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Thread: Wanted: 850i or 850Ci

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    WI
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    2010 Porsche 911

    Wanted: 850i or 850Ci

    Looking for a nice summer driver quality 850. Not a show car and not a project car. I'm open to most colors. The ultimate would be a manual, but I know how rare they are. Miles must be reasonable, prefer <100k, but willing to look at higher mile cars with documentation and up-to-date service.

    I've been watching all the normal sites for months now, I just stumbled upon this forum last week. I wish I had seen Dickie B's post back in December, that's the car I need

    Let me know what you have! I'm located in WI.

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Waterford CT
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    2018 X1, 1991 850
    Own a 91 850i, Auto, Calypso Red with 88K miles.

    Text 860-460-7402 and I'll send some pics.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Los Angeles
    Posts
    817
    My Cars
    94 Euro BMW 850CSi 892
    Here's one...
    Few hours left on the auction. Bring a trailer is an excellent place. This is my car.

    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-bmw-850i-14/
    Board Member of SoCalEights (Marketing, Web Development & Social Media), Vice President: BMWCCA/E31 Chapter, www.cartiologyfilms.com
    Current E31s:
    1997 BMW 840Ci Black on Beige. CSI 62, 107 and 16. Euro-CSi #892.
    Client Represented E31s (Cartiology Films)
    1994 BMW 850CSi #11 USA, 1994 BMW 850CSi #31 USA, 1994 BMW 850CSi #58 USA
    93-850Ci - manual 6 speed. 97-850Ci - M73 Steptronic. 94-CSi 125, 95-CSi 162 Daytona Violet, CSi 198 White on Red
    Past E31s:
    1991 BMW 850i. Calypso Red on Beige Nappa and 1995 BMW 840Ci. Bright Red on Beige Nappa
    1997 BMW 840Ci. Black On Black Nappa, but changed to Dakar Yellow on Black Nappa and 1994 BMW 850CSi #27. Red On light Silver.
    1991 BMW 850i. Automatic. Red On Black and 1996 BMW 850Ci. Automatic. Midnight Blue on Gray.
    1994 BMW 850CSi. Black On Blak #107, Black/Black 97-840. White/White CSi. Silver/Silver 97-840

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    WI
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    2010 Porsche 911
    Hi Alec,

    I watch BAT daily as well and love the site as a reference. I'm trying to avoid the BAT premium as a buyer though. Hoping to find a true private party sale, I prefer to do the little projects and improvements myself and save some cash.

    Thanks!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Ridley Park, PA
    Posts
    198
    My Cars
    91 850i x2, 92 850i 6sp
    Depends on how much little projects you’re up too you can find some steals, I paid 5.3k & 3.1k for my 2 auto e31’s, put maybe 2k each into them and couldn’t be happier. They will still need a few minor things here and there, but got them to decent daily drive status.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    WI
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    2010 Porsche 911
    Yes, agreed. These cars are all old enough and have enough miles that that they are all going to need some work here and there. I just sold a 1990 ZR1 Corvette that I had for 18 years. I know how cars age and gremlins pop up.

    I'm looking to spend in the range of $10-12k for a very nice car, knowing they all need varying levels of work. I'm planning to put in the effort myself to bring a car to the next level.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Ridley Park, PA
    Posts
    198
    My Cars
    91 850i x2, 92 850i 6sp
    At that price if you look in the right places you can find some gems, just might not have any documentation.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    SF Bay Area
    Posts
    3,774
    My Cars
    Supercharged 850ci
    Quote Originally Posted by Sjandras View Post
    Yes, agreed. These cars are all old enough and have enough miles that that they are all going to need some work here and there. I just sold a 1990 ZR1 Corvette that I had for 18 years. I know how cars age and gremlins pop up.

    I'm looking to spend in the range of $10-12k for a very nice car, knowing they all need varying levels of work. I'm planning to put in the effort myself to bring a car to the next level.
    At that price you will not get a "very nice car", but my definition of very nice is different. 10 to 12k will get you a decent driving car, you will need another 10k to get it to "very nice" status.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2017
    Location
    Northfield, Ohio
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    1993 850ci 6 speed

    Did you find your 850ci with a six speed yet?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sjandras View Post
    Looking for a nice summer driver quality 850. Not a show car and not a project car. I'm open to most colors. The ultimate would be a manual, but I know how rare they are. Miles must be reasonable, prefer <100k, but willing to look at higher mile cars with documentation and up-to-date service.

    I've been watching all the normal sites for months now, I just stumbled upon this forum last week. I wish I had seen Dickie B's post back in December, that's the car I need

    Let me know what you have! I'm located in WI.

    Thanks
    Did you find your 850ci, six speed yet? I have one just south of Cleveland, Ohio that I might part with if the price is right. It's not going to go cheap. It's a driver with 158,000 plus miles It needs a fresh paint job and assorted other things. Several thousand invested in just replacing seals and other things. New, good quality tires for when you're having fun. Yes, it is a joy to drive. If this one leaves the stable, I'm going to start on my 1953 Champion Studebaker this summer.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Posts
    6

    Still looking for an 850?

    I'm considering the sale of my 91 6speed manual with apprx 62k miles. Looking for low 30's
    email me at woodysr46@yahoo.




    Quote Originally Posted by Sjandras View Post
    Looking for a nice summer driver quality 850. Not a show car and not a project car. I'm open to most colors. The ultimate would be a manual, but I know how rare they are. Miles must be reasonable, prefer <100k, but willing to look at higher mile cars with documentation and up-to-date service.

    I've been watching all the normal sites for months now, I just stumbled upon this forum last week. I wish I had seen Dickie B's post back in December, that's the car I need

    Let me know what you have! I'm located in WI.

    Thanks

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2017
    Location
    Northfield, Ohio
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    1993 850ci 6 speed
    I have a '93 850ci 6 speed manual that I expect to sell soon. It's a work in progress and I've put many thousands into it. Visually, it needs a paint job badly. The body is straight and sound with one small bubbling area on the driver's door but for its age, quite good. I bought in in North Carolina and drive it locally just to keep it limbered up. It has a bit under 159,000 on the odometer at the moment and is a joy to drive. It needs to be painted and finished out. My understanding is that it was one of only 106 sold in the United States in 1993, so I bought it as a collectable. Had I painted it, I would have expected between $20-25,000 for it. I could take it to Maaco for a cheapie, but the next owner really should decide what quality paint job they want. It you are interested, let me know. I live between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Doug

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Dec 2017
    Location
    Northfield, Ohio
    Posts
    3
    My Cars
    1993 850ci 6 speed

    '93 850ci with 6 speed manual for sale

    Quote Originally Posted by L8rG8r View Post
    I have a '93 850ci 6 speed manual that I expect to sell soon. It's a work in progress and I've put many thousands into it. Visually, it needs a paint job badly. The body is straight and sound with one small bubbling area on the driver's door but for its age, quite good. I bought in in North Carolina and drive it locally just to keep it limbered up. It has a bit under 159,000 on the odometer at the moment and is a joy to drive. It needs to be painted and finished out. My understanding is that it was one of only 106 sold in the United States in 1993, so I bought it as a collectable. Had I painted it, I would have expected between $20-25,000 for it. I could take it to Maaco for a cheapie, but the next owner really should decide what quality paint job they want. It you are interested, let me know. I live between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Doug Nutter
    My personal email is anutterpointofview@gmail.com

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Oro Valley, AZ - USA
    Posts
    1,706
    My Cars
    see my signature
    Quote Originally Posted by Sjandras View Post
    Not a show car and not a project car.
    They're *all* project cars!!!
    2006 R53 JCW (British Racing Green) - 1994 E31 840Ci 6spd (AVUS Blue)
    2021 F56 JCW (Rebel Green) - 2000 E38 740i Sport (Titanium Silver)
    2017 F26 X4 M40i (Carbon Black) - 2007 E91 328iT (Deep Green)
    2012 E82 135i M Sport (Marrakesh Brown) - 2015 E84 X1 (Cashmere Silver)
    2005 E53 X5 3.0i Sport (Kalahari Beige) - 2000 E36/7 M Roadster (Oxford Green)
    2000 E38 740i Sport (Oxford Green) - 1999 E36 M3 Coupe (Fern Green)
    1995 E31 840Ci Canadian (Oxford Green) - 2000 E36/8 M Coupe (Oxford Green)
    2004 E46 330Ci (Oxford Green) - 2001 E36/8 Z3 3.0i Coupe (Oxford Green)
    2002 E39 525i Sport (Oxford Green) - 2002 E36/7 M Roadster (Oxford Green)
    2001 E53 X5 3.0i Sport (Oxford Green) - 2007 E63 M6 (Silver Grey)
    1995 E31 840Ci (Oxford Green) - 2006 E86 M Coupe (Sepang Bronze)
    2001 E39 530i Sport (Aspen Silver) - 2009 E92 M3 (Space Grey)
    2001 E38 740i Sport (Sahara Beige) - 2008 E92 M3 (Melbourne Red)
    2000 E38 740i Sport Canadian (Sahara Beige) - 1997 E31 850Ci (Jet Black)

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Location
    Linn Valley, KS
    Posts
    14
    My Cars
    1991 BMW 850i
    Did you find a car??

    Ifd not, I have a nice 91 850i that needs very little. Calypso Red with Parchment interior - 86,000 miles. $16,000

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    WI
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    2010 Porsche 911
    Quote Originally Posted by David Freer View Post
    Did you find a car??

    Ifd not, I have a nice 91 850i that needs very little. Calypso Red with Parchment interior - 86,000 miles. $16,000
    I'm out of the market. I looked at a few and drove a couple, ended up going a different direction that better fit my needs.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Los Angeles
    Posts
    817
    My Cars
    94 Euro BMW 850CSi 892
    I have yet to see anyone who posts here looking for a car to actually buy one. Many are just taster lurkers to be honest. No disrespect. Just speaking from years of experience on this forum.
    Board Member of SoCalEights (Marketing, Web Development & Social Media), Vice President: BMWCCA/E31 Chapter, www.cartiologyfilms.com
    Current E31s:
    1997 BMW 840Ci Black on Beige. CSI 62, 107 and 16. Euro-CSi #892.
    Client Represented E31s (Cartiology Films)
    1994 BMW 850CSi #11 USA, 1994 BMW 850CSi #31 USA, 1994 BMW 850CSi #58 USA
    93-850Ci - manual 6 speed. 97-850Ci - M73 Steptronic. 94-CSi 125, 95-CSi 162 Daytona Violet, CSi 198 White on Red
    Past E31s:
    1991 BMW 850i. Calypso Red on Beige Nappa and 1995 BMW 840Ci. Bright Red on Beige Nappa
    1997 BMW 840Ci. Black On Black Nappa, but changed to Dakar Yellow on Black Nappa and 1994 BMW 850CSi #27. Red On light Silver.
    1991 BMW 850i. Automatic. Red On Black and 1996 BMW 850Ci. Automatic. Midnight Blue on Gray.
    1994 BMW 850CSi. Black On Blak #107, Black/Black 97-840. White/White CSi. Silver/Silver 97-840

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    WI
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    2010 Porsche 911
    Hi Alec,

    I will also reply to you with respect:

    I know and can appreciate your involvement with these cars. I am not a "taster lurker". I've liked these cars since they came out when I was ~10 years old. I've always had them on my wish list. I've been into Corvettes and 911s for the last 20 years and decided it was time to act on my years of wanting one of these.

    I did a ton of research and looking, have friends who have owned them, etc. I drove two of them, including one that I flew from WI to Dallas to inspect - 100% intent on owning it. I had cash in my pocket, and was ready to drive it home - as I have done with other cars. After both experiences, I was left disappointed and heading back home without an 850. After a lot of thinking, I realized that the "want" for an E31 was better left as that. Given the nuances that I am well aware of with these cars after years of following them, it doesn't fit what I want right now (actually six months ago when I bought another Corvette). I've had high maintenance German cars, have done frame off restorations, had cars that were more fun to look at than drive, etc. The E31 wasn't right for what I had in my mind.

    It's like buying a new car: you don't buy one without experiencing one and sometimes you decide it isn't what you want after that experience.
    That simple....

    I still respect E31's form and understand their niche in the collector market - it's just not for me.

    Good luck with you pursuits.

    Moderators - feel free to close this thread.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Los Angeles
    Posts
    817
    My Cars
    94 Euro BMW 850CSi 892
    What was is about those E31s that didn't feel right? I'm very happy to hear your reasoning. I have owned 14 of them (and represented two dozen cars) to date and in one way or another, loved and or/hated some of them, but overall, nothing but great experiences. I personally am not a big fan of the very early cars. I mostly like and drive the last year made cars on each trim.


    I also love, own and Drive 911s. Cant hurt to have them all does it HAHA,

    Alec
    Last edited by Alec Cartio; 12-09-2019 at 07:50 PM.
    Board Member of SoCalEights (Marketing, Web Development & Social Media), Vice President: BMWCCA/E31 Chapter, www.cartiologyfilms.com
    Current E31s:
    1997 BMW 840Ci Black on Beige. CSI 62, 107 and 16. Euro-CSi #892.
    Client Represented E31s (Cartiology Films)
    1994 BMW 850CSi #11 USA, 1994 BMW 850CSi #31 USA, 1994 BMW 850CSi #58 USA
    93-850Ci - manual 6 speed. 97-850Ci - M73 Steptronic. 94-CSi 125, 95-CSi 162 Daytona Violet, CSi 198 White on Red
    Past E31s:
    1991 BMW 850i. Calypso Red on Beige Nappa and 1995 BMW 840Ci. Bright Red on Beige Nappa
    1997 BMW 840Ci. Black On Black Nappa, but changed to Dakar Yellow on Black Nappa and 1994 BMW 850CSi #27. Red On light Silver.
    1991 BMW 850i. Automatic. Red On Black and 1996 BMW 850Ci. Automatic. Midnight Blue on Gray.
    1994 BMW 850CSi. Black On Blak #107, Black/Black 97-840. White/White CSi. Silver/Silver 97-840

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    WI
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    2010 Porsche 911
    Quote Originally Posted by Alec Cartio View Post
    What was is about those E31s that didn't feel right?
    1) Interiors are not aging well by today's standards. Even well kept cars feel very "plasticky". Rattles and squeaks drive me crazy.

    2) the manual trans and clutch feel just were too different from what I was expecting. Spongy is how I'd describe both of my experiences. Also, while driving, I had a nagging thought in my mind about that unserviceable transmission should anything go wrong.

    3) steering was too light and disconnected.

    4) electrical problems. Both cars were on battery tender life support. I know that is very common, and can be corrected. It's just a problem I don't want looming constantly.

  20. #20
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Los Angeles
    Posts
    817
    My Cars
    94 Euro BMW 850CSi 892
    I see. Ok.
    Sounds like you test drove the early cars (I could be wrong of course).
    Drive a 97-840Ci. I think it’ll be satisfactory.

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    california
    Posts
    38
    My Cars
    1992 850CI
    I sent you a PM

    Quote Originally Posted by Sjandras View Post
    1) Interiors are not aging well by today's standards. Even well kept cars feel very "plasticky". Rattles and squeaks drive me crazy.

    2) the manual trans and clutch feel just were too different from what I was expecting. Spongy is how I'd describe both of my experiences. Also, while driving, I had a nagging thought in my mind about that unserviceable transmission should anything go wrong.

    3) steering was too light and disconnected.

    4) electrical problems. Both cars were on battery tender life support. I know that is very common, and can be corrected. It's just a problem I don't want looming constantly.

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