BMW prides itself in manufacturing some of the world’s most engaging automobiles. Fifty years ago in 1974, the company first started using the tagline “Ultimate Driving Machine” in advertising and promotional activities. The 8-Series was a car that embodied that definition to the fullest: It combined an available V12 engine, a generous list of creature comforts, and a long wheelbase into a luxurious two-plus-two coupe back in the 1990s.
Featured on AutoHunter is this 1992 BMW 850i being sold by a dealer in Hanover, Massachusetts, and the auction will end on Tuesday.
Designated by its chassis code, called the “E31,” the first-generation of the 8-Series grand-tourer was manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, beginning in early 1990. When new, the 1992 850i stickered at around $78,500. That’s a hefty chunk of change today, and it was even more jaw-dropping 30-plus years ago, but BMW needed to recoup some of its development dollars. Plus, the equipment list contained things only seen among high-end luxury cars of the time including an electrically adjustable steering column, automatic stability control, a cellular phone, and a 12-speaker high-fidelity audio system.
The E31 could be optioned with either a V8 or a V12 engine. Today’s car comes with the latter – a 5.0-liter that was referred to as the “M70” internally. It was factory-rated at 295 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Power is fed to the rear wheels through a ZF four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows just 68,685 miles, and service history includes a recent tune-up. The air conditioning system was serviced in September 2024 as well. Another bonus is that the CARFAX illustrates accident-free history. It begins in Texas and moves to New York, Michigan, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
While largely unmodified in appearance and engineering, this 850i does have a few aftermarket upgrades – namely, Bilstein coilovers, Eibach springs, and a Remus stainless-steel dual exhaust system. The car will come with two extra sets of wheels in case you’d like to change up the look.
“The law views driving as a privilege,” one BMW ad said. “BMW prefers to view it as a skill.” Flex your driving muscle with a 12-cylinder status symbol from yesteryear. The only drawback that I can think of is that the analog cell phone likely no longer has a supported network. But even as a prop, it makes for a fun conversation piece.
The auction for this 1992 BMW 850i will end Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
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