Newbie Selling 850ci needs advice

[jinx_uk_98]

Hi Guys,

I'm a complete novice when it comes to cars, I drive one but that's about as far as my knowledge goes.

anyway, I inherited a BMW 850ci which I intend to sell but want to know a few things first.

Firstly, the car has just had £500 spent on it to pass it's MOT but should I know get tax for it? I have no insurance for the car so would have to get that first I assume? Can I get insurance for just a few days to allow me to actually tax it?

Next, from the paperwork I have the vehicle is a BMW 850ci but on the boot it says "AC Schnitzer S8 850i". What does this mean?

Next, it's on a '91 plate with 80,100 miles on the clock. This seems quite low for such an old vehicle, is this the case?

Next, the vehicle has had 7 owners. 8 now with me. Is that a problem?

Next, before the owner died he just spent £950 on some new wheels and tires I've no idea if these are special in some way, will this add to the value of car?

Next, the drivers seat has some sort of control panel on the side which has been damaged. Anyone know where I can get a replacement?

Finally, what sort of price should I expect for it. It's white and pretty good condition both inside and out (except the drivers seat control panel). Any good tips for maximising it's value? (valet etc..)

Thanks for ny advice anyone can give.

[jinx_uk_98]

Cheers everyone. I'll get down to the car ASAP and get some photo's.

what sort of photo's would help? engine etc..???

[jinx_uk_98]

this is a screen shot from the BMW computer system I got my hands on. It cleary states CI ??

reg year was '92
production year was '91

bit confusing

[jinx_uk_98]

Gents,

Thanks very much for all the useful replys. Like I say I will be getting some photos soon this week.

Just one query, MOT history and in fact any previous service books have all been lost.

All we have is

LogBook (v5c)
MOT Certificate
and some recipts for part and repares needed to get it through it's most recent MOT in December.

Is there anywhere I can go to get replacements??

Sorry for the ignorance.

Kev

[jinx_uk_98]

excellent thanks, I have a contact at bmw who can get this for me. so thats a start.

can anyone recommend me a BMW specialist in the portsmouth/hants area that can check it out for me?

[jinx_uk_98]

derin100 said:

The 'real' 850Ci was never available in the UK...it's a LHD only model fitted with the later version of the V12 in 5.4L guise rated at 326bhp as stock...a '91 car won't be a real 'Ci'.

Cheers for that but it's just really confusing eh? The paperwork I've got says it's an 850ci (and it's RHD) but your saying it's not. But from what I now understand it makes little or no difference.

pgilc1 said:

I suspect the AC Schnitzer badge means either, its had the badge put on, OR it has some sort of AC Schnitzer bodykit / tuning package.

yea it's got quite a nice body kit on plus we just had a 1k set of new wheels and tyres put on it. But photo's will prove that soon.

cheers again.

[jinx_uk_98]

Hi Guys, right I finally got some photos and will upload later today.

Just a quick one tho. I tried to start the car but it was completely dead, after a while I finally found the battery (in the boot?!?!?) but then I found another (what looks like) battery also in the boot.

does this car have 2 battery's and will i need to jump start both?

cheers again

[jinx_uk_98]

sorry for the delay, here you go. like I say I'm not really sure what to photo so took a few. as you can see it needs a good valet.

Edited by jinx_uk_98 on Wednesday 20th February 11:08

[jinx_uk_98]

Job38 said:

Looks fantastic in white with that ACS body kit!

Any chance you can increase the size of the photos?

ooops sorry. that should be better

[jinx_uk_98]

Dear Volvos60

thanks for your feedback. very useful

allow me, if you will do address your suspicions.

volvos60s60 said:

Let me get this right, the OP knows nothing about cars but is clued up enought to blank out the rear number plate in the photos

Correct, I know nothing about cars but do know enough about privacy and also have seen enough car sales sites that also do the same.

volvos60s60 said:

has access to BMW software on his laptop

have you ever heard of screen shots and emails? if not allow me to enlighten you.
It's very easy, simple press the "prt sc" button on your keyboard then paste into any application you choose. the simple he mail this file to the person requsting it (me in this case!)

volvos60s60 said:

- oh, & he knows about Pistonheads.

yeah that right, pistonheads is a national secret?!?!

volvos60s60 said:

Sounds like a dodgy dealer promoting his wares to me. Always strange how the dodgy ones manage to lose the history on the leggy motors & how once lost the cars is not so leggy, especially with that laptop!

what am i promoting? i asked for advice FFS cant help it if people are asking for a photo. If anything I'm opening myself up here for a good shafting on the price should anyone here find out where it is advertised!!! And, like I said, the car hs be inhertied and dispite our best efort we haven't managed to locate the paper work.

volvos60s60 said:

Always convenient also when you know nothing about cars & yet have a car to sell that is not registered in your name & yet you know just where to promote it

no idea what your saying here but tbh your boring me now!!!!

I would also like to know why you had to edit the post 3 times!!

Edited by jinx_uk_98 on Wednesday 20th February 13:15

Edited by jinx_uk_98 on Wednesday 20th February 13:30

[jinx_uk_98]

volvos60s60 said:

Good rattled reaction from the OP complete with emotion, looks like I was right & hit the back of the net with my first free kick - game over

yeah got me there!?! good free kick, just like roberto carlos

anyway, anyone else car to comment?

[jinx_uk_98]

Hi Steve,

I did email you and have just re emailed you.

CHeers