HIGHLIGHTS

Exceptional “Grand Touring” Design
Showing Only 42,700 Miles
Two Owner Car - Original Owner From 1996-2019
Exceptional Cosmetic and Mechanical Condition

OVERVIEW

Among one of the most refined and well-developed contemporary BMWs, the 8 Series (E31) remains one of the most coveted modern grand touring cars ever offered. After revolutionizing the category of performance luxury coupes, the BMW 6 Series bowed out of production giving way to an entirely new car. Powered by the V8 or V12 engine, the outstanding balance between the all new chassis and potent flagship V12 engine made each of these amazing cars truly global leaders in performance and elegance, living up to their reputation as ultimate road cars.

The 850 was initially developed in early 1981 with design and engineering details finalized by 1983. Leveraging profits earned from the successful 3 and 5 series offerings, BMW spent nearly a billion dollars developing the 8 series, much of which was performed using new state-or-the-art CAD tools, wind tunnel testing, and the latest in materials technology. Initially released as the 840, the 8 Series was immediately acclaimed by the automotive press for its exciting blend of performance and luxury, elegantly delivering the signature “shark nose” styling perfectly captured in the new body colored fascia, along with a sweeping side glass profile and expansive windshield, which gave the coupe design a very open feel.

By 1990, North American models arrived with the 322hp 5.4L V12 engine delivering fantastic performance from either the 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. During the remarkable decade-long production run, the 850 not only established itself as a premier sport-luxury car, it cemented BMW as a major contender in the growing performance luxury automotive segment. Although more than 30,000 8 Series cars were built worldwide, the North American models were limited to just 7,232 units, a mere 363 of which were North American 850Ci models offered from 1994-1997.

The particular BMW 850Ci was originally delivered to Portland, Oregon where it was sold to the first owner in April 1996. Consecutive maintenance was performed by the first owner and by August 2004, the car had amassed a mere 26,325 miles. In addition to a maintenance inspection, the front brake pads were replaced, and the drive belts were replaced at this time. Regular services continued including oil changes, emissions inspections, and brake fluid flushing. August 2019 servicing at 41,972 miles included replacement of both valve cover gaskets, air injection hoses, new transmission mounts, and fluid and filter change on the transmission. In 2019 the current owner purchased the car from the original owner with approximately 42,000 miles. The mileage on the car is supported by an unbroken listing of documented services recorded on the recently printed Carfax.

Today this beautiful 850Ci displays just 42,700 miles. The superb overall condition is instantly evident in the excellent exterior finishes. The glossy black paint has been checked with a digital paint meter and all metal body surfaces show readings consistent with factory applied paint. The glass, exterior lenses, and emblems are all in beautiful condition, as are the finished details accenting the beautiful lines of the car. All rubber trim and gaskets are in exceptional condition. The polished alloy wheels are in very fine condition showing modest age to the satin luster with Michelin Pilot Sport tires date coded to late 2006. Every aspect of the car has been dutifully maintained and carefully preserved by two previous owners while accumulating minimal miles and maintaining the car to recommended manufacturers standards.

The supple black leather interior is an artful expression of performance and luxury, giving the car a stealthy appearance in keeping with the exterior. The multiple adjustment electric seats still retain the factory leather showing only minor evidence of use, supple material finishes on front and rear seating, and stitching that remains in excellent condition. The contoured door panels and assorted trim are nicely preserved with some minor delamination to the driver’s side tufted door insert. The grey felt headliner is in very good condition, however small portions of the headliner will need to be re-glued.

The center console contains warm burled walnut applique inserts adding a touch of elegance and color to the black interior. The performance-oriented dashboard displays a combination of black accents with state-of-the-art period audio system and adjustable climate controls. All features and systems function as expected, including the electric retractable sunroof, power seats, and top-of-the-line high fidelity stereo system. The steering wheel, instrumentation, and controls offer original finishes and fastidious detailing. The carpet and floor mats are in excellent condition, showing some use to the driver’s footwell area. Overall the interior presents quite well, reflective of the documented low miles and two-owner care. The trunk compartment has been beautifully preserved, displaying an excellent factory grey trunk liner and carpeting. The factory tool tray remains in excellent condition with factory tools still in place along with the correct spare tire.

Under the hood, this BMW 850Ci exhibits continued originality and excellent detailing. The engine and engine compartment retain the correct factory finishes, proper engine intake and molded components, all factory stampings, correct labels and factory markings. The engine, air cleaner, and air-management ducting are retained, including the distinctive V12 intake plenum showing twelve wide intake casting tubes feeding the hungry combustion chambers within. Mated with the automatic transmission the car operates with excellent progressive shifting points and superb power delivery particularly when driven with performance in mind. Underneath the car, the unibody chassis reveals a properly maintained low miles car displaying typical road use consistent with the miles indicated on the odometer and supported by the uninterrupted mileage records shown in the recently printed Carfax. The car is accompanied by an owner’s manual packet, clean Carfax, two keys, and a selection of original service records.

Beautifully designed, superlatively crafted, and innovative when new, the BMW 850Ci has rapidly become more and more sought after among collectors and enthusiasts seeking a modern car that captures classic coupe design. Exceptional low mile examples with known history offer luxury, performance, and rarity with the added distinction of beautiful original paint, excellent interior, and two-owner documentation. This wonderful 850Ci is ready to deliver on the promise of luxury touring and delightful sporting elegance, just as it did when originally offered, and will continue to do as a premier contemporary grand touring classic.

Please contact Jason Harris at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this 1996 BMW 850Ci for sale.