[BMWWGN]

I was recently presented with an opportunity to buy an 850CSi and, given their rarity in this part of the world, I simply couldn't let this one pass me by.
Finally a couple of weeks ago, it all fell into place and I'm now the proud owner of one of these fantastic machines.

This car is one of the seven non-UK spec RHD CSi's that were ordered with kilometer speedo's and delivered new to the following countries:
Hong Kong (2)
Singapore (2)
Australia (3)

Mine is CC88064, one of the two Hong Kong cars, in Sterling silver with Anthracite buffalo leather and the optional "Style 5" BBS wheels.
The car was brought to New Zealand in 1996 by its original owner.

I am the car's third owner, and the total mileage is now 26,574 km.

This is the BMW I have dreamed of owning for a good many years, so now to finally have one is almost unbelievable.
Naturally I'm over the moon, and feeling very lucky to own such a rare beauty.

 

[Fiftytwoeighty]

Beautiful! Can we see pics of your glorious engine bay? Congrats on such a rare find!

 

[BMWWGN]

A few more pics.

 

[chowdah]

Congrats. Great find. Can you compare it to any other BMWs you may have owned?

 

[Fiftytwoeighty]

Congrats again!

:applause: :goldcup: :imnotworthy:

 

[BMWWGN]

Congrats. Great find. Can you compare it to any other BMWs you may have owned?

Thanks chowdah

Comparison is difficult, as the car is such a step-change from the iconic E23, E24 and E28 machinery I've owned.

The 850 CSi itself is equally iconic of course, but in a modern sense, and to drive it certainly feels like a more modern and (dare I say it) real-world experience - less delicate/fragile than for example the E28 M5, with superb build quality and a massive road presence.

The car's looks are to die for - it's got to be the most beautiful and timeless modern BMW ever produced - and it just shrinks around you when you're behind the wheel.

The same old analogy has been made in the past, but I still agree that it's like piloting a jet fighter!

 

[Bayerische]

Congrats Peter,

What an absolute beauty. It must be one of the best CSi's left in existance.

Best of luck with a very special car.

 

[chowdah]

The car's looks are to die for

Of this I am aware. I see an 850 in my area in pleasant weather. I have not been lucky enough to see it's rear to ID it, however.

 

[Kiwiphil]

Yes I know of that car

Yes that csi had been on sale for a while. It was quite difficult to negotiate sensibly with the previous owner so congratulations on finally snaring it. I'm gathering that you might be NZ based or even Wellington based like me. If so I'd love to see it in the flesh sometime. I'll bring along my E24 M6 to compare. Im sure that theBMW club will be really interested in making contact as well. Congratulations once again. Kiwiphil.

 

[BMWWGN]

Thanks Kiwiphil.

The last time it was for sale was 2009 and did not sell at that time.
I'm based in Auckland, so you might not see the car in your neck of the woods for some time!

BTW, I am a BMWCC member.

Cheers

 

[Kiwiphil]

See you around then

Mate I'm in Auckland a bit including at club functions so I might well see it. It's a great car. You're a lucky man. Good luck with it.

 

[Stoffie]

Stunning example. Had a drive in one a while ago and they are just amazing cars. Would love to own one but would never ditch my M635. Enjoy yours!

 

[toys r' us]

sweet ride!

 

[BMWWGN]

Thanks for all the comments, guys.

I've got a few maintenance items planned for the car, to get her up to a standard befitting such a rare and beautiful machine:
- Headlamp adjustment
- Front suspension thrust arm bushings, replacement
- Lower sump pan gasket, replacement
- Final drive pinion seal, replacement
- Headlining, replacement
- Driver's seat twist (up-down mode), repair

I'll also be treating her to a full Inspection II service, followed by paint detailing and wax.

The interior is in great condition, but will still benefit from some leather treatment.mmmmmm

 

[spngr311]

Beautiful car!

 

[m5 deamon]

always loved the 8 series nice find congrats whats the csi like to drive. ive driven 850 840 but never a csi

 

[BMWWGN]

The CSi is very much a different beast to drive compared to the 850Ci and 840Ci.

On paper, the relative performance figures don't exactly jump out at you, but I can assure you that driving it after either of these two cars was for me a life-changing event!
Having said that, I haven't yet driven the 6-speed manual 840Ci Sport (M62), which I'm told is a pretty impressive machine.

I guess the step up to the CSi is not unlike slipping behind the wheel of the E39 M5 after the very capable 540i.
But for me, the CSi just does it even more convincingly.
Not only is it a very, very fast machine, it also has masses of torque from relatively low revs so, like the E39 M5, it doesn't really matter which gear you're in, you still get that solid push in the back of your seat.
It's a big car, but as I've said previously, it just shrinks around you once you're behind the wheel.

Of course it's not everybody's cup of tea, but I'm completely smitten by this car - and that's really saying something, since my last car was a gorgeous E28 M5, itself a very satisfying, feel-good driver's car.:M5thumbs:

 

[9cosmosm3]

that looks amazing

 

[alvchua]

Wow! Gorgeous car!

If u ever find yourself thinking of letting it go, please keep me in mind! U know I'll take good care of her! 👍

 

[B10-bomber]

Just read the your letter/article on this car in the latest BMWCar mag. Its nice to see some more detailed images. The car looks sensational, you've done well to bag such a low-miler!

Congratulations!

-Ben