One to Buy: 68,000 mile Alpine White III 1995 BMW E31 850 CSi
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Perhaps the least well known BMW Motorsport product to emerge during the 1990s was the E31 850 CSi built in limited numbers between 1992 and 1996.
Despite its lack of an “M” moniker, practically every aspect of the 850 CSi was comprehensively uprated by BMW Motorsport compared to the base 850i. In addition to a unique V12 engine stretched to 5.6-litres, the CSi came with enhanced brakes, suspension, wheels, gearbox and aerodynamics plus a few interior tweaks as well.
Like the rest of the contemporary 8-series range which marked BMW’s move into a much higher price point than the outgoing 6-series it effectively replaced, sales of the 850 CSi proved a disappointment owing to generally poor trading conditions in most of BMW’s major markets.
By the time production was discontinued, just 1510 copies had been completed, a figure that included 225 units for the United States market.
To comply with local regulations, these US-bound cars came without the European version’s engine and differential oil coolers, its active rear axle and also adopted standard 850i brakes and exterior mirrors.
Other alterations from Euro trim included amber instead of clear indicators, BMW Motorsport-branded door handles and extended yew wood trim fitted as standard. Most US market examples were also fitted with a conventional four-spoke airbag steering wheel.
Currently on offer at the Legendary Motorcar Company showroom in Halton Hills, Ontario, is a particularly impressive example of the US-bound 850 CSi showing just over 68,000 miles.
Configured in Alpine White III over a two-tone Light Silver and Gray Nappa leather interior, this carefully preserved example from 1995 has been enhanced with a Dinan suspension upgrade. It is accompanied by a clean CARFAX report, the original toolkit, two keys and complete book pack.
