Valuation 1994 850Ci

Hi one and all. After nearly four years, the time has come for me and my 850Ci to go our separate ways, the temptation of a Z8 is proving too much and my head has been turned to the dark side. I am looking for thoughts, advice, (interest even!) in selling my current chariot. Mauritius Blue with Grey interior and 17" BBS alloys (original BMW extra). I've put 22000 miles on her in 4 years so there is now 141000. Full (yes completely) bmw service history. Originally ordered by a cardiologist in London, then a sfx company car for a couple of years, then mine. The unusual things about this car are that it came with EDC (both rear dampers replaced in my care) & Kinematic Rear Wheel Steering (replacement control unit last year), plus a rear sun blind, meaning that the only 'extra' not ordered on the original spec was heated seats although these are the 'Sport' versions. I've put Autothority engine management chips in (claimed 350 brake) which essentially means this is in effect an auto-CSi. New stainless steel custom exhaust from the manifold gaskets on down, rebuilt gearbox last year, new sunroof, 4 tyres with less than 1k miles on them, MOT for a year. New computer (pixel dropout drove me mad so I changed it) and a fab Alpine radio / CD although the original CD autochanger is still there its not wired into the current system. Seats work, climate control & air con works, windows work, lights work (both front buckets re-built & re-alaigned last year). I can't honestly say there's been no expense spared cos I can think of things I'd like to do if I kept it like the rear diff, though my wife & bank manager would not agree. I paid £12.5k for it in 2002 which was top dollar but it is such an unusual car I went for it. Its probably had twice that again spent on it over the last four years. I'd love for it to go to a good home, but I would also value some input as to the best way for that to happen and also a reralistic price to ask. This is not a 'concours' car, the interior and exterior have a few blemishes like stone chips on the front spoiler and bumper, and a couple of marks on the leather transmission tunnel cover in the rear (this car is used, driven & enjoyed!)but it is a very unusual 8 series and it's in very good condition with loads of extra bits and bobs and has been well looked after. Any thoughts?

There's a reason. If you go down to the woods today.............been into the back of your local BMW dealer lately? If not you'll be surprised at what you see. Loads & loads of new (<3yrs old anyway) cars with their bonnetts up & laptops plugged into them. Not for diagnostics but to re-boot the cars. And at 'normal' labour rates with a 10-14 hour turnover time thats all well and good while the warranty holds, but when it's honest Joe Public who's picked up a 'bargain' bimmer and is presented with a nearly 4 figure bill for re-loading software, what price the second-hand value of the current generation of 3, 5, 6, and especially 7 series motors? Thats why they are going for a song. I wouldn't touch one with somebody elses barge pole. And I here some serious bad things about the current M5's air intake system melting (yes its plastic ) you heard right melting under 'strenuous' use (why else would you by an M5 Doh!) and BMW refusing to accept it may be a design issue. Obviously all those owners are microwaving them or something. I digress. A bargain in the car world is never, ebentually, a bargain.

Yeah I know I know. Not impressed with 6, went to look when they came out & was amazed how little extra there was on my 8 despite 15 years or so of 'progress'. Vanquish is beyond my proce range, and I like to be able to reverse once in a while; they do sound awesome though. It is gonna have to go, that much is beyond negotiation, it's just the how really. Like I said I would really like it to go to a good home,