Unusual colour combination
Serviced by an authorised BMW workshop in 2025
The most popular model of the 8 Series range
When BMW unveiled the 8 Series (E31) in 1989, the new coupé represented the technological and stylistic spearhead of the marque. Its lines were created by Klaus Kapitza, who would later become head of design at BMW Technik GmbH. His design language combined elegance with precision – a low nose inspired by the legendary M1 and a gently sloping roofline made the 8 Series quite a statement.
The E31 succeeded the 6 Series Coupé (E24), but was larger, more luxurious and considerably more expensive. Its principal rivals were Mercedes-Benz’s large S-Class coupés, the C126 and later the C140. A convertible prototype was tested but ultimately abandoned due to insufficient structural rigidity. The 8 Series remained a pure fixed-head grand tourer.
Technically, the coupé was closely related to the contemporary 7 Series (E32), sharing elements of its suspension, electronics and engines. At its heart was the then-new M70 V12, which combined two Motronic control units with electronic throttle control – a masterpiece of smoothness and engineering sophistication.
Priced at more than DM160,000, the 8 Series remained the most expensive model in BMW’s range until the arrival of the E38 L7 in 1997. Despite considerable initial enthusiasm and some 5,000 advance orders, sales ultimately fell short of expectations. Economic recession, energy prices and American demands for still more performance all put the brakes on its success.
This 850i, finished in an unusual colour combination, is one of those cars originally built for the American market – the market on which BMW had placed considerable hopes at the time. Its original car telephone suggests that the first owner was hardly parsimonious when ticking the options boxes. Most recently, the car was registered in sunny California from 2003 before eventually returning to Germany.
Here it was given a thorough technical inspection by an authorised workshop. Only the sunroof most recently showed minor need for attention. Far more importantly, the mighty twelve-cylinder engine runs with silken smoothness, while the coupé presents in well-kept condition overall. Its registered wheels and tyres provide a suitably purposeful hint at what lies beneath that long bonnet – 300 bhp and 450 Newton metres delivered in perhaps their most civilised form.