Basic information and history

With the E31, BMW took a major step forward when the 8 Series was presented in 1989 as the successor to the classic 6 Series. The flagship model, the 850i, was built on the M70, a 5.0-litre V12 with 300 horsepower, making it one of the most technically advanced cars in Munich's history up to that point. The car featured, among other things, electronic throttle control with dual control units, one control unit per cylinder bank, and pop-up headlights on a body entirely without B-pillars. The 850i was also one of the few cars where a twelve-cylinder engine could be paired with a manual gearbox.

This example is a 1991 BMW 850 I 850 showing 170,000 km, a mileage the seller states can be guaranteed. The car was not originally sold in Sweden but imported from Germany, and has had seven owners in total. The vehicle is sold by a dealer, is free of loans, and has no deductible VAT.

The car is not in original condition, having undergone certain changes over the years. The seller also notes that a previous owner who put work into the car has passed away, and that the documentation was lost in connection with this.

Equipment and options

• 5.0-litre V12 (M70)
• Climate control
• Audio and media system
• Pop-up headlights

The car has been fitted with wheels other than the originals as well as a different exhaust outlet configuration. The remaining parts of the car are stated to be largely untouched.

Condition

Exteriorly, both the paint and body are described as being in good condition, with the note that there are minor paint chips around the car. The windows are likewise stated to be in good condition.

Interiorly, the upholstery and headliner are stated to be in good condition. The instrument panel, however, has some issues: according to the seller, the instrument cluster needs to be looked over — it works but is cosmetically degraded. The seatbelts function and no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument panel.

Tyres and wheels are stated to be in good condition.

Mechanically, the engine, gearbox and brakes are described as being in good condition. The engine starts and runs faultlessly according to the seller, the gearbox shifts without issue, and the clutch works. The climate control, trip meter, audio system, exterior lighting, and other electronics are stated to work. The car is drivable as-is and has passed inspection.

Service history

The car does not have a full service history, and there are no receipts or other documentation to substantiate the service record. The seller states that the service book is missing: the previous owner who had put the car in order has passed away, and the book was lost afterwards. The most recent inspection took place on 2025-06-05, at which point the car passed.

Summary

A BMW 850i from 1991 with a twelve-cylinder M70 engine, German import, and 170,000 km on the odometer with a guaranteed mileage. The car is drivable and has passed inspection, with the paint, body, interior, mechanics, and tyres and wheels described as being in good condition. The instrument cluster is cosmetically degraded and needs attention, and there are minor paint chips around the body. Service documentation is entirely missing. The seller considers the car a fine project to build upon, and for anyone seeking an E31 with a V12, here is a functioning starting point.