French registration papers

- Regularly maintained
- More than 5000 € spent recently
- Unique design

Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989, the BMW 8 Series (E31) was meant to be the heir to the 6 Series. More advanced in terms of its engines, styling and technology, it was positioned as a competitor to the Mercedes 560 SEC and Porsche 928 S4. Conceived by the designer Klaus Kapitza, its styling launched the Bavarian manufacturer into a new era. Its blend of flowing lines and a sporty appearance was underscored by its flared wings and pointed nose with retractable headlamps; it was a coupé design with a vertical tail and no central pillar. Overturning the aesthetic conventions which prevailed at the time, the E31 8 Series is still regarded as one of the most attractive designs of its day. Under the bonnet, the 850Ci was powered by an all-aluminium V12 with a capacity of 4988cc developing 300bhp, and then by a 5379cc unit producing 326bhp from February 1994. The centrepiece of the 8 Series, it is remarkable for its ease of use and prodigious torque, while remaining quiet and unobtrusive.

The 850Ci which we have chosen for you was sold new in Belgium by the BMW Hindrickx dealership on 16 December 1993. Its service booklet shows that its first owner had it regularly serviced by the same Belgian dealer until 2006. The car then came to France, where the same owner had it maintained in turn by the S.R.D.A., Huchet and Legrand BMW dealerships; he then sold it on to its current owner in 2015. Over a two-year period, the sheaf of bills shows a total of more than 5000 € spent on the car, including the replacement of several parts relating to its appearance, components subject to wear in the front and rear suspension, the bonnet struts, various seals and hoses, and even the outside temperature sensor. The car is therefore now in good working order, its 230,000km (143,000 miles) of little consequence. Inside the car, all the equipment functions correctly. The air-conditioning has been recharged, there are new carpet mats and the electric rear blind works perfectly. On the outside, the car has been completely resprayed in its original Orient Blue metallic, while its magnificent Alpina alloy wheels, which are in near-new condition, suit it to a tee. The automatic gearbox responds as it should and the V12 BMW engine runs beautifully. This BMW truly fits the bill as a GT coupé which is ready to clock up many more miles in regal comfort.