Topping the E31-generation 8-Series model range, the BMW 850CSi boasts a 5.6-liter S70 V12 engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential, and a lowered sport-tuned suspension. This 1994 example is one of only 225 BMW 850CSi models built for the U.S. market during a two-year production run. It comes finished in Orient Blue Metallic over a two-tone Dark Slate Gray and Light Silver Gray leather interior. The car features heated and power-adjustable front seats, a power sunroof, an onboard computer, dual-zone automatic climate control, 17” forged aluminum “throwing star” wheels, and an upgraded Dinan exhaust system. It was acquired by the current owner in 2021 and underwent service within the last year including new tires, engine mounts, batteries, fluids, and a front suspension overhaul. Showing approximately 52k miles on the odometer, this rare 850CSi is now being offered for auction out of Arizona.
Compared to other 8-Series models, the 850CSi features a unique front and rear fascia and distinctive 17” forged aluminum Style 21 wheels with directional “throwing star” covers. This example is finished in Orient Blue Metallic (317) and equipped with pop-up headlamps, fog lights, a power sunroof, BMW Motorsport door handles, and quad Dinan exhaust tips. The seller indicates new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires were mounted in 2024. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARFAX report.
The 2+2 cabin is appointed with Dark Slate Gray and Light Silver Gray leather upholstery accented by burl wood trim. Accessories include heated and power-adjustable front seats with driver position memory, a black leather steering wheel with tri-color stitching, a power-adjustable steering column, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, an onboard computer, an AM/FM/cassette stereo, a 6-disc CD changer, and BMW-branded floor mats. The seller indicates the onboard computer was repaired in October 2024.
Exclusive to the E31 850CSi, the S70B56 DOHC V12 is the lowest-production BMW engine to date. It displaces 5.6 liters and delivers up to 372 HP and 402 lb.-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. The 850CSi features a lower and stiffer suspension than other 8-Series models as well as a revised steering ratio. It comes equipped with Electronic Damping Control (EDC) and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. This example was fitted with a Dinan exhaust system under prior ownership. Service completed in October 2024 included new engine mounts, drive belts, air filters, batteries, fuel hoses and filters, new coolant, brake fluid, differential fluid, an oil change, and new windshield washer pumps. The front suspension was also refreshed with new lower control arms, strut mounts, strut assembly inserts, tension arms, and sway bar end links.
This sale will include a toolkit and a clean title.
Comments (35)
Sold for $110,000
@SWVintage Understood sir and I concur regarding the VIN decals. On all my M cars these were placed under the insulation materials on the bonnet, boot & door panels. They were visible on the fenders and quarter panels. Maybe why neither of us had seen them in these locations on an 8 series. I appreciate your feedback. This is a great example. Love the color and looks to be in great condition. The last offer is a really good proposal and on the nose for what I would pay, if I could go that high. GLWTS!
Offer in the amount of $95,000
Bid in the amount of $52,000
Bid in the amount of $50,000
Bid in the amount of $35,000
@Mills28 lastly, both top facing and side facing panels are a mixed bag of higher and lower readings.
@Mills28 I would say, "it has the appearance of a repaint due to hail with a replacement boot lid and hood." constitutes an accusation more than a question.
@Mills28 I looked at half a dozen 850 CSI auctions and not o e car had the VIN stickers you are asking about. So again, please show me an example of an 850CSI with VIN stickers in the locations that you are describing.
And service history gaps?
I'm asking questions, not making accusations. Seeking additional info as a bidder should be welcome. With 30 years in auto body, I am simply trying to determine the reasons why there are thicker mil readings on upward facing panels.
As anyone who owned BMW's from this era can attest, there are non removable (without destruction) 3/4" x 2" VIN decals present on most (not all) BMW's since the late 80's. Both my E36's and E46 had them. These were M cars and since the CSI was built at the Motorwerken location they should be present. Looking up this info is easy too. Can you please answer my question about the orange peal?
@Mills28 wow, very strong accusations without basis. Please tell me where you think there should be a VIN sticker on these panels and show me an example.
Bid in the amount of $32,000
Beautiful example E31. Thank you for the pictures. Do you have any additional service history? Gaps present from 10-11k and 11k - 32k. Inspecting all the images, I see no VIN stickers on any panels. If these are present, please add these images. In looking at the coating thickness gauge, where the depths are greater, it has the appearance of a repaint due to hail with a replacement boot lid and hood. Can you tell if these panels are OEM and if the roof has OEM orange peal?
Bid in the amount of $21,850
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Good time for Jason Cammisa's 850CSi to debut on Jay Leno's Garage. Good bit of research to watch that, along with his own Hagerty video about why the CSi is so special when compared to other E31's.
(Not a paid advertisement lol)
CSI’s were not equipped with electronic damping. In addition to the front and rear lower bumpers being different, they also had a lower and more tuned suspension through the use of different dampers and shorter firmer springs, larger front and rear sway bays, different throttle mapping with sport mode switch, different servotronic power steering calibration, and different final drive ratio in the limited slip differential. In the US market all CSI’s came with throwing star wheels, comfort seats, wood trim, a sunroof, and cell phone. MSRP in 1994/1995 was right around 102k USD as I recall. The Getrag 560 transmission in all 850CSI’s like many other Getrag units BMW sources calls for ATF oil. There were 225 of these cars made for the US market in a 2 year run.
Bid in the amount of $15,000
@3PedalKing - The car is local to me and I’d love to have it, but I agree with your assessment. We will see what happens.
@Giediprime 105 is very strong, should’ve taken that and run! I don’t think it’ll get near that here. Will probably end up in the deal tank at some astronomical number for a long while!
@Kirillazure , The exhaust is much better in person. I had someone come inspect the car and mentioned that he expected to see a hole in the exhaust but that it was surface only and better than he thought. I know how it appears, though. IMO, the paint meter readings on some panels mostly show a respray of clear over a repaired scrape, scratch, etc. I don't know for sure, obviously, but none of the readings, atleast to me, are of repaired body damage.
@Giediprime AC works great. All CSI's are manual transmissions.
@3PedalKing - it was RNM at $105k.
Bid in the amount of $13,250
Bid in the amount of $13,000
@swvintage I thought this car was recently traded on BaT! Did it not?
@seller - can you confirm the operation of the A/C? Is it r134a? Also, was this car converted to a manual transmission? Pic 242 shows an ATF oil label.
It’s a nice car, but condition of the exhaust and paint reedings , so sad ((
Bid in the amount of $12,000
Bid in the amount of $11,250
Bid in the amount of $11,000
Bid in the amount of $1,500
Love the bid. HAHA.
Bid in the amount of $911