1991 Bmw 850i problems

General information about Bmw-850i
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1991 Bmw 850i problems

The 1991 BMW 850i is a powerful high-performance vehicle based on the E32 platform, known for its solid build quality and innovative use of automotive technologies. However, like any car, it has its share of common problems.

One of the most commonly reported issues with the 1991 BMW 850i is the failure of the front thrust rod bushings, also referred to as tension strut bushings. These bushings are known to fail occasionally, causing problems in the car's suspension system.

Another issue that BMW 850i owners may face is related to the car's engine management light (EML) staying on and only going off after the car is restarted. This problem is often caused by a fault with the EML system and not with the engine electronics. One possible solution is to reset the throttle synchronization by following a specific process involving acceleration and idling.

The BMW 850i's cassette player may also cause problems, with the unit getting stuck in tape mode. In such cases, the typical course of action would be to replace the unit. However, before doing that, there are a few troubleshooting steps that can be taken, such as disconnecting the battery for an hour or tapping on the unit while pressing the eject button.

The 1991 BMW 850i's engine is known for its reliability, with one half of the engine continuing to work even if the other side has a fault. However, professional repairs can be expensive due to the complexity of the engine.

The car's suspension system is another area where problems may arise. The BMW 850i's suspension is designed for comfort and high-speed stability, but it may not be perceived as a thoroughbred athlete by some drivers. The car's weight and size may also contribute to its less-than-ideal handling characteristics

Finally, the BMW 850i's fuel consumption is another area where owners may face issues. The car's high-performance engine and luxurious features may result in several tens of liters of fuel consumption per 100 kilometers, which may be a concern for some drivers

In conclusion, while the 1991 BMW 850i is a powerful and high-performance vehicle, it is not without its share of common problems. Owners may face issues with the car's suspension, engine management light, cassette player, engine reliability, suspension system, and fuel consumption. However, with proper care and maintenance, these issues can be minimized, and the BMW 850i can provide a great driving experience.

Is the 1991 BMW 850i reliable?

One half of the engine will continue to work if the other side has a fault. So it's very reliable as a commuter. But that also means professional repairs can be expensive searching for the engine problem. If your willing to do some work yourself, the 850 is not that expensive to own and repair.

What engine does a 1991 850i have?

Engines

Model	Years	Engine
840Ci	1995–99	4.4 L M62 V8 engine
850i, 850Ci	1990–94	5.0 L M70 V12 engine
850Ci	1992–99	5.4 L M73 V12 engine
850CSi	1992–96	5.6 L S70 V12 engine

What is the top speed of a BMW 850i 1991?

156 mph

Blast-off to 60 mph takes just 6.3 seconds, the quarter-mile dash is over in 14.9 seconds at 96 mph, and the speed doesn't stop coming until an electronic limiter steps in at 156 mph.

How much is a 1991 BMW 850i?

A: The lowest recorded sale price was $10,250 for a 1991 BMW 850i Project on Nov 13 2023. Q: What is the average sale price of a BMW 850i - Automatic - E31? A: The average price of a BMW 850i - Automatic - E31 is $21,517.

Is the 1991 BMW 850i reliable?

What engine does a 1991 850i have?

Engines

Model	Years	Engine
840Ci	1995–99	4.4 L M62 V8 engine
850i, 850Ci	1990–94	5.0 L M70 V12 engine
850Ci	1992–99	5.4 L M73 V12 engine
850CSi	1992–96	5.6 L S70 V12 engine

What is the top speed of a BMW 850i 1991?

156 mph

Blast-off to 60 mph takes just 6.3 seconds, the quarter-mile dash is over in 14.9 seconds at 96 mph, and the speed doesn't stop coming until an electronic limiter steps in at 156 mph.

How much torque does a 1991 BMW 850i have?

Used 1991 BMW 8 Series 850i - Specs & Features

Engine
Cylinders	V12
Base engine type	Gas
Horsepower	296 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm

1991 Bmw 850i car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 850i problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Exterior lighting problems
Air bags problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Bmw 850i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1991 Bmw 850i complaints

The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Bmw 850i.

2017-10-29

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-06-01
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.

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2004-06-29

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-06-01
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

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2002-08-29

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1992-02-01
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

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2002-04-19

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-05-01
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.

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2002-04-18

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
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

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2002-04-18

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-10-05
VIN: WBAEG2318MC
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: HEADLIGHT HOUSING BROKEN. POINTS DOWNWARD.*AK

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2000-02-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-02-01
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

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1998-04-20

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: WBAEG1317MC
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: BRAKES CONTINUE TO FAIL ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.

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1996-09-17

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-08-01
VIN: WBAEG231OMC
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: SHOCK SUPPORT CAME COMPLETELY OUT OF THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE ON TWO OCCASIONS.

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1991 Bmw 850i recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 Bmw 850i.

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.

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1991 Bmw 850i problems:

Timm's BMW E31 8-Series Common Problems

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E31/Timms_BMW_E31_8-Series_Common_Problems.htm

The usual problem is that the clutch fails and the fan cannot produce enough air-flow. The fault will show itself when the car is stationary when it will ...

BMW E31 8-Series: Buyer's Guide - Common Issues, Problems, Fixes

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/a33810482/e31-bmw-8-series-buyers-guide/

Sep 1, 2020 ... On the original 8-Series, the most severe issues will make themselves known if the car is left sitting. The two fuel pumps, which are mounted ...