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

[@Number27]

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[@markusjuenemann]

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

[@carlosoruna7174]

850 looks like a poor mans m1..

[@nstarmore]

Back when they knew how to build cars that worked as well. For a while at least

[@palisium]

@@carlosoruna7174 😂 No poor man can afford a BMW let alone a BMW 850 with a V12. It looks expensive because it was expensive

[@brianaust8897]

@@carlosoruna7174 LoL what!?

[@claudiomarangone614]

Nonsense

[@stubvids7403]

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.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

I envy you (in the nicest possible way!) 😁😁😁 Enjoy that wonderful machine

[@cagancomerter4152]

i just inherited a 1991 8.50i, so happy about it

[@cormorant_on_arock7934]

that's such a beautiful story :) what a father-son moment - driving that horizon road in this awesome and beautiful car

[@dolomite_73]

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!

[@jtreut]

Similar. I still remember seeing a new one of these in a showroom in my early teens. It made quite an impact.

[@leylandlynxvlog]

I had a 1:24 model of one in green as a child 850i it was, and that left an impression on me and I still want one. For now I'll make do with my lovely CLK 320.

[@ct1762]

for me it was in 1995 with an e36 M3 lightweight. remember those vader seats like it was yesterday.

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

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

[@Dessert_x_Tat]

100% :)

[@ziggyspiz9783]

Unlike today's BMW with their fronts absolutely atrocious!

[@cormorant_on_arock7934]

it is so cool, so unique, so beautiful. I am utterly over BMW's (had an E38 and E39, the latter of which was ... a bit of a lemon (but good gawd I loved her); went for a 99 Merc E320 a year ago and it has been SO good to me; never going back to BMW except for either one of THESE ... or of course the 635CSI. One day I would love to have one if not both of those.

[@matshemmingsson2276]

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! 🙂

[@MLC...]

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

[@f1phil813]

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!

[@marcusott2973]

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

[@mbizozo6271]

Yes sir, can't wait!

[@mikaeljonsson4686]

Hell yeah, me too! 👍👍👍

[@frederiquekruger4818]

I love the 850i and because of m539 restorations, I have loved it to the extent where I have purchased one in need of restoration. Though I wish it was calypso red instead of diamond black.

[@mbizozo6271]

@@frederiquekruger4818congratulations, hope it all goes well.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

*M539* demonstrates very well the significant challenges associated with refurbishing one of these vehicles not least the lack of availability of many parts.

[@dennisdose5697]

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

[@richardsellers8671]

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.

[@universalcitizen7544]

@Richard Sellers spot on mate! Also another major difference is the the 850CSI engine still had 2-valves/cylinder but capacity increased to 5.6l, whereas the F1 had a 4-valves/cylinder engine and capacity of 6.1l. Of course both engines were developed by BMW's M division

[@90MinutenLang020Damsko]

Engine block was the same the heads were similar to the s38b38 m5 or the s50b30 m3 can't remember which one they used but that was the mighty v12 in the f1 the s70/m70 with 4valve heads and maybe the crank and rods but that's it.

[@richardsellers8671]

@@90MinutenLang020Damsko Simply not the case, the displacement,5.6L vs 6.1L, different compression ratio. Cannot possibly be the same block. As for the heads, they have nothing in common, SOHC vs DOHC 4V and double vanos.

[@brianaust8897]

Yes actually the evolution M3 engines 3.2l was as close to half of the Maclarens 6.2l as any BMW engine. These two with their heads and VANOS systems were developed side by side at the time.

[@1055Richard]

My take too, not the same engine although shared some design principles. The M division engine was commissioned by McLaren for the F1

[@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.

[@johnandrews3568]

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

[@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.

[@sarahconner9433]

Yolo..... Live life without regrets, failure is quick and guaranteed.... but regret is a lifelong torment that eats you from there inside out!!!

[@super_slav91]

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

[@kevmagill5163]

Here in the US a low mileage 850csi with a manual is over 100,000 dollars. With automatic variants going for around 60,000 dollars. Still something that is very desirable, but becoming a car that is getting the attention from collectors that will put this beauty out of range of most casual BMW fanboys.

[@GeneralLee1961.3]

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”!

[@joebloggs4191]

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! 😊

[@cormorant_on_arock7934]

0:03 something about the headlights is uncannily awesome and beautiful. this car is absolute art and soul. The wide, almost-angular hood sloping down to those narrow headlights give it a sense that the car is squinting, almost wincing out at you as it proceeds forward with ... if not *unabashed*, meerly half-abashed excellence

[@stephenoverstreet9898]

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

[@barryfeatherstone1616]

I'd have a late 928 GTS any day...:)

[@bogdanbosoi1483]

I had both at the same period, a 91 928Gt manual and a 840ci ( and a MB cl600 w140). Both phenomenal cars, super engineered in absolutely every aspect, but... The e31 was the superior car ( better also than w140), more sophisticated, better high speed stability ( over 200km/h), better insulated and more solid structure. I can honestly say that the e31 was a rolling vault, more solid than ANY actual or past car BMW has ever built, and I've been all the current top of the range BMW s. Believe me after you close the door of a e31 any other car seems a joke.

[@romulus_]

@@bogdanbosoi1483 wish I could say the same for my '89 e24. not the worst quality but doesn't feel luxurious and vault-like enough given its cachet.

[@berttroubleyn3475]

Traction control (ASC+T) through brake and throttle control was standard on all 8 Series, 4-wheel steering (AHK or Aktiv Hinterachse Kinematik) was optional on the 850's, standard on the CSi and not available on the 840 Ci. And yes, you can feel computing power back then wasn't so great, because it operates like a blunt instrument by completely strangling the engine when traction is lost. BMW could offer ASC+T because this was its first car with an electronic throttle pedal (by wire), but something like ESP (DSC in BMW speak) was not yet available when the car was being developped, hence the 4-wheel steering. It was not so much there to make the car more lively as with current 4-wheel steering systems, but to make the car more stable at higher speeds and to compensate for the lack of other stability control options.

[@brianaust8897]

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... ;)

[@212MPH]

The 840s had more problems than the v12s, the original 4.4 V8s has nickel lined bores that scored up destroying the block. Post 96 840s had different cylinder liners. I had a 98 840 for years.

[@brianaust8897]

@@212MPH That was only in the 4.0l v8 and solved by ‘95. And if they’re running still these days, they’re not going to have a problem with it. It was just high sulfur gas in parts of the US where it was an issue.

[@212MPH]

@@brianaust8897 we had the same problem in Europe with them.

[@brianaust8897]

@@212MPH Interesting! Here all this time I’d thought it was a US only issue.

[@leenevin8451]

These are expensive considering their running costs and performance. But that’s because they’re so cool

[@Wolfson47]

This was one of my all time favorite cars. Saw one parked outside a country Inn in Burgundy, France. It struck me as the perfect Grand Touring car.

[@petergorm]

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

[@MLC...]

M635csi must be the most desirable car ever.

[@pappyodanial]

I had this era of BMW. Test drove new ones with electric steering and I told the salesman, tell corporate their steering racks are what made me fall in love with my E34, E28, and E90, and they ruined that.

[@ckjlgp]

Great video Jack , I owned the BMW 750il of the same era when I lived in Australia, it cost me $20k to buy in 1999 which when new in 1991 cost $300k (cars are really expensive in Australia because of a 56% luxury tax) and in one year I spent $20k in repairs, every time we went for a decent drive it broke down. I now own a very nice Aston DB9 which is as reliable as a Swiss watch and sounds a little better as well ! I still look at these 850’s but the memory of huge bills and unreliability just puts me off.

[@Kmasse8]

In the 90s they already had that “BM trouble you” reputation. Aston DB9 must be great!

[@TassieLorenzo]

"in one year I spent $20k in repairs, everyone we went for a decent drive it broke down" Yet isn't the premise of this video that BMWs were well-made back then?! 😮 Could a Lexus LS400 have served you better at the time despite being 4 cylinders down? Or would that car have run up $20k of costs too? 🤔

[@ckjlgp]

@@Kmasse8 yes it is, the best car I’ve ever owned.

[@madhanaekanayake2187]

Just like Mercedes= money-pit!@@Kmasse8

[@Flamindaemon89]

I used to have a 1988 750iL with this very same incredible engine and it really is like nothing else on the road - Torque was instant, ALWAYS ready to leap forward at your command, even in that huge 2 ton limo. What incredible engineering! I still miss that car - maintenance was a nightmare and you really have to be on a six figure income to run these cars especially now that they are so old.

[@mattiaspettersson788]

My friends dad owned a silver 850 CSi. 380 hp went up to 410 hp with a chip and at the same time the speed limiter was removed. At 280 kmh the acceleration still was significant but my friend didn’t want to go faster since the E4 (one lane in each direction) felt like a bike path at that speed. It was a really beautiful car but unfortunately I never got the chance to drive it.

[@michaelwoodbodley8099]

The sound of the engine as you accelerate is glorious. Power without intrusiveness.

[@robscully3312]

Back in the 80,s i had a friend who owned a number 0f 6 series BMW,s which he loved. when the 6 series was discontinued, he got an 850 which for some reason he disliked and sold very quickly. However the week he got it we went out in it and he let me drive it. it was quite amazing.

[@cormorant_on_arock7934]

i am not sure which classic car to get - the Porsche 928, or THIS. After watching this video, I am leaning towards one of these babies.

[@markjones-vx3kp]

Without doubt one of the best looking BMWs they made

[@patriley9449]

The BMW Bavarias from the 70's were fine looking cars as well.

[@poppad1187]

I’ve been on a rampage this morning looking at the BMW 850, the first BMW luxury Coupe that had presence like no other and still does to this day . That car even today demands respect in my opinion with that engine , the styling, that mean looking rear end & front end w/ pop ups. This car was built decades ago and still has a looks better then this over the top blown out nonsense they build today . I realize I am starting to sound like my old man, hanging on to the prior generation’s beauties. I guess it’s never too late to go out and enjoy a summer with the car you dreamed about growing up but even if you could afford ten years later you didn’t want to deal with whatever maintenance and the work that was required unless you were a guy who had a garage and knows their way around engines especially BMW’s Maybe I am wrong but I felt even if you got afford to get one, you had to have the time & money to maintain it. That said , it’s one on my top list !

[@sirleroyale4412]

My favorite car from the 90’s

[@danielday713]

I’ve scratched two itches since 2011: I purchased a ‘73 2002, and in 2020, a 2002 E46 M3. I feel another itch coming along thanks to your review. 😉. You’re absolutely right; the lines are perfect. I’m not so sure about that V12, though. Great review. They really are a driver’s car.

[@TheHomeExpert5]

It's one of the most beautiful BMWs of all time. I had an 840ci for over 10 years. They do have their issues. BMW took it upon themselves and to make the wiring of the car biodegradable. You can imagine the problems that arise nowadays in a car that's 25 plus years old. I still love the shape and the interior is gorgeous. The suspension also tended to have issues and needed Parts more frequently than average. I replaced the car with a Cadillac ELR and going from one to the other, the BMW felt like a overweight '70s American sedan. Old, rickety creaky, and antiquated. The ELR handles like a new camaro, and sips gas because it is a hybrid. It's also gorgeous.

[@AmosDohms]

ELR is a very interesting car. Terrible buy new, but perhaps a good one these days. Certainly a lot more interesting then a Volt.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

The 850ci is a stunning car! I think probably the best looking BMW ever in my opinion, I'd take one in a nice bright Red colour Jack 👍

[@neildonaldsonlotusexcelresto]

I still have one of these, an 850i from 1991. It needs tidying up but runs well.

[@bogdanbosoi1483]

Keep it! I sold mine in 2020 and still regret my decision. It simply doesn t exist any other car built like the e31, and I had many...

[@JorgeCanela]

My all time favourite BMW (850csi). Beautiful car, from a time when BMW absolutely dominated in terms of design. Great review. Thank you and keep them coming.

[@vincecaporale3544]

Like all classics, this model has aged so well!

[@576103]

The top of the range 850 CSI manual was basically a direct market competitor to the Ferrari 550 Maranello. It was the equal to the Ferrari in most performance respects and arguably a bit more useable. Only 1510 produced worldwide (225 for the USA), and you can’t touch one today for under $100k. Really nice examples are $150k or more. They are enormously complex and expensive to service, from what I’ve been told by a friend who owns one. But drive them regularly and look after them and they are extremely rewarding. The 840 delivers much the same experience minus the V12 soundtrack, at a fraction of the cost, and is unquestionably a wiser choice for most people….

[@carlgeorgtsigakis498]

The NA spec CSi was rarer, but was a stripped down version, shame really. No rear steering, no diff cooler, standard Ci brakes ++ Did get some nice embroided doors handles that the Euro one didn't get and some more default interior wood... hehehe

[@andsch0172]

A friend has one like this. It’s a pleasure behind the wheel and beside it. The sound is so nice

[@bumpyroad3251]

The 8- series and the original M1 were the most beautifull BMWs ever made. Great cars, really.

[@williamegler8771]

My grandfather bought one when he retired and the backseats were perfect for his two German Shepherds.

[@212MPH]

I had an 840CI for years, fantastic cars, they did have their problems .

[@jameskerr5756]

Timeless stunning cars. One of my favourites, that along with the SD1. Both sadly out of my reach financially now (well at least for a decent motor), but never say never.

[@TheZealo]

There was a time when BMW would create such timeless and beautiful cars, it was difficult to tell their production year at a glance. It could be the latest model or a 15 year old car and both would look incredible and desirable.

[@Chris.from.1950]

Oh, my goodness, yes! I remember when they were on the road, never in huge numbers, here in the US, but just so, so nice to look at! Thanks for this!

[@peekaboo4390]

There's one here that has been sitting for a year outside perhaps even longer right next to the ocean. Everytime I drive past it my heart sinks.

[@NYKgjl10]

One of the very few BMW auto's that I enjoy. It has that luxurious,/sports application specifications and the exterior design was ahead of its time. Phenomenal video, Jack as always. Happy new years to you and your family.

[@williams4434]

I drive past an identical 8 series everyday , same colour etc, hasn't moved for years & looks in good shape.

[@BarzOnTheWindow1]

This takes me back to when I worked at a BMW dealership. I was asked to “Run to the Motor Vehicle Office, and pick up some things.” “Fine, what should I drive there?” I asked. “…take a used car…” I walked out onto the lot to the first used car, ran back in, and fetched the key. I was perhaps 5 miles away, when I began to take notice, how splendid this car was! Now, I was feeling quite proud of myself, in this particular car. I arrived at the State motor vehicle office, picked up the papers, and as I was walking back to the car, I decided to look at the sticker “BMW 850 $98,000…?!?!?!” It was a VERY slow ride back to the dealership.

[@RasAlHaq]

The black on black with twin 5-spoke wheels is visually perfect. My favorite detail is the lack of a B pillar. 👌

[@alexmclaren6401]

I owned a 840ci sport individual in Atlantis green metallic for four and a half years up to 2015 it was an 1998 model. Loved it to bits but it loved my wallet equally. Running gear wise the bits were readily available as the 4.4 V8 was used across the BMW range. The problem came when trim was required and in particular broken door handle mechanisms. In the case of the door handles I came across a guy in America on Bimmer Forums who fabricated new ones at a a good price. Also a common problem is delamination of the rear window and stretched Bowden cables which caused the electric seats to twist and get stuck. If you have a good disposable income to run one of these I highly recommend buying one, you'll never run one on the cheap though. If you like to come out of a shop and find people walking around your car appreciating the great looks this car will be right up your street.

[@johnboyairey]

I have the later 840 4.4 v8, with the 6 speed manual gearbox. I was going to contact you Jack, for a review. Looks like I. wasnt quick enough. Just got a few minor niggles to sort out, and maybe I’ll be in touch, so you can compare it to this v12 auto. P.s. the 4 wheel steer cars was only on the European 850 csi, and not in USA. The manual cars are such a delight to drive. These really are epic cars, with drop dead gorgeous presence, especially with the windows all down.

[@PowerslideSWE]

@Commendatore The M60 4 liter may perhaps be, the 4.4 not so much, a plethora of problems on those.

[@johnboyairey]

@Commendatore the v12 was two 6 cylinder engines working together, and as such, has very complex electronics, ie, two ecu’ a! with old fashioned distributors, and plug leads, and single camshafts. The v8, was far more modern, with quad cams, 4 valves per cylinder, coil pack over plugs, and simpler electronics… and only (on paper) 14 Bhp less than the v12.. the v12 auto box was also old, with 4 gears, and the v8 4.0 had four speed auto, but the 4.4 v8 later cars, had a 5 speed auto, and a few got the 6 speed manual gearbox, which in my opinion transforms the car, to a real drivers GT coupe. The cars handle quite well, but are not light, at 1800kg.. you don’t buy them for a traffic light Grand Prix. But for a long drive, they are quite epic! I converted my auto 4.4 to 6 speed manual, and was amazed that the old gearbox, was 140lbs heavier than the 6 speed. Like disposing of an imaginary passenger. The car is very rapid… but todays BMW’s are ultra fast, and highly developed, but have certainly lost their way in external lines, especially the fronts. I can’t really compare both in running costs, but the rarity of some v12 parts, and amount of non v12 running cars I’ve seen for sale, might mean the v8’s are a better choice.

[@stewartoetegenn9751]

The manual box was amazing. I had a 6 speed 850i. A joy to drive, not such a joy to fill with petrol.

[@berwhaletheavenger]

@@PowerslideSWE The M62 4.4 is just a PITA in old age. Chain guides, cooling system etc. The old M70 V12 isn't a bad old plodder.

[@RUfromthe40s]

the first time they put a automatic transmission on a sport car, don´t remenber wich car was maybe a Lambo. the strikes came from every critic or specialist in cars, the excuse was "only for U.S. market" .That is dangerous, if they don´t know how to drive ,they shouldn´t have powerfull cars, this was talked all over Europe ,today all brands that i know of have automatic gears, the evolution of brakes was also important for this mater, in my opinion only have manual cars except a mercedes 190E 2.0 that was completelly restored at a mercedes garage in the netherlands and ofered to my by a great friend ,it´s my weekend rally car , to drive in old roads (dirt ones) , it doesn´t make any sense

[@fonziebulldog5786]

Me still remembering BMW 745 Turbo 1985 as the ultimate pusher car on the highway.Those were the days.

[@92Godzilla]

I have a soft spot for these. I sat in the back of one as a young boy while my dad blasted around the streets of Brunei Darussalam circa 1999. My first time in a twelve cylinder car and I thought it was the bees knees!

[@andygtv]

Nice looking BΜW I don’t think we can say that anymore. Perfect review. Thx

[@marioduran7913]

My 840ci with the m60 engine with 86k miles is an eye opener every time I drove it...oooo I am 6'4" tall and still perfect

[@bobmcl2406]

Certainly a stunningly attractive car, and that colour suits it very well. Thanks for sharing your impressions.

[@dallisb1047]

One of the sexiest modern era card! That color is stunning on it.

[@morbozim]

one of my favourite cars growing up, really like this ext/int colour combo and the mesh rims. Somehow the lines and design aesthetic remind me of the Bugatti EB110, which I also adore as much as the DeLorean's stunningly timeless styling

[@stephenricketts7764]

Such a beautiful shape car these, cannot fault them. No good for the family but leave the kids at home! Personally I think BMW started to lose the plot around the end of the 90's but I know some people still love them and I respect that. This will be a lasting classic I think. Thanks Jack.👍👍

[@andredeketeleastutecomplex]

Don't have kids!

[@joesmith9216]

First 00's decade was BMW at its best, sorry.

[@richsackett3423]

Still want one of these. Sure hustles all that weight around nicely. May still get one. Thanks a lot, Jack.

[@hagenkleemann7309]

To me the best looking BMW of all time. And not only designwise the quintessence of what BMW was all about. Considering its time the technological masterpiece. Almost perfect proportions that seemed to come from the hands of Bertone or Giugiaro, but it was a guy named Klaus Kapitza (certainly not Italian). And interestingly so: hardly anybody did care back in the days (of those who had the money to buy one:).

[@adampowell5376]

I will never forget the rides I had in a BMW 850i.

[@robertarthur3711]

All V12 cars from any manufacturer are incredible to drive. There’s something about a V12 it’s special

[@Ashfielder]

Popped my headlights at one of these in my MX5. Got a reply. Breaking down class barriers every day I am.

[@Number27]

🤣

[@focus3303]

Beautiful car jack....its a classic will still be hard to beat in years to come. Great Vlogs as ever .....keep them coming 👍

[@parkecorepersonaltrainingp2601]

Great review as always very enjoyable and informative 👍👍

[@millinutz]

Wanted to start with "when I was a kid" but I was a married man when I first started flirting with an 8...! For many years, I had a glossy photo of this car, in this same colour, mounted on the wall in front of my office desk at home, to remind me of what was coming when the kids had all left home. Unfortunately, my love of Bikes took the front seat. I now have 4 Motorcycles and am thinking about an XJ Jag when I finish Biking in about 2 years time. I'm retired now. However, this beauty still remains one of, if not the most beautiful cars ever made. Good video Jack, and very well recieved, despite it messing with my ideas of buying a Jag. Yes Dad RIP..., he always said "Buy British", so It will be the most beautiful BRIT car ever made for me. It is also easier to find a good XJ than an 8.

[@Number27]

An XJ might suit retirement better!! Def unitedly has its own appeal. Hoping to video one soon!

[@r.markclayton4821]

Gorgeous car, one of the best in the world at the time (E32 750i actually got that title). Current equivalents a third of a century later? 6 series Gran Coupe and more recently 8 series Gran Coupe. A mate bought a 640d GC after I test drove it for him - superb car and way better than the E32 740i I had over two decades ago. Oh and adults can sit in the back!

[@babylon5mh]

It's the color of this 8 series that stands out, beautiful color. The 8 series and the 6 series were definitely the best of BMW before it all started going wrong. I would definitely have the one you drove. I do like the type of car you don't see very often which is why I have what I have now

[@leestevenson3821]

Great review of a great car Jack, still looks amazing after all those years. I used to walk past a blue 1 every day to school.... I thought damn that mans a pimp😂😂. Great content as always👍

[@loomspace]

When I saw these as a kid I always thought the guy driving was maximum gangster! Never have seen a woman driving one I don't think for some reason

[@derekstocker6661]

These are fantastic cars, get a goodie and you won't be sorry, and they are a lot less of a problem source than the newer BMWs, thanks for this, brilliant.

[@ThomasDoubting5]

It's a thing of beauty .

[@ArabianOak]

I just bought a new m8 competition and trust me, their still making dam good cars.

[@gethinjones9987]

I lusted after the 840 for so long that v8 sounds so much beter than the v12 that growl 🤗 i ended up with the 740i still a nice car 😊

[@James-cs2wi]

Beautiful car

[@throwback19841]

NGL the headrests/seatbelt arrangements on these is really cool. Presumably done to permit the frameless front/rear window arrangement as there was no convertible.

[@sarahconner9433]

My friend had the V12 850BMW.... On the freeway , 3 second gas pedal to 100mph!!! Smoother than a cruise ship... But the hand of God pushing you then you hit the gas!!!

[@mathewcaldwell4108]

I loved the 633csi when I moved to orange county California in 1987. I was the lead man of a family owned upscale moving company and I got the chance to drive customer cars when they had a collection of cars and the south orange county area had some nice private communities with homes with six to 12 car garages. I drove a 850 BMW from laguna Niguel to Corona del Mar. The customer drove his Acura NSX, while I won the coin toss with my boss. He had to suffer with the V12E-TYPEJAG while I was in heaven driving that 850 and I was glued to the owners bumper up over the laguna hills on the new toll road at over 150 m.p.h. . That was even better than getting to drive a Ferrari 388gtb from Indian wells country club down the 111 highway on about a week old repaved highway for 10 miles and back. The BMW was better experience. My nephew is a BMW mechanic now and has a nice 335i twin turbo..that was a great Era for car nuts. I don't think I will ever even ride in a vehicle that doesn't have a internal combustion engine. They are dirty disgusting things that are horrible for the planet and the slave laborers mining the lithium,and cobalt plus crash one at 150mph .batteries will vaporize you before you can scream.

[@gregorygant4242]

Beautiful looking automobile, a stunner even now ! The BMW designers hit the ball out of the park with this design ,fantastic! That V12 sounds so smooth and sublime .

[@stevenhoman2253]

Of the BMWs, this, and the 630ci ( with the gorgeous C-pillar design) had me sold, right away. The looks draw me in, and I am defenceless against the charm. The first 4 wheel steering car I recall driving had an annoying peaky turbo, this was a 928 Mazda, I think. They weren't around long, and they quickly disappeared, (not to my surprise) With the desperate peakiness of the earlier turbos, they were uncontrolled and unexpected thermonuclear detonations. The sweat rises along the collar, when will it kick in? It also had the variable ratio steering, which was speed dependant, yet not in a favourable way, in my experience. My boss threw me his keys without bothering to look, and I caught them. Yeah, just young feisty blokey blokes. My car was being repaired, and I needed some computer parts for my job, off I set, and it was very American in driving behaviour I felt. Fast and steady in a straight line, but don't turn the wheel, you'll frighten the horse. I pulled straight across four empty lanes, setting myself correctly for a right-hand turn, just approaching. No bloody turning arrow, just a green light, where I am next in line in the road centre, impatient for the turn. Once the lights turn red for me, I'm off in the turn, with likely the sound of the turbo spooling up, the car in front of me now well clear and accelerating. The turbo suddenly shows up for the village dance, skirts flapping, and I'm wrestling the steering wheel as uncomfortably but also as gently as I'm able. She seems to either turn directly into oncoming traffic, or do a U turn for a rear end crash, so many choices, when I have but a simple errand to run. I have no idea what I looked like, but it felt as if I was knocking that wheel against the stops, from lock to lock, simply to control my movements and execute a very simple and most ordinary of right-hand turns. I had done the same turn in all manner of cars, vans, and even trucks, yet this became a unique four wheel steering extravaganza. Somehow I hit nothing and nobody ran into me, recalling, that this was an auto box, and how I would have fared, hitting the red line with the manual box in first gear. Possibly with a hint of blue smoke to add to my embarrassment. I really don't know how we survived those early years of experimentation foisted upon drivers, given that, so many had till fairly recently been driving vehicles with 3 on the tree, and the deranged (guaranteed to stop slowly once) drum brakes of the earlier era. Then only to face the vacuum driven wipers, which slowed down the faster you drove. I don't believe you could dislodge a moth from the windscreen, travelling at 80 MPH, as they could casually amble across as it passed beneath their legs, clutching to the rubber, as if in a disappointing steeplechase for the poor insect, often opting to hang on for dear life as a rest stop.

[@antiochiaadtaurum3786]

I have two e39's but Lord how I pine for an E31

[@Vonslik69]

When BMW's were truly "The Ultimate Driving Machines". A great time in automotive history. The E31 was always one of my favorites. 🙏

[@90MinutenLang020Damsko]

Now they have some lunatic working at the design centre

[@bulleidboy1]

Great video -fabulous car especially in that colour. Pretty certain the McLaren F1 engine was not derived from the flagship BMW 5-litre V12 as it was to big and heavy. They built a completely new engine for the F1. Keep up the good work.

[@joeg8186]

Loved my 1602 and the best was my 3.0 csli that was a great car you don't see much about.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Awesome car. I love that colour. Would definitely get this in auto for the long roadtrips. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewnichols1023]

In 2010 I went to a classic car auction, I saw one of these 850i with a beautiful paint job in non metallic light blue, the car only fetched a grand. I was shocked, the paint job alone was probably 4-5k and it was recently done. I expect today they fetch far more. Like you said 10k plus.

[@680mudman]

One of the most beautiful looking cars ever in my opinion!

[@adr167]

Great car, as a BMW owner (328i m52 engine) in the past i must say that is the nicest car ,!

[@carlgeorgtsigakis498]

As a previous owner of a CSi with the manual, I must say my favorite E31 is the 5,4 with the StepTronic gearbox.

[@mkoury83]

I'm a lifelong Benz fanatic, but I still bend my knee for this car. Truly a boss from a bygone era. Seeing how good things were and where things stand today makes me long for simpler times. Sad... but the 850ci still is a boss. The color combo on this example is stunning... talk about rare. Those windows need a tint though, otherwise it is unapologetic automotive perfection.

[@TassieLorenzo]

"Seeing how good things were and where things stand today makes me long for simpler times." What do you mean? I think the M850i is a worth successor IMO.

[@mkoury83]

@@TassieLorenzo I'm not a BMW expert, so I am sure your comment has credibility, but I can't help but make the broad observation that the current lineup on offer from BMW looks like a schizophrenic and each of their respective personalities was given full design license and encouraged to not hold back.

[@loomspace]

I remember when the 8 series came out they were received with a collective blank stare, and at 10 years old they were virtual pariahs on the used market. The manuals were always looked for but there were plenty on the market that were ridiculously cheap: $5-6k (US). Everyone thought the technology was too integrated to keep up with. Stunning to look at.

[@joelfildes5544]

I had a 97 840ci till about six months ago,dream car as a teen…had it 13 years…the v8 has more low grunt than the v12,and was a second faster over a standing quarter….paid 2.7k for mine,and apart from gearbox issues (two rebuilds) it was hassle free…daily driver,kept on the road.Made £800 on it when I sold it with 200,000 on it…I did 75,000 of those,although,I wouldn’t want to work out the juice cost …oh yeah,we are family of four…I took one of the rear seats out for the kiddie seat…had to put him in through the back window,easy as it’s pillarless !Happy days…(silver with a black interior…like German cars are supposed to be)

[@tonymoreton7166]

From an era when BMW knew how to engineer & design 'the ultimate driving machine'. How the hell have they ended up where they are today?

[@joelaurieri9065]

I have always compared the 850 as BMW's Ferrari 550 Maranello... a great grand touring sports car ... ideally mine would be manual .... and now the issues with the dead pixels in the display has actually become and easy and relatively inexpensive fix.