I remember that when the 8 Series was released a few journalists thought that the design was uninspired and that the pop up lights were old fashioned. I liked it myself and would love one now. They are from an era when BMWs were really special.
I remember the day I sat on the drivers seat of the 850i just arrived brand new at the showroom when I was 15 years old and I kid you not I still get the same feeling whenever I see one on video or at public roads, such an iconic, great video 👍
Oh my gosh!! Finally, someone reviewed this car and said what needed to be said... BMW has yet to repeat the success of this car. Absolutely love the styling and the look, a beautiful car. Car Blondie reviewed the BMW | 3.0 CSL Hommage R and I believe it would have been the best replacement for this iconic ride!
Beautiful and only moreso as it ages... but the car actually wasn't that successful, as it coincided with a recession back in the 90s... it's why the M8 was never released, because they thought the market wouldn't embrace it.
BMW as of late refuses to learn from its past.... It has become just another luxury brand character in the car and it's motoring DNA has slowly been watered down.
These were going for around £20k at the height of the last recession. I still remember seeing one absolutely shoot away from the traffic lights beside me on a dual carriageway- four people up (two couples) and all windows down. No B pillar so it still looks exotic. That dark purple colour BMW do. They all looked like they were having the time of their life in the car!
Excellent video and its time UK market started waking up to these special cars which are understated. As an 850CSi owner can only say its a great car that gets compliments everywhere. No criticism intended but the engine size and UK RHD numbers stated in the video are actually for the B12 5.7ltr model. The UK received just 153 RHD 850CSi's.
Nice review Jonty. Those Alpina alloys definitely give the car a lovely stance and it looks very striking in red. The 850 CSI is quite rare, however there are quite a few 840 models for sale. I wonder if the auto is a better option given that it is a GT car and designed for long journeys? I believe repair bills are quite expensive. The car weighs close to 1.9 tonnes so there is a big load on the suspension and in addition that V12 block would be expensive to repair if anything were to go wrong.
Nice one Jonty.....Might let you drive my old Beemer one day. Love the 850 CSi....it is still my dream car. 'Word around the campfire is that somewhere deep in the 'BMW Skunkworks' in München sits an M8 but....maybe just an urban myth.....?
No myth, there really is an M8 prototype. 6ltr V12 550bhp. Its been revealed to the world some years ago would have been one heck of a machine if it had gone into production.
When the alpina wheels are more expensive than many cars on the road. Many thx from Germany for the Video! I think there is one more 8 series I'm more in love of. E31 Alpina B12 Coupe with the manual shifttronic and the even sharper engine....
They actually built a BMW M8 prototype-->V-12 with individual throttle bodies, front splitter, etc BUT it wasn't mass produced. That was a beast in 90's.
Beautiful car from an era when BMW still took pride in the quality of their designs. These days sadly, they are happy to rely on cheap styling gimmicks, lots of plastic, contrived “ character lines” , juvenile aggressive stying cues and so-called “ divisive design”. Sad again is how this has coincided with a significant reduction in overall quality. I’ve owned a few of these from the “good old days “ and wish they would one day regain respect for their products. I guess this is BMW keeping up with current modern demands?? The M635 CSI remains my favourite BMW to date.
2:09 "That engine is quite special because it was used in another car.. The Mclaren F1!" I wouldn't put it like that. Yes they used the same block as a starting point but that is the only similarity and they really are 95% different. The F1 engine is a 6.1L 618hp monster and all components and the whole engine design is completely different to the 850Csi. The F1 only cost almost 10 times more than the 850Csi new and the F1 engine was an engineering marvel for the time. What you said is almost like saying a Mercedes A class engine is the same one used in an AMG S65 because both engine blocks are made of some soft of metal.
@ Super Car Driver Wonderful talk and video 🙌! Thank you so much! 👏👏👏 P.S.: Really like your background music. It would be nice if you would share it's name/title. It is saved (burned) into my Consciousness, connected with this ///M8 Princess.
A couple of corrections: 0:43 "a V8 engine" - Nope, the E31 was launched with a V12. The V8 only arrived two years later. 1:58 "a 5.7 litre V12 engine" - It's a 5.6, actually. The Alpina B12 5.7 Coupé had a 5.7. 2:20 "the engine block in an 850CSi is the same used in a McLaren F1" - That's an oversimplification. It shares some characteristics, but the McLaren engine is basically a new design.
I loved it and I still do, one of the best cars BMW has ever made...shame on you BMW for making that deadly boring new 8 Series. A new car which it´s already light years off on the wrong side compared with the 90´s icon.
This car to me is the best bmw ever. Perfect pop ups size, perfect no b pillar, perfect shark shape, it is a MAN car, it screams GT, it screams autobahn, simply a true flag of german car.
Great cars but the parts are so expensive and the electronics are very complex. A lot of parts are no unavailable, I sold mine after having to repair the speedo for the second time.....CSi has a different instrument cluster with red needles, good luck trying to find a set.
2:05 Just no. That's an old wives tale. Firstly the 850 CSi had a 5.6 litre V12, not 5.7 and the McLaren F1 used a 6.1 litre V12. Also the McLaren F1 engine was based on the M8 6.1 litre 600hp prototype. However the McLaren F1 used a completely new engine from the block up on its S70/2 BMW V12. So the 850CSi Engine was used in a prototype that only inspired the McLaren F1 engine, but in actuality shared a completely different design with the M8 prototype. The M8 prototype was different enough from a 850CSi anyway. Stop spreading misinformation. This is the car version of an old wives tale. Google it before you say it. Please, it will only take 2 minutes.
It's the problem with Internet, saying (repeating) it over and over again makes it "true". The man, the myth, "Camshaft" Paul better known as Paul Rosche who designed the S70/2 (F1) engine always denied that the 850csi engine is close related to the S70/2. They share the same block but from piston rod up to cilinder head the S70/2 is more like two E36 M3 (3.2 Euro spec) engines. The F1 had a more aggressive VANOS system with a lot more angle due to the larger rpm range but other than that they are very similar. According to Rosche...
So you’re saying it was a different block, or no? I think it has been said and only said that the block with which it was formed is shared here and in most write ups.
I would not say that the v12s are too reliable if you need to pass smog. The dual throttle bodies are a pain to replace and make it run without an engine light.
It will always be a stunning car...just out of curiosity I wish you mentioned the price. I wonder how a low mileage well maintained car like the one in the video is worth
i thought this would have been 450hp at least, 375hp barely pulls cars this heavy. My V12 XJS 1990 would do 150mph but was slower that a 2.0 corolla under 75mph. The yank cars of 1970 had 375hp and 500+ ft lbs torque, I would still love one of these cars.
The engine in the F1 may have been. based on the CSI engine, but it's not the same engine, considering the modifications done to it. CSI => 66hp/litre F1 => 102+bhp/litre
With my minds eye I see this car redone. Given to BMW for $3 MIL to be "re-imagined" like Singer Porsche. Carbon fiber body panels. Upgraded lightbar/LED lights front and rear. New dash with modern accouterments and digital displays. New inline six hybrid electric twin turbo or V8 hybrid electric engine and new suspension butter smooth at any speed. A dream for sure. But any lottery could make it happen.
The engine block is not at all the same as the one in the McLaren F1. Murray had specific packaging restrictions that the regular single cam S70 couldn’t meet. Crazy how confidently incorrect information can be said.
Another comparable car of this class and era? I guess Mitsubishi 3000GT was technically veeery close, especially the coupe-cabrio even if Japanese preferred Twin-turbo charged 3.0 V6. And Nissan 300 ZX also wasn't far behind competition...which else? Subaru SVX? Maybe too....
Nope....the V12 used in McLaren F1 shared only the same engine block and even that was modified....The biggest difference between them is 2 valves OHC injection in BMW versus 4 valves DOHC in MC F1.
i used to love this card when i was 6 or 7, but as i got older i realized its whatever car, nothing special when you drive it. E63 m6 at least sounds good
Really too bad they never released the M-Version of it... they had it made in their 'Giftküche' - literally poison-kitchen - alright. Devil's workshop I believe you call it in English?! Cheers, Jess
Can you imagine walking into your garage every morning and choosing between an 04 Corolla and a new Outlander? That’s me guys, that’s my cars. I hate them both so much
The BMWs from the 80s and 90s were the best. The new ones don't do a damn thing for me, except maybe the M2 ,but that is still too big,heavy, and has too much electronic BS on it.
"It has everything you possibly want from even a modern luxury car." What the hell are you talking about?! I mean I absolutely love this car, but by today's standards it is equipped like a mediocre VW Polo. And it is not a surprise, as it is a 30 years old model.
There are many errors in this video. Shame no effort was made to check this. The engine is a 5.6 not 5.7, the block was not used in the mclaren, they just share a few design specs...
Pretty sure this car did NOT have any type of rear wheel steering ....atleast not in the US. I’ll look into that and confirm that either you or I are wrong
All 850CSi’s except for the 225 US models had the AHK (Rear Wheel Steering) system. It was available as an option from 1993 in the 5ltr 850Ci & 4ltr 840. Less than 400 AHK systems were selected as an option in the latter.
@@lindsyebanks7220 oh gotcha, I was very familiar with this car back during the 2 years it was on sale in the US and didn’t remember anything about RWS. Thanks for clarifying
this engine is not really the same as the one in the Mclaren though is it? this engine is a mclaren engine the same way a ford v8 is a modern Koenigsegg engine
It still looks better than any new BMW
It’s one of those cars you see and still turns heads
@@scd Definitely
Brilliant design is timeless.
It still looks WAY better than any new BMW...
Without any doubt
The CSi is what eat, sleep and breathe everyday. A never-dying love.
Most beautiful BMW ever built. The build quality. The looks the charm . Just WOW
I remember walking to school every morning and seeing one these back in 1994. Just bedazzled my little imagination 🥰
I remember that when the 8 Series was released a few journalists thought that the design was uninspired and
that the pop up lights were old fashioned.
I liked it myself and would love one now.
They are from an era when BMWs were really special.
Journalists think too much and have too much opinion on things they no very little about and the more opinion they have, the more ignorant they are.
@@frederiquekruger4818
😂 Very well put! 🙌👏
Thank you for that! 👊
I drove one in the 90s working as a driver. What a v12, what a gearshift, men another fabulous choice. V12 manual, rear wheel Drive... perfect
MANUAL V12 Grand Tourer OH YEAH
The best looking car of all time!! Incredible!
It ‘s always dare to say things like this, but maybe on this car I think you are right.....
I remember the day I sat on the drivers seat of the 850i just arrived brand new at the showroom when I was 15 years old and I kid you not I still get the same feeling whenever I see one on video or at public roads, such an iconic, great video 👍
Oh my gosh!! Finally, someone reviewed this car and said what needed to be said... BMW has yet to repeat the success of this car.
Absolutely love the styling and the look, a beautiful car.
Car Blondie reviewed the BMW | 3.0 CSL Hommage R and I believe it would have been the best replacement for this iconic ride!
Thanks for watching and glad you can relate 🙏
Beautiful and only moreso as it ages... but the car actually wasn't that successful, as it coincided with a recession back in the 90s... it's why the M8 was never released, because they thought the market wouldn't embrace it.
BMW as of late refuses to learn from its past.... It has become just another luxury brand character in the car and it's motoring DNA has slowly been watered down.
I want this car so badly😭 it's beautiful
Stunning isn’t it!
Jonty you suit these older cars mate! Right up your street! Enjoyed that 😎
Cheers TC
64 lovers. No thumb down haters. This is only gaining in beauty. Always a fan and the true 6 series before it.
Makes a change! Thanks for watching
These were going for around £20k at the height of the last recession. I still remember seeing one absolutely shoot away from the traffic lights beside me on a dual carriageway- four people up (two couples) and all windows down. No B pillar so it still looks exotic. That dark purple colour BMW do. They all looked like they were having the time of their life in the car!
Excellent video and its time UK market started waking up to these special cars which are understated. As an 850CSi owner can only say its a great car that gets compliments everywhere. No criticism intended but the engine size and UK RHD numbers stated in the video are actually for the B12 5.7ltr model. The UK received just 153 RHD 850CSi's.
Nice editing, nice narrator and of course a perfect car!
Thanks for watching 🙌
Nice review Jonty. Those Alpina alloys definitely give the car a lovely stance and it looks very striking in red. The 850 CSI is quite rare, however there are quite a few 840 models for sale. I wonder if the auto is a better option given that it is a GT car and designed for long journeys? I believe repair bills are quite expensive. The car weighs close to 1.9 tonnes so there is a big load on the suspension and in addition that V12 block would be expensive to repair if anything were to go wrong.
Nice one Jonty.....Might let you drive my old Beemer one day. Love the 850 CSi....it is still my dream car. 'Word around the campfire is that somewhere deep in the 'BMW Skunkworks' in München sits an M8 but....maybe just an urban myth.....?
Ooooh go on! Giz a go 👀🏁🏁
No myth, there really is an M8 prototype. 6ltr V12 550bhp. Its been revealed to the world some years ago would have been one heck of a machine if it had gone into production.
My dad nearly bought one. Wish he bloody had. Always loved this car.
When the alpina wheels are more expensive than many cars on the road. Many thx from Germany for the Video! I think there is one more 8 series I'm more in love of. E31 Alpina B12 Coupe with the manual shifttronic and the even sharper engine....
Lovely forever.Greetings from Moscow!
I think its the best looking BMW ever. Contrast it's timeless elegance with the gaudy aggressive designs of today.
BMW did build one M8. Plus the 850CSi has an M-Sport designated engine code (“S”).
Best rear end I ever saw
Such a great looking car!
Great video - definitely gets the bottom lip nod of approval (-:
I'm glad I own a 1995 bmw 840 series and to go with my collection I own a 1985 635 as well....out of modesto ca.. I can't wait to get my M1 ....
Best looking BMW ever. Not just against the current/newer models.
Great, great car. One car come to my mind, albeit another price range but also V12, cruiser and sleek looks. The Ferrari 550.
I have to say that the wheels on this car really make the look.
Epic car design
Absolutely stunning. I had the poor man’s 8 Series, the Ford Probe… I desperately want an 850CSi.
They actually built a BMW M8 prototype-->V-12 with individual throttle bodies, front splitter, etc BUT it wasn't mass produced. That was a beast in 90's.
That reg too, very nice!
Wonderful video, wonderful car🤗
Thanks Chaz
Beautiful car from an era when BMW still took pride in the quality of their designs. These days sadly, they are happy to rely on cheap styling gimmicks, lots of plastic, contrived “ character lines” , juvenile aggressive stying cues and so-called “ divisive design”. Sad again is how this has coincided with a significant reduction in overall quality. I’ve owned a few of these from the “good old days “ and wish they would one day regain respect for their products. I guess this is BMW keeping up with current modern demands?? The M635 CSI remains my favourite BMW to date.
Amazing car timeless looks and super investment
Looks better than the 2020 model .
That is a nice mustang.
One of the best looking BMWs of all time in my opinion, far better than any post-2003 design
Timeless 🤩❤️
Fantastic channel but underrated
Its must at least 5 Million subscribers
If only!
2:09 "That engine is quite special because it was used in another car.. The Mclaren F1!"
I wouldn't put it like that. Yes they used the same block as a starting point but that is the only similarity and they really are 95% different. The F1 engine is a 6.1L 618hp monster and all components and the whole engine design is completely different to the 850Csi. The F1 only cost almost 10 times more than the 850Csi new and the F1 engine was an engineering marvel for the time.
What you said is almost like saying a Mercedes A class engine is the same one used in an AMG S65 because both engine blocks are made of some soft of metal.
This BMW 850 is the spiritual successor to the E9 CSL of the 70's.
@ Super Car Driver
Wonderful talk and video 🙌!
Thank you so much! 👏👏👏
P.S.:
Really like your background music. It would be nice if you would share it's name/title.
It is saved (burned) into my Consciousness, connected with this ///M8 Princess.
A couple of corrections:
0:43 "a V8 engine" - Nope, the E31 was launched with a V12. The V8 only arrived two years later.
1:58 "a 5.7 litre V12 engine" - It's a 5.6, actually. The Alpina B12 5.7 Coupé had a 5.7.
2:20 "the engine block in an 850CSi is the same used in a McLaren F1" - That's an oversimplification. It shares some characteristics, but the McLaren engine is basically a new design.
In the era of quality bmw's one of best bmw of all time with M1 and E9 sci
I had one of these :) loved it !!
What an engine.........
Just needs a good infotainment system and Hid or led lights to bring it up to date.
Fairly easy (and reversible) modifications!
A dream. Nothing else to say
I loved it and I still do, one of the best cars BMW has ever made...shame on you BMW for making that deadly boring new 8 Series. A new car which it´s already light years off on the wrong side compared with the 90´s icon.
The 635 csi & M6 of the late 80’s😊
I agree on everything but not on reliability! Great video!! 👍
I would like to see a resto-mob 840/850... great looking car but put modern rel power in it.
That would be ace
looks awesome
This car to me is the best bmw ever. Perfect pop ups size, perfect no b pillar, perfect shark shape, it is a MAN car, it screams GT, it screams autobahn, simply a true flag of german car.
Great cars but the parts are so expensive and the electronics are very complex. A lot of parts are no unavailable, I sold mine after having to repair the speedo for the second time.....CSi has a different instrument cluster with red needles, good luck trying to find a set.
2:05 Just no. That's an old wives tale. Firstly the 850 CSi had a 5.6 litre V12, not 5.7 and the McLaren F1 used a 6.1 litre V12. Also the McLaren F1 engine was based on the M8 6.1 litre 600hp prototype. However the McLaren F1 used a completely new engine from the block up on its S70/2 BMW V12. So the 850CSi Engine was used in a prototype that only inspired the McLaren F1 engine, but in actuality shared a completely different design with the M8 prototype. The M8 prototype was different enough from a 850CSi anyway. Stop spreading misinformation. This is the car version of an old wives tale. Google it before you say it. Please, it will only take 2 minutes.
It's the problem with Internet, saying (repeating) it over and over again makes it "true". The man, the myth, "Camshaft" Paul better known as Paul Rosche who designed the S70/2 (F1) engine always denied that the 850csi engine is close related to the S70/2. They share the same block but from piston rod up to cilinder head the S70/2 is more like two E36 M3 (3.2 Euro spec) engines. The F1 had a more aggressive VANOS system with a lot more angle due to the larger rpm range but other than that they are very similar. According to Rosche...
So you’re saying it was a different block, or no? I think it has been said and only said that the block with which it was formed is shared here and in most write ups.
A true Bedroom wall poster.
No other BMW can match up.
Probably one of BMW's finest designs
I would not say that the v12s are too reliable if you need to pass smog. The dual throttle bodies are a pain to replace and make it run without an engine light.
Total production of the CSi is 1510 units and only 160 are RHD
Just watch this video and this was actually my grandad's car, he put the alpina whells and the number plate on the car
When did you film this, they've had it nearly 2 years, unless it's been sold and brought back...or part of dealers own collection
My 560 SEC does a similar job, more GT than super car tho
It will always be a stunning car...just out of curiosity I wish you mentioned the price. I wonder how a low mileage well maintained car like the one in the video is worth
About 150-170 US$
i thought this would have been 450hp at least, 375hp barely pulls cars this heavy. My V12 XJS 1990 would do 150mph but was slower that a 2.0 corolla under 75mph. The yank cars of 1970 had 375hp and 500+ ft lbs torque, I would still love one of these cars.
The engine in the F1 may have been. based on the CSI engine, but it's not the same engine, considering the modifications done to it.
CSI => 66hp/litre
F1 => 102+bhp/litre
SIMPLEMENTE EL AUTO MAS BELLO QUE HIZO BMW ..........
If money was no object this would be the first car I'd buy,no question.
With my minds eye I see this car redone. Given to BMW for $3 MIL to be "re-imagined" like Singer Porsche. Carbon fiber body panels. Upgraded lightbar/LED lights front and rear. New dash with modern accouterments and digital displays. New inline six hybrid electric twin turbo or V8 hybrid electric engine and new suspension butter smooth at any speed. A dream for sure. But any lottery could make it happen.
Pop up headlights not allowed in many places now.
The only comparable car is the Ferrari 456M GT. Manual, V12, 2+2, pop-ups and beautiful.
guys, just remember, that these cost as much as a two bedroom flat, or small house, in London, in the year launched.
I would love to have one beside a Porsche 928 S4 ...
What’s the price of this rare monster.
Dream car
Anotther car that matches sleek looks and practicality? Mercedes C215 or C216 CL......Bentley CGT (bit more pricey, mind!)
The engine block is not at all the same as the one in the McLaren F1. Murray had specific packaging restrictions that the regular single cam S70 couldn’t meet. Crazy how confidently incorrect information can be said.
Another comparable car of this class and era? I guess Mitsubishi 3000GT was technically veeery close, especially the coupe-cabrio even if Japanese preferred Twin-turbo charged 3.0 V6. And Nissan 300 ZX also wasn't far behind competition...which else? Subaru SVX? Maybe too....
Nope....the V12 used in McLaren F1 shared only the same engine block and even that was modified....The biggest difference between them is 2 valves OHC injection in BMW versus 4 valves DOHC in MC F1.
i used to love this card when i was 6 or 7, but as i got older i realized its whatever car, nothing special when you drive it. E63 m6 at least sounds good
This will still turn heads when surrounded by new edgy electrobuckets sometime deep in 2100s)
Original rims are sooo much nicer!!
amazing car...
It sure is!
Fabulous looking things. They’ve aged ratter well.
Really too bad they never released the M-Version of it... they had it made in their 'Giftküche' - literally poison-kitchen - alright. Devil's workshop I believe you call it in English?!
Cheers, Jess
What happened to BMW!!!?
Why aren’t they making cars like these anymore!?
Mega! 😃👍
To call a car 'really cool' because of popup headlights is like being cool just by wearing expensive sunglasses
That doesn’t quite hold water as everyone has a pair of sunglasses but very few cars have pop ups.
Back when BMWs made Ferrari look alikes
How the hell did you miss so many interesting facts and replaced all of it with cliches? With such an amazing car at your disposal at that
Can you imagine walking into your garage every morning and choosing between an 04 Corolla and a new Outlander? That’s me guys, that’s my cars. I hate them both so much
The BMWs from the 80s and 90s were the best. The new ones don't do a damn thing for me, except maybe the M2 ,but that is still too big,heavy, and has too much electronic BS on it.
Manual V12 is something very nice. Looks awesome as well. I wouldn't buy it though- too heavy for my liking.
The german ferrari! We filmed a cool one on our page too! Check it out
"It has everything you possibly want from even a modern luxury car." What the hell are you talking about?! I mean I absolutely love this car, but by today's standards it is equipped like a mediocre VW Polo. And it is not a surprise, as it is a 30 years old model.
Its worth Just for the Looks alone dude
There are many errors in this video. Shame no effort was made to check this. The engine is a 5.6 not 5.7, the block was not used in the mclaren, they just share a few design specs...
Pretty sure this car did NOT have any type of rear wheel steering ....atleast not in the US. I’ll look into that and confirm that either you or I are wrong
All 850CSi’s except for the 225 US models had the AHK (Rear Wheel Steering) system. It was available as an option from 1993 in the 5ltr 850Ci & 4ltr 840. Less than 400 AHK systems were selected as an option in the latter.
@@lindsyebanks7220 oh gotcha, I was very familiar with this car back during the 2 years it was on sale in the US and didn’t remember anything about RWS. Thanks for clarifying
58 UK cars? More like 160.
👌❤️💥💯
this engine is not really the same as the one in the Mclaren though is it? this engine is a mclaren engine the same way a ford v8 is a modern Koenigsegg engine
👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑