Bmw 850cia 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 850cia car production

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Bmw 850cia model years

bmw 850cia 1996 photo
850cia 1996
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Common Bmw 850cia problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the BMW 850CiA cars, several common problems have been identified:

  1. Cooling System Issues: Owners have reported problems with the cooling system, particularly related to the water pump bearing causing the fan to damage the radiator. Additionally, there have been instances of coolant hose failures, leading to overheating. These issues highlight the importance of regular maintenance of the cooling system to prevent costly repairs.
  2. Electrical Problems: Complaints often mention various electrical issues such as malfunctioning lights, wiring problems, and issues with worn-out bushes. These electrical issues can be challenging to diagnose and repair, requiring expertise to ensure proper functioning of the car's electrical components.
  3. Suspension Concerns: Some owners have experienced shimmies or vibrations in the car, especially at speeds between 50 and 60 MPH. These vibrations can be attributed to suspension problems that may need attention to prevent further damage and ensure a smooth driving experience.
  4. EML System: Specific to the V12 engine, the Electronic Motor Load (EML) system has been highlighted as a potential area of concern. As the car ages, components like electronic throttle bodies (DK's) and cylinder identification sensors may deteriorate, affecting the engine's performance. Proper maintenance and periodic checks of the EML system are crucial to avoid potential issues.
  5. Transmission: While not as common, transmission problems have been reported by some owners. Issues with the gearbox, especially in manual transmission models, can arise over time and may require professional intervention for repair or replacement.

Addressing these common problems in the BMW 850CiA cars requires proactive maintenance, regular inspections, and timely repairs to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity. Owners are advised to consult experienced mechanics or BMW specialists for thorough diagnostics and effective solutions to these issues.

Bmw 850cia

How much is a BMW 850CSi worth?

Today, the BMW 850CSi is considered a rare and highly collectible car, with prices for well-maintained examples often exceeding $100,000.

How many BMW 850CSi were made?

1,510

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 BMW 8 Series reliable?

Is a used BMW 8 Series coupe 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 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 850cia years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 850cia cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Bmw 850cia model years:

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

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 850cia years

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

Bmw 850cia car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Equipment problems

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

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 850cia . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 850cia vehicles.

List of Bmw 850cia complaints

Bmw 850cia 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-05-29
  • Date Complaint: 2002-05-29
  • VIN: WDAEG4328TC
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: THE HEADLIGHT ADJUSTER FELL OFF, CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO ADJUST HEADLIGHTS TO SEE WHILE DRIVING .*AK. CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHT ADJUSTER WAS NOT A REPLACEMENT PART, AND THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*JB

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