Tips on spotting a fake 850CSi (archive)

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Given that the 850CSi is the ultimate example of the E31 and truly exotic supercar, and given that the body styles are similar, some unscrupulous sellers have added cosmetic mods to an E31 and they then try to sell it as an 850CSi. Here's how to tell the difference.

First, recall that the overwhelming majority of all E31s (over 95 percent) have an autobox. Then note that NO example of the 850CSi had an autobox. So if the car has an autobox, it's not an 850CSi. Don't be fooled by stories that the "previous owner swapped out the six-speed for an autobox." If you hear something like that, run the other way because the seller is not trustworthy.

In rare cases, you might need to look further. There are numerous, subtle differences between a real 850CSi and an imposter -- but let's face it, most of them involve easily-faked trim pieces. So the most reliable method is to closely examine the VIN.

Check first seven characters of the VIN. Don't trust the number on the title. Sometimes it's wrong. Instead, look at the metal data plate visible through the lower left corner of the windshield. This is fairly difficult to modify or fake.

If the first seven characters are WBAEG23, the car was manufactured as an 850i or an 850Ci with a four-speed autobox.

WBAEG13 means the car was built as an 850i or an 850Ci with a six-speed manual. Most of your fakes will have this beginning to their VINs.

Recall that the 850CSi was only built in 1994 and 1995. Now look at the tenth character of the VIN. If it's an M or an N, it's an 850i (1991 or 1992, respectively). Otherwise, it's an 850Ci. As noted previously, beginning with the introduction of the 850Ci in 1993, almost all E31s except for the 850CSi had the five-speed autobox.

For purposes of VIN allocation, all examples of the 850CSi are considered products of BMW Motorsports. (Yeah, I know some say it's not a real //M8. But the beginning of the VIN is the same as other //M cars.) So the first three characters of the VIN on a real 850CSi will be WBS. Sorry, but I don't know the four-character model code for the 850CSi. Perhaps Mr. Castle could jump in here.

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