1994 BMW 850Ci – Classified of the Week

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Chris Pollitt

We get all manner of cars listed for sale on Car & Classic, which is to be expected given it’s the biggest platform of its kind, and it’s also free to use. From pre-war machines from long forgotten manufacturers to modern supercars that are more commonly seen on posters stuck to walls than they are on the road, we have it all. We also have cars that have a bit of celebrity magic attached to them. Let us not forget that we sold one of Elvis Presley’s Cadillacs. But we don’t just cater to the cars of the hip-swingin’ king. We also have famous cars like this 1994 BMW 850Ci. Famous how, you might be wondering? Well, let us offer you a visual reminder:

Yes, it might be missing a digit in that image, but M23RBM was indeed the car featured in BBC’s Top Gear for a used car head-to-head sequence in which Hammond and Clarkson went out and bought the best coupes they could. Clarkson, being Clarkson, bought a fragile-as-glass Mercedes-Benz CL600. Nice, but risky. Hammond, however, did it right and bought a proper piece of engineering in the form of a 1994 BMW 850Ci. This BMW 850Ci.

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While the advert is somewhat light on detail, the seller does indeed confirm that this is the TV car. They confirm the very low mileage of 61k, and they also confirm that this particular car is one the last five built before the new CSI version chassis. Apparently the car was reconditioned last year, and everything functions as it should. And it certainly looks great, too. The wheels have been refurbished, the metallic red paint glistens with a deep, inviting shine, while the interior with its swathes of grey leather is as inviting today as it was in 1994.

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We’ve done a bit of digging and had a look into the history of the 850i, and we’re happy to report good things. The MOT history makes for pleasing reading. First of all, it confirms the mileage, which is always good. It also shows that other than the occasional tyre and a warning light on the dash at one point, this car has never had an issue. There is an MOT in place to October, which was passed with no advisories, though the seller is happy to put a fresh test on it for the lucky new owner. Low miles, clean history, great condition and a bit of fame to boot – could there be a better BMW 850i?

850i, BMW, BMW 850i, BMW 8 Series, 8 Series, classic BMW, retro BMW, Top Gear, BBC, BBC Top Gear, Richard Hammond, Richard Hammond BMW 850i, motoring, automotive, car and classic, carandclassic.co.uk

At £20,000, this 850Ci has gained some value since Hammond bought it in 2010 for £6,700. But these big 8s are on the up, so it make sense. And this one is arguably a cut above the rest thanks to the impressive condition, the low miles, the clean MOT history and its bona fide TV credentials. Look after it, detail that glorious V12 engine and bay, and you’ll never lose money. These big, German coupes will always have a passionate following, and people will always seek out the best. This 1994 model is, without a shadow of doubt, most definitely one of them.

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