1994 BMW 8 Series Coupe

Low. Wide. A true hardtop with no B-pillar to interrupt the side window space. The iconic hidden headlamps. The 8 Series has been causing heads to turn and jaws to drop for over three decades. Avant-garde technology, sybaritic luxury, and superlative performance are the characteristics that continue to define the 8 Series to this day.

The E31 BMW 850i debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1989. BMW had employed sophisticated Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools to design the E31's unibody. This was an uncommon and expensive approach at the time, but, combined with extensive wind tunnel testing, it allowed the designers to create a strong, distinctive wedge shape with a drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.29. CAD also made possible the intricate design of the 5-link elastokinematic rear suspension, the design of which would establish the template for all future multilink rear suspension designs from BMW. The 850i was powered by the M70 5-liter V12 from the 750iL that sent 296 horsepower to the rear wheels via either a 4-speed Steptronic transmission or a 6-speed manual.

In 1994, BMW released the higher-performance, ultra-exclusive 850CSi. In the hands of BMW Motorsport, the displacement of the V12 grew from 5.0 to 5.6 liters. They gave it lightweight pistons, higher compression, more aggressive valve timing, larger exhaust, and a redline that changed depending on the gear selected. The modifications were so extensive that the engine received its own designation: S70. Power jumped from 296 to 372 while torque rose from 332 lb/ft to 402. The 850CSi was sold exclusively with the 6-speed manual transmission.

The chassis was enhanced for CSi duty with the addition of Servotronic vehicle speed-sensitive power assistance and a quicker rack, stronger front hubs, stiffer shocks, and 10mm lower springs.

Identifiable by its unique aerodynamic body panels, badging, and 'BMW Motorsport' on the exterior door handles, only 225 850CSi's were sent to the United States between 1994 and 1995.

This 1994 BMW 850CSi is privately owned.