1997 BMW 850 Ci VIN. WBAEG4324VCD05352
1997 BMW 850 Ci
VIN. WBAEG4324VCD05352
5,362cc V12 Engine
Fuel Injection
322hp at 5,200rpm
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front and Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Rear-Wheel Drive
* 1997 850Ci models were the final year of production for North America, before the series ended in 1999, making them more collectible
* Late-model 850Ci refinements included: improved electronics, drive-by-wire throttle, and optional Electronic Damping Control (EDC)
* Finished in Cosmos Schwratz Metallic over Light Gray
BMW 850 Ci
The BMW 850Ci is the V12 powered grand touring flagship coupé from BMW's first generation 8 Series (E31), introduced in the early 1990s. With its long nose silhouette, elegant proportions and 2 door, 4 seat layout, the car was conceived not as a cramped sports car but as a high-end GT — a refined, powerful and exclusive grand tourer designed to deliver both performance and comfort. Early 850Ci models carried BMW's 5.0 liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, producing roughly 296–300 horsepower, accelerating from 0–60 mph in about 6.6–6.8 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 155 mph.
In autumn 1994 the 850Ci was significantly upgraded. BMW replaced the engine with a larger 5.4 liter V12 (the M73), boosting output to around 323–326 horsepower and raising torque to about 490 Nm — which sharpened its performance, with a 0 100 km/h (0–62 mph) time around 6.0–6.3 seconds, while still capping top speed at its electronically governed 250 km/h.
Beyond straight line performance, the 850Ci offered a blend of luxury and GT comfort that was rare for its time. The E31 chassis was built from the ground up for this model, rather than being derived from BMW's 3, 5 or 7 Series platforms — giving it bespoke proportions and a sense of exclusivity that underscored its flagship status. Inside, leather seating and a well-appointed cabin became standard, pushing it firmly into the "luxury coupé" realm rather than pure performance car.
In short, the BMW 850Ci was BMW's statement of capability in the early 1990s: a flagship grand touring coupé combining V12 muscle with luxury GT sensibilities. Even today it stands out as one of BMW's most ambitious and stylish coupes of its era — a car that didn't just aim to go fast, but to carry you there in comfort and elegance.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1997 BMW 850Ci represents the final year of E31 production for North America and is one of just 1,218 examples produced worldwide. With only 363 officially delivered to the region, it was originally sold new in California. This example shows just over 52,000 miles and has been retained by only four owners from new.
Finished in Cosmos Schwartz Metallic (Black Metallic) over Light Grey Leather, the cabin offers a spacious 2+2 seating arrangement with supportive, electrically adjustable front seats and comfortable rear seating for occasional passengers. Amenities include automatic climate control, power sunroof, period correct mobile telephone, BMW factory audio system with cassette player, and trunk mounted CD changer.
The vehicle includes original tool kit, owners' manuals, and OEM wheels.
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1997 BMW 850 Ci
VIN. WBAEG4324VCD05352
5,362cc V12 Engine
Fuel Injection
322hp at 5,200rpm
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front and Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Rear-Wheel Drive
* 1997 850Ci models were the final year of production for North America, before the series ended in 1999, making them more collectible
* Late-model 850Ci refinements included: improved electronics, drive-by-wire throttle, and optional Electronic Damping Control (EDC)
* Finished in Cosmos Schwratz Metallic over Light Gray
BMW 850 Ci
The BMW 850Ci is the V12 powered grand touring flagship coupé from BMW's first generation 8 Series (E31), introduced in the early 1990s. With its long nose silhouette, elegant proportions and 2 door, 4 seat layout, the car was conceived not as a cramped sports car but as a high-end GT — a refined, powerful and exclusive grand tourer designed to deliver both performance and comfort. Early 850Ci models carried BMW's 5.0 liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, producing roughly 296–300 horsepower, accelerating from 0–60 mph in about 6.6–6.8 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 155 mph.
In autumn 1994 the 850Ci was significantly upgraded. BMW replaced the engine with a larger 5.4 liter V12 (the M73), boosting output to around 323–326 horsepower and raising torque to about 490 Nm — which sharpened its performance, with a 0 100 km/h (0–62 mph) time around 6.0–6.3 seconds, while still capping top speed at its electronically governed 250 km/h.
Beyond straight line performance, the 850Ci offered a blend of luxury and GT comfort that was rare for its time. The E31 chassis was built from the ground up for this model, rather than being derived from BMW's 3, 5 or 7 Series platforms — giving it bespoke proportions and a sense of exclusivity that underscored its flagship status. Inside, leather seating and a well-appointed cabin became standard, pushing it firmly into the "luxury coupé" realm rather than pure performance car.
In short, the BMW 850Ci was BMW's statement of capability in the early 1990s: a flagship grand touring coupé combining V12 muscle with luxury GT sensibilities. Even today it stands out as one of BMW's most ambitious and stylish coupes of its era — a car that didn't just aim to go fast, but to carry you there in comfort and elegance.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1997 BMW 850Ci represents the final year of E31 production for North America and is one of just 1,218 examples produced worldwide. With only 363 officially delivered to the region, it was originally sold new in California. This example shows just over 52,000 miles and has been retained by only four owners from new.
Finished in Cosmos Schwartz Metallic (Black Metallic) over Light Grey Leather, the cabin offers a spacious 2+2 seating arrangement with supportive, electrically adjustable front seats and comfortable rear seating for occasional passengers. Amenities include automatic climate control, power sunroof, period correct mobile telephone, BMW factory audio system with cassette player, and trunk mounted CD changer.
The vehicle includes original tool kit, owners' manuals, and OEM wheels.
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Estimate
Time, Location
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