Re: Potential 8 series buyer (archive)

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: : I'm new to this and I'm selling my beautiful 1993 Porsche 968 cab. (tiptronic) because I need a bigger toy with a back seat. New family member as of 01/31/00. I've owned 3 bimmers before an 87 325es, 1992 525i, and a 94 325ica. Now I would like to purchase an 850. Can someone tell me what I should pay for it and what to look for mechanical wise. It will probably be a 91 or 92 model (auto). This car will not be driven except on the weekends in the summer. I will also trade my porsche if anyone is interested. It has 53k (auto) midnight blue / grey leather interior / blue top. fully loaded. It's very well maintained, no paint or body work, has a bumper to bumper warranty up to 84k or 09/2002. It has brand new 18 inch wheels and tires (O.Z. Racing Rims) with less than 250 miles on them plus the original 16s with 80% tread. This car is simply gorgeous. I just need a rear seat and the 8 series is the only vehicle I will get rid of it for. The 850 is a two door, very rare and beautiful. I wish they came in convertibles.
: : Thanks for your time and information

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: I have a '93 850ci. I love the car but I don't drive it too often. I have only had it for about 6 months and have had no real problems. The reason I was writing is that I read your comments refering to a need for a back seat. The 850 has a back seat in name only, it is completely useless for anyone with legs. I am 6'2" so I keep the seat pretty far back, and it is actually touching the back seat. I don't see how anyone(maybe not even a baby seat) could fit back there. I would certainly take a real close look at what you need before commiting. As for what to look for, The 840 and 850 are completely different cars. Assuming your sticking with an 850, be prepared to spend some money when it comes to maintenance as with all 12 cylinder cars. Another item I have been warned about is the power seats. I have been told that if one goes out (and they supposedly do) it will run in the neighborhood of $2000 each. A warning sign is if any motion is sluggish or feels like it is laboring. The car is an absolute joy to drive and has a lot of raw power.

On the seat issue, what usually happens is that only one side of the base will come up, there is a very simple solution that I managed to do with the help of a very skilled friend. But I have not heard about a total failure of the seat yet.

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