I am looking into getting one soon, later this year and I am wondering if I should be looking for specific problems or options that I should have. Any help would be great.

Is that with the V12???

Yes the 850i, and the 850csi both have v12's the latter with 380hp. The 840' s have great v8's though. Im looking into getting an 850.

I have a 1992 buyers guide, and teh 850 is included. Unfortunetely, it is in french, so I will translate it and get back to you on what it says,say tonight or tomorrow.:)

Originally posted by Chris
I have a 1992 buyers guide, and teh 850 is included. Unfortunetely, it is in french, so I will translate it and get back to you on what it says,say tonight or tomorrow.:)
Awesome...Im researching these cars like a madman, so anything is good! Thanks.

Ok, 0-60 is in 6.5 or so seconds for the 6-speed stick. The engine will last forever if maintained. If could cost up to 2 grand a year on maintenance, but it might not. Make sure the engine is in tip-top shape, as a rebuild will cost (I'm serious) $20000!!:eek:
Some problem areas: The throttle motors and fuel pumps. There are 2 of each, and they are about $700 for the throttle motors, and probably more for the fuel pump. You may never have one break down, but you likely will.
The important thing to remember is that V12's are much higher maintenance than other engines, and these expenses should be expected and planned for, and considered a bonus if it doesnt happen.
The engine is supposed to be super-smooth and willing, and it has been praised as great fun to drive, with excellent feedback. It has stability control, ASC+T, (the T is traction control, adjusting throttle, timing and brakes). The system can be turned off, and should be for serious driving. It will save your but in the rain, though.
New, it is $80000. They now range from 20-35 grand for ones in good to excellent condition.
If I can think of more, I will post it later.

It has a .31 Cd. co-efficient of drag, much better than a1992 explores .43

I should hope so.

Thanks, woah its alot of money for a rebuild...hopefully I can get lucky and find a well maintained car. Anthing else?

The manual tranny is trouble-free. The automatic can be problematic, and would cost you $4000 for a new one.
On a stick, the clutchs have a long life.
All the electronic stuff is apparently free of gremlins.
There are two batteries, and its best to get REALLY, REALLY, GOOD ones. If they start to become weak, it will cause problems with the electronics, which would be expensive.

I never knew there was 2 batteries, Im sure that will be expensive. Do you know about the gas mileage cty/hwy?

Not great, but I will get exact figures tonight.

Again check my site for Prepurchase infos and chat with actual owners..they will be able to help you ;-)

Originally posted by Club E31

Again check my site for Prepurchase infos and chat with actual owners..they will be able to help you ;-)
Check my other reply...and your car is unbelievable!

13.5L/100km, or about 17mpg. That is the combined rating. I dont have figures for the city or highway. Even if i do, I wont see that stuff until Monday night.

Thats cool, thanks again.

I leased a BMW 850Csi for 30 months a few years ago and it was trouble free. OF course this was a brand new car then but I thoroughly enjoyed it. BTW my car went to 60 in under 6 seconds and was electronically limited to 155. If you find a good one you should really enjoy it.

However, as some people have said, if these cars aren't taken care of they cah be extremely EXTREMELY expensive to fix. Like Ferrari expensive. Buy a car that has been driven 75000 or so miles with one owner and you should have no trouble.

My complaints of my car were: the trunk was too small, the tires wore out quickly (15000 miles on a set of Z rateds) the brakes were squeaky if i went a week without washing the car, the wheels kick up everything on the road into the wheelwells wihc can make for a noisy drive, it wasnt fast enough for 380 horsepower, I was paying way too much money for the car. I believe my monthy payment was around one thousand dollars with no downpayment. (hey it was my first nice car! :D ) it makes a great BMW and i wish they had updated them and continued to make them because i would probably still be driving one today.

Dont get an 840 because they do 0-60 in about 6.7 with auto tranny. Also, try to get one with the wood dash because it looks exquisite... Also remember this is a luxury GT car and not a sportscar like some people say. It has good chassis to it but the weight of the car reminds you its no M3. This is a lot like a Jag XK8 coupe in my opinion. Its a very comfortable interstate driver though, and fun to speed in :cool: Know what you are getting into with one of these. As a final thought, women love these cars! Two best colors on them are Jet black and metallic red IMHO (I had the red)

Driving the car was a blast because they are so rare that people gawked at me in amazement. They are truly beautiful cars and you will stand out in one. They make you feel rich and important which is probably why i got suckered into leasing one. Hopefully this helps.

My two cents
Ultimatedriver7
'01 330Ci all opts except rear backup
soon to be '02 M3 all opts except rear backup and metallic paint

So Ultimateone got a 99 BMW. After we did all that:( .......j/k.

Hope you like it;)