Bmw 850ci problems

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The BMW E31 is the first generation of the BMW 8 Series. It is a grand tourer built by BMW from 1990 to 1999 as a 2-door coupé, powered by either a V8 or V12 engine. Whilst it did supplant the original E24 based 6 Series in 1990, it was not a direct successor, but a new model class with a substantially higher price and performance than the 6 Series.

Development

Development of the 8 Series began in July 1981, with the design phase reaching completion in 1986, although the launch was delayed due to still-strong 6 Series sales. The 8 Series debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in early September 1989. The 8 Series was designed to move beyond the market of the original 6 Series. The 8 Series had substantially improved performance, as well as a far higher purchase price.

Over 1.5 billion Deutsche Marks were spent on total development (2019 USD nearly $900 million). BMW used CAD tools, still unusual at the time, to design the car's all-new body. Combined with wind tunnel testing, the resulting car had a drag coefficient of Cd=0.29, a major improvement from the previous BMW M6/635CSi's 0.39.

The 8 Series offered the first V12 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission on a road car. It was one of the first vehicles to be fitted with an electronic drive-by-wire throttle. The 8 Series was one of BMW's first cars, together with the Z1, to use a multi-link rear axle.

CAD modelling allowed the 8 Series unibody to be 3 kg (6.6 lb) lighter than that of the preceding 6 Series (E24). However the production 8 Series was significantly heavier when completed due to the large engine and added luxury items—a source of criticism from those who wanted BMW to concentrate on the driving experience. Some of the car's weight may have been due to its pillar-less "hardtop" body style which lacked a "B" pillar.

photo of Bmw 850ci car production

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Bmw 850ci model years

bmw 850ci 1997 photo
850ci 1997
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bmw 850ci 1993 photo
850ci 1993
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bmw 850ci 1992 photo
850ci 1992
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Common Bmw 850ci problems

The BMW 850ci is a luxurious and powerful car, but it is not without its common problems. Here are some of the issues that BMW 850ci owners have reported:

  • AC Blowing Hot Air: Another common issue with the BMW 850ci is that the AC can blow hot air. This can be caused by a faulty heater control valve or a failed auxiliary water pump. The heater control valves and the auxiliary water pump are mounted together on the firewall in the engine compartment, and they can be accessed from the top. If the passenger side hot water valve located in the engine compartment has failed, it can allow hot coolant to flow to the passenger side heater core. The only way to bypass it is to close off the coolant line that comes out of the valve for the passenger’s side heater core.
  • Faulty Easy Entry/Exit Function: The BMW 850ci has an easy entry/exit function that can fail due to a jammed up/down motor. If the adjustment motor is binding, it can halt the easy entry/exit function. The column motors can be accessed by dropping the under-dash panel, and the motor can be replaced if it is jammed. If the wires are the problem, they can be checked around the trunk hinges for any cuts or shorts.
  • Misfire Cylinder 6: A miss and a check engine light coming on in a 1995 BMW 850ci along with a fault code “misfire cylinder 6” can be caused by connectors on the ignition coils and the spark plug for cylinder 6 not being properly connected. There might also be a vacuum leak around the right rear of the engine. A very small crack in the spark plug can also cause this issue. Switching the spark plug with another cylinder or trying a new one or a set can help identify the problem.
  • Engine Noise: The BMW 850ci engine can make noise due to insufficient lubrication, which can cause damage to the engine. This can be caused by a lack of cylinder head lubrication or a problem with the Electronic Motor Load (EML) control system, which is a fly-by-wire control system that was introduced in 1988 and is still used today. The EML system can become unreliable due to ageing of the electronic throttle bodies (DK’s), the strange cylinder identification sensors, and the complication of having two of everything that have to work in concert.
  • Worn-Out Bushes and Cosmetic Issues: The BMW 850ci can also have worn-out bushes and cosmetic issues, which can be a common problem. These issues can include lights, wiring, and worn-out bushes, as well as cosmetic issues that can affect the car’s appearance and functionality.

In conclusion, while the BMW 850ci is a luxurious and powerful car, it is not without its common problems. From transmission fail-safe mode to faulty easy entry/exit functions, there are several issues that BMW 850ci owners have reported. However, with proper maintenance and care, these issues can be identified and addressed, ensuring that the BMW 850ci remains a reliable and enjoyable car to drive.

Bmw 850ci

Is the BMW 840Ci reliable?

The BMW 8 Series didn't feature in our most recent reliability survey, but in the most recent one it did feature in it finished in fourth place out of 15 cars in the sports, coupés and convertibles class with an excellent overall score of 96.9%.

How many BMW 850Ci were made?

850Ci with the M73 engine: 1,218. 850CSi with the S70 engine: 1,510.

What is the difference between 850i and 850Ci?

The 850i became the 850Ci. The additional S in CSi means sport. Maybe that should remind of the 635CSi. In order to avoid any misunderstandings, the 850 with the M70 engine and 300hp will be called 850i on this website, and the version with 326hp and the M73 engine 850Ci accordingly!

How much is maintenance on a BMW 850i?

BMW 850i Repair & Maintenance Costs

The annual maintenance cost of a BMW 850i is $1,020. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 850ci years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 850ci cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Bmw 850ci model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 850ci model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 850ci years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Bmw 850ci car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 850ci , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Exterior lighting problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 850ci vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 850ci model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 850ci . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 850ci vehicles.

List of Bmw 850ci complaints

Bmw 850ci 1993
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-09-18
  • Date Complaint: 2005-09-30
  • VIN: WBAEG2323PC
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SIDE THE BUCKLE LOCK UP IT WILL NOT OPEN AND MY WIFE CAN NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR SHE HAD TO SLIP UNDER IT THANK GOD IT WAS NOT IN A ACCIDENT. THEIR NO BMW DEALER IN MY TOWN SO A BROTHER WENT THEIR AND ASK WHAT TO DO AND TOLL HIM LIKE YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE SEAT BELT, LIKE THEY CAN NOT REPAIR OR JUST OPEN IT. *NM
Bmw 850ci 1992
  • Date Of Incident: 1998-01-20
  • Date Complaint: 2002-04-18
  • VIN: WBAEG2317NC
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: PLASTIC HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM FAILS REPEATEDLY, RESULTING IN POOR HEADLAMP AIM. *AK
Bmw 850ci 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 1998-11-02
  • Date Complaint: 1998-12-02
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: WBAEG4323VC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE WA S SITTING IN GARAGE, 3 HOURS AFTER DRIVING, VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND A SMALL FIRE STARTED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND BMW WAS CONTACTED AND TOWED TO STEERLING BMW 3000 W. COAST HWY NEWPORT BEACH, CA. 92663, (949-645-5900). DELEAR REFERRED CONSUMER TO BMW MFR. DUE TO FACT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. BMW WILL NOT HELP CONSUMER. *AK

Recalls Bmw 850ci

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Bmw 850ci.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Bmw 850ci 1992
  • Report Received Date: 1998-08-04
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
  • Consequence: IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
  • Model: Bmw 850ci 1993
  • Report Received Date: 1998-08-04
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
  • Consequence: IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.

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