computer-aided design to produce a sleek form, with a drag coefficient of only .29, and a multi-link rear suspension design shared with the Z1. When that same suspension design later found its way into the E36 M3, it was partially responsible for its dominance in Motorsport. A luxurious interior spoiled the driver, front passenger, and those comically small enough to occupy the rear seats—of course, if you were wealthy enough to afford an 8 Series, your wife or kids would be comically small enough to fit. The 850Ci cost nearly $80,000 in early 1990's money, which is close to $150,000 today! A long list of features found only on the highest optioned 7 Series were standard in the 8 Series, along with a few more, like windows that automatically closed above 120 mph to aid in aerodynamic downforce and enough forward lighting when the flip-up headlights are deployed to land an airplane. I love flip-up headlights! The 8 Series is most at home in its role as a grand tourer, soaking up long miles at ridiculous speeds—an early review said it was more stable at 120 mph than 70—while bathing its occupants in 1990's finest technology. Two and a half decades later, the 8 Series still has a prominence that cannot be mistaken.
Summary
This Jet Black over Black leather 1993 850Ci came to us on consignment from a long-term owner and fellow BMW CCA member. The Carfax traces to March of 1994 when the first owner originally registered it. Other than a brief stint in New York, it has always remained in Colorado. The first owner kept it until 2002 and the Carfax reports it being diligently had it serviced exclusively at COs BMW. The second owner had it for a short time, servicing it at Murray Motor Imports. The current owner purchased it from Murray Motor Imports (now Denver BMW) on New Years Eve, 2002 with 100,243 miles on the odometer. At the time he had Automotive M.D.S., a third-party, perform a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection with a positive result. He kept it as the pride of his fleet over the next two decades, fastidiously maintaining it and showing it off at multiple Colorado Concours de Elegance and other car shows (we first met at the Motoring Sport Classic in Aspen). When we were entrusted with the car, there were strict instructions given to find a new owner who will continue its stewardship pedigree. The maintenance records show frequent and regular services at Murray BMW and other independent specialists. Items of note are the front suspension bushings and thrust arms, rear CV boots, water pump, radiator, radiator hoses, thermostat, windshield washer reservoir, upper and lower oil pan gaskets, transmission pan and filter, torque converter seal, fuel rail pressure and return lines, valve cover gaskets, all intake manifold gaskets, front main seal, distributor rotor seals, caps and rotors, air mass sensors, and the windshield. In preparation for sale we replaced several leaking power steering lines, rebuilt the power steering pump, replaced the driveshaft, replaced the shifter boot, and gave it a fresh oil change (due to time interval, not mileage). Other than the Breyton Inspriation wheels it is 100% stock. At some point before the current owner's tenure it was repainted in the original Jet Black. It was a factory grade paint job that presents in excellent condition with some patina due to age. A paint gauge report is included in the records. All records dating to the current owner's purchase, a clean Carfax report, and all owners' manuals are included with the sale. We would like to find a new owner who will continue the current owner's stewardship and enjoy this 850Ci as he has done.
Exterior
Jet Black is a desirable color in the 8 Series palette and it accents details and nuances in the form that other colors tend to wash out—plus it looks the most badass! The paint on this example is in very good shape. It was repainted at some point prior to the current owner's tenure, but it was a factory-grade paint job. The paint gauge report shows between 6 and 12 mils. There are no glaring imperfections, but close scrutiny does reveal small scratches and swirls. All trim is intact and in excellent shape. The headlight, indicator, and brake light lenses are in good condition and crack-free. The flip-up headlights work on command and when combined with the bumper mounted lights give out considerable illumination, even by today's standards. The windshield glass has no cracks, and the side window and rear glass are lightly tinted. The Breyton Inspiration wheels are straight and true, with the exception of a small flat spot in the left rear wheel (it isn't noticeable even at high speeds). There is no curb rash, but slight discoloration in spots. The Continental Extreme Contact tires are worn evenly with over 60% front tread remaining and 30% rear tread remaining.
Interior
The Black leather interior is also in very good shape. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. The carpet has no stains or tears and comes with matching BMW floor mats. The seat leather is still soft and supple and has that fine leather smell that all BMWs of this vintage have. There are no rips or tears, but there is some moderate creasing and some bolster wear. All seat motors and seat heaters work. The rear seats look like the have never been used. The dashboard has no cracks and all seams are intact. It is still soft to the touch. All instrument cluster functions work and there are no warning lights. All LCD screens, including the radio, are crisp and clear with no failed pixels or failed backlighting. There are no check screen codes. The BMW CM5903L stereo sounds great except for an occasional scratchiness in the right front speaker depending on the sound frequency. The HVAC panel functions correctly, the heat blows warm, the air-conditioning blows cold, and the blower motor bearings are quiet. There is a faint coolant smell with the heat, which is indicative of a seep somewhere in the heater core, but it does not warrant replacement at this time. The power windows, sunroof, and door locks work as they should. The center console is in great shape with the exception of the ashtray cover, which is fiddly. The door cards are also in great shape; we glued the driver's door coin holder back on. The headliner has several small sag areas near the doors, but nothing significant. There is some very light staining on the sunroof headliner panel (the piece which is only visible when the sunroof is in the tilt position). The trunk carpet is clean. The toolkit is complete, including the blue BMW rag, which has never been used. The spare tire, jack, and CD changer are present. Enough extra cartridges for 100 CDs are included with the car. All factory owners' manuals are included, along with one key and keyless remote FOB.
Mechanical
During the current owner's tenure this 850Ci has always been serviced by the dealer or by independent BMW specialists. I have records from Murray Motors BMW dating back to the current owner's purchase. The Carfax shows it being exclusively dealer serviced prior to that by Murray Motors and COs BMW. In addition to the notable items outlined in the Summary Paragraph, the records show regular oil changes, routine maintenance, and preventative care. The M70 fires on command, idles smoothly, and pulls strongly to redline. The sounds emitting from the V12 are an experience to behold. It certainly isn't the fastest BMW motor anymore, but it feels and sounds great. The transmission shifts smoothly. The suspension is firm and compliant, and the brakes are strong. There are no driveline or wheel bearing noises or vibrations. The rear tire DOT dates are from 2009, but there is no dry rot or sidewall cracking, they have always lived in a climate-controlled garage. The front tire DOT dates are 2017. It will inevitably need continued care and maintenance—and it deserves it—but this is a properly owned and properly cared for 850Ci, which is the most important element in purchasing any classic BMW.
VIN Decode
Vehicle Identification Number: WBAEG2326PCB74772
Type: EG23
Model: 850ci - USA
Development Code: E31
Chassis: Coupe
Steering: LL
Doors: 2
Engine: M70
Displacement: 5.0
Power: 296 Horsepower
Drivetrain: Rear
Transmission: Automatic
Color: Jet Black (Schwarz 2 - 668)
Upholstery: Black Leather (Schwarz Leder - 0525)
Production Plant: DINGOLFING
Production Date: 11-06-1990
Options:
240 Leather Steering Wheel
241 Driver and Passenger Airbags
245 Steering Column Adjustment Electric
298 BMW Lm Rad Wheels (not included)
301 Theft Alarm System
431 Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
488 Lumbar Support Driver / Front Passenger640 Car Telephone Preparation
694 Preparation for CD Changer
925 Shipping Protection Package
Glen Shelly is a low volume auto brokerage focused only on the highest quality vehicles. We are airline pilots, mechanics, and auto enthusiasts who bring a high level of professionalism and attention to detail to the automobile business. Our philosophy is to keep our inventory small so that we can focus on thorough mechanical and cosmetic preparation of the vehicles we select. We have over 20 years of experience restoring and repairing automobiles and are intimately familiar with our cars. We do the inspections, service, detailing, and corrective maintenance using only OEM parts and service manuals. We offer an informed and low-pressure sales environment resulting in a premium buying experience. Find out more about us at www.Glenshelly.com.
Title
Mileage
Location
Engine
T/M
Year
121,000
Daytona Beach, Florida, United States
5.0L NA V12 single overhead cam (SOHC) 24V
Automatic
1993
147220
Portland, Oregon, United States
5.0L V12
Automatic
1993
67,830
Syosset, New York, United States
V12 5L
A
1993
121000
Daytona Beach, Florida, United States
5.0L V12
Automatic
1993
149349
United States
—
Automatic
1986