The history

1989 heralded the start of a new model series at BMW. What is now called a Gran Coupé was then a Gran Tourismo in the luxury class. 

With a construction period of 11 years and over 30,000 units produced, BMW could be very satisfied, even though a worldwide recession at the beginning of the 1990s caused many potential buyers to hold back.  

The coupé of the 1990s is considered an exotic model today, as it was no longer produced in the same form or on the same platform.

This example was ordered as a new car by its current owner on December 21, 1989 at the then list price of CHF 125,140 and registered for the first time 18 months later. Over the past 33 years, its owner has driven 96,500 kilometers, maintained the car regularly and even avoided the rain with this summer car.

Bodywork and paintwork

The original paint is still in very good condition and requires no repairs or touch-ups. The accident-free vehicle is undamaged, the bodywork, gaps and fittings are flawless.

Interior

The fine leather interior is very well maintained and undamaged. The dashboard cover has minimal warping due to sunlight. The carpets are immaculate and are fully foamed and sterilized before delivery. The on-board computer occasionally shows pixel failures in the display, which has no effect on driving.

Engine and mechanics

The entire mechanics are in top condition. A fresh inspection is also carried out here upon purchase. The brakes were overhauled for the last veteran's inspection in May 2023

Chassis

Chassis, suspension and brakes were refurbished for the MFK and passed the test bench test.

Driving experience

The 850i is a Gran Tourismo in a class of its own. “Driving pleasure” in the 90s, and still today. The four-seater sports coupé allows comfortable cruising as well as a very sporty driving style. However, its weight of over 1800 kilograms does not make the 850i a pure sports car.

Recommendation

Getting hold of a 12-cylinder today is on the bucket list of many automobile enthusiasts and collectors. With the BMW 850i or a Mercedes Benz of the R129 series, this wish can still be fulfilled at an affordable price. The fact that this example is a first-hand vehicle makes this 850i an enduringly valuable veteran vehicle with which you can reliably go on long journeys.