OT: Drove a 850i today....rather disappointed

[bad_manners_god]

Hi guys, I went to a used car-dealership today around my school and they had a 1991 850i Auto there, I believe it was imported from Japan since all the manuals and service records where in japenese. The body was in great condition but the motor looked like could have used ALOT of work.

The intake manifold was very dirty which usually means not so great maintence.

So I took it for a test drive and inspection, He was asking 11,000.

It felt really solid and quiet which made it rather sleeper with a v12 under the hood. A little biut of play in the steering wheel but just lose inner tie rods. I got it out onto the highway to see what it could really do.

As I was merging onto the highway, sure enough a new 335i in front of me...so we went at it....well, he went at it and left me LENGTHS behind....not even a challenge for the 335i.

But while I was racing the 335i when I hit 158, all the windows went up...I thought that was rather smart. Then on the way back, again merging onto the highway in the opposite direction, a 350Z was stopped on the side of the road and must have seen me coming cause as soon as I got close he took off to come parallel with me. I pushed to the floor (In sport mode) and the 350Z pulled on me really hard.

After that, driving normally, some check engine light comes on and the OBC says" OVERHEAT CATALYST".

So I pull over and as I slow down I notice smoke pouring up from under the car. I turn off the engine immediately....look under the car and it seems to have oil leaking onto the Cats and then the floor...I pop the hood and check the dipstick,,,,oil level at full.

So I drove back to the car dealer and explained the leaking engine oil, and when he wouldn't budge past 11, I figured it wasn't worth it to take a chance to see what was leaking.

Overall it's a solid car, and you really have to look down at your speed to keep from going too fast. Just sucks that it can't really keep up to modern sports car's with twice the amount of cylinders...not to mention, theres not much you can do performance wise without a lot of modification

[Paul in NZ]

Hi guys, I went to a used car-dealership today around my school and they had a 1991 850i Auto there, I believe it was imported from Japan since all the manuals and service records where in japenese. The body was in great condition but the motor looked like could have used ALOT of work.

The intake manifold was very dirty which usually means not so great maintence.

So I took it for a test drive and inspection, He was asking 11,000.

It felt really solid and quiet which made it rather sleeper with a v12 under the hood. A little biut of play in the steering wheel but just lose inner tie rods. I got it out onto the highway to see what it could really do.

As I was merging onto the highway, sure enough a new 335i in front of me...so we went at it....well, he went at it and left me LENGTHS behind....not even a challenge for the 335i.

But while I was racing the 335i when I hit 158, all the windows went up...I thought that was rather smart. Then on the way back, again merging onto the highway in the opposite direction, a 350Z was stopped on the side of the road and must have seen me coming cause as soon as I got close he took off to come parallel with me. I pushed to the floor (In sport mode) and the 350Z pulled on me really hard.

After that, driving normally, some check engine light comes on and the OBC says" OVERHEAT CATALYST".

So I pull over and as I slow down I notice smoke pouring up from under the car. I turn off the engine immediately....look under the car and it seems to have oil leaking onto the Cats and then the floor...I pop the hood and check the dipstick,,,,oil level at full.

So I drove back to the car dealer and explained the leaking engine oil, and when he wouldn't budge past 11, I figured it wasn't worth it to take a chance to see what was leaking.

Overall it's a solid car, and you really have to look down at your speed to keep from going too fast. Just sucks that it can't really keep up to modern sports car's with twice the amount of cylinders...not to mention, theres not much you can do performance wise without a lot of modification

jeez the things are nearly twenty years old....
without the top speed limiter(155mph?) they would go quite well ithink.

[SnakeyesTx]

Wait.. so let me get this straight, you test drove a 17 year old, overweight, naturally aspirated and choked by an automatic trans 850, abused it racing it against a brand new TWIN turbo 335 (honestly did you REALLY think you had a chance?), then when losing once wasn't enough, caused the engine to spew oil racing a second time against someone else with yet again better power-to-weight ratio than the portly 850?

What are you, 15 ?

The 850 isn't a fast car, it was never really a fast car, and you had some over-inflated expectation of it. An 840 with a 6-speed could spank an 850 any day of the week. That V12 is way too finicky compared to an M62.

[bad_manners_god]

Wait.. so let me get this straight, you test drove a 17 year old, overweight, naturally aspirated and choked by an automatic trans 850, abused it racing it against a brand new TWIN turbo 335 (honestly did you REALLY think you had a chance?), then when losing once wasn't enough, caused the engine to spew oil racing a second time against someone else with yet again better power-to-weight ratio than the portly 850?

What are you, 15 ?

The 850 isn't a fast car, it was never really a fast car, and you had some over-inflated expectation of it. An 840 with a 6-speed could spank an 850 any day of the week. That V12 is way too finicky compared to an M62.

I knew I didn't have a chance against the 335i. I just didn't think he would leave 20+ lengths within 10 seconds.

Did the 850i ever come 6 speed?

[Paul in NZ]

I knew I didn't have a chance against the 335i. I just didn't think he would leave 20+ lengths within 10 seconds.

Did the 850i ever come 6 speed?

yes and one of them was a sorta //m car,nearly 400 hp(850csi) but they are big heavy cars.Judging from other aspects of the car you tried perhaps its not even a good example to compare



The 850 isn't a fast car, it was never really a fast car, and you had some over-inflated expectation of it. An 840 with a 6-speed could spank an 850 any day of the week. That V12 is way too finicky compared to an M62.

not entirely sure thats true .the v12 isnt that bad very very good torque figures,its unusual parentage means there is a lot of duplication/redudancy built in so some people cant troubleshoot them


some 850 csi info LONG>>>

Production VersionsEG93: United States-spec (LHD), 10/93 thru 06/95
EG92: European-spec (RHD), 06/93 thru 06/96
EG91: European-spec (LHD), 08/92 thru 10/96






History

What makes the 850CSi unique?
The 850CSi is the the BMW Motorsport-developed version of the E31 8 Series coupe. It is powered by the S70 V12 engine, a BMW Motorsport-enhanced version the standard production M70 powerplant. In addition, the 850CSi features a BMW Motorsport-tuned chassis and several unique cosmetic items.

Where was the 850CSi introduced?
The 850CSi was introduced at the 1991 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

Where was the 850CSi produced?
The 850CSi was built on the regular 8 Series assembly line at BMW's Dingolfing factory.

Is the 850CSi considered an M car?
Although not badged as such, the 850CSi was developed by BMW Motorsport (later renamed BMW M) and is therefore a true M car.

If the 850CSi was developed by M, why is it not badged as an "M8"?
BMW Motorsport did develop a prototype 8 Series with a lightweight body and a 550-hp 48-valve V12 engine that was known as the M8. However, BMW pulled the plug on the M8 and stated, "We're just not interested in putting our name on cars like this anymore." Instead, a more mild 8 Series with a 24-valve version of the V12 and normal steel body panels was chosen for production. This model was named 850CSi, perhaps because it was more closely related to the regular 850Ci coupe than the M8 prototype or perhaps because BMW did not wish to attach the M badge to a rather large and heavy grand touring coupe.

What does the "CSi" suffix denote?
The "CSi" suffix was first used in 1971 on the E9 3.0 CSi coupe to denote "Coupe Sport injection". It was carried over by the 3.0 CSi's successor, the E24 633CSi (and its successors, the 628CSi, 635CSi and M635CSi). However, in the case of the 8 Series, the CSi suffix is unique to the M-powered version (all other 8 Series models have either an "i" or "Ci" suffix).



Production Data

How many versions of the 850CSi were developed?
Three versions of the 850CSi were developed: Two European-spec models (left-hand drive and right-hand drive) and a United States-spec version.

How many of each version were produced?
ECE (LHD): 1,125 built from 08/92 thru 10/96
ECE (RHD): 160 built from 06/93 thru 06/96
US (LHD): 225 built from 10/93 thru 06/95

What changed during the production of the 850CSi?
There were no major mechanical changes to the 850CSi during the three and a half years that it was produced. However, the 850CSi did receive a myriad of smaller running changes that affected all 8 Series models. These included the addition of Coded Driveaway Protection (1/95 producton) and revisions to the ABS braking system, door locking system, audio system, on-board computer and other minor equipment changes.

How does the the U.S.-spec version of the 850CSi differ from the European-spec model?
Though lagely similar in specification and appearance, the U.S.-spec 850CSi was denied the following items, largely for cost reasons:
-Engine oil cooler
-Transmission oil cooler
-Active Rear-Axle Kinematics (AHK)
-Upgraded 13.6-inch front brakes rotors, all rotors with "floating" design
-Smoked front turn signal lenses
-M aerodynamic rear-view mirrors

However, U.S. models do include exterior door handles embossed with "BMW Motorsport" and Extended Yew wood interior trim, both items not normally found on the European-spec version.



Drivetrain

How is the S70 engine different from the M70 V12 upon which it is based?
When creating the 850CSi's S70 V12 motor, BMW Motorsport began with the standard 24-valve SOHC M70 engine and instituted the following changes:
-Increased bore (from 85mm to 86mm) and stroke (from 79mm to 80mm) for a new total displacement of 5,576cc (from 4,988cc)
-Lighter pistons
-Increased compression (from 8.8:1 to 9.8:1)
-More aggressive valve timing for increased high-rpm power
-Larger diameter exhaust pipes
-Variable rpm limit (6,400 in 1st+2nd, 6,200 in 3rd, 6,100 in 4th. 6,000 in 5th+6th)
-Adjustable throttle sensitivity via dual mode (Sport or Komfort) console-mounted switch
-Engine oil cooler (European-spec models only)

These modifications resulted in an increase in maximum power from 300 hp (DIN) or 296 hp (SAE) at 5,200 rpm to 380 hp (DIN) or 372 hp (SAE) at 5,300 rpm. In addition, maximum torque was increased from 332 lb/ft at 4,100 rpm to 402 lb/ft at 4,000 rpm.

This engine can be identified by the "Powered by M" inscription on the central cam cover between the two banks of cylinders.

What kind of gearbox does the 850CSi have?
The sole gearbox offered for the 850CSi was the Getrag Type E six-speed manual with the following ratios: 4.25 (1), 2.53 (2), 1.68 (3), 1.24 (4), 1.00 (5), 0.83 (6). This is mated to a 2.93:1 rear end with limited slip differential. In addition, Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T), which can apply the brakes and/or reduce engine power in the event of traction loss, is fitted as standard to the 850CSi. Finally, European-spec models are equipped with a transmission oil cooler.



Chassis

How is the chassis different from that of a standard 8 Series coupe?
The 850CSi's chassis is based on that of a normal 8 Series and thus is made up of MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link system that comprises five components (upper transverse link, two lower transverse links, longitudinal link and integral link) in the rear. However, BMW Motorsport specified stronger front hubs, stiffer shocks and shorter springs (by 10mm) for the 850CSi.

In addition, all Euro-spec cars are fitted with Active Rear-Axle Kinematics (known by its German abbreviation AHK for Aktive Hinterachs-Kinematik). The system works by turning the rear wheels in the same direction as the fronts in order to facilitate change of direction and weight shift in a corner. The hydraulically-controlled AHK system activates at speeds above approximately 60 kph (37 mph) and can turn the rear wheels up to 2.5 degrees depending on the angle of the front wheels.

How is the steering different from that of a standard 8 Series coupe?
The 850CSi's steering system is based on the same recirculating ball design as the standard 8 Series but incorporates ZF Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist (in place of the usual engine-speed-sensitive system) and a quicker rack (2.8 turns lock-to-lock instead of 3.3 turns).

What size brakes does the 850CSi have?
There are two different braking systems for the 850CSi. European-spec cars are equipped with the same braking system that was fitted to the E34 M5 starting with May, 1994 production. This consists of 13.6-inch vented discs incorporating "floating" rotors and four-piston calipers in the front and 12.8-inch vented discs in the rear. U.S.-spec cars are fitted with the same brakes as the standard five-liter 850i/850Ci: 12.8-inch vented discs in the front and 12.8-inch solid discs in the rear.

What size wheels and tires does the 850CSi have?
There were two different wheel and tire packages for the 850CSi. Until early 1995 production, the 850CSi was equipped exclusively with three-piece M System II wheels consisting of a five-spoke forged alloy center and an outer cover in a "throwing star" design. These are sized 8x17-inch in the front and 9x17-inch in the rear with 235/45ZR17 and 265/40ZR17 tires, respectively.

As of early 1995 production, 18-inch M Parallel Spoke forged alloy wheels became available, either as an option or as standard equipment depending on the market. The 8x18-inch front wheels are fitted with 245/40ZR18 tires, while the 9.5x18-inch rear wheels carry 285/35ZR18 tires.



Cosmetics

How dos the exterior of the 850CSi differ cosmetically from that of other 8 Series?
Aside from its M-designed 17- or 18-inch wheels, the exterior of the 850CSi is distinguished by a unique front fascia that includes a deeper front airdam and air intake, more pronounced side sills and four round exhaust tips, two pairs on either side of a "diffuser" panel under the bumper. European-spec models also feature aerodynamic M rear-view mirrors, while U.S.-spec cars have unique door handles that are embossed with "BMW Motorsport" script. An "850CSi" badge appears on the trunk lid, but there are no M badges on the exterior of the car.

How is the interior of the 850CSI different from that of a normal 8 Series?
The interior of the 850CSi shares its basic architecture and design with all 8 Series coupes. The power and heated front seats are identical in shape and function to those fitted to other 8 Series models and include a three-position memory on the driver-side seat. Unlike other 8 Series models, however, the interior of the 850CSi could also be ordered in several two-tone or "Bicolor" Nappa leather combinations (Black/Dark Silvergray, Light Silvergray/Dark Silvergray, Black/Lotus White) in addition to all Black.

Three different airbag-equipped steering wheels were offered depending on the market and production date: a three-spoke design, a four-spoke design (through 8/93 production) and a four-spoke M design with tri-color stitching on the rim (from 9/93 production). A leather shift knob was fitted to every 850CSi while all U.S.-spec models and some later European-spec cars received the leather shift knob with M tri-color stripe.

Every 850CSi also features a special instrument cluster with red needles, a 300 kph/180 mph speedometer and a unique tachometer with a graduated redline (to reflect the variable rev limiter). There are also special plates with the "M" logo on both door sills. The U.S.-spec 850CSi is further distinguished by its standard Yew wood trim on the dashboard, front and rear center consoles, door panels and rear side panels. Several other types of wood trim could be ordered as an option in other markets.

What features were optional on the 850CSi?
The 850CSi was the flagship of the BMW range and was therefore fitted with most features as standard equipment. Options varied from market to market on Euro-spec cars but generally included various audio and phone systems, a power rear window sunshade, retractable headlight washers, wood trim and (from early 1995) 18-inch M Parallel Spoke wheels. There were no factory options for the U.S.-spec model

[repenttokyo]

The 850 auto is a very heavy, underpowered car, it was a GT car not a sports car, and very few people bought them as a result. There is a reason why BMW only had them available for a short period of time.

the CSi is much quicker.

[Brandon J]

All of this is true. I installed engine and transmission chips in the 850 and they make a huge difference. 60mph+ and 80mph+ is where it really shines. The programming is almost 20 years old and to maximize the higher octane, the chips do help. Since that is the only 850i you ever drove, and it was leaking oil, apparently needs cats, and is imported, I wouldn't judge the 850i acceleration unless you have a good example under your hands. You are right though, it is solid, no wind noise, and if not careful...the speed does climb fast.

[repenttokyo]

Paul - the numbers for the regular V12 in the 850 are not impressive - it's the CSI that is fast.

[bad_manners_god]

All of this is true. I installed engine and transmission chips in the 850 and they make a huge difference. 60mph+ and 80mph+ is where it really shines. The programming is almost 20 years old and to maximize the higher octane, the chips do help. Since that is the only 850i you ever drove, and it was leaking oil, apparently needs cats, and is imported, I wouldn't judge the 850i acceleration unless you have a good example under your hands. You are right though, it is solid, no wind noise, and if not careful...the speed does climb fast.

When I drove it, it had regular octane in it and the engine bay didn't look very well mainted, however the interior was spotless...no sagging headliner, no ripped or overly worn leather seats. The radio had lost some pikels, but other than that, the interior and exterior were in very good condition.

Don't get me wrong, the 850i that I drove wasn't all that slow, but with a good tune up, chip and gearbox swap, it would be much faster. And despite the loose inner tie-rod the car had fantastic steering and handling, very close to that of our E34 at those very fast speeds...(200).

I find the older bmw's, such as the E30, E34, now E31 have better steering and feel than some of the E46's I've driven (330, 323, 325)

[Paul in NZ]

Paul - the numbers for the regular V12 in the 850 are not impressive - it's the CSI that is fast.

i know but the regular v12 does have good torque figures and is not as bad as all that
300 hp (DIN) or 296 hp (SAE) at 5,200 rpm and 332 lb/ft at 4,100 rpm is pretty good.!

[RockJock]

Then there's the Alpina B12 5.7 Coupe based on the 850 CSi (fastest car Alpina ever made) that would spank the 335i above 200kph..6 speed Getrag manual, 416bhp and 560Nm.

Sadly, they only built 57 of these; they still go for $60K+, there's a guy in N.Y. that has a stunning example....

here's one from Europe...
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=accCyIoTRJI

[Ross]

Disappointed.....phhht. Let's see, hmm, you had no intentions and I'll guess no means to buy it anyway. Only out of desperation and ignorance to how much damage a foolish kid with a lead foot can do to a car like that would some crummy third tier car lot let a punk even drive the thing.
WTF made you buy a 525 touring? The 850 is an absolute friggin' rocket ship by comparison to that.
I've resisted jumping on your case for a long time but you continue to ask for it, now you've got it. Few here are impressed with your exploits. Someone like you took away several family members years ago before you were even born. By doing the same stupid **** you brag about. Grow up before you have to live with something like that.
The work you did to your touring, although contrary to the taste of most here, is also beyond the ability of most here, myself included. You will better far served honing your skills rather than trying dumb stunts. An 850? Do you know what grand touring means?















































RIP touring? What was it's fate?

[repenttokyo]

i know but the regular v12 does have good torque figures and is not as bad as all that
300 hp (DIN) or 296 hp (SAE) at 5,200 rpm and 332 lb/ft at 4,100 rpm is pretty good.!

but comparable to a similar-size V8 - that is what always disappointed me about the bmw v12.

[Paul in NZ]

but comparable to a similar-size V8 - that is what always disappointed me about the bmw v12.

true...

[Brandon J]

but comparable to a similar-size V8 - that is what always disappointed me about the bmw v12.
Yea some truth. The M60s did come years later so there is more modern development there. What I have noticed is the torque curve of the V12. Solid and flat. The other thing is with some massaging more power gains are made with the V12 compared to the V8. Chips(2), honed intake, and even (optional) Csi cams, it really wakes it up. Gobs of torque from idle all the way up with the HP to back it up. With the 850i age, cats are another great upgrade. I have heard an M70 sound like a Ferrari with cats deleted and good exhaust....hehe it was a mean sound that had the perfect V12 resonance.

The best characteristic I like from the M70 is it never feels like it is struggling in any rpms. I attribute this to how there is so much potential awaiting (or just that it's a solid engine). :) This also makes it dangerous with speeding tickets. Add the higher speedometer, it takes some getting use to for staying at legal speeds.

I grew up with an 850i since my father purchased one new in 1992. When I get the chance to get in the drivers seat nowadays, I am just impressed how the drive doesn't wear me out like in an e34. It is even more relaxing than my e39. There is also less power loss at higher temps from what I observe. However, if I am on the highway, it doesn't kick, it surges like a plane. Smooth - flat torque pushes it up in the triple digits with ease. No drama. No fuss. What do you get when you join 2 legendary BMW I6 engines?...you get an even better engine, lol.

[repenttokyo]

Yea some truth. The M60s did come years later so there is more modern development there. What I have noticed is the torque curve of the V12. Solid and flat. The other thing is with some massaging more power gains are made with the V12 compared to the V8. Chips(2), honed intake, and even (optional) Csi cams, it really wakes it up. Gobs of torque from idle all the way up with the HP to back it up. With the 850i age, cats are another great upgrade. I have heard an M70 sound like a Ferrari with cats deleted and good exhaust....hehe it was a mean sound that had the perfect V12 resonance.

The best characteristic I like from the M70 is it never feels like it is struggling in any rpms. I attribute this to how there is so much potential awaiting (or just that it's a solid engine). :) This also makes it dangerous with speeding tickets. Add the higher speedometer, it takes some getting use to for staying at legal speeds.

I grew up with an 850i since my father purchased one new in 1992. When I get the chance to get in the drivers seat nowadays, I am just impressed how the drive doesn't wear me out like in an e34. It is even more relaxing than my e39. There is also less power loss at higher temps from what I observe. However, if I am on the highway, it doesn't kick, it surges like a plane. Smooth - flat torque pushes it up in the triple digits with ease. No drama. No fuss. What do you get when you join 2 legendary BMW I6 engines?...you get an even better engine, lol.

v12's are notorious for their smooth power delivery, as well as a smooth idle - much easier to balance a coin on the top of a v12 engine than a V8. The same can be said for an inline six :)

[Paul in NZ]

Yea some truth. The M60s did come years later so there is more modern development there. What I have noticed is the torque curve of the V12. Solid and flat. The other thing is with some massaging more power gains are made with the V12 compared to the V8. Chips(2), honed intake, and even (optional) Csi cams, it really wakes it up. Gobs of torque from idle all the way up with the HP to back it up. With the 850i age, cats are another great upgrade. I have heard an M70 sound like a Ferrari with cats deleted and good exhaust....hehe it was a mean sound that had the perfect V12 resonance.

The best characteristic I like from the M70 is it never feels like it is struggling in any rpms. I attribute this to how there is so much potential awaiting (or just that it's a solid engine). :) This also makes it dangerous with speeding tickets. Add the higher speedometer, it takes some getting use to for staying at legal speeds.

I grew up with an 850i since my father purchased one new in 1992. When I get the chance to get in the drivers seat nowadays, I am just impressed how the drive doesn't wear me out like in an e34. It is even more relaxing than my e39. There is also less power loss at higher temps from what I observe. However, if I am on the highway, it doesn't kick, it surges like a plane. Smooth - flat torque pushes it up in the triple digits with ease. No drama. No fuss. What do you get when you join 2 legendary BMW I6 engines?...you get an even better engine, lol.

yes the torque plus that turbine like smoothness is uncanny...very underated somehow...its funny isnt it that the M70 was released before the m60...

[632 Regal]

agreed with Brandon, the chips are the whip on response and play. These ain't no race cars so don't expect a 7.5 second quarter mile time. Give them the road and cruise at 150 for a bit, you will know what the car was originally designed for. As for keeping up with a twin turboed ricer, put your chips in and run him the long stretch, doubt he can compete 150+MPH bro.

[shogun]

do not mix everything up. You were driving a M70B50 engine, the 850 has some additional engines as mentioned by Paul before, such as M73B54,
S70B56. But the E31 is a GT, no racer.


After that, driving normally, some check engine light comes on and the OBC says" OVERHEAT CATALYST".

That is a japanese speciality. All japanese cars and imports needed on a cat a temperature sensor and it gives an alarm when a certain temperature is exceeded. In my 750 that relay is under the rear seat. But that sensor and the relay are not connected to the DME's or EML. Just an alarm to warn that the cat is super hot.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_8_Series
I feel sorry for that car that you test it in such a way. This is not a race car and I hope you are not Ronny Ramjet.

[e34.535i.sport]

I can't see what you guys think he's done wrong. I doubt there's one person on this forum that hasn't done similar in their own car... WOT is not a crime!

I think Ross says it best - "The gas pedal wouldn't go to the floor if it wasn't meant to be there". :D

[Ferret]

I can't see what you guys think he's done wrong. I doubt there's one person on this forum that hasn't done similar in their own car... WOT is not a crime!

I think it's more the fact he's driven it to bursting an oil seal somewhere and still decides to call it sh*t... you're going to hack off a lot of people on this board by taking a 15 year old car and then calling it crap because it cant keep up with modern lightweight sports cars...!

One of these days I'll get myself an 840i/6 and put my 540i/6 up for sale :) dream car time!

[e34.535i.sport]

I think it's more the fact he's driven it to bursting an oil seal somewhere and still decides to call it sh*t... you're going to hack off a lot of people on this board by taking a 15 year old car and then calling it crap because it cant keep up with modern lightweight sports cars...!

One of these days I'll get myself an 840i/6 and put my 540i/6 up for sale :) dream car time!

Firstly - when you do put your 540 up for sale let me know!!! I've been on the look out for one but I haven't got the heart to sell mine for now after all the work I've done so far...

That's fair comment on the prognosis, a 335i is in a league of it's own! But I would always give any car's I'm going to buy a bit of a test (not thrash it but you know what I mean a bit of WOT), becasue you don't want to be buying a 5 litre monster and have to drive it round like a micra because it can't take any throttle without bursting something! Although it would still look pretty... :D

[sneekens]

hehe!!:D

[bad_manners_god]

I drove the car like I would have driven it if it was mine, if it couldn't handle 160+ without blowing an oil seal, or if the leak was already there before hand, I would have to find the problem after I bought the car...

If the car lot was willing to go down in price for what it was worth then I would have bought the damn thing, but it wasn't worth it.

I didn't call the car sh*t ferret, I just wasn't as impressed with the 850i as much as it's been made out to be.

[Ferret]

I drove the car like I would have driven it if it was mine, if it couldn't handle 160+ without blowing an oil seal, or if the leak was already there before hand, I would have to find the problem after I bought the car...

*melodramatic sigh*

You're not doing yourself any favours you know...

[repenttokyo]

I think it's more the fact he's driven it to bursting an oil seal somewhere and still decides to call it sh*t... you're going to hack off a lot of people on this board by taking a 15 year old car and then calling it crap because it cant keep up with modern lightweight sports cars...!


well, the 850 was a huge commercial failure for BMW, so he is far from the only person to be disappointed with the car.

the 335 is far from lightweight!

[sneekens]

I would have 2nd thoughts on giving you the key...:D Not impressed with the 850i???? Where they even impressed with your TOURING???:D I thought you're eying an engine swap to your TOURING???

A nice example of an 850CSI. Yes its old, but runs strong! After watching the video, its making me want one... DROOL
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=1rcOttE3tt8&feature=related

[RockJock]

--snip---
A nice example of an 850CSI. Yes its old, but runs strong! After watching the video, its making me want one... DROOL
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=1rcOttE3tt8&feature=related

Wow, that's pretty cool and the B12 5.7 E31 is even faster :D

[RockJock]

I drove the car like I would have driven it if it was mine, if it couldn't handle 160+ without blowing an oil seal, ---snip---

How many km on the clock? The thing probably wasn't driven for awhile, months and months, seals all dried up. Also, did you take the time to warm it up properly?

[Mordan]

I would have 2nd thoughts on giving you the key...:D Not impressed with the 850i???? Where they even impressed with your TOURING???:D I thought you're eying an engine swap to your TOURING???

A nice example of an 850CSI. Yes its old, but runs strong! After watching the video, its making me want one... DROOL
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=1rcOttE3tt8&feature=related

nice vid.

what is the fastest stock bmw?

[yaofeng]

I drove the car like I would have driven it if it was mine, if it couldn't handle 160+ without blowing an oil seal, or if the leak was already there before hand, I would have to find the problem after I bought the car...

If the car lot was willing to go down in price for what it was worth then I would have bought the damn thing, but it wasn't worth it.

I didn't call the car sh*t ferret, I just wasn't as impressed with the 850i as much as it's been made out to be.

I just wondered how in the world you push you slow touring to +160.

[repenttokyo]

I just wondered how in the world you push you slow touring to +160.


km's per hour. not miles.

[bubba966]

what is the fastest stock bmw?

Current M5 or M6, forget which one is slightly faster. Both are capable of doing just over 200 if I'm recalling correctly.

[tim eh?]

ok man - it's time you let us know what happened to your spacecar. if you were considering blowing $10k on an 850 then you had the means to replace your transmission methinks. dude you can't show up to 5er meets in an audi or whatever what is going on?

i think those other guys weren't racing you they just wanted to get some distance between them and you... i'd do the same if i knew i had the hp. i agree it's good to push a car you're checking but i'd be terrified to drive an old car i'm not sure about that fast - i certainly wouldn't race people, i'd pick a lonely road so as to only hurt myself if something happened.

thanks for posting that tho it's good to read reviews from members here as we have similar points of reference.

[repenttokyo]

i like the new nick, tim.

[tim eh?]

i like the new nick, tim.
thanks - it makes sense if you know (or guess) i'm Tim A. :) i thought i'd only drive in winter but i like the car too much. criminey, i just fixed the bugger, i can't park it! there's a clint eastwood quote i have to find from the g the B and the U about 'two kinds of people in this world, people with guns and people who dig...' or something... will update sig soon methinks... man do i ever have time on my hands now that i've taken a week off fixing the car :D!

[Brandon J]

You know what would be real nice. Take an 850, twin turbo it. Now you have a GT car that has all the smoothness and GT qualities of a Bentley Continental GT with power that rivals (if you stroke the M70). Now lets start talking comparison, haha. (lets start with saving $150,000+) I think fuel mileage would be comparable too. :)

That would be nice.

[bubba966]

You know what would be real nice. Take an 850, twin turbo it. Now you have a GT car that has all the smoothness and GT qualities of a Bentley Continental GT with power that rivals (if you stroke the M70). Now lets start talking comparison, haha. (lets start with saving $150,000+) I think fuel mileage would be comparable too. :)

That would be nice.

Dinan did TT 850's, only a few of them though as I recall.

[Brandon J]

Dinan did TT 850's, only a few of them though as I recall.

You are right. There are another handful of examples of people who did it themselves. Then there are those who bored the cylinders for a larger displacement. Nonetheless, if after any of these upgrades the 850 is compared to Bentley, Aston Martin, Maserati, or other high end GTs, the 850 looks like a steal.

[repenttokyo]

You are right. There are another handful of examples of people who did it themselves. Then there are those who bored the cylinders for a larger displacement. Nonetheless, if after any of these upgrades the 850 is compared to Bentley, Aston Martin, Maserati, or other high end GTs, the 850 looks like a steal.

wouldn't the chassis have to undergo major upgrades in order to meet the Bentley's cornering ability? It's a pretty dated platform.

[bad_manners_god]

I would have 2nd thoughts on giving you the key...:D Not impressed with the 850i???? Where they even impressed with your TOURING???:D I thought you're eying an engine swap to your TOURING???

A nice example of an 850CSI. Yes its old, but runs strong! After watching the video, its making me want one... DROOL
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=1rcOttE3tt8&feature=related


I was eyeing an engine swap, but it turned out to be a much more daunting task swapping from different manufactures.....the thing that really scared me was the wiring....I was going to have an engine and and speedo...nothing else electrical unless re-wiring the whole car to work with the new harness.

Who exactly are you talking about being impressed with my Touring....again...I believe I mentioned this in other posts, I modded my touring to the way I like, not the way other driver's like, otherwise it wouldn't be different...

RockJock: Engine was at full operating temperature before passing 3000rpm. Car had 103xxx kms

yaofang: The touring is only slightly slower than the 850 at speed. And the touring had half the amount of cylinders and have the displacement and more wieght....that's why the 850 was disappointing.

tim: Check your pms

[nirvana19]

I've driven a continental GT, a car built in somewhat the same spirit as the 850 (by that I mean a grand tourer, granted not much more in common) and despite its massive twin turbo (I think V12) the car didn't feel particularly fast. Now, without a doubt it was fast, but a 325is FEELS faster. As far as acceleration and a car being 20 lengths ahead, the last generation accord V6 6-speed manual sedan (yes they made it) did 0-60 in around 6.5, which is roughly as fast as a CSi, which had a significantly more powerful engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Just like my 535iA gets beat easily by V6 sonata, an 850i would undoubtably get beaten by the 335i, a car known for having more power than BMW claims and beating E46 M3s when chipped. The last generation GMC Yukon Denali does 0-60 in 7 seconds.. the average car today is simply a lot faster than what was around 20 years ago. The 850iA is a great car to drive, and has power to keep overtake people on highways, but there are few races it would win compared to most new cars over 20k (maybe even less) sold in the states.

And, not to be annoying as I do respect the work you did on your touring and admire the skill with which completed it, but you're being very mysterious about what happened to the touring.. deciding not to do an engine swap certainly won't make it so you can never drive the car again. You have been alluding to something being wrong but, unless I've missed something, you haven't said what actually happen.. trying not to judge but its just a little sketchy..

[bad_manners_god]

The car was technically my dads but he had given it to me and I'm the one who spent all the money fixing the car/upgrading/repair except for the paint and body work.

After this it gets kind of complicated with my mom not wanting me to drive the car because it technically wasnt mine. Just take my word for it, the car is fine except the transmission needs to be replaced, the rear shocks need replacing, the rear subframe needs replacing and the exhaust has to made quieter.

I want to do the engine swap because I would have the tranny, harness, pedals and everything else that would go with the swap because I had a complete car and the tranny was already fried and I wanted to put in a M50 or at least bolt on a small turbo.

[filip00]

reading this topic makes me wanna comment....

bad-manners....

i think you expected too much from 850i. that's the sort of car you wanna cruise in, enjoy the v12 sound and luxurity it is equipped with. it's not a racecar, tho i agree it sucks that it had an oil leak after hitting vmax.

[zuzuk212]

Not meaning to restart a thread for more bashing, but I didn't see it before from life kicking my butt and just saw it from searching for other things.

I got the chance to drive an 850i on PA back country roads, 0-100-0 ... it put a huge smile on my face:D and still does, but it was a 6spd. I wouldn't even consider an auto.:p That was a fun car and for as big as it was, it handled nicely. I also Love the look ... classic! The part that would suck is the cost of feeding it.

Sorry for the thread revival, but that car is sweet.