1992 BMW 8 Series 850i review from Netherlands
"Very well build and good looking, but complicated car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Intake gaskets has been replaced. Know problem; happens every 7 years. Has been corrected on the CSi model.
Wiper fluid bottle in the back should refill the (smaller) one in front. It doesn't. It Has been to the dealer several times and a lot of time (and money!) has been put into it. Still doesn't work. Dealer wants to replace computers. I suspect a bad contact somewhere. So replacing computers is not an option for now.
Sunroof was damaged (did not close correctly) by company who put in the certified alarm system (could not prove it). Expensive to repair.
It was quite difficult to get the alarm system working properly (took 3 systems). But it now works very well.
I had CSi mirrors on it (3 pairs in a row). They all have been stolen. It now has the standard mirrors on it.
On Board Computer pixels are dropping out rapidly. Will fix it at some point in time. New computer will have the same problem, so that's not the preferred route to go.
General comments?
Steering lacks feed back.
Very good suspension. Will be bumpy (and uncomfortable) on bad roads. But speed bumps are not a problem.
The interior is outdated on some points, but it easily beats most cars (even other BMW's).
It has the best looking pop-up headlights.
It is a true coupe (no B-pillar).
Lots of cool features. It might be missing out on some of the high tech options which are becoming more available nowadays (like rain sensors and navigation) but its feature list is still very long.
It is a bit heavy. But comparing it to recent cars like Austin Martins, this is not completely true. If it had been lighter it would have been even faster. But luxury has it price.
I would trade it in only for a 850 CSi (still looking...).
Recommended Reviews:
 | 1993 - 8 Series 850 CSi 5.7 V12 A high performance GT, built for crossing Europe in comfort. Use it as designed and you will not be |
  | A beautifully designed car that hasn't received the appreciation that it deserves |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.0 liter V12 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 121000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 150000 kilometres |
| Previous car | BMW 5 Series |
| Date of Entry | 10th September, 2003 |