History

In 1989 BMW markets the codename E31 under the label 850I.

The 850i is truely a tech showcase,designed to compete with Mercedes.

The 850I is at a first glance propulsed by the showy V12 5liters engine, giving 300HP originally used in the 750I model.
Everything in this engine is extravagant, starting from a part of his organs in two copies:

• Injection driving
• Ignition
• Intake

The electronic throttle command (in two copies obviously) is a big first on a public serie car.
Default gearbox is a 4 step automatic gearbox. Idea behind this choice is that's a more than 1700KG GT is not the most relevant choice to a sporty driving.
This car is designed as a highway vessel, over equipped.
BMW have a lot of other models far more sporty cars in his catalog.
By the way, optionnaly a 6 steps manual gearbox is available optionnally.
Another great first for a public serie car.

Despite his price: more than 140000 DM, without including the extremely expansive options, like dynamic shock absorbers, the commercial success of the 850I is amazing.
The sell reports are exceptionnal, for a car priced like Lamborhini ans Ferrari's
Starting 1992, the engine is upscaled to 5.6 liters, now the V12 is about 380 HP.

Price is increasing dramatically too, reaching 180000DM, but nothing stops the success of the car.
In 1992, a the launch of the 850CI: 16000 pieces are already sold, but the selling is decreaising a little bit.

Begginning 1993, the marketing staff is worried, and ask to a low cost version of the E31, with the 4 liter V8, less powerful, but also lighter, less electronics, less options.
The price of the 840I is about 120000DM, but against all odds, buyers still like the V12 engine best, in I or CI version.