Discussion
nightflight said:
Has anyone had any experience of the 1990's 850 5.6 manual. I've seen one advertised, but I've only ever considered buying an auto. Is it a good box etc? Any advice appreciated.
That's an 850csi (not quite the M8 but close). Goes like stink and if looked after, will be a future classic.Spudler said:
About 70 odd 850i with the manual box were made.
Here's the production data for all 8 series cars which unfortunately doesn't show numbers built with manual or auto transmission - this info is available but on a closed community basis only from 8coupe.com (you need an 8 series to register).5.6 litre would be a Csi which were all manual 6 speed gearboxes. Manuals were also available on the 5.0 litre, the 4.0 litre and the 4.4 litre although this last one is very rare in RHD form. For the M73 5.4 litre powered 8 series only the steptronic box was available although there are one or possibly two that have been converted to manuals by their owners.
Here's the build info (source= e31.net)
http://e31.net/models.html
PS, I assume you're referring to this car: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1992-BMW-850-BLACK-MANUAL-/2...
If you're seriously thinking of buying one you need to check out the buyers guides you can find on the club forums, try 8er.org or bimmerforums and look at the 8 series section. also look at wuffer.net - the owner there has some very good buying guides. Bear in mind the 8 series is a complicated machine and some parts are expensive, some are getting hard to find now, BMW moved the 8 series to the "Classic" section just a week ago and that means some parts will be more expensive and some will not continue to be manufactured. Despite its complexity the 8 series can be an extremely reliable machine, I've had mine (1997 M73) for 4 years now and it's never once let me down - preventative maintenance is the key, it eats front suspension bushes and tyres don't last long but the rewards of owning and driving such a beautiful machine are well worth the expense.
Edited by Chester Drawers on Friday 6th May 21:11
E31Shrew said:
Apparently the next series of Top Gear will feature an 8! Knowing TG I expect values to plummet! Damn
i remember him saying the 850csi was the car the 850 should have been, and he didn't really think much of the 850. not sure about the 840, as that seems good at what it's pitched for...a long distance GT car! not much less powerful than the 850 but much more frugal.The 850 manual is a very nice car, both rare and a joy to drive but whilst the gearbox is very robust, the clutch and flywheel are not and allowing the clutch to wear beyond 3/4 worn will inevitably result in a flywheel replacement required when you do the clutch.
Flywheels cannot be refaced either. You can consider an alloy flywheel with a replaceable facing if you drive the car hard and a performance clutch is essential for all but the most sedate drivers. It was designed as a cruiser, not a sports car so driving it hard will require some upgrades.
8Tech.
Flywheels cannot be refaced either. You can consider an alloy flywheel with a replaceable facing if you drive the car hard and a performance clutch is essential for all but the most sedate drivers. It was designed as a cruiser, not a sports car so driving it hard will require some upgrades.
8Tech.
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