Bmw 850i 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.
Social links
Common Bmw 850i problems
The BMW 850i is a high-performance luxury car that has been praised for its speed, comfort, and distinctive design. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its problems. Here are some common issues that BMW 850i owners have reported:
- Transmission Issues
Some BMW 850i owners have reported transmission issues, particularly with the four-speed automatic transmission. These issues can include delayed gear engagement, slipping, and difficulty shifting. In some cases, the transmission may need to be replaced entirely.
- Suspension Problems
The BMW 850i's adjustable suspension is one of its key features, but it can also be a source of problems. Some owners have reported issues with the suspension's air bladders, which can leak or fail over time. This can result in a rough ride, uneven tire wear, and reduced handling performance.
- Electrical Issues
Like many modern vehicles, the BMW 850i relies heavily on electronic systems for everything from climate control to safety features. However, this can also be a source of problems. Some owners have reported issues with the car's electrical systems, including malfunctioning sensors, faulty wiring, and blown fuses.
- Recall Issues
The BMW 850i has been subject to several recalls over the years, including recalls for leaking glycol coolant, faulty brake systems, and potential fire hazards. It is important for BMW 850i owners to stay up-to-date on recall notices and ensure that any necessary repairs are made promptly.
- Unreliable Shocks
Some BMW 850i owners have reported issues with the car's shocks, which can be unreliable and require frequent replacement. This can be a frustrating and expensive problem, particularly for owners who use their cars for high-performance driving.
In summary, while the BMW 850i is a powerful and luxurious vehicle, it is not without its problems. Owners may encounter issues with the engine cooling system, transmission, suspension, electrical systems, recalls, and shocks. It is important for BMW 850i owners to stay vigilant and address any issues promptly to ensure the safety and longevity of their vehicles.
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%.
Why is the BMW 8 Series not selling?
One reason for the sluggish sales, according to dealers, is the lack of marketing support from the automaker. That's not surprising. The 8 Series coupe debuted just a few months before the X7 SUV, which remains an essential model for the German automaker – more important than the niche 8 Series.
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.
Is BMW M850i a supercar?
The M850i comparable to the Porsche 911 in most regards, including its $111,900 starting price tag, but it feels like a low and wide supercar in the way the 911 simply doesn't, despite the fact that the 911 is a more properly pure sports car.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 850i years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 850i cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Bmw 850i model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 850i model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 850i years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw 850i car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 850i , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 850i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 850i model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 850i . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 850i vehicles.
List of Bmw 850i complaints
Bmw 850i 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2017-10-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WBAEG2315MC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: STARTED MY BMW 850I, DRIVE HALF A BLOCK DOWN THE STREET, THE AIRBAG BLOW , BURN MY HANDS. I CAN TAKE PICTURE OF THE BROKEN AIRBAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL IF NEEDED.
Bmw 850i 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2004-06-29
- VIN: WBAEG1314MC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ADJUSTER WAS BROKEN. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ADJUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NM THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT HIGH ENOUGH TO SHINE ON THE ROAD TO ALLOW THE CONSUMER TO VIEW THE ROAD. THE LIGHTS WOULD ONLY GO ABOUT 15-20 FEET IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. *SC *JB
Bmw 850i 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1992-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2002-08-29
- VIN: WBAEG1314MC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BOTH HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT MECHAISMS HAVE REPEATEDLY FAILED. THIS IS AN ONGOING COMPLAINT WITH BMW 8 SERIES OWNERS. WHEN THE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM FAILS THE HEADLIGHT BUCKETS POINT DOWNWARDS SO THAT THE AMOUNT OF ROAD VISIBLE TO THE DRIVER IS 25 FEET OR LESS. BMW HAS A "FIX" FOR THIS WHICH CONSISTS OF "PEENING" A PLASTIC ADJUSTMENT WHEEL TO THE ADJUSTMENT SHAFT. THIS USUALLY FAILS WITHIN SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES. BMW THEN SAYS TO BUY A NEW HEADLIGHT BUCKET... $4-500 TO FIX A $2.00 PART. SOMETIME, OR MAYBE IT HA ALREADY HAPPEND THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR A PEDESTRIAN FATALITY DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE LIGHTS ARE NOT PROJECTING FAR ENOUGH FOR A DRIVER TO SEE A REASONABLE DISTANCE DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW AND HAVE YET TO RECIVE THE COURTESY OF A RETURN CALL. PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS COMPLAINT WITH WHAT ACTION THAT YOU MIGHT BE TAKING REGARDING THIS MATTER.*AK
Bmw 850i 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2002-04-19
- VIN: WBAEG2318MC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: AFTER FAILURE, BMW TELLS YOU TO BUY NEW HEADLIGHT BUCKETS FOR $650 WITH NEW ADJUSTERS IN THEM, WHICH WILL FAIL AGAIN AFTER TWO TO FOUR YEARS, DEPENDING ON THE MILEAGE. AFTER FAILURE THE LIGHTS SHINE EXTREMLY LOW WITHOUT COVERING THE STREET IN FRONT OF YOU, RESULTING IN A REAL SAFETY HAZARD.
Bmw 850i 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-04-18
- VIN: WBAEG1313MC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THE CONVERTIBLE HEADLIGHTS KNOB ARE NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY MECHANIC AND MANUFACTURE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED HOWEVER TO RESOLVE PROBLEM MANUFACTURE HAS OFFERED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE LIGHTS FOR $400.00 PER LIGHTS. NLM
Bmw 850i 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-05
- Date Complaint: 2002-04-18
- VIN: WBAEG2318MC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHT HOUSING BROKEN. POINTS DOWNWARD.*AK
Bmw 850i 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2000-02-09
- VIN: WBAEG2317MC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS CAR LOSES COOLANT, OVERHEATS, AND BLOWS A HEAD GASKET, AND NOW POSSIBLY NEEDS NEW CYLINDER HEADS. BMW MECHANIC STATES THAT THE TEMPERATUTE GAUGE IS NOT SUPPOSED TO TELL YOU THE ENGINE IS OVERHEATING IF THE COOLANT HAS ALREADY COMPLETELY LEAKED OUT OF THE SYSTEM. THAT THE GAUGE DOES NOT REGISTER THE EMPTY AIR IN A NOW EMPTY COOLANT SYSTEM. IN MY OPINION THE TEMP GUAGE SHOULD TELL ME THE POSSIBILITY OF MY CAR OVERHEATING SO THAT I CAN SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE AND HAVE IT REPAIRED. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE($5,000 FIRST TIME) AND NOW AN ESTIMATED $9,000-15,000 DEPENDING ON EXTENT OF DAMAGE. PLEASE SEND ANY INFORMATION YOU MAY HAVE ON THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. A LOCAL REPUTABLE IMPORT REPAIR SHOP INFORMED ME THAT THIS HAPPENS WITH THIS CAR AND THAT THEY CONSIDER IT A COMMON DEFECT/OCCURRENCE. TO COMBAT THIS THEY EVEN HAVE THEIR OWN SOLUTION MY DRILLING EXTRA HOLES IN THE ENGINE AND BOLTING IT DOWN WITHOUT HAVING TO EVEN USE A HEADGASKET. IF THIS IS ACCEPTED COMMON KNOWLEDGE THEN THERE MUST BE FURTHER COMPLAINTS/HISTORIES OF THIS OCCURRENCE WITH THE BMW 850I.. *AK
Bmw 850i 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-04-20
- VIN: WBAEG1317MC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES CONTINUE TO FAIL ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Bmw 850i 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-01
- Date Complaint: 1996-09-17
- VIN: WBAEG231OMC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SHOCK SUPPORT CAME COMPLETELY OUT OF THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE ON TWO OCCASIONS.
Recalls Bmw 850i
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Bmw 850i.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw 850i 1991
- 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 850i 1991
- Report Received Date: 1996-07-01
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING.
- Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CONTACT RING WIRING COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK. THE AIR BAG READINESS INDICATOR LAMP (SRS OR AIRBAG) IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL ILLUMINATE, AND THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL IMPACT VEHICLE COLLISION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOCKING TAB WITH ONE OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN.
Are you having problems with your Bmw 850i?
