BMW 850i, good/bad to buy in 2006?

[James2097]

I have a simple question really, is the BMW 850i a good or bad choice as a fun get-about for a young dude? My mate Glenn (the potential buyer) has no requirements in a car other than it be cool, and relatively cheap whilst still being a great drive, and a little different than the obvious choices in the price bracket - he wants something relatively abnormal for a young guy today. Glenn currently drives a Toyota Celica Supra similar to this:

He's seriously thinking of buying an 850i, as he loves the idea of a V12 and the pointy bonnet (hood for the Americans). He's also a staunch supporter of pop-up lights (as I am with my Lotus Esprit fixation ).

Very similar to what he's looking at:

Basically, for those who know more about the mechanics of BMWs (its hard to put vanity aside regarding the aesthetic qualities), are there any horrendously bad points about this model that my mate should know about? Is it a lemon or an awesome BMW V12 sporting coupe?

He knows the V12 will most likely get horrendous fuel economy, and the parts will be very expensive in Australia. He's apparently ok with this, but does the thing have a decent rep generally?

I'm assuming he wants it in a hard-top, as he's an aspiring serious driver, not a cafe cruiser. This thing would get driven quite hard, so thats important to consider.


Please help, GTPlanet!

Edit: Whoa! Sorry for the huuuge image!
Edit: Put smaller images!

 

[Kylehnat]

The BMW 8-Series is not the most reliable car on the planet, especially the older ones.

I've always liked them because they're quite stunning up close, and don't look like a car that has a V12. If your mate can afford it, I don't see why not. Just be aware that it could become a money pit.

 

[BMW POWER]

If your mate understands that it will be an expensive car to run, I say go for it. I personaly think it's a really cool car, I once had a go in an 840 and it was a great drive, very light and nimble on its feet considering the weight and size of the thing. If your friend can afford the up-keep of one then I think he would be very happy with it.

 

[Jim Prower]

I'll agree with everyone else, and add that a BMW eight or six would likely be more reliable, as they have more parts available.

 

[James2097]

Thanks folks for the help so far - I was thinking about the V12...

Any idea how they sound? Any idea what kind of power they produce (these days, not when they were made...), and more to the point, is this worth it when the fuel-usage, reliability and other things are taken into account (like other interesting V6 or V8 cars in a similar price bracket). I'd like to point out that the comparitive rarity is seemingly a big factor in Glenn's interest, and perhaps the fact that it IS a V12 is cooler than a V8 which may produce more horses, be more reliable, more easily serviced etc....

So I suppose its gotten down to:
Are the problems inherent in owning such a car SO annoying that it should put someone off who otherwise seems to love the car? His finances won't be hugely bountiful at the moment (he's a student), so do you guys think the potential problems would definately cause headaches after a while or not (for instance, if he got a really nice example, could he avoid the money-pit etc etc?)...

 

[BMWteamPTG]

as long as he is close to a BMW dealer, he should be ok. he wont be covered y warranty there, but at least he will have the professional maintenance there close by.

the V12 in the 850i came stock with Max power of 300bhp / 220kw @ 5300rpm and Max torque of 450 Nm @ 4000rp. so i would say a well kept 850i would still hold 250bhp in it. maybe a little less or more depending on engine wear, maintenance, and location.

there were only 30,600 8 series made. so i would say go for it. the rarity of the car is worth the money to me. good luck with it either way

 

[BMW POWER]

i think these days it should be producing around the 250 - 300bhp area regarding power. I also think the V12 engine suits the car more than the V8's, the V12 is a very complex engine but it's also a very strong engine and parts are just as available as for the V8 motors. If your friend finds a good, looked after model I dont think he would have to worry about problems anymore than other big luxury cars. One thing that is important though is service history. I personaly wouldnt buy one without a full BMW service history, maintenance is vital on all of these engines, especially frequent oil changes. Hope that helps, I think the joys of ownership would greatly outweigh the cost of running it 👍

Edit: BMWteamPTG beat me to the power bit!

 

[Carl.]

These are really nice cars. And with a bit of flair, perhaps your buddy could personnalize this, look as this fine example:

👍




...you can tell him I'm coming down in Australia to give him a punch in the face if he does anything like that

 

[James2097]

These are really nice cars. And with a bit of flair, perhaps your buddy could personnalize this, look as this fine example:

👍




...you can tell him I'm coming down in Australia to give him a punch in the face if he does anything like that

Time to unpimp de auto!
Its ok, I would punch him for you if he did anything like that! Ewww!

Thanks for the info guys! 👍

 

[ND4SPD]

These are really nice cars. And with a bit of flair, perhaps your buddy could personnalize this, look as this fine example:

👍




...you can tell him I'm coming down in Australia to give him a punch in the face if he does anything like that

WHo the hell paints a frickin dolphin on the side of an FTO!!!!? Those front tires seems incredibly wide for that sort of car. I'm guessing it'll get loads more understeer than normal too.....Silly ricers...

 

[JCE]

The 8-series is sexy as hell and the V12 model is worth it's weight in gold for being exclusive. I'd own one in a heartbeat. BUT, the insurance will be VERY high, the maintenance will be off the charts if you have a serious problem. The gas won't be that much of an issue if he doesn't constantly floor it to hear the engine. But I admit it would be too hard to resist. Oh and here's some info regarding the 850's model changes throughout it's life.

Year-to-Year Changes
1992 BMW 8-Series: A gearshift interlock was among the few changes to BMW's high-level 2+2 coupe in its second season, to prevent the automatic transmission from shifting out of park unless the brake pedal was applied. BMW's optional Electronic Damping Control gained a more pronounced differentiation between its Comfort and Sport modes. Pressing the end of the wiper and turn-signal stalks now allowed the driver to scroll through the cellular phone's stored numbers, place a call, or end a call.

1993 BMW 8-Series: BMW renamed its 2+2 coupe the 850Ci, thus emphasizing its coupe body style. A passenger-side airbag joined the original driver's airbag, and the cabin gained maple trim. Rear seatbacks now split and folded, and contained a new trunk pass-through. Either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic could be installed.

1994 BMW 8-Series: A new V8 model, named 840Ci, joined this lineup this year. It used the same 282-horsepower, 4.0-liter V8 engine as the 740i/iL sedan, driving a 5-speed automatic transmission. Also new was a limited-edition 12-cylinder model, called 850CSi, fitted with a 372-horsepower, 5.6-liter V12. That one came with a 6-speed gearbox, sport suspension, lower ride height, and 17-inch tires. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission was available in this year's 850Ci coupe, which added such standard features as interior wood trim, a remote control antitheft alarm, front center armrest, and 250-watt stereo system.

1995 BMW 8-Series: As the 1995 model year began, the 840Ci was the only model to reach dealerships, essentially unchanged. Later, only a few 840Ci and 850CSi coupes arrived for sale. The regular V12 engine for the 850Ci grew in size, to 5.4 liters and a 322-horsepower rating.

1996 BMW 8-Series: The high-performance 850CSi coupe was gone, leaving only the 840Ci and 850Ci. The 840Ci got a new 4.4-liter V8 engine when production began early in 1996. Servotronic variable-assist power steering was standard on both models. Maple interior trim, already in the 850Ci, was added to the 840Ci's interior. Electronic Damping Control, adjusting suspension firmness based on how the car was driven, was standard on the 850Ci and a new option for the 840Ci.

1997 BMW 8-Series: Final versions of BMW's biggest coupe went on sale in summer 1996, showing no significant change.

The one in bold is the one to try and find.

 

[Leonidae]

and don't forget the weight, that tames that V12.. 1923 kg | 4240.2 lbs.. and being an auto win't make it any faster.

 

[Tornado]

It comes to this: If the car has more than 100,000 miles on it, stay the hell away from it. Both early 90's 7 and 8-series BMW's are notorious for deciding that they suddenly need the entire electronics system to be overhauled at about anywhere from 120,000-150,000 miles (the newer they are the better this problem gets though). There is nothing inherently wrong with the car, and the V12 engines are pretty bulletproof (not as much as a I6 or V8 from BMW, but not bad in any stretch). But if anything goes wrong (engine, interior, electronics, anything), unless your friend is an heir, he will never be able to fix it until he get's a better job and gets out of college. If it's a low mileage example, tell him to go for it though.

 

[McLaren]

Being a V12, his insurance isn't going to be to kind either.

 

[ferrari_chris]

Being a V12, his insurance isn't going to be to kind either.

That's what I was thinking.

Add that to the ever increasing fuel bill and the increased price of maintenance from the BMW dealer (however regular/irregular it may be) and I think it is not a wise choice for a student.

Seriously cool though - the red one in your shot looks nice. A little bit lower, slightly bigger wheels (no chrome please), dark tints and IMO it'll be right on the money. It should have luxury for Africa, and hopefully that V12 sounds nice. A freeflow exhaust should let that wail out!

A very cool car? Yes!
For a student? Only if he's loaded.

 

[McLaren]

That's what I was thinking.

Add that to the ever increasing fuel bill and the increased price of maintenance from the BMW dealer (however regular/irregular it may be) and I think it is not a wise choice for a student.

Seriously cool though - the red one in your shot looks nice. A little bit lower, slightly bigger wheels (no chrome please), dark tints and IMO it'll be right on the money. It should have luxury for Africa, and hopefully that V12 sounds nice. A freeflow exhaust should let that wail out!

A very cool car? Yes!
For a student? Only if he's loaded.

I actually looked at one not to long ago before the M3, and can you believe the 850 would be $400 more than my M?!
I think the 850 I looked at was a '96(?).

BTW, tell him to look on Ebay to see just how much these are these days. They are becoming cheap, but the thing I have seen is, the cheaper the 8, the more problems you're likely to encounter owning it.

 

[Scaff]

As has been mentioned here already the electrical system was the main weak area of the 8 series, and a lot of it is unique to the 8 series, which will mena serious money to put right.

You will also find that the vast majority of auto-electrical problems are very hard to trace, which tends to put the price of labour on any fixes through the roof.

Its an interesting option, but your mate needs to be fully aware of the potential problems and bills he may face.

Regards

Scaff

 

[James2097]

Thanks guys! Great help from all.

I'll try to persuade him to only get one when he has a lot more disposable income to burn... it seems inevitable that the car would give trouble somewhere down the line (I can't imagine finding one with low enough kms to be risk free). By then, he may be able to afford a cooler/newer car with better reliability. The general consensus seems to be, wait a couple of years, get some more cash and see if the 850 remains an exciting option...

It's certainly an interesting option if he found a great example of one.

What I've gathered:

If the engine is at all dodgy or it has done many kms at all – avoid.
If the car is absolutely fine upon inspection – the electrics could be a waiting timebomb. Buy only with mucho readies at hand, just in case, and you have to LOVE the car over anything else.

Apparently he saw one pull up next to him and just went "THAT is my next car!". When he found out it was a V12, it was even worse (to dissuade him)! So we may be in trouble guys!

 

[neanderthal]

the drivetrains is strong, so its not like the car will elave him stranded.

but the electrics are pathetic. could be seats, sunroof, HVAC, any number of not essental to making the car go stuff. and sometimes they affect the drivetrain.

 

[a6m5]

Apparently he saw one pull up next to him and just went "THAT is my next car!".

Can't blame him. I consider Testarossa to be the best looking car ever, but those darn 8-Series comes pretty close. Amazing looking cars!

P.S. I love his oldschool Celica XX/Supra. 👍

 

[Wolfe]

In typical BMW fashion, as everyone says, the engine and drivetrain are nearly bulletproof, perhaps a bit less so with the less-common V12 and its many moving parts, but accessories, electronics, and other such secondary stuff will annoy the hell out of your friend. Then, since it's the 8-series, if your friend wants/needs to fix any of those things, the cost to do so will be devastating, especially for a student.

 

[James2097]

Thanks guys! Thanks a6m5 for the very favourable aesthetic opinion... part of the trouble of dissuading a purchase!

Co-founder of team freewheeling

Something to do with my old motor carriage round the nurb' thread?
Probably not... it was so long ago... (sheds a tiny tear)

 

[Wolfe]

Something to do with my old motor carriage round the nurb' thread?
Probably not... it was so long ago... (sheds a tiny tear)

Actually, we got the name from the terribly-translated subtitles in the early internet releases of that mediocre live-action Initial D movie. Drifting was referred to as "freewheeling." For another example, suspensions were called "quakeproof."

I do remember that thread, though. I never had the time to try it myself...

 

[James2097]

Haha, that is awesome.