1991 BMW 850i (E31) |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1991 BMW 850i (E31)

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Mileage~163,178
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine5.0L
LocationEpping

AUCTION CLOSED

1991 BMW 850i (E31)

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Consigner and Editor

The 850i is a distinctive V12 GT coupe with effortless performance.

A technical tour de force, showcasing the development and sophisticated technology used to produce the flagship BMW coupe, the elegant and subtle styling appealed to those more interested in the journey rather than the arrival. Given the opportunity, it was engineered to cruise at 150 mph on the autobahn in comfort and complete confidence. In the real world, the 850i was seen as a well-equipped gentleman's express with plenty of style.

First seen in the UK in early 1991, the launch model was the 296 bhp 5.0-litre V12 850i, is also known as the 850 Ci. It was one of the first production cars to be fitted with an electronic drive-by-wire throttle and featured dynamic stability control in a pillar-less hardtop body style that helped to create an open spacious cockpit. While preferring the open roads, its tenacity for grip and its lusty V12 power offered plenty of thrills for the keen driver.

This neatly presented 1991 Sterling Silver 850i has been well enjoyed, but this is balanced by its excellent service history. It has been gently used over the last ~11 years, mainly fulfilling its duty as a show car. It comes with its full owner's wallet and two keys and has a current MOT valid until June 2025.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Peter the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

It's a solid and positive drive, plus it has that addictive V12 roar.

Peter has known of the car for years as the previous owner is a friend, he has always admired the styling of the BMW and the sound of the V12 engine. The car became available for sale in 2013, so he leapt at the opportunity to own it.

Displaying the BMW at classic shows, it has covered very little mileage over the ~11 years of ownership and has been treated to a protective oil coat on the underside and several services. Peter is selling the car to free up space and a probable relocation.

Peter will be available to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Peter

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The BMW's finely styled lines are complemented by its well-preserved finish.

Wheels and Tyres

18" M-Tech 10 spoke alloys replace the original Mahlers, but they suit the car well. They are free of any scuffs or damage and present neatly.

The rear tyres are Fullruns and the front pair are mixed brands. They are over 10 years old but have legal and even tread.

Bodywork

The bodywork is in lovely condition and presents really well, aside from a minor protruding blemish on the bonnet, the car is free of dents.

The exterior panels are all flush with even shut lines - all doors open and close easily, with operational drop glass action on the passenger doors.

Being picky on a 34 year old car, there are signs of corrosion emerging on the lower wheel arch lips and a spot on the roof close to the rear glass.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The Sterling Silver paint has decent lustre, with consistent coverage. There are signs of wear on the nose of the car, mostly on the plastic bumper and a handful of small chips on the metal. These have not penetrated beyond the base coat on the metalwork.

The scuttle has paint damage and there is the odd mark and chip across the body but considering the mileage and age of the car, it presents remarkably well.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen is in good shape but the rear screen shows lamination damage, particularly on the top right-hand side corner, together with a minor crack in the same spot. All of the glass and door seals are in good shape.

The lights and lenses are decent, with no significant issues with the rest of the trim. The bumpers are flush to the body and show light corner scuffs. The front bumper has mild impact paint cracks and some minor paint wear is also evident.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The quality of materials and granite-like build finish have kept the interior fresh.

Seats and Carpets

The dealer option leather heated sports seats are presentable, with just surface marks that appear to be treatable. The driver's seat has minor bolster wear.

The carpets and mats have also lasted well, with far better wear than expected for a car of this age and mileage.

All carpets including the boot item are damp-free.

Dashboard

The dashboard presents very well, with no significant marks, cracks or scuffs. There are light marks around the stereo head unit, but otherwise, the interior trim has lasted well. All of the switchgear and controls are good and are said to work, although Peter pointed out a few dead pixels on the digital readout.

The headlining is free of damage but displays a few marks and discolouration in places.

The door cards are good.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are in good condition, with a few light imperfections noted on the steering wheel rim and its emblem.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Mechanically robust, with decades of maintenance, the car drives exceptionally well.

Engine and Gearbox

The cold start process was straightforward, the engine firing up immediately with no unwanted noises heard. The dashboard warning lights remained off and the exhaust soon cleared after the initial condensation.

The engine is cleanly presented and has good hoses and ancillaries. The intake manifolds show some superficial ageing.

The automatic gearbox selects drives without fault, Peter is satisfied with its overall performance.

Suspension and Brakes

The ride was smooth without knocks or thuds heard from the wheels. The car remained vibration-free throughout the drive.

The brakes were effective, with Peter confidently demonstrating that they stopped the car smoothly. We didn’t notice any pulling at the wheel or unwanted noises from the wheels.

The Drive

Created to cover distances in comfort, the 850i seems to have been made for tackling high mileage. This is evidenced by the high level of cabin quality, which is matched by the mechanical durability. The car cruises confidently at urban speeds, it pulls well on the open road, with no hesitancy or splutters from the engine.

Cornering well, with no clonks or wayward handling noted, the automatic box operates smoothly without slippage. Peter has not reported any issues with the engine temperature and it retains a healthy oil pressure, no doubt thanks to its regular serving schedule.

Electrics and Other

We didn't test all electrics during our visit but the electric headlamp operation works without issues. Peter has confirmed the sunroof slides and tilts as it should and doesn’t leak, to his knowledge everything else was in working order, except a couple of dead pixels as mentioned above.

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History and Paperwork

The car has been regularly serviced over the years and even comes with its original BMW dealer order form.

Delivered to its first owner in September 1991 from BMW's main dealer LJK Garage in Ilford, it has an impressive service history, with 28 BMW and Independent service stamps. The car retains its original order form, listing its dealer fit options, as well as a selection of its first service invoices. For the past ~22 years, PMW, a trusted German car specialist, has been maintaining it.

It comes with its full owner's wallet and booklets, a nearly complete BMW tool kit and two keys. Last serviced around 100 miles ago, it has also seen a recent brake fluid and coolant change. It comes with a current MOT valid until June 2025.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Peter will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
11-06-2024	MOT	163,131
10-06-2024	Brake Fluid + Coolant	163,119
03-08-2021	MOT	163,091
20-11-2020	Service	163,086
20-11-2020	MOT	163,086
06-07-2018	MOT	163,071
26-01-2016	Service	163,065
26-01-2016	MOT	163,065
07-01-2015	MOT	163,065
23-01-2014	MOT	163,062
10-12-2012	MOT	159,599
21-06-2012	MOT	157,507
21-06-2012	Oil + Filter Service	157,505
01-12-2011	MOT	154,781
24-06-2010	Service	152,305
24-06-2010	MOT	152,303
26-06-2009	MOT	150,921
25-06-2009	Service	150,920
14-02-2008	Service	146,162
07-08-2007	MOT	139,310
20-12-2006	Full Service	134,324
07-07-2006	MOT	131,644
06-06-2005	Service	129,208
10-06-2004	Service	121,312
06-06-2003	Service	113,880
23-08-2002	Full Service	106,874
14-01-2002	Service	98,599
05-05-2000	BMW Inspection I	84,610
03-11-1998	BMW Oil Service	78,703
16-01-1998	BMW Inspection II	72,021
13-01-1997	BMW Inspection I	60,029
24-07-1996	BMW Oil Service	54,694
11-01-1996	BMW Inspection II	47,202
11-08-1995	BMW Oil Service	41,039
14-01-1995	BMW Inspection I	34,343
17-08-1994	BMW Oil Service	26,395
14-02-1994	BMW Inspection I	21,749
29-09-1993	BMW Oil Service	17,306
23-12-1992	BMW Oil Service	11,788
27-10-1992	BMW Oil Service	5,991
07-11-1991	BMW Running-in inspection	1,092
29-08-1991	Pre-Delivery Inspection