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 top model 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 in a body entirely without B-pillars. The 850i was also one of the few cars in which a twelve-cylinder engine could be combined with a manual gearbox.

This example is a 1991 BMW 850i showing 170,000 km, a mileage which the seller states can be warranted. The car is 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 has received certain updates over the years. A previous owner spent SEK 130,000 at Per Larsson BMT to have it gone through, at which point the following parts were replaced:

• New brakes all around -
• New shock absorbers and springs
• New fuel pumps
• New rotors and distributor caps
• BBS RC009/10 wheels with new tyres
• Partially repainted
• Fully reconditioned interior/exterior
• Interior/leather restored
• Air conditioning serviced
• New emblems

The car was also featured in an article in the magazine Klassiker, issue 7 2022. See the photo album under "Miscellaneous" to view parts of the feature.

Equipment and options

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

The car has been fitted with BBS RC009/10 wheels as well as other exhaust tips. The remaining parts of the car are stated to be largely untouched.

Condition

Exteriorly, both the paint and body are described as 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 remarks: according to the seller, the instrument cluster needs attention – it works, but the paint on the gauge faces has begun to flake. The seatbelts work 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 in good condition. The engine starts and runs flawlessly according to the seller, the gearbox shifts without complaint and the clutch works. The climate control, trip odometer, sound system, exterior lighting and other electronics are stated to be functioning. The car is drivable as it stands and has passed inspection.

Service history

There are no receipts or other documentation to support the service history. According to the owner who had the car gone through, the owner before him had bought the car from the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) in the early 2000s, and the service documents and paperwork were likely lost there.

The most recent inspection was carried out on 2025-06-05, at which 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 warrantable mileage. The car is drivable and has passed inspection, with the paint, body, interior, mechanics, tyres and wheels described as in good condition. The instrument cluster is cosmetically impaired and needs attention, and there are minor paint chips around the body. Service documentation is entirely lacking. The seller considers the car a fine project to build further upon, and for anyone seeking an E31 with a V12, here is a functioning starting point.