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 asking to take pictures whilst getting fuel. The car draws attention and turns heads wherever it goes, enthusiasts and curious people want to know more about the car.

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.

Inside the car, BMW individual interior trim and in black piano finish located in the centre of the cockpit, bear the lettering ''First Edition 1/400''. All of which makes it a very special car. It has clearly been cared for, presenting in virtually as new, showroom-ready condition. With very low mileage and a recent main dealer service it is a highly capable – and notable car - that enthusiasts will surely not want to miss.

If you wanted a car to lust over, one that you will always look back at once you get out, a car with which to demolish a huge number of miles or simply buy for a potential investment, then surely this is the best example on the market for sale.

 

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 with this low mileage and specification, 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 is due to the owner's health, disability resulting in mobility issues.

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 its colour and options. To mention a few are its carbon core, roof, mirrors and Alcantara trimmings.

This BMW was purchased from Partridge BMW of Hampshire by the current owner in 2021 and it has been used for its purpose of grand touring since. The BMW has been maintained with a rightful no expense spared approach. A complete main dealer BMW service history is present. A recent full service has been carried out by Partridge BMW along with the replacement of all four tyres and vehicle health check.

This gives the new owner peace of mind when making their new purchase. The BMW is also regularly maintained by a professional detailing company to ensure it always looks as new.

Full paperwork is included in the sale, which comes with a beautifully presented artwork brochure detailing all about the First Edition. The 8, Bayerisohe Motoren Werke.

The full details about the service work carried out by Partridge BMW is also listed, along with a digital key and spare carbon cased keyless entry ‘keypad’, the car is currently using a BMW tracker ensuring maximum safety. As the new owner you may also choose to download BMW’s driver’s app to customise your vehicle's information.

This BMW has recently passed its MOT with no advisories. The test was carried out by BMW Partridge and is next due on the 8th September 2024. A signed certificate is presented in the paperwork. A vehicle health check has been carried out by BMW in 2022 and 2023, clear.

A few of what this First Edition's specification includes:

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. An enormous specification that is detailed over 3 pages. 

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 full 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 are looking like new and had no visible curb marks or paint chips on inspection, the tyres have recently been replaced.

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 has full paperwork and a full main dealer service history from Partridge BMW. 

The car also uses BMW's Carbon Core technology, integrating carbon-fibre within its chassis. 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ This vehicle is subject to third-party financing. The seller will clear all financing debts and associated costs on sale.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.