1991 850i 6-Speed for sale

[Sparepoints]

Available here: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1991-bmw-850i-58/

1991 BMW 850i

• Location: Emeryville, California 94607
  
• VIN: WBAEG1312MCB42429
  
• Miles Shown: 99, 057 miles
  
• Features: ABS, Air Conditioning, Alarm, Alloy Wheels, AM/FM Radio, Bucket Seating, Cassette Radio, CD Player, Cruise Control, Driver-Side Airbag, Leather Interior, Power Locks, Power and Memory Seats, Power Steering, Power Windows, Rear Window Defroster, Sun Roof, Tinted Glass, Original Car phone and Mount.
  
• Standard, 6-Speed Manual
  
• Rear Wheel Drive
  
• 5.0L V12 F SOHC 24V
  
• Black over Black
  
• 2 Door Coupe
  
• Factory Books and Sticker
  
• Service Records
  
• Clean Carfax Report
  
• Private Party or Dealer: Private
  
• Party Model Page: BMW E31 8-Series
  Category: German

WALK AROUND: https://vimeo.com/335605441
COLD START: https://vimeo.com/333894623
TEST DRIVE: https://vimeo.com/335608736
DOCUMENTATION: https://vimeo.com/333898881
BOOKLETS: https://vimeo.com/333898291


In the early summer of 2001 I decided to fulfill a childhood dream and acquire a 1991 BMW 850i. I had scoured both online and national paper ads for months in search of the 12 cylinder, 6-speed manual transmission vehicle that was not exposed to salt laden icy-roads and clean history with 58K miles. I finally found a near-perfect one in Marina Del-Rey, California. The car was garaged and covered (yes, both) had minimal alterations (exhaust upgrade all else original) and in mint condition. I have every record since purchase, including the original sticker and service records.


After a just over a year of driving it daily (a 35 mile commute) I began working out of a home office with regular trips to downtown via public transportation, and no longer drove it regularly. It was parked off-street and sometimes covered, but not always. The car was being driven once a week or less. In 2011 it developed a braking problem that took a few months to resolve while it was at the shop (including over a month to receive a brake master directly from BMW in Germany). When it came back, it was almost immediately parked for a long while. The batteries finally died while it was sitting, I realized this when it was time for smog renewal in 2013 and after installing new batteries it needed to be driven in order to clear the lines and satisfy the emission requirements. I just never got to do that in time and ended up registering the car as non-op in 2014.


Over the years I’ve kept the car running and would drive it around the block occasionally running it through the gears and letting the engine run warm; it always fires up like a charm even if left untouched for a significant time. I had replaced the batteries again after a failed maintenance charger had gone unnoticed. Registration in California is current under non-op, and there are no back-fees due. Cosmetically it needs TLC, some work on the plastics and electronic--I had repaired the radio/computer LCD displays before, but they needs to be replaced again ($70 part and some fine motor skills). I went to great lengths to repair the original CD changer so that the dashboard remains original (only to later find out there’s a shop that would refurbish it for you). I even have the original car phone and base installed. The headliner has dropped, the sunroof button case cover needs replacing (original plastic failed), and as a result of a detailer’s attempt to renew the look of the front end plastics, the paint finish on the nose is damaged and there is a small dent in the trunk thanks to some vandal. I have never wanted to part with this car, but I have come to terms with the fact that I also don’t have time to care for it properly or drive it regularly if I brought it up to perfect condition. I love this car and have even published it in artwork (see photo), but it needs a better home and it’s time to let go.


Anyway, here's to it getting a new nice home and the TLC it deserves!