BMW 850i Coupe

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The wonderfully dramatic 8 Series Coupe was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989 and was the flagship model of BMW’s range.

Internally known as the E31, it was a worthy successor to the ultra-exclusive M1 sports car and had very similar front-end styling. Almost $1bn was spent on developing the car which showcased many cutting edge technologies including computer-aided design, the first electronic 'fly-by-wire' throttle, the first 'CAN bus' multiplex wiring and the first BMW with a multi-link rear axle. Conceived as the ultimate GT car, it was luxuriously trimmed inside and was packed with all the gadgets that its jet-set client base could wish for.

The pillarless hardtop body design incorporated many aerodynamic features such as pop up headlamps, flush-fitting glass and door handles, and sophisticated front and rear air diffusers which reduced the drag coefficient to just 0.29cd, a class-leading figure at the time and a massive improvement on the 0.39cd of the outgoing 6 Series.

Initially powered by an all-alloy 5-litre V12 that produced 296bhp and 330lb/ft of torque, it could sprint to 60mph in 6.8 seconds on its way to a top speed electronically limited to 155mph, driving through a 4-speed automatic gearbox. From 1993 a 286bhp 4-litre V8 version was also available, replaced in 1995 by a more torquey 4.4-litre V8. Costing well over £60,000 new, the E31 was always an exclusive machine and just 22,800 of the V12 models were sold worldwide before production ceased in 1999, the vast majority in LHD.

Dating from March 1991, this stunning 850i appears to have spent its early life in Hong Kong and was imported here in 2004 since when it has had just two UK owners, the current since 2005. On arrival here it was showing just 47,470 miles on the clock, a total which has since only risen to 58,800 miles. While there is insufficient history to warrant this total, the overall condition of the car gives you no reason to doubt it – it really is a peach.

The Brilliant Red paintwork has a deep and virtually flawless shine, the interior shows minimal signs of wear with lovely mushroom leather seats, crisp white graphics on all the buttons and switches, unmarked headlining – even the front and rear screens are free of the milky delamination which usually affects the corners. After a lengthy test drive on the occasion of our visit, we can also confirm that it drives as well as it looks with bags of creamy V12 urge and an MOT to March 2020 with no advisories recorded.

The vendor has always kept it garaged during his 14-year ownership and has used it in fine weather only. He treated it to a full brake system overhaul in 2010 at 57,413 miles and it was last serviced in 2015 at 58,364 miles since when it has covered less than 500 miles. All the tyres are good, two new batteries have been fitted and it also comes with 11 old MOTs, two sets of keys and an original sales brochure.

Only 697 E31 V12s ever came to the UK and only 310 of the 850i versions are still registered here making this low mileage cracker a rare beast indeed. Fast, luxurious, beautifully styled and built to last, this is a sure-fire classic of the future and prices have already begun to rise.

For an excellent guide to the 8 Series range, copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/buying_guide/BMW_E31_8-Series_Buying_Guide.htm