When BMW Still Made The Best Cars In The World - The V12 BMW 850Ci

The 8 series was revolutionary when introduced in 1989 - it opened up a new class for BMW, it was luxurious, the first BMW with 4 wheel steering, a silky smooth 5L V12 engine. It was a class leader and Now is the time to buy one, V12 engines no longer exist, killed by emissions.. but this is still a beautiful coupe which drives like a modern car and could be used daily. And prices are still accessible..

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[Number]

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[markusjuenemann]

Back, when BMW knew how to design actually good looking cars.

[stubvids]

Nice video. I have a 1997 850Ci that I inherited a couple of years ago. My son and I drove it cross-country from west coast to east coast (about 3000 miles) and it was simply fantastic. In Utah, we drove a 60 mile section doing 130 MPH the whole time (the road stretched over the horizon and there were virtually no other cars around) and the 850 was totally in its element. Going over the Rocky Mountains, it had plenty of power and the good handling made it comfortably fun. Really, the only downside to these cars is that it is getting harder to maintain them due to scarcity of parts.

[dolomite_]

I went car shopping with my Dad in the late 90's and we went to the BMW dealer who had a dark green 8-series in the showroom (Dad was looking for a 3 or 5 series). It left a lasting impression on me and I've wanted one ever since. Another great video, Jack. Cheers!

[jimmeltonbradley]

It's the only BMW I have ever thought I would like to own. It is, in my view, beautiful.

[fphil]

I had two V12 850ci over a 6 year period, first one was written off, and the second I had for several years and only getting rid in 2007 when the cost to keep it running in A1 condition became very silly. I worked in Germany during that period and they were the ultimate cruiser and would cover the journey across Europe with ease. It was a sad day when I said goodbye. Still have 2 pairs of Csi mirrors if anyone needs a set. One of the best party tricks it could do, other than to drink fuel at an alarming rate at max speed on the Autobahn was to balance a pound coin on the engine cover at idle. Very happy days!

[richardsellers]

The S70B56 engine used in the 850 CSi (undoubtedly THE pick of the 8 series range) may share bore spacing, layout and general design principal with the S70/2 as used in the McLaren F1, but they are very different engines, particularly the cylinder heads.

[matshemmingsson]

I fell in love with the 850 at age 31 when I first saw it at a dealer. The year was 1990. Now I´m 64 and have had mine beloved 850 13 years now! 🙂

[marcusott]

So looking forward to M539 getting back on his 850 restoration in the next episodes.

[MLC...]

BMW has lost the plot with their modern cars. Thanks for making another great video Jack.

[johnandrews]

I"m not a BMW guy at all... but I have long yearned for an 850ci. Gorgeous design and V12 goodness = WIN!

[joebloggs]

I remember when these first came out they were absolutely stunning and they still are. Some years later (early 2000s) in my car trading days a 850ci came into my hands, I remember selling it back then for just £4500, what a lot of car for such little money they have since risen in value and I can only think that they will continue going up. You need to put the dog into more content! 😊

[GeneralLee.]

This car is the incarnation of BMW’s moto: “The ultimate driving machine”!!! A car that was well loved in US! Goldie Hawn drives a red one in the movie “Death becomes her”!

[dennisdose]

Actually got to drive one of these about 20 years ago. V12, 6 speed, smooth as silk, 80 mph felt like 50.
Special car.

[P.Galore]

I owned a 1991 850i for 3 years, but sold it due to the excessive maintenance costs. But in 2009 I bought an identical 840ci that i have been driving almost 15 years. I am always apprehensive about driving it because parts have become so rare, but I absolutely love it. If you are considering buying one get the best one you can find...pay up because it will be cheaper than restoring it.

[ceedoubleyou]

10-12yrs ago, these were very affordable, when I was looking for a classic car, love the shape and only the V12, but maintenace costs scared the hell out of me. so at the time bought a 43yr old American V8, which over the last decade has needed parts replaced, but being pre-computor era, has been very easy and cost effective to keep on the road.

[brianaust]

In just the last 6 months in the US, the market has hit these 8's pretty hard. So they've become a little more affordable yet again, after being on a real tear, price wise, for the past 2 years. The V12s were cheaper than the 840s for decades, because of fear of maintenance and costs..But then these last couple years have seen the market for the 850s zoom past the 840s, as collectors want the "flagship" versions. I bought a low mile 850CSi year before last and just love it. It's just a very special occasion driver, but oh what a driver she is... ;)

[stephenoverstreet]

The 928 was the natural competitor to this car. I would try to do a head-to-head comparison with those together.

[super_slav]

Best looking BMW to ever grace the roads, paired with a manual transmission absolute deliciousness.

[petergorm]

Absolutely stunning! Not like a M635 CSi, but very pretty, still after 30+ years.