Re: Should I sell my '94 840ci and get a '91 850i? (archive)

I currently have a '94 840ci. I just went to the BMW dealer this past week to get an engine check/leak down check after just becoming aware about the problems associated with the 8 cylinder engines. The BMW technician stated that my engine was great . . . but did not want to comment as to when it might become problematic. He also said that I was out of warranty.
My first question is whether an engine replacement is an eventuality for my 840ci?
I just saw a 91 850i (manual) for $30,000 (US) and thought about buying that car instead. If I were to purchase the 850i, which is stated to be in great condition, what would be a reasonable price for that car?

I would consider the change. Why risk the potential problem. It is impossible to tell if your engine will be affected, it may run forever or suffer the problem in a few months. Keeping the car may detract from your enjoyment of it which would be a shame.

I don't believe there is much to gain from fitting the revised thermostat / engine management chip (sorry Lez!). The idea was to run the engine hotter to burn off the sulphur but it didn't work (this is why the motorcyle engines didn't suffer the problem. The air cooled engines ran a lot hotter than the V8).

Finally, as someone said on this board a while ago. Everyone should drive a V12 at some time in their life. Go on, spoil yourself ;-)

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