1993 BMW 850 CSi Auction
Artcurial Motorcars will hold their Garden Party In Saint-Tropez auction this Saturday, June 29. One of the lots set to be offered with no reserve is a 1993 BMW 850 CSi, one of the most iconic BMWs produced in the 1990s.
BMW 850 CSi
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Introduced in 1992, the BMW 850 CSi was the absolute pinnacle of the E31 8 Series lineup. It was the ultimate grand touring car and highlighted BMW’s engineering and design expertise, delivering a car that some believe was the true successor to the BMW M1. The only reason it wasn’t called the M8 is that BMW produced a concept car with that nameplate prior to the introduction of the 850 CSi, but there are plenty of M-series touches on these.
The heart of the 850 CSi was its 5.6L V12 engine that produced around 380 horsepower and more than 400 lb-ft of torque. It featured a higher compression ratio and improved engine management that allowed BMW’s Motorsport division to extract that extra performance compared to the V12 in lower trim levels of the E31 8 Series. The engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission and could hit 60 mph from a dead stop in under 6 seconds. Out of an abundance of caution BMW electronically limited the top speed to 155 mph.
It also featured a revised suspension system with stiffer springs and dampers, a lower ride height, and an adaptive damping system to improve handling and ride quality. The car was equipped with four-wheel steering, known as the AHK system (Aktive Hinterachs-Kinematik), which offered enhanced handling capabilities. Along with revised, more aggressive bodywork and a wider stance, the 850 CSi truly stood out from BMW’s other offerings.
Inside the 850 CSi combined its motorsport-inspired performance with the luxury expected of the BMW brand. It featured leather upholstery, power-adjustable sport seats, and a comprehensive suite of electronic aids, including a sophisticated onboard computer, climate control, and an advanced sound system. These features helped make this an excellent choice for long-distance driving.
BMW produced 1,510 examples of the 850 CSi between 1992 and 1996 worldwide and this rarity helped this model become more collectible as years go by.
Artcurial Motorcars' BMW 850 CSi
This car, chassis WBSEG91070CC00291, shows less than 84,000 km and has a detailed ownership history including service records. Its most recent long-term owner kept it from 2004 to 2023. It presents well in its factory-correct Calypso Red and is being offered with no reserve.
Artcurial Motorcars estimates this will sell for €60,000 – €80,000. That’s about $65,000 to $85,000 at the current exchange rate and that’s well within the price range we’ve seen for a quality 850 CSi in recent years. If a bidder is able to get this car for less than the higher end of the auction company’s estimate it will be very well-bought.