1997 Bmw 850ci problems
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.
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Common 1997 Bmw 850ci problems
The BMW 850ci, produced in 1997, is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues range from engine and transmission concerns to electrical and cooling system problems.
- Transmission Problems: The 850ci came with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed automatic transmission, depending on the model year. Some owners have reported issues with the transmission, such as slipping, jerking, or failing to shift smoothly. These problems can be caused by wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or internal component failure.
- Cooling System Issues: The cooling system in the 850ci can be temperamental, with issues such as leaks, overheating, and coolant hose failures. The coolant hoses, in particular, were known to fail suddenly, leading to coolant loss and potential engine damage. It is crucial to use the correct coolant, such as BMW blue coolant, to prevent corrosion and damage to components like the heater core and heater valves.
- Electrical Issues: The 850ci, like many luxury cars of its era, had a complex electrical system that could develop problems over time. Issues such as failing sensors, malfunctioning wiring, and electrical gremlins can affect various systems, including the climate control, power windows, and instrument cluster. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become major problems.
- Rubber Seals and Cosmetic Issues: As a 21-22-year-old car, the 850ci can suffer from aging rubber seals that become brittle and fail, leading to leaks and water intrusion. Additionally, cosmetic issues such as worn-out bushes, faded paint, and interior wear can detract from the car's appearance and value. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help maintain the car's appearance and functionality.
- In summary, the BMW 850ci, like many luxury cars of its era, can suffer from a variety of common problems. These issues range from engine and transmission concerns to electrical and cooling system problems. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and using the correct parts and fluids can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the 850ci.
Is the 8 Series 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 850Ci were made?
The BMW 850CSi is not a car that most people know. Even BMW fans, particularly younger car enthusiasts, might not have heard of it or seen one. Only 160 examples were built in right-hand drive configuration when the car was new, although some 1,510 were produced in total.
What is the top speed of a 1997 BMW 850Ci?
The BMW 850 Ci 326 PS claimed top speed is 250 km/h / 155 mph.
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!
What is the top speed of a 1997 BMW 850Ci?
The BMW 850 Ci 326 PS claimed top speed is 250 km/h / 155 mph.
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 many 850Ci were made?
The BMW 850CSi is not a car that most people know. Even BMW fans, particularly younger car enthusiasts, might not have heard of it or seen one. Only 160 examples were built in right-hand drive configuration when the car was new, although some 1,510 were produced in total.
Is the 8 Series 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%.
1997 Bmw 850ci car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 850ci problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Bmw 850ci vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Bmw 850ci complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Bmw 850ci.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-02
- 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
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Bmw 850ci problems:
Timm's BMW E31 8-Series Common Problems
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BMW E31 8-Series: Buyer's Guide - Common Issues, Problems, Fixes
Sep 1, 2020 ... The 850i was the first production vehicle to pair a six-speed manual transmission to a V-12 engine, and one of BMW's first cars to utilize a ...
Common 1991 BMW 850i Problems - Expert Q&A
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1993 BMW 850Ci Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 1993 BMW 850Ci repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more ... 1993 BMW 850Ci vehicles have 1 known recalls. ... 1997 BMW 850Ci · 1996 BMW ...
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