Finding an 850CSI - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

bobafett · 9th July 2002, 00:01

ANyone know how I can find a good 850csi? I've been checking roundel, ebay, dupont, etc. but nothing seems to come up. I dont get how there were fewer 840's produced, but more up for resale.

--Dan

SteveC · 9th July 2002, 03:31

This one looks nice.

http://www.johnrobertsbmw.com/invent...3DOZJ&make=BMW

Club E31 · 9th July 2002, 16:48

Have you ever think of importing one from Europe ?

I've great Individual 850s on my site for sale, including 850Csi
Unfortunately, because of AHK (4 wheel steering) and lights it costs about 10000$ (full service)

bobafett · 10th July 2002, 06:48

Club: I did indeed check out your site (first site I went to when I was considering it) - and realized that the euro cars seem to have lower mileages and are definetly a) more attainable / available and b) in better shape overall.

The problem is that I don't know enough about the differences between the cars and what federalization hoops I'll have to jump through for DOT approval. From the outside, it seems like a nasty, time-consuming and expensive process with little upside should I decide to sell the car.

--Dan

CarlT · 10th July 2002, 18:02

Dan

You are right considering the hassle of DOT and EPA. This also adds approx $10K to the price. Also factor in new cats at $1400each to be able to pass a cold start emissions test. + 6months of waiting in some cases....

Here are the differences

US cars are missing

-AHK - Active Rear Suspension. Greatly improves handiling, but a potential nightmare to fix...

-Headlight washers

-Blacked out front turn signals ( can easily be added)

-Rear foglights (ditto)

-Sport seats (Optional in Europe)

-Rear sunshade (Optional in Europe)

-Floating rotors

-Engine oil cooler

-Rear diff oil cooler

-Full leather (Optional in Europe)

That is more or less it. There are approx 220 US spec CSi, and hence they hold their price very well in comparision to their Euro siblings. I'm sure the gasoline and insurance prices in Europe might be to blame as well.

The only thing that the NA spec one has that the Euro doesn't is Motorsport embossed doorhandles that are very pretty IMHO.

If you have any questions at all, post them and we'll try our best to anwser.

Carl
M5 - E31 moderator team

MikeC · 10th July 2002, 18:22

Apart from the 'BMW Motorsport'-doorhandles the Euro versions lack the ///M insignia in the lower metal door insert. I will refit them to my car and thus will have a fairly unique one

But

Door inlays: 2x EUR 116
Doorhandles: 2x EUR 154 + 2x EUR 80 work

That's EUR 700 = US$ 700, damn! But I think I will pay...

...Mike

CarlT · 10th July 2002, 18:26

Mike

To bad you have to open the door to see those beautiful sills....

But I agree with you, I think it is worth the extra money, but why are you not doing the work yourself. Something to do with the lock I assume?

Carl

Gustav · 10th July 2002, 19:12

I have four of those M sills in my car

I really would like the BMW Motorsport handles too. I wonder what they will charge me in Sweden for that

DrPaul · 10th July 2002, 20:32

Gustav,
Where are the 4 door sills? I am asking as I have imported a Euro 850CSi which doesn't have the M door sills or the handles. I found the P/N for the sills (only 2, not 4 though) but can't find the M door handle parts on my ETK.

BTW, importing cost a total of $15,000 for shipping, conversion, and federalization and 6 months of waiting after it came to the USA.
Thanks,

CarlT · 10th July 2002, 20:42

Paul

Gustav has a 4 door M3...

Carl

DrPaul · 10th July 2002, 21:07

As Homer Simpson would say "Doh!"

Club E31 · 10th July 2002, 23:07

Bobafett

The SPECIALIST of exporting 850 Csi to the USA is Jurgen Himple

Contact him at indyjurgen@hotmail.com

Office germany ( Neustadt)
Fax: +49 (0)6321-6 97 98
Office north america (Indianapolis)
Phone: +1 317-490-6952
Fax: +1 317-257 3650

http://www.greymarkets-germany.de/

He often helped members of my club to get good cars
And he will really know how much it can cost for you, and what's the best for you

bobafett · 11th July 2002, 02:51

Wow, thanks so much for all the info. I'll definetly give him a call and see what he has to say.

Dr. Paul: have you had any negative experiences with regards to owning a Euro as opposed to US-spec car?

If I think of anything else, I'll post it. Thanks again guys!

--Dan