Description

Model History

With a standard for producing cars that focused on delivering an engaging driving experience, the first generation of the BMW 8-Series, the E31, aimed to focus less on driving dynamics – instead focusing on providing a smooth, comfortable ride for long distance journeys as a grand tourer and the flagship model of the Bavarian brand. Positioned above the 6-Series Coupe, the 8-Series aimed to offer a more upmarket two-door BMW package that felt more luxurious and was able to go quickly without making a scene. Among the rest of the BMW range, the 8-Series coupe stands out among the rest by being one of a few models to possess pop-up headlights, as well as being the first production model BMW to use an electronic drive-by-wire throttle system and a multi-link rear axle. In addition, the all-original body was one of the first to be developed from scratch with CAD (computer-aided-design) software – still in its infancy at the time. This however, enabled the 8 Series’s body to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.29 – a major improvement to the 6-Series’s 0.39 coefficient. Other firsts the 8-Series achieved for BMW included introducing dynamic stability control as standard, seatbelt fixtures attached to the front occupant headrests to allow for a sleeker, pillar-less body shape, and other exterior features aimed to maximise aerodynamic performance. Engines ranged from a 4.0L V8 to a range-topping, and one of the largest-displacement engines BMW mass produced: a 5.6L V12. Production of the 8-Series ran from 1989 to 1999, with a total of 30,609 made and sold worldwide.

History File

Featured here is a 1991 BMW 850i Coupe – the flagship of the 8-Series lineup, being the model featuring the 5.0 M70 V12 engine. It is an original Hong Kong market BMW car that arrived in the city in 1991, finished in Laguna Green with a Beige leather interior. The seller would like to emphasise that this car is not in immaculate collector condition – it will require some investment and labour to restore it back into prime shape, aside from work the seller has already put into it to resolve several issues. It has been recently serviced at Yau Wing Motors Company in Kwai Chung – including the replacement of the fuel pressure regulator, as well as resolving a ‘limp home mode’ issue and ‘Check Engine’ light illuminating on the dashboard (the original invoice detailing all of the labour and work done will be provided). While a light error message is reported through the in-car diagnostic computer, the seller reports the exterior lights are all working normally – the error is appearing due to a possible issue with a wiring harness. This example contains a set of Alpina wheels, carbon fibre door mirrors, as well as the installation of Bilstein B8 suspension to replace the car’s original electronic suspension system; no other modifications have been made to this car. Aside from the front bumper having gone under a respray in matching factory colours to touch up some scratches, all of the body panels possess their original paint finish. It currently has a mileage of 50,373 km and has only one previous owner since new – the car was kept in storage for the past two years (though all of its essential maintenance such as oil changes and brake pad replacements were done during this period). Please note the current road license is expired as of 7th September, 2011 – the seller will ensure it is renewed for the next owner, as well as renewing its M.O.T certificate.

Exterior

The design of the 850i Coupe has aged gracefully over the years – with the lines and large body shape still in line with most modern day BMWs. The Laguna Green paint finish has held up well since 1991 – minus some small bubbling on both A-Pillars on either side, some surface wear on the portion in front of the left headlight and a small scratch below the left taillight – all that is required to fix these imperfections is some TLC to remove them.  The doors, front hood, and rear trunk open and close without any issues – no corrosion or patina was found on their hinges or latches, and the rear trunk lid even comes with an original integrated tool kit. Both carbon fibre door mirrors are fully intact with no wear on their casings or surfaces. All of the lights – including the unique pop-up headlights at the front to the rear taillight and side markers are fully operational. The front grille, front bumper, rear bumper, and side skirts are free of any significant imperfections or damage. The roof is free of any sun damage. All four Alpina wheels are in relatively good condition – the front right wheel does have some subtle signs of age on its outlines, but can be brought up to the same visual condition as the rest of the wheels with a refurbishment.

Interior and Trim

Despite some signs of wear on the right side bolster of the driver’s seat, all of the leather seats are in excellent condition with none of the others having been severely worn down or have any tears in their upholstery, nor their seatbelts or individual headrests. The front seats are able to move to varying degrees and positions at the press of the buttons located on the bottom sides without any issues. The side door trim and panels are all fully intact with no significant wear found. Both side door scuff plates and sills have no damage or wear to report of – the ‘BMW’ emblemed scuff plates are free of any scratches. The surrounding gear selector trim does look a bit worn on its gear letterings and does feel a bit loose, but the trim itself still fits in its original position and is otherwise intact with no serious damage. The centre dashboard buttons for the air conditioning do show some age, but the buttons for the stereo and various car settings do not look considerably worn down and all fit in their original positions normally and remain solid to use and touch. The audio system works normally. All of the electronic features – from the power windows to the lights are fully operational without any issues to report of. The amber LCD instrument cluster readout works normally with no missing pixels or blank spaces, and all of the dials work properly.

Engine and Running Gear

Turn the key and the 5.0 M70 V12 engine starts up without hesitation – the engine bay itself does show its age and can benefit from a detailing, but the V12 unit runs smoothly and power delivery is done in a linear fashion, as expected of a grand tourer. Thanks to the maintenance work this has recently received, the engine runs without any significant issues or faults. The power steering is responsive and has plenty of feedback. The brakes have plenty of stopping power when applied – the ABS system kicks in when immediate braking force is required without any problems. The suspension and ride remains comfortable yet planted on the road thanks to the Bilstein suspension installed on this car. The first generation of the BMW 8-Series is a robust and sedate offering for those who want an offering of the BMW badge, focused more on delivering a relaxing driving experience for long distance drives. And don’t forget, possessing a 8-Series means you will have the honour of stating you own one of the few BMWs available with pop-up headlights as standard. This timeless Grand Tourer – possessing a rare colour among BMWs in Hong Kong and the even harder to come by 5.0 M70 V12 engine is now seeking its new owner – available only at the Car Farm.

Buyer’s Premium:

5% of Winning Bid

(Minimum – HKD8,000.00)

(Maximum – HKD50,000.00)