BMW's V8 and V12 pop-up-headlamp grand tourer of the 1990s — with a Motorsport-developed range-topper.
BMW's technological flagship of the 1990s, the E31 8 Series was a pop-up-headlamp, pillarless grand tourer conceived to sit above the 6 Series. It was the first road car to offer a V12 with a six-speed manual, an early adopter of drive-by-wire throttle and CAD-designed structure, and — in 850CSi form — a BMW Motorsport-developed range-topper often unofficially called the "M8."
Expensive when new and long undervalued, the range has been rediscovered for its overbuilt engineering, futuristic looks and V12 grand-touring character.
A technological flagship with genuine rarity at the top of the range and, in the 850CSi, the closest thing to the M8 that never was.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 850i / 850Ci (5.0 V12) | 1989–1994 | Part of 30,621 total | M70B50 5.0 V12, 300 hp; 6-speed manual or 4-speed auto; first road car to offer a V12 with a six-speed manual. |
| 850Ci (5.4 V12) | 1994–1999 | Part of 30,621 total | M73B54 5.4 V12, 326 hp; automatic. |
| 840Ci (V8) | 1993–1999 | Part of 30,621 total | M60B40 4.0 then M62B44 4.4 V8, 286 hp; first V8 in the 8 Series; manual or auto. |
| 850CSi | 1992–1996 | 1,510 | BMW Motorsport-developed; S70B56 5.6 V12, 380 PS (375 hp); six-speed manual only; uprated chassis, rear-axle steering, quicker steering rack; unofficially the "M8." |
Authenticate stamped chassis and engine numbers against factory or club records. For the E31 specifically, verify engine and gearbox combination (particularly manual V12 and V8 manuals), 850CSi Motorsport hardware where applicable, and comprehensive service history — complexity makes documented care decisive.
Confirm body originality, panel identity and restoration standard against a marque specialist.
Confirm continuous service history and any rebuild history for the engine, transmission and driveline against a marque specialist.
Restoration standard, originality of body and driveline, and any documented ownership record are the main value drivers.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-16 | Broad Arrow The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction, Lot 223 | 1993 850 CSi | — | €92,000 Sold |
| 2025-03-07 | Broad Arrow The Amelia Auction 2025, Lot 141 | 1995 850 CSi | — | $100,800 Sold |
| 2024-02-02 | Artcurial Rétromobile 2024, Lot 81 | 1993 850CSi | — | €121,584 Sold |
| 2023-03-04 | Broad Arrow The Amelia Auction, Lot 156 | 1991 850i | — | $162,400 Sold |
| 2023-03-02 | Gooding Christie's The Amelia Island Auction, Lot 171 | 1994 850 CSi | — | $134,400 Sold |
A technological flagship with genuine rarity at the top of the range, the E31 rewards condition and history above all. The Motorsport-developed range-topper anchors a distinct collector tier, while well-kept manual and V12 examples of the wider range are gradually being re-rated after years of neglect.
Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.
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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
