850 buying advice

[bigtalljim]

Thinking of investing in a 850 on a J plate. Good nick with history and only 100k on clock. Its just had Service 2 and front shocks with control arms all round. Belts and fluids done at service too.
What I would like to know is there any problems common to these that I should look out for?
I know about the problem with bore wear, but is the fact it has done 100k mean it is ok?
Any bits I should look out for?
Any advice welcome.

[Chester Drawers]

Hi,

there's a wealth of information and buying tips on the 8 owners forum, go to www.8er.org and have a surf around for buying tips/ buyer's guides (there is an extensive list there). The 8 is a fine car but there are some weak points that you need to be aware of before buying, it's definitely recommended to take along someone that knows 8s if you're thinking of buying. There's a few 8 owners that post here so you'll be getting a few pointers along the way.

Cheers

PS the bore wear was a problem with the 840 (4. litre V8 M60) engine and was related to the bore treatment using Nikasil. The V12 5.0 litre M70 engine used a different process (Alusil) which does not have bore wear problems. 100K on a BMW M70 should be nicely run in and provided it's had regular oil changes it should be fine. My 850Ci (M73 engine but based on M70) has a little over 120,000 on it now and runs perfectly, no smoke, uses virtually no oil.

Edited by Chester Drawers on Sunday 5th October 12:20

Edited by Chester Drawers on Sunday 5th October 12:22

[8Tech]

+1

Bore wear is no problem on the V12.

Plenty of things to go wrong so make sure as much as possible works. Things to watch out for but difficult to see when purchasing is rear strut top mount area of chassis for stress cracks, underfloor hoses for corrosion, plastic belt idlers and tensioners and plastic cooling fan for fractures.

Thrust arm bushes would have been done if the rear front lower arms were replaced. Rear suspension arms bushes/bearings are often overlooked and undoubtably it would benefit from stainless brake hoses and a fluid flush/change on the brakes if not done already.

Leads, caps and rotors are often overlooked until the inevitable misfire so check and replace if suspect before that happens.

[pits]

Check everything works, and works well we have been look for close to 9 years for the right 8 series, and the perfect one has only just come up this year, there are a fair few dogs out there so be carefull

[bennno]

an xk8 is better value and more modern

[Job38]

Bah!
Common as muck.

And, no pop up head lights

[RacingTeatray]

Mmm...pop-up headlamps

Spot the child of the '80s!

@Job38 - did your 850CSi come from Munich Legends? The picture looks familiar from an advert I thought long and hard about.

Edited by RacingTeatray on Tuesday 7th October 13:15

[Job38]

The very same......

It's a fabulous car, really love it!

ps., love your Z1 - so cool.

Edited by Job38 on Tuesday 7th October 13:49

Edited by Job38 on Tuesday 7th October 13:52

[RacingTeatray]

Thanks! It was also the result of a weak moment at Munich Legends...

I would really like an 850 CSi but the right one's never come up at the right time and at the moment I've got enough cars as it is!