One of the first three BMW 850i models imported to Sweden in 1991
Originally served as a BMW Sweden press car and was showcased at the 1991 Gothenburg Motor Show
Extremely rare specification: one of only three examples worldwide with cloth seats, V12 engine, and six-speed manual
Previously owned by a BMW Sweden board member with meticulous maintenance history
The Appeal
What we have here is one of the very first BMW 8 Series cars from 1991 a true Autobahnkurier with the excellent 5.0-litre M70 V12 engine. In the late 1980s, BMW decided that its brand image was strong enough to compete with the absolute royalty of the automotive world — marques such as Ferrari and Aston Martin. The E31 was meant to show the world what the Bavarian brand was truly capable of. It was the first model of BMW’s legendary 1990s lineup, widely considered by many to be the brand’s golden era.
The E31 will go down in history as the first production car ever to feature a 6-speed manual gearbox paired with a V12 engine. Its aerodynamic shape also resulted in one of the best drag coefficients of the 1990s, with a Cd of just 0.29 (with the headlights closed).
This particular example is one of the first three cars imported to Sweden in 1991. Originally, it served as a press car for BMW Sweden and was showcased at the Gothenburg Motor Show in 1991. It is also one of only three examples worldwide equipped with cloth seats combined with a V12 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. This unusual specification was deliberately chosen by BMW Sweden, as they did not want potential customers to sit on extremely cold leather seats, which could negatively affect their first impression of the car.
After its public debut, the car remained in BMW’s possession and was used as a presentation vehicle for several years. It was later purchased by a BMW Sweden executive, who drove it for many years. We are told that during this period the oil was changed every 10,000 kilometres, and as a result of this meticulous maintenance, the engine remains in incredible condition, with virtually no visible wear to internal components.
Vendors comments:
"During my ownership, the car received a comprehensive overhaul of the electrical system, suspension, and brakes. I also replaced one headlamp mechanism and the brake master cylinder, and all fluids have been changed recently. The car is in truly stunning condition, and it would be difficult to find a better classic car to blast along Europe’s highways.
Only around 2700 examples of the 850i with a 6 speed manual were ever made. Which makes this quite a rarity. Having driven both the automatic and the manual i have to say that the manual gearbox really transforms the character of this car. Is no longer just a comfortable and fast grand -tourer, but its also a thrilling sports car."
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