This is merely my opinion so please read on.
On saturday I booked an appointment to view and test drive a 1996 N reg 850 csi In sorento blue or something like that. It had all the toys so it was fully loaded with every extra on the list.
When I turned up my first impressions were "hmmmm very nice as it was in good condition although I did notice some corrective paint work to the passenger rear quarter. Now this car had covered 78000 miles with full BMW service history and 3 owners. I turned on the ignition and fired up the V12.My thoughts were "wooow what a great sound track" It sounded awsome. So off I went for a drive.
Now this is where it all begins. The 850CSI is supposed to have 380bhp. A friend of mine owned one of these cars before I bought my 99 model 840ci sport with the individual spec. I remember telling him that what I really wanted was an 850CSI. He at the time told me not to even bother as he believed that an 840ci sport was overall better to drive and maintain and also stated that the 850csi was no faster .
To his advice I ignored him hence why a booked an appointment to view this one...... Anyways......
At first Im must say the car felt solid through the gears and was nice to drive and it should do for the asking price of £19000.00 pounds.
But to my amazement i sadly have to agree with my friend. Where was that extra 94BHP?? in comparrison to my 4.4 V8 286BHP.
It sounded quick but didnt go or feel quick. Everytime i was climbing through the gears I was expecting a burst of phantom power and accleration. Im not saying its not fast coz it is . Its very fast but it felt no faster than my 840ci sport in the steptronic mode.
I used to own a 98 model M3 EVO with 321bhp. And that was faster infact faster than the 850csi I dont care what anyone says.
Whilst the 850csi wears the novelty and my sincere respect to M division for what ever it was that they contributed towards the csi i must say they didnt do a particularly wonderfull job.
So to those who own an 840CI/850i/850ci and 840ci sport if you ever felt left out then guys please dont!! Because theres nothing to feel left out about. Particularly those who own the 840CI SPORT. Believe me you got a better package.
I was going to part exchange my 840ci sport in velvet blue but I think I'll hang on just yet.
To those members who own an 850CSI what can I say ...... Its a great car but no greater than the rest of the range of engines. The 850csi wears the novelty but its just a shame it doesnt deliver what it really should... M power performance and before those of you reply and state "well it never was a proper M car" Either way Im sorry but for a car that has a V12 unit with 380 bhp I expect performance which should out run the 840 ci sport by miles.
So the conclusion.... those who were thinking of trading in your old 8 for a 850csi dont!!! Alternatively Buy an E39 M5 which will out run the 850csi by miles in every way but one "The looks"
Like I said this is merely my opinion and Im sticking to my guns