***Interested parties should note the Private Reg plate is not included with the sale and that the new registration for this car is AF69 DVT***
Highlights
• Very rare Halo car (1/10 in the UK, 1/400 worldwide)
• Lots of optional extras
• Near immaculate condition
• Comprehensive history
• V8 twin turbo engine • Cost when new: £130,000 • Special edition Frozen Barcelona blue
The Background
In June of 2019, BMW released a limited run of their flagship M-powered grand tourer, the 8-Series. The BMW M850i xDrive Coupé First Edition, to give it its full name, is a rare special edition, with only 400 examples being produced from the Dingolfing plant, just outside of Munich. Out of those 400, only 10 were destined for UK roads, so it’s unlikely you’ll see one on the road let alone have the chance to buy one, which makes this auction a bit special. The M850i first edition combines all the benefits and attributes of the standard M850i coupé but holds absolute exclusivity.
The First Edition will retain the same engine package as the standard M850i, an outstanding 530BHP and 553lb ft V8, utilising BMW’s TwinPower Turbo tech. This ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ drivetrain can be civilised and quiet enough when you want to calmly waft around town, but when you want to dispense with the miles it can be mind-bendingly savage in its power delivery. All this power is transferred to the road with BMWs xDrive four wheel-drive system through an eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission.
Don’t go thinking that it’s ‘all talk and no trousers’ however, with knowledge derived directly from BMW’s extensive motorsport endeavours, the suspension set up is unique to this car. After the test drive I can confirm that the ride is sublime, providing plenty of feel whilst also being soft enough to soothe the numerous bumps and potholes found in the country’s highways.
The only reason for sale of the car, is down to a location change for the owner.
The first and foremost point we'd like to make is that this is not your usual First edition, it is the Halo First Edition with unique features such as is colour and options. To mention a few are its carbon core, roof and Alcantara trimmings.
This car was bought new from BMW in Hertfordshire by the current owner in 2019 and it has been used for its purpose of grand touring since. The BMW is still in warranty, even with the BMW concierge service also still being valid.
This entitles you to round the clock call centres with a ‘personal assistant’ all year round whenever you need to find a cash machine or a new restaurant whilst on the move.
Full paperwork is included in the sale, which comes with a beautifully presented artwork brochure detailing all about the First Edition.
Full details about the servicing work carried out is also listed, along with the car’s VHF and UHF tracker, digital key and spare keyless entry ‘keypad’ ensuring maximum safety.
The interior of this car is a glorious place to be with BMW seeing fit to line the First Edition from the ‘Individual range’ as well as an exhaustive list of equipment to justify the price. The interior trim is full leather Merino in an arresting colour combination of Ivory White and Night Blue, as well as the M-leather covered steering wheel and ‘BMW Individual Alcantara’ roof liner in Night Blue.
The centre console is finished with ‘BMW Individual Black Piano’ accents bearing the lettering “First Edition 1/400” on the storage space under the ICE unit. The ICE comes courtesy of Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, mirrored by the ‘Crafted Clarity Glass’ on the gear selector, volume knob, start/stop button and rotary controller, which bears the quality provided by Swarovski.
If you needed any further persuasion, then this car also comes with the ‘Visibility’, ‘Technology’ and ‘Premium’ packages as standard, which is detailed with the three-page options list included with the paperwork, see the photo gallery below.
The main thing that stands out on the exterior is the Frozen Barcelona Blue matte metallic paintwork, however one of the less noticeable but very important features, is that this special Halo Car is fitted with the BMW Carbon package which includes the air intake bars, mirror caps, spoiler, rear diffuser and the roof.
This is accented with BMW’s ‘Individual High Gloss Shadow Line’ which sees the side window surrounds, kidney grille frame and slats, air breather applications and tailpipe trims, finished in a gloss black to set off the blue.
The wheels are also given the cosmetic treatment finished in ‘Jet Black’, this colour on the 20-inch, Y spoke designed M light alloys, gives the car real presence. All four wheels had no visible curb marks or paint chips on inspection, the tyres were also in good condition.
The bodywork has some very minor, general wear and tear marks earned over its 2 years and 19,000+ miles. The photo gallery below will show all those marks present on inspection. Otherwise, this car has been lovingly looked after during its 2 years.
The internals of the car are all working as they should, and there were no problems or issues to report from the owner. As mentioned earlier, the car is still in its warranty period so should give peace of mind to any prospective owners.
Aside from the rarity, exclusivity, collectability and potential investment opportunity this car provides, it is ultimately very, very good at what it was built for, touring. The power is intoxicating, and the looks should (and did, during inspection) garner many an adoring glance, as well as a few interested members of the public wanting to know more about the car and take pictures.
Quite simply put, this is a special edition of the best spec level of the flagship model from a premium luxury brand, utilising all its 100 + years developing its products. The appeal should be evident and indeed, if you view the car beforehand, its character and presence is certainly something you cannot ignore. With just about every luxury extra you could throw at a car and possibly one of BMW’s best drivetrains this car will surely stand the test of time, whilst making its new owner very happy.
If you wanted a car to lust over, one that you will always look back at once you get out, or a car with which to demolish a huge number of miles, then surely this is the best example on the market at the moment.
Notice to bidders
This vehicle is subject to third party financing. The amount of finance due on the vehicle is less than the reserve. The seller will discharge the financing debt and all related costs absolutely within two full working days from the end of the auction on a successful sale and will confirm to the buyer that such release has occurred. This obligation will be implied into the contract of sale between the buyer and the seller on auction close.
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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