Long term ownership tends to be as much of a differentiator when it comes to selling a collectible car as its overall condition. An enthusiast vehicle in excellent shape but with multiple owners showing frequent changing of hands tends to spook buyers, especially ones who might buy the car due to its collectible qualities. There’s also a assumption made, unfairly or not, that low turnover means the long-term owner has been keeping up with maintenance. This 1993 BMW 850Ci coupe is equipped with a 5.0L V12 engine and is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for sale by the second owner for $37,000.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Sam61 for the tip. The BMW E31 was a grand touring coupe in every way, but it integrated certain aspects of BMW’s sporting heritage to make it a blend of new and old-world thinking as it related to GT cars. The E31’s stunning design with pop-up headlights, no B-pillar, and the optional V12 engine signaled to the world that BMW wanted to build a top-of-the-range coupe that wouldn’t soon be forgotten. Over the years, BMW’s top-of-the-range coupe has become an iconic model in its lineup, going back to the original E9 chassis, and it remains to be seen if the E31 will someday have the same appeal. This car presents well, but certainly shows signs of use such as in the condition of the leather seats and armrest.
The E31 came in two flavors, with the 840Ci offering standard V8 power and the 850Ci the aforementioned V12. While it would seem the big coupe was an immediate successor to the recently retired E24 6-Series, interpreting the E31 as a successor should really be done only on the basis of the 8-Series taking the 6-Series’ place in the lineup. The new car was a completely different take on the classic BMW grand touring coupe, with new technology, engine management, creature comforts, and more. However, due to the timing of its introduction when global markets were generally soft, the 8-Series was not a home run for BMW. In V12 form like the subject car, the 5.0L engine produced 296 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Maintenance is key when buying an E31, regardless of engine choice. Many of these cars became affordable before they were considered collectible, and keeping up with deferred services on a V12 engine is a serious undertaking. Many European independent shops are reluctant to work on these cars without first knowing if it’s been looked after or if they’re inheriting a money pit. The seller’s car certainly presents well with only nominal signs of use, but I’m still slightly surprised by the interior condition for having under 40,000 original miles. Ask to see the maintenance paperwork before buying, as it should be a fairly thick stack of receipts.
Consider the V12 as two six cylinder engines grafted together. There’s two of everything ..two fuel and ignition systems governed by two DME’s (engine computers). About the only thing shared is one crankshaft. Unless you can work on it yourself, open your wallet wide if the engine needs work. They did use a GM 4-speed automatic behind the V12. I never really liked the looks of these as they didn’t have the traditional look of a BMW. That front looked very generic 80s. Still, I’d have one now if it was in good shape.
If maintained, a great car. Friend had a 4 door with this engine.
Having been a BMW service manager, I have driven many of these. And the majority were the 6 speed manual gear box. Some are very peppy and some are dogs. I never drove a peppy automatic transmission car. They drive very nice but have no personality. (Even a Jensen Interceptor has a personality) I always thought that these were a beautiful design, but lie as to the experience within. The exception to the fore mentioned remarks is the 2 twin turbo cars I drove. WOW! Turbos make this car truly a once (several times for me) in a lifetime experience. It becomes a completely different car WITH a personality. I had the great fortune of having an older customer who had a twin turbo that was a little scared to “open her up” and made 4 or 5 airplane trips a year. Since our dealership was close to the airport AND he didn’t want the car sitting in airport parking. He requested that I take him to the airport and use the car while he was gone. Emphasizing that I run the car hard. Those mornings I left for work very early to avoid any “slow” traffic. What a terrific high speed cruiser! Definite AutoBahn material. I even drove a V12 with the European chip and it was a disappointment. The 840 (V8 car) actually feels sporty, but not the 850 car.
I admire your kindness driving his car for him.
He was a good guy. He talked to me before buying the car. I related to him what I said above. Except for the Euro chip, which I at that time had not experienced. He found one with the 6 speed and the color that he wanted at my ex-home BMW dealer in the Midwest. It advertised as having the Euro chip. He asked to check the warranty info on the car, and there was very little in the system. (Normally indicating that it was not a problem car.)He flew to Illinois, purchased the car and drove it back to Lake Tahoe where he lived. A few days later he came by and asked me to drive the car and offer my opinion. I said it ran smooth and felt it was normal. He mentioned that he was disappointed in the power and asked if we could do diagnostic test.We did and discovered that it didn’t have a Euro chip. He contacted the selling dealer and sent him one. We weren’t allowed to install it. But while we had it apart we showed him where to install it. After that the car felt no different. He then contacted a “tuner” and selected their mid range power upgrade. When he went to pick up the car, the kid pulling it around for him. Forgot that it was a manual transmission and dumped the clutch when getting out. The car took off and ran over a couple of parking curbs and did serious damage under the car. The tuner said that they would repair the car and upgrade is system to a higher level to make up for the inconvenience. The upgrade was twin turbos! That car was a rocket! And even under mild throttle application the torque was unreal! What a cool cool car!
I think that is the same 12 in the 750il. 750il wasn’t a 0-60 in 3 seconds but was more than adequate and very comfortable for 4 cruising 140.
I’ll have the six speed manual thank you. This body design is so much more beautiful than the hunched modern beemers. I would easily pay this much for a well cared for manual shift if the same year.
Not on FB so I’ll just say what a crappy picture of such a handsome car.
Truly beautiful car, designed when beauty was a good thing. In 2025 automotive aesthetic design falls somewhere between ugly and aggressive angriness. It’s no wonder road rage has trended upwards since the 90s. If you can’t tell, I abhor modern automotive styling.
I think that is the same 12 in the 750il. 750il wasn’t a 0-60 in 3 seconds but was more than adequate and very comfortable for 4 cruising 140.
PS. BROCKWAY MOUNTAIN WAS A POR STAGE. Way up in the UP
I think that is the same 12 in the 750il. 750il wasn’t a 0-60 in 3 seconds but was more than adequate and very comfortable for 4 cruising 140.
PS. BROCKWAY MOUNTAIN WAS A POR STAGE.