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

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.

Not a bmw kind of guy, but it’s one of the most beautiful cars ever made!

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

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!

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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.

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... ;)

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! 😊

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

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

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 !

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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….

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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”!

It’s a beautiful thing, who was head of design in that period? BMW design language at present😮

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

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:).

Such a beautiful piece of machinery, in the perfect colour too...stunning and unsurprisingly a modern classic.

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

Great review as always very enjoyable and informative 👍👍

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Like all classics, this model has aged so well!

I enjoy your videos very much Jack and this BMW 850 video is very good. Your point of them being a good buy is one I agree with. I sold BMW in that era and had orders specced for three 850's. Just before UK launch the economy took a downturn and two of my customers cancelled their orders. The cars order bank tumbled and they became difficult to sell. However, I think back to the Ford Escort Cosworth and remember that it was heavily discounted by dealers mainly because of insurance issues. Look at the prices they are commanding now.

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

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.👍👍

Thank you very much for a well done video.👍👍👍👍

Happy New Year Jack, keep up the good work in 2023 👍

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

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.

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.

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.

An absolutely gorgeous piece of automotive art. Such a magnificent vehicle.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Another awesome video on a glorious car! Greetings from the USA!

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 👍

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 .

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!

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.

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.

It's a thing of beauty .

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

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.

Great cars. Refined and a joy to drive. Pretty easy to own too.

I still remember the last 850CI that I saw, it was 2002 on the way to Sydney (Australia) airport.

This remains one of my all time fav BMWs

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!

That's one great looking car Jack, and the maroon colour really shows off the iconic design to perfection. BMW really knew how to design & manufacture quality cars in those days . It even has pop up headlights....wonderful!👍

Hey Jack. Hope you had a great Christmas. Absolutely love the E31. Another great video chief 👍

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

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.

Beautiful car this is my favourite BMW. I've always wanted one.

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.

My favorite car from the 90’s

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.

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.

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.

I loved this car back in the day!

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.

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

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

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.

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👍

I worked for a company called 'Fullarton Computer Industries' in the 90's. The managing director had one of these. Not sure which variant, but I remember the body shape clear as day! I don't remember seeing many of these up here in Scotland, even those days

Love these & agree with your sentiments.Wish I,d bought one when cheaper.

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

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

There was a Dakar Yellow CSI in the town I grew up in owned by a guy who had a few Care Homes was a real eye full he bought it new or nearly new