If you want the best BMW 850CSi, this one is for you. A top-to-bottom 3-year sympathetic restoration of an already excellent low mileage, garaged from purchased a new car from a caring (aviation) owner who has owned the car since the 90’s.
My father now 80 has always wanted an 850CSi and took us many years to find a very good car, many being neglected and tired and a complete liability or museum cars well over £100k. Lots of disappointments this car hit the spot. The car was recommissioned and restored to keep with some significant help from BMW UK and BMW Germany.
The 850CSi flagship is super rare, with 34 cars left on the road in the UK; most are very tired, neglected examples in less desirable colours like burgundy or bright pink. This is one of the very few black cars, too. Those that grew up with Knight Rider - it's the only colour to have!
The 850CSi is a high point in BMW's history, a 5. 7 litre V12, delivering its silky power through a six-speed manual gearbox wrapped in one of the most timeless pillar-less coupe shapes. Production of the CSi began in June 1993 and ended in October 1996. Only 153 cars were UK Right Hand Drive – only available as a manual.
It feels like an M-division car because – it is. From 1992, it was built by the division, as evidenced by the vehicle identification number (VIN) prefix WBS, as opposed to the regular production BMW VIN prefix of WBA. And you have the proud M Badge on top of the engine. The E31 designation has that oh-so '80s look and BMW smell, but it's not brash. It's surprisingly subtle for the decade of line snorting, braces and shouting excess. The 8 Series' drag coefficient was just 0. 29, which meant it was the ultimate Autobahn barnstormer. It was a cutting-edge design, being one of the first cars designed completely on CAD.
The M70 engine had switched to hydraulic tappets and a timing chain to improve durability, and it was all aluminium to reduce weight. And it sported the latest Bosch electronics, including accurate mass airflow sensors measuring the air being sucked into each induction branch and a drive-by-wire throttle instead of a cable. But the S70 went even further. The V12 in the 850CSi was the same format as the regular 850i. But – it was tuned so much that BMW gave it its own engine code; it changed from the M70 to the S70 - in this case, the S70B56. It was initially intended to power a nuts M8, but in the end, that idea was scrapped due to a lack of demand (tragic). The S70B56 only ever went into the 850CSi, but it did spawn developments – the most notable of which was the S70/ 2 featured in the McLaren F1.
BMW used lighter pistons, a forged crankshaft, and higher-lift cams, which, along with its less restrictive exhaust and intake, improved the engine's breathing considerably. The S70 was bored and stroked to raise the displacement from 5. 0-litres to 5. 6, topped off by a higher compression ratio. It wasn't quite the 6. 0-litre, 640hp monster promised for the stillborn M8, but the development was still so significant that it earned that 'S' designation. Power jumped from 295hp (in the 850i) to 375hp, with torque boosted considerably to 406 lb-ft. As a result, the whole car feels completely under-stressed and over-engineered - beyond the incredible integrity of a standard BMW product of this era. You surf the perfect wave of torque.
The wedge shape as you walk up to it, the enveloping interior as you get in, and the quiet, distant hiss before the storm – when you click the ignition through those initial notches, the fuel pumps begin to prime. And then you go that extra stage. The final click round to energise the starter, and you listen; listen as that classic, unmistakable V12 cranking action. Starting is a much too crude term. It's smoother than any other cylinder configuration, with its 12 compression points evening out the peaks and troughs. Hence, it whirrs wonderfully and then, like a turbine, is rotating and up to speed. You can balance and then stoke the engine with an old-style 50p balanced on the rocker cover and marvel at the contained rotating masses. Sorry, Ferrari, this is the BEST V12 engine ever made and will last until the end of time. M Division, I salute you.
History and Paperwork
V5.
Both keys and valet keys.
Full-Service History.
Original books and manuals.
Matching numbers.
Long-term previous Doctor/ Aviator owner from the 1990s.
Current MOT
Stamped service book
Invoices for a service every year, some years on 90 miles covered!
A excellent, flawless example with no question marks or issues. Got through from top to bottom over the last three years. Drives factory fresh, ready to be enjoyed.
My father is now 80 and grew up in his father's garage business in the 50s and 60s. He is mechanically capable, racing cars from the '60s to the mid-1980s. Much of the mechanical recommissioning was done by a highly qualified BMW engineer, another father and son team. The father looks after our classic Porsches as a private mechanic and an ex-director at the Porsche leading agent. He likes looking after our cars as a 'private' mechanic. He is meticulous and, enjoys the projects and comradely since retiring. My father is the definition of a petrolhead and has a network of the best skilled and experienced people.
No stone unturned, as a "keeper car". From long-term ownership in the 1990s by a Doctor/ Aviator who kept the car next to his extensive plane collection.
Low mileage: Reading (19. 1. 24) is 82, 214 miles
Excellent correct and original specification.
No compromise "go through and rectify."
A full glass out, bare metal respray using modern materials, blemish free. The car was repainted in the original way (not using water based paint) using Standox solvent base coat followed by two pack ultra-high solids clear-coat lacquer.
There is a new windscreen, heated rear screen, and seals.
Zero rust was found on the inner wing; the car has been garaged all its life. When the front wings, rear wings, sills and front and rear spoilers (and doors, bonnet and boot lid), were removed the panels underneath are still the factory matt grey and have no rust at all. Our 62 year old experienced body shop owner was absolutely amazed how original and clean everything was!
The undamaged but aged wheels were restored to the correct factory paint code
Tyre that we practically unused were replaced due to age with brand new Michelin Pilots.
New disks, pads and reconditioned brake callipers.
The 4-wheel steering system was overhauled, operating as it should.
New suspension arms and bushings.
New shock absorbers.
The climate system is working as it should.
Leather interior restoration for a new finish, including steering wheel, gear knob and door cards.
All electrical systems are working, including elect seats.
New clutch and dual mass.
New roof lining.
New parcel shelf.
The first aid kit is unopened.
Compression tested, perfect results. The engine was overhauled, and the tensioners and timing chain were reinspected.
All new oil seals.
All inlet systems were removed and refurbished with correct finishes, new seals, and sensors.
The correct crackle finish on the manifold inlet, with all new seals and sensors. The engine bay is a work of art.
New old stock badges were replaced throughout.
The cooling system was checked.
Pulleys and tensioners checked on ancillaries.
All ancillaries checked.
Original Torch repaired with new VARTA batteries from Germany
New twin batteries.
New aerodynamic trim.
The ignition system was overhauled, and new coil packs and leads were added.
New spark plugs.
New sunshine roof seal.
Private sale, to a good home.
