In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the luxury grand tourer market was dominated by a few iconic marques, including Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Mercedes-Benz. But in 1988, BMW shook things up with the introduction of the E31 850i, a sleek and powerful V12-powered coupé that would quickly become a status symbol on European roads.

Design and History

The E31 850i was the brainchild of BMW’s Chief Designer, Wolfgang Zacherl, who wanted to create a car that would rival the likes of Ferrari’s Testarossa and Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage. The result was a sleek and futuristic design that featured a distinctive “shark nose” front end, pop-up headlights, and a swooping roofline that seemed to defy gravity. The E31 was designed to be a true grand tourer, with a focus on comfort, style, and performance.

Under the hood, the E31 850i boasted a massive 5.0-liter V12 engine, which produced 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse was paired with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels via BMW’s legendary ZF-sourced limited-slip differential.

Technical Characteristics

The E31 850i’s technical specifications are impressive by any measure:

• Engine: 5.0-liter V12 (M70B50)
• Power: 320 horsepower (239 kW) at 6,500 rpm
• Torque: 330 lb-ft (447 Nm) at 4,000 rpm
• Transmission: Five-speed automatic with ZF-sourced limited-slip differential
• Drive: Rear-wheel drive
• Top speed: electronically limited to 250 km/h
• Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.3 seconds
• Fuel consumption: approximately 14.7 liters per 100 kilometers

Current Prices in Europe

As a youngtimer, the E31 850i is an increasingly popular collector’s item among enthusiasts. Prices for these rare cars vary depending on condition, mileage, and rarity, but here are some rough estimates of what you can expect to pay in Europe:

• Low-mileage (less than 50,000 km) examples with excellent condition: €80,000 – €120,000 (approximately $90,000 – $135,000 USD)
• Average-mileage (50,000 – 100,000 km) examples with good condition: €60,000 – €90,000 (approximately $67,000 – $90,000 USD)
• High-mileage (over 100,000 km) examples with fair condition: €40,000 – €60,000 (approximately $45,000 – $67,000 USD)

Pros and Cons

As with any collectible car, there are pros and cons to owning an E31 850i. Here are a few to consider:

Pros:

• Unmistakable design: The E31’s futuristic styling is sure to turn heads on the road.
• Powerful V12 engine: The M70B50 engine is a masterpiece of engineering and provides incredible acceleration.
• Luxurious interior: The E31’s interior is dripping with opulence and features some of the most comfortable seats you’ll ever find in a car.
• Rarity: With only around 10,000 examples produced between 1988 and 1994, the E31 is a true collector’s item.

Cons:

• Maintenance costs: The E31’s complex engine and transmission require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly.
• Limited parts availability: As the E31 is no longer in production, parts can be difficult to find or expensive to obtain.
• Limited practicality: The E31 is not designed for everyday driving; its limited luggage space and narrow rear seat make it better suited for occasional use.
• Potential for rust damage: As with any older car, the E31 is prone to rust damage if not properly maintained.

Conclusion

The BMW E31 850i is a true grand tourer that embodies the spirit of its era. With its powerful V12 engine, sleek design, and luxurious interior, it’s a car that’s hard to resist. While it may have its drawbacks – including maintenance costs and limited practicality – for enthusiasts who value style and performance above all else, the E31 is an unforgettable driving experience.

If you’re considering purchasing an E31 850i as a collector’s item or for personal use, be sure to do your research and inspect the car thoroughly before making a purchase. And if you’re lucky enough to find one in excellent condition at a reasonable price – well, you might just have yourself a rare gem worth cherishing for years to come.