BMW 8 Series 850 CSi Review

Overall Rating

Twin airbags
ABS
ASC+T (traction control)
AHK (rear wheel hydraulic steering - only on Euro models).
All the electrics one could want (even the steering wheel adjustment)
6 speed manual
Style (unique)
Build quality (solid)
Rare (only 1510 built worldwide)
Fast (150mph - more if limiter is removed!)
FUN!!!

Big - I still get scared trying to parallel park.
Heavy - would accelerate even faster if it didn't weigh two tons!
Low (lower than the standard 8) - watch the front spoiler on those speed bumps!
Expensive to maintain - but this was a USD100,000 automobile. Also, buy a bad one and the repair costs will rise beyond imagination.
Expensive to run - sit back and watch that gas needle move right before your very eyes!
Rear seat passenger leg-room is non existent.

Development of the 8 series was over the top - 5 years. BMW pumped no less than 1 billion DM into it. Some even tag the car as 'over-engineered'. Well it shows. It's superbly built (definitely not Bangled ;-)

The wedge-shaped body oozes style and the design has aged well. It's not uncommon for people to think a nice CSi is a new BMW model. The pop-up lights also look very modern. The build is solid and for a change, BMW seem to have built a solid interior (interior door panels won't fall off this beemer). Nothing on this car is flimsy - it will not vibrate itself to bits at high speed. Boot space is very generous (320 liters) - even with a spare tyre, jack, two batteries, CD changer and Stereo (Euro models have a fold down panel that houses the radio receiver and amplifier). Rear seats fold down flush for extra interior storage and there is also a pass-through for skis.

The list of features are endless and rivals some current models. After all, this was a USD100,000 car so you got a lot for your money. One 'feature' is the Limp-Home-Mode. BMW built a failsafe system into the M70 V12 engine (S70 in the CSi) so if a problem was to occur in the engine, it would simply shut down a bank of 6 cylinders and run as a straight 6. Note that the S70 signifies ///M origin. Throttle control is electronic (naturally, there are two) and is very smooth. There are switchable Sport and Comfort modes. The clutch is not particularly heavy so hill starts are on a par with most modern family cars. The gear shift is notchy and precise, albeit 4th to 5th is a long throw compared to the other gears.

The drive is solid and predicable (with AHK (rear wheel steering), lane changes are on par with a 911 of a similar age). There is a slight tendency to under steer but with ample power on tap, the back can be easily pushed around.

City driving can be a little tedious with lots of clutch and gear changing of the 6 speed box but with untold torque, driving everywhere in 4th is not a problem. The car is low already but some people lower it even more. This can create some bumpy rides in city streets where the road surface is not smooth. It also prevents going over tall speed bumps.

Acceleration is very respectable (0-100kph in 6s). 1st gear is not very tall but as soon as you hit 2nd and 3rd, most things become small specs in your rear mirror - and keep getting smaller. There are diff swaps to get better acceleration off the mark but not sure how this affects the final drive ratio...

Driving at 160mph (the car is limited to 150mph but re-chipping is common to remove the limit) the ride is smooth and you always feel in control. Oh, forget windows down at 100mph - they will rise automatically at this speed. There is no wind noise (///M mirrors help) and the car is always comfortable inside thanks to the very well made leather seats (fully electric with memory) and the automatic climate control.

This car is a real cruiser and eats miles for a snack - and then says "where's dinner". Cruising at 120kph, the engine is barely working at a mere 1,900RPM (my Landrover would be straining at around 4,500rpm!). Don't be put off buying a high miler - 200,000km+ is not unusual. If maintained the engine is good for a lot more.

All switchgear are well placed but for anyone approaching 2m tall, the cabin and headroom are a little confined (not sure how this happened with such a big car!). The steering wheel is quite big but there are aftermarket wheels that are smaller

If you ever get a chance to own one of these super-cars - do it! Careful with your purchase - this car is quite rare; only 1510 were made worldwide and some are in terrible condition. Saying that, most owners take very good care of them. Get one with a full service history and a pre-purchase dealer inspection and you will not be disappointed.

This 850CSi will still be turning heads a decade from now and it will still raise questions from old and young alike "is it a BMW prototype" or "what is it?"