BMW 8 Series 850CSi
The BMW 850CSi represented the absolute pinnacle of BMW's grand touring ambitions. While it was not officially an M car, it was developed with significant input from BMW M and featured modifications that lifted it far above the standard 850i. With a 380-horsepower V12 and a six-speed manual gearbox, the 850CSi was the ultimate BMW GT of the 1990s.
The S70B56 engine was a specially tuned version of BMW's M70 V12, enlarged to 5,576cc with increased bore and stroke. Featuring a revised intake system, reprogrammed engine management, and a less restrictive exhaust, it produced 380 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and an enormous 550 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine was later further developed to become the basis for the McLaren F1's legendary S70/2 powerplant.
The six-speed Getrag manual gearbox was available only in the CSi — the standard 850i made do with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. The close-ratio box was beautifully suited to the V12's broad power band, and the precise shift action was among the finest in any BMW. A limited-slip differential ensured effective power deployment.
The chassis benefited from M-division expertise. Stiffer springs and dampers lowered the ride height by 15mm, larger anti-roll bars reduced body roll, and the rear-axle geometry was revised for sharper turn-in. The steering was quickened, and the speed-sensitive power assistance was recalibrated. The result was a car that, despite weighing over 1,800 kg, could change direction with surprising agility.
The 8 Series body, designed by Klaus Kapitza, was one of the most aerodynamically efficient shapes BMW had ever produced, with a drag coefficient of just 0.29. The 850CSi added deeper front and rear spoilers, wider wheels (17-inch), and subtle 'CSi' badging. Pop-up headlights gave the car a sleek, uninterrupted front profile.
The interior was lavishly appointed with full leather, electric everything, and a comprehensive climate control system. The driver-oriented cockpit featured clear instrumentation with a large tachometer and speedometer, and the multi-function steering wheel provided fingertip control of audio and cruise control functions.
Only 1,510 850CSi models were produced between 1992 and 1996. Today, the car is recognized as one of the great GT cars of the 1990s and values are climbing as collectors discover that the 850CSi offers V12 performance, manual-gearbox engagement, and timeless styling at a fraction of the cost of its contemporaries.
The V12 is complex and expensive to maintain — verify comprehensive service history. Check for coolant leaks from valley pan gaskets. Timing chain guides are a known wear item. The six-speed manual is highly desirable and significantly more valuable than automatic cars. Check pop-up headlight motors. Electrical gremlins from the complex ECU and wiring systems are common. Pixel failure in the instrument cluster is endemic.
Assembled at BMW's Dingolfing factory from 1992 to 1996. Only 1,510 units were produced, making the 850CSi considerably rarer than the standard 850i/Ci. The S70B56 engine was hand-assembled at BMW's Munich engine plant.