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Not much difference with a few bolt on parts... (archive)
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Posted by Greg K on April 30, 2001 at 16:42:07:

In Reply to: Selling M5. Would I enjoy an 850? (m) posted by Aussie2U on April 29, 2001 at 22:03:38:

I'm always amazed at this comparison. Problably because I've driven both a well sorted out 850i 6spd (3.15 LS rear, Conforti, SuperSprints, 18" M Parallels) and a tuned-up CSi. Most 850 and several CSi owners are hard pressed to tell the difference between a well-sorted 6spd and CSi. Throttle response equivalently sharp and crisp with the Conforti chip for both.

Of course, this shouldn't really be any great surprise since the miscellaneous CSi parts can be bolted in except for the .6 liter engine upgrade. The BMW ETK lists only a handful of non-cosmetic parts differening between the two. After tuning of both with EPROMS the difference is approximately 40bhp and suspensions are equivalent, if not better for the tuned 850i with H&R's and Bilsteins.

For the money, if the car is to be a driver not an investment, the best two options are (1) a 6spd that is just coming on its major wear item repairs so you can upgrade them with suspension, brakes, etc. yet purchase it with maintenance costs reflected, or (2) European 850CSi imported for under $40k.

Regarding the M5, it is a beautiful piece of machinery, but given personal preference, the older ones such as the e28 and e34 are still more fun to drive. More nimble, responsive, visceral... always providing strong driver feedback and sheer grins.

Greg K



I'm selling my Avus Blue '00 M5 to raise some cash. I was wondering how different the 850's are?

I read the archives a little so I'm not starting at ground zero, but in the case of a nice 850 6 speed (not csi - trying to SAVE money), how different would it be for performance?

Both the 850 & M5 weigh about the same. The V12 SHOULD have plenty of torque to pull it off the line. Right? What about noise levels, handling, braking, etc. Would you consider an 850 an equal performer to an E39 540i/6 speed?

Thanks for any info!




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