The Secret BMW M8 Is The Only V12 Powered M-Car Ever Made: The E31 Story — Jason Cammisa Revelations

This is the history of the BMW E31 8-series, including a special M8 model that lacked any M badging. The 850CSi received the same M-treatment as the E36 M3, but nobody knows it was, legally, an M8.

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The E31-chassis BMW 8-series was not a replacement for the E24 6-series — it was a completely new kind of GT, designed not to be rolling art, but a way to show off BMW's R&D Department.

The 850i was one of, if not the, most technologically advanced cars in the world. Its list of industry firsts is enormous, and includes drive-by-wire, CAN-bus technology, and the first German V-12 in 50 years.

But BMW forgot to install the fun. the 850i was a sales disaster. At its debut in 1989 at the Frankfurt Auto Show IAA, BMW received 35,000 orders — enough to sell out 3 years of planned production. However, once the car magazines drove it, the reviews were brutal and customers cancelled their orders. (Largely in favor of the R129-chassis Mercedes SL.)

850i sales were so poor that BMW cancelled plans to make an E31 convertible, and also killed off the planned M8, which used the McLaren F1's S70/2 640-hp V-12 with ITBs and carbon intakes.

Instead, M engineered a less-expensive M8, the formula for which was duplicated exactly for the US-market E36 M3: an M engine (the S70B56 — bored and stroked to 5.6 liters, with hot cams and high compression), a 6-speed manual with short gearing and LSD, quicker steering, and a full suspension and brake upgrade. Also, European versions got "AHK," which is rear-wheel steering — and were homologated for sale as the M8/E, produced by BMW Motorsport GmbH.

The reviews were outrageously positive — and the car sold out. But most enthusiasts don't know it even exists, because the badge didn't say M8. It said BMW 850CSi — chosen to celebrate earlier M cars like the M635 CSi.

With 380 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, the CSI certainly had power, but BMW hadn't yet discovered the Power of the M Badge.

The BMW E31 was sold as the 850i (M70 5.0-liter V12), the 850Ci (M73 5.4-liter V12, automatic only), and the 840Ci (both M60B40 and M62B44 4.0 and 4.4-liter V-8s, automatic only.)

The 850CSi was available only with the 5.6-liter V-12 and a 6-speed manual. Because //M.

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Sound Note: this car is modified with mufflers from a Ferrari 599 GTB.
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[RyanStewartUSA]

Hilarious back then they would completely redo the car and put a V12 in it and its still not good enough for an M badge but now every little trim upgrade comes with 5 of them.

[pontiacpower]

“We could do a whole episode on the rear suspension”. Ok. Do that. I’m here for it.

[glenntlol]

Honestly Camissa is one of the greatest motoring show hosts, this series could hold its own on national television.
Awesome video Hagerty team

[MRestorations]

The episode we've been waiting for. Much deserved love for the E31 & CSi! Fantastisch job!

[Airspaceuser]

Didn't know I needed a german steve jobs impression until now

[panadatm]

80's and 90's BMW was the peak of automotive design. I don't care what anyone says, no brand made so many beautiful cars that all aged perfectly in such a small amount of time.

[mchris]

The best automotive journalist/personality in the world right now delivering yet again. Excellent!

[zakvantuyl]

As someone with an E31 (840ci) the amount of looks and interest this car gets on the road is crazy. It's no miata but for a 90's GT car the place it shines even by todays standards is on the late night highway...

[thomaswelcomer]

I feel like I should get college credits for this episode... Well done Professor!

[pabo]

That driving scene at the end looked extremely enjoyable.

[SoldererOfFortune]

Finally someone who can pronounce German names and present an impeccable impersonation of German English at the same time. Bravo!

[VBRO]

FINALLY THE E31 EPISODE!!! You bought one of the best colors too. As an E31 owner it makes me happy to see more new content on it and I can't wait to see the inevitable Carmudgeon episode talking more about it 🤣.

[imacdvman]

As a german I like how Jason pronounce the english words, made my day! 🤣

[Mv]

Jason is the only person that would make me drop everything that I’m doing to watch his video

[mr.butterworth]

As a young teen car nut/BMW freak in the 90’s, I never knew the 850CSi was as rare as it was, but I still remember a picture from the catalog that I loved. It was this shade of blue, with parchment leather interior. So class.

[PerformanceProjects]

The Dieter impersonation was brilliant and exactly the thing I did not know I needed. Thanks for the great videos!

[doctorgrover]

Jason, you're the M version of automotive journalism.

[Edison]

I sat in an 850 CSI in Phoenix AZ when I was in the military, it was like sitting in the cockpit of a fighter jet. It was all black, gorgeous. I could not start it though, it was sold. That V12 looked absolutely huge back then under the hood. Great job as usual Jason.

[Guitarrulez]

This is so much better than boring drag races…More videos like this please !

[Nik]

I remember the 850i presentation at my local BMW dealer, an 850i was parked next to a 635CSI and the 6 series looked like an antique car next to that spaceship, that was my impression at the time.