Re: 96 850 CI - Buy or Not?

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If you are leaning towards presence and comfort in the car you are looking for, go for the 850. There is no doubt about it.

I bought my 93� 850 Ci in March last year and at that time I had the same questions you have now regarding the car I was looking at. I read a lot of messages in this board and asked for advice just as you have done now and as I had the feeling I would be able to get some kind of help and advice from the knowledgable guys in this board I dared to buy it.

The car had only had two owners of which none of them had ever driven it during winters. The second owner didn't even drive it in rain! ;-) The car had 36K miles on it and I spent one day examining the car at the dealers. I took pics of it with my digital camera and went home to go through what I had seen and then the pictures...and I knew I was in love!

Since I bought it I have added about 3K miles on it and the only "problem" I have had with it was a problem with the computer complaining about different kinds of beam failures. That was solved by simply buying new bulbs, replacing them and since then the car treats me as I treat her...gently and without problems.

But then again...there are some horror examples out there and as any other member on this board will tell you, make sure you got the history of the car and that you know it has had good owners before. If you follow these simple rules, an 850 will give you so much joy that at the end it is hard to describe it with words.

With other cars I have owned before, the love for the car decreases when you get used to it. But with the 850, I just love it more and more for each drive I take with it...

I have said this before...I will NEVER sell this car, unless I find an equally well preserved 850 CSi or a B12.

Local dealer has a silver 96 850 ci (automatic) with 40K miles and all factory options (wheels and paint from what I can tell). Car comes with a warranty for a bit over 18 months and/or 60K miles. Asking price is $46K. I'm on the wait list for a M3 (about a year wait), but I've been second guessing if I should find a clean 850 and be happy. I'm 50, can't really use the performance of either car (M3 or 850), but I'm leaning more toward comfort and "presence" in a car. Older 6 series cars are too high mileage or priced far above book. I'm also on the M5 list, but that wait is over 18 months. The 850 seems like a unique car, but I've heard horror stories (some on this board) about repair costs and massive depreciation. Any suggestions, comments, thoughts are welcome. Thanks

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