1994 BMW 850

*1994 BMW 850CSi*® BMWâs history in the United States is largely built on fast grand-touring coupes. When the brand was growing its popularity here in the 1960s, the E9 Coupe showed the companyâs engineering abilities and helped position them as the sporty luxury brand they are known as today. In the 1990s, BMW wanted to re-enter the grand touring space and introduced the stunning E31 generation 8-series. With its angular design and pillarless windows, it was a natural successor to the E9 Coupe, but updated for the 1990s with elements like pop-up headlights. BMW built the 8-Series in a number of trim variations, but the highest performing and most sought after is the 850CSi.® This 1994 BMW 850CSi is a Euro-market example that was delivered new to France and had long-term ownership in Paris before being imported to the United States in 2024 under the 25-Year Import Exemption. Finished in Sterling Silver, this 850CSi can be distinguished from lesser 8-series by its unique front and rear aero package, side-view mirrors and of course, the legendary âM-Parallelâ wheels. What truly sets this 850CSi apart from most others on the market is that it shows just 22,465 kilometers on the odometer which translates to 13,960 miles. This car was purchased by the consignor from E31 specialist Alec Cartio who oversaw some mechanical reconditioning work both in Europe pre-importation, and once the car arrived in the United States.® Swing open the long door and you are met by a subtle, but well laid-out interior, wrapped in black leather. The front seats are a pair of nicely bolstered sport seats built by Recaro, with power adjustment and flip forward to give access to the two rear buckets separated by a console. The 4-spoke airbag steering wheel has M-color stitching around the rim, and frames a gauge cluster with a 310 km/h speedometer, 7,000 RPM tachometer with a 6,500 RPM redline and fuel and water temperature gauges. Wood trim is applied to the center stack, which also includes dual-zone climate control, CD stereo and the multi-function computer that is well known from high-end BMWs of the era.® Powering the 850CSi is a 5.6-liter V12 known by its internal code S70B56. Rated from the factory at 372 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, the CSi is capable of 0-60 in under 6 seconds. What really makes the 850CSi sought after is that all of them pair this engine to a 6-speed manual gearbox that turns this grand touring coupe into a joy on your favorite backroads. As a European model, this car has a number of upgrades over the US-market car including four-wheel steering, larger ventilated disc brakes and engine/differential oil coolers. The car rides on stiffer springs and dampers that help it handle exceptionally well, and give it a perfect stance, and the steering ratio was reduced to help it change direction faster.® With its combination of a powerful V12, sport-tuned suspension and a 6-speed manual gearbox, it is no surprise this is one of the most sought-