- Auctions
- The Iconic Sale at Silverstone Festival 2025 - Collectors' Cars
- 1993 BMW 850 CSi V12 (E31) - Manual
1993 BMW 850 CSi V12 (E31) - Manual
Lot Number: 493
1993 BMW 850 CSi V12 (E31) - Manual
Fresh to market from 22 years of current private ownership, this V12 range topper is one of only 138 right-hand drive cars allocated to the UK.
- Sold for: £48,375
LIVE AUCTION: This lot was auctioned on Saturday 23rd August, 2025 at 12.00pm local time at The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN
-
BODY COLOUR
Mauritius Blue -
DRIVE
RHD -
REG NUMBER
TBA -
ODOMETER READING
121146 Miles
SUMMARY
Fresh to market from 22 years of current private ownership, this V12 range topper is one of only 138 right-hand drive cars allocated to the UK.
DESCRIPTION
The wonderfully dramatic BMW 8 Series Coupé was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989 and positively bristled with innovations, as befited the flagship model from the makers of 'the ultimate driving machine'. While the motoring press focussed on the numerous road car firsts such as the first electronic 'fly-by-wire' throttle, the first 'CAN bus' system to cut down the complexity and weight of the electrical system and the first BMW multi-link rear axle, what really impressed most people was just the car's sheer presence.
A worthy successor to the BMW 635 CSi, the 850 CSi took the concept of the large sporty coupé into an entirely new technical arena. Initially developed to be a standalone product of BMW’s eponymous Motorsport Division, the E31 850CSi was the marque’s high performance flagship model between 1991 and 1996. Exorbitantly priced and incredibly exclusive, just 1,510 examples were built and with only 138 built in right-hand drive configuration, good examples are now highly sought after.
Powered by a 5.6-litre version of the 850 Ci’s V12, the high-spec model featured lighter pistons, a forged crankshaft, upgraded camshafts, retuned intake and exhaust, higher compression and auxiliary engine coolers. An exclusive engine management system allowed for a gear-dependent variable rev limiter and selectable power maps. The result was 375bhp, 406lb/ft of torque and 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds. A 6-speed manual gearbox was standard, making the most of that sonorous V12 and other standout upgrades included stiffer suspension, upgraded brakes, a limited-slip differential and revised aero.
Although considered avantgarde when it first arrived, the pillarless coupé was blessed with classically proportioned, understated and essentially timeless styling that has not dated and these beautiful and exclusive Gran Turismos still look modern today.
On offer here is a UK-supplied, right-hand drive example that is fresh to market having been owned since 2003 by its current enthusiast owner. It's finished in Mauritius Blue, a colour that really suits these long, sculpted, pillarless coupés over a superbly designed cabin finished in sumptuous two-tone grey Nappa leather.
The mileage at the time of cataloguing was 121,146 and our vendor informs us that he’s only covered just over 11,000 miles since he purchased the car back in 2003. He owns a business supplying parts to the automotive world so a lot of the work carried out on the car has been taken care of ‘in house’ by his expert team. Included in that are four oil changes, two sets of plugs, full services including filter changes. Smiths Ltd, independent BMW specialists, have also carried out work on the car and will prepare a report on the car pre-sale. The current MOT remains valid until 16th May 2026.
Please note, the Cherished Registration Number in some of our images, JC 5060, does not form part of the sale.
These are rare cars with only 138 right-hand drive, UK examples and with values of the 3.0 CSL and M635 CSi climbing rapidly, this ultimate specification 850 CSi may well be a turn out to be a sensible investment. We welcome your inspection of this high-performance, modern classic at our Silverstone Festival Sale.
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 493
- Make
- BMW
- Model
- 850 CSI
- Registration Number
- TBA
- Chassis Number
- WBSEG92000CC88003
- Engine Number
- 60260521
- Transmission
- Manual
- Body Colour
- Mauritius Blue
GALLERY
SPECIALIST
Harry Whale
- Car Specialist
- 07919 887374
- harry@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Harry.
Email HarryTelephone Harry
SEE IT IN ACTION
SEE IT IN ACTION
Please note all lots must be removed from the venue no later than 2pm on Monday 25th August. Collections will be from 9am - 2pm. If you cannot collect yourself, please do get in touch with our transport partner, EM Rogers, who will be happy to help you.
Uplift by EM Rogers back to their storage facility in Northampton is £175 plus VAT. Storage is £10 plus VAT per day for the first seven days and £40 plus VAT per week thereafter.
For larger vehicles such as vans, transporters etc. please contact EM Rogers on +44 (0)1604 755511 for a quote.
If you cannot collect, or do not let us know transport arrangements before 9am on 25th August, we will send the car to EM Rogers on your behalf.
A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers
Newsletter Sign Up
Keyword Alerts
Would you like to receive personalised keyword alerts when new catalogues go live. If so, please indicate these below
Set a password to save your keyword alerts
Passwords are a minimum of 7 characters and must include an upper case letter, a lower case letter, a number and a special character.
Newsletter
