my dog passed away just before Christmas, so I'm selling my possessions and intend to start travelling. I have a 1992 BMW 850i, it's in excellent condition, starts immediately, but when warm the tick over is irregular. It also has a battery drain. I believe this is down to the passenger side central locking not working (common fault the General Module doesn't shut down, or worse case on the battery drain is the capacitors have dried out in the General Module) the only other issue is a crack at the top of the rear screen, I was advised to leave it as it is, as changing the screen can cause corrosion issues and to instead try and get it repaired. It only became foggy because of the rain, I think the fogginess will disappear as it dries out. It also has slight corrosion inside the front and rear wheel arches (see pics). That's the bad bits.

Like I say it starts almost immediately even if left for months. I had it serviced, oil, all filters inc fuel filters, new batteries and a full set of HT leads. The mechanic suggested the irregular tick over would sort itself out after a good run, I don't think so. My research showed it's more than likely a vacuum leak, I say this because it ticks over perfect when cold. It has 163k and comes with a fantastic service history, old MOT's, some receipts for work, original folder and booklets, original torch in the glovebox, original first aid kit, original tool kit inc triangle, the interior is in excellent condition, the wheels and tyres are in excellent condition, it has 1mths MOT remaining. I didn't expect the passing of my dog, and had plans to sort out the issues and put the car on air bags, a set of wide wheels, sort out the tiny bits of corrosion and then attend some shows. Someone has done a suspension airbag conversion and wheels on YouTube, on a blue 840i. The kits are available at a reasonable cost.

I tried the car on eBay but it didn't meet the reserve of £11000. I'm open to genuine offers in and around that amount. If it doesn't sell I'll get roller shutters fitted at the place it's being kept, and keep it inside. I don't need the money, it's just a shame leaving it outside. I'm looking at getting an A Class motorhome to travel around, so if any members have one and it's the right spec, then I'm happy to discuss a deal.

If you need any more information, pics or to arrange a viewing, my number is 07544079050, thanks for looking, Scott.

Thanks 

Phil

My cluster had blown after and resulting in a battery drain.  Managed to source a second hand one which was fitted and lasted 30 mins.  Once blown battery drained again and an intermittent 3 second beep in the car when driving.  Removed the fuse for the cluster to stop the beeping and the battery stopped draining .  Concluding the blown cluster is causing the battery drain but cannot find the cause of cluster blowing.

Car also needs a front lower offside suspension arm at £300 from bmw, top mounts and bump stops etc at £300 the pair, oxy lambda sensors and possible catalytic convertors. Worried on oem costs for these

Can any body advise sources for quality non oem parts.

Regards Steve

BMW did not find a software issue 

any suggestions?

Can anyone give me some advice please

After a lukewarm reception from the then green-leaning German motoring Press, the first V12-engined 850is arrived here in October 1990 to a cautious reception.Performance of these 5.0litre cars was good but certainly not Porsche-threatening. This left potential buyers feeling a little underwhelmed by this all-new BMW supercar - or rather Grand Tourer, which is what it became. The styling was also thought to be a little too unimaginative yet most critics now agree it stood the test of time well. To BMW's credit, they listened to the market and released an updated car in May 1993, now renamed '850CSi', with the 'S' a desire to reinforce the sporty image suggested by the new six-speed gearbox. There was one other important ingredient in this improved recipe; a giant 5.6-litre engine. No longer could your £40,000 super coupe have its face rubbed in the sand by turbocharged upstarts, such as Ford's Escort Cosworth.At the same time, a realistic attempt was made to lift sales by expanding the range to two models, with the introduction of a less expensive version. The company's new 4.0-litre V8 was installed under the bonnet of this new automatic-only '840Ci'.In March 1996, BMW decided to rationalise the range. Imports of the 5.6-litre 850 ceased, while the 4.0-litre 840 was replaced by a car of the same name, and featured a new 4.4-litre V8, with manual or automatic transmission. Power remained the same curiously enough, but torque was much improved, as was acceleration, making it faster to 60mph than the original 5.0-litre V12 automatic had been in 1990. A mechanically identical 'Sport' version of the 840Ci was released at the end of January 1997, with lowered suspension, new wheels, 'M-Sport' mirrors and leather sports seats and the range was finally withdrawn from sale in June 1999, around the time the smaller Z3 M Coupe arrived.

BMW 8 Series Road Test

The twelve-cylinder versions, surprisingly enough, are slower than the later manual 4.4 V8s. Though top speed is the same electronically-limited 155mph, zero to sixty takes 6.6 seconds in a 4.4-litre manual, while the 5.0-litre V12 auto needs a still respectable 7.5 seconds. Hauling nearly two tonnes of luxury GT off the mark is one thing, stopping it safely is another. Fortunately, every 8 Series has ABS as well as excellent braking power, though pad life can be understandably short, if you drive enthusiastically.The main problem that these cars have always had is the infamous 'Servotronic' electronic power steering. The twelve-cylinder cars, in particular, can feel overly-light at higher speeds, making the driving a little unsettling. The ride too, may be too firm for those expecting a high-speed luxury car but for 90% of driving, such as traffic, motorways or just cruising and posing, an 8 Series is a pleasure to conduct.

Buying a BMW 8 Series

Electronics, in a word. Mechanically, BMWs last and last but the advanced computing power of the engine management system in early 850s could go west, leaving the owner staring at a four-figure bill to replace microchips and other associated 'brain' components. Major electronic failure is rare, though, and most problems will have surfaced in the first few years of the car's life. Never forget to check that the pop-up headlights lift and lower smoothly and that the electric roof, (self-lowering) windows, door locks and air conditioning are working perfectly too, as repairs will be expensive.

Im new to this forum and have joined as the result of a dilemma, insurance on my 8 is extortionate now and im on the verge of selling as I can not afford to insure.

I have heard there is an insurance company that recognises the 8 series as a classic car (which means a cheap premium) - does anyone have any idea of the name of this company?

Post below 🙂

I have Eibach lowering springs, Bilsteins ,CSI bars, strong strut tower brace and lower front X Brace.M 5 3,91 LSD. Front sport bumper, rear splitter an M mirrors to be installed.

Before and after

I'm new to the forum and coming in with sad news. After a year and a half i'm looking to sell my 840Ci. Having lavished every mechanical whim of the car over the period It's time to sell. Because of more traveling with work I can't afford the fuel bill from the glorious 4.4litres so am switching to a 3 series diesel. Whilst my lady love is happy, you won't be surprised to hear that it is not quite the same!

I was wondering if i could get some help putting a value on the car as well some tips on where/how i might sell it?

Mechanically she's is in great condition with a fair amount of work over the last 18 months. On the down side, the paint work has a few marks and the front bumper is split. It has the original throwing star alloys, the newer engine form and the sports pack so looks and runs beautifully.

Sad to be letting her go, but any hints and tips would be a real help.

Thanks,

Ant

Cheers in advance