BMW 8 Series
The E-31 8 series began life in America in 1991 with the
850i. This had BMWs first mas production V12, the 5.0
liter M70 engine. It produced 296 horsepower, and was
available with BMWs StepTronic (manumatic) transmission.
The 850i evolved into the 850Ci with a 5.4 liter (M73) V12
putting out 322hp. Finally the biggest 8 came, the 850CSi.
This had a Motorsport GmbH V12, displacing 5.6 liters and
372hp (the S70 engine). It was available with only a six speed
manual transmission. Along side the 850s was the less powerful
(cheaper)840Ci. The first 840Ci had the M60 4.0 liter V8, making
228 horsepower. Later, the engine was increased to the M62
4.4 liter V8 putting out 282 horsepower. The 8's died in America in 1997.
This Just In: May 25, 1999 marked the final day of production on
the E-31 8 series. After 10 years (almost to the day),
36,600 8ers were built, of which about 23,000 were V12s.
850CSi
I like this shot with it ready to roll by the Royal Dutch
airlines. Think of the possibilites of 372 horsepower down
a straight 1 mile runway!!
S70 5.6 V12
The 850CSi was the closest thing to an M8 ever produced.
The Motorsport division of BMW produced this engine (as shown
by the ///M badge). I would so like to get behind the wheel of one...
The Cockpit
The inside of the 850CSi seems to be nicely decorated, although
I'd still like to be in the driver's seat!
