Beschreibung
Expressions of interest are invited for this pristine, low mileage example of BMW’s high-performance 90’s uber-coupé, and second-rarest ‘M-car’ ever built - the E31 850CSi.
One of just 1, 510 units produced by BMW Motorsport between 1992 and 1996 (of which only 160 were right hand drive), this car is among the rarest variants, being one of the seven (7) non-UK spec, EG92 (RHD) examples built for the Australasian market. These seven cars all came equipped from the factory with metric (km/ h) instrumentation and an extensive list of order options. They were sold new in the following markets: Hong Kong (2), Singapore (2) and Australia (3).
This particular car, serial number CC88064, rolled off BMW’s Dingolfing production line near Munich on 14th March 1994. It is finished in Sterling Silver-metallic paintwork with Anthracite Buffalo sports leather upholstery, and fitted with the optional BBS light alloy (Style 5) composite wheels. It is the only such example produced in this colour combination with the selected factory order options, and is now the only surviving car of the two Hong Kong 850CSi’s.
The car was delivered to its first owner in May 1994, by BMW Concessionaires (H. K.) Ltd of Kowloon.
A little over two years later, in late 1996, the owner and his family emigrated to New Zealand and took the CSi with them. It was registered in Auckland in February 1997, with 16, 080 km on the odometer, and for the following 11 years was serviced by a local BMW dealer.
The 2nd owner purchased the car in August 2008, as part of a property deal. Under his ownership the car was driven sparingly for the next five years or so, and was regularly serviced by a renowned BMW specialist workshop.
Owner number three (yours truly) took possession of the car in March 2013, with 25, 911 km on the clock. Servicing was entrusted to my local BMW dealership, who have continued to perform regular servicing and MOT checks on the car.
Affectionately known as 'Stella', this very special car retains all of its original body panels, glass and paintwork - having never been near a paint shop.
The underside of the car is clean and undamaged, with no visible signs of corrosion on any of the underpinnings, suspension components or body structure.
The original exhaust system is in excellent condition with no leaks, holes or other damage evident. The AHK (rear wheel steering) system functions normally and there are no fluid leaks from the actuator or hoses.
The differential and its dedicated oil cooler are also without leaks or signs of corrosion - a weeping differential pinion seal was replaced soon after I purchased the car, back in 2013.
All brake system components are in excellent condition, with plenty of life remaining in the big floating discs. The front brake pads will require replacement within the next 10, 000 km or so (depending on usage), while the rear pads are new.
Tyres are Michelin Pilot SX, all of the correct size for the staggered BBS Style-5 wheels, and with around half their original tread depth remaining. The unused spare is in as-new condition and all five alloy wheels are unmarked, except for a very minor blemish on the outer rim of the left rear wheel.
The buffalo hide seats are in superb condition for their age, as is the remainder of the interior. This is testament to careful use by all owners, and in keeping with the car’s very low mileage of just 33, 800 km (21, 000 miles) to date.
The original ‘Anthracite’ velour headliner is present and in as-new condition, having befitted from a full refurbishment in 2013.
The engine compartment is in excellent, original condition throughout: very clean and devoid of any of the aftermarket alterations sometimes seen on other examples. Even the original factory ‘Cosmoline’ coating, applied to the intake manifolds and other aluminium engine components for corrosion protection, is still present.
The BMW Motorsport-built S70B56 engine has no oil or other fluid leaks. It readily fires into life following a short but distinctive whir of the starter motor (a signature sound of these cars), and settles into a steady idle with a sweet V12 burble emitting from the four large, highly-polished tailpipes.
Mated to a Getrag 6-speed manual transmission, this package will propel the car from 0-100 km/ h in under 6 seconds.
On the open road the car is a joy to drive: visibility is superb, handling is taut and the engine highly responsive. Through the twisty bits the car feels very well balanced, with good turn-in and little tendency to understeer.
Thanks to the pillarless, low-drag design with its sharply raked windscreen and driver-centric cockpit, the CSi is not only very quiet at speed but also feels fast on the road.
If an unexpected rain shower is encountered, there is scarcely a need for wipers at speeds above 100 km/ h: instead, any water droplets just slide off the windscreen.
Whilst quiet and rapid progress in this car is easily achieved, the CSi’s glorious V12 soundtrack is also not to be missed, and to this end you'll often find yourself driving with the windows down!
The ‘Servotronic’ steering system is nicely geared and perfectly weighted at all speeds, providing excellent feel and feedback in both relaxed and spirited driving styles. The AHK (rear wheel steering) system also makes its presence known in the CSi, allowing the car to achieve good balance and poise: the improved stability it offers, particularly during high-speed lane changing or overtaking manoeuvres, is supremely reassuring.
All of these attributes combine to instill a high degree of confidence in the car, urging the driver to push on and explore its upper limits, while safe in the knowledge that the excellent ABS brakes will halt forward progress with little fuss and in a very short distance (100-0 km/ h in 38 metres).
In terms of maintenance history, there is a dossier of service records from new, as well as invoices for the many new parts fitted over the years. The original BMW book pack is present, and the Service Booklet contains stamped records of maintenance performed by numerous BMW main dealers, including the original supplying dealership in Hong Kong.
Aside from regular servicing, the car was recently treated to two brand new VARTA batteries, new rear brake pads (as mentioned), a new fuel filler flap hinge assembly, new bonnet struts, new wiper blades and a new headlamp washer pump – all genuine BMW parts.
Other items recently attended to include a repair of the Main Information Display (MID) to remedy missing pixels (a common E31 complaint), and the replacement of the two pressure sensors/ switches on the hydraulic/ brake system control unit.
A very striking and eye-catching car, 'Stella' is well-known and admired, both in local BMW circles and throughout the international E31 community. In recent years she has participated in numerous local car club events, including cross-country runs, show-and-shine days and concours displays. At the national concours d'elegance in 2014, she was the only car to achieve the judges' maximum points score for originality.
Featured in several articles published by the BMW Car Club (NZ) in their ‘DIXI’ magazine, 'Stella' has also been the subject of much online discussion across a number of E31 owners’ forums.
I'm naturally reluctant to part with this stunning car, but a new phase of BMW ownership means that neither garage space nor finances will allow her to stay.
Achingly beautiful and highly sought after, this extremely rare vehicle will make a worthy addition to any discerning collector's (or BMW enthusiast's) garage, and will certainly reward her next keeper for many years to come.
Supplied in immaculate condition with a fresh WOF (MOT), this amazing car represents a solid investment opportunity.
A large number of additional photos, including detailed interior pictures, are available upon request.
Asking price includes shipping to London port of Tilbury.
