I'm pie-in-the-skying an idea... maybe a service tech can let me in on some info:
I've got a line in on a good 850i:
There are more pics, but either way, I've seen 850i's crop up more frequently from Japanese Auto Exporters and Auctions (at AWESOME prices even including shipping) with greater frequency and I'm seriously tempted to just drop the change down on one of these instead of a G35, and keep my Alero for beater duties.
What I want to know is if there are any serious issues with the V-12, or the chassis in general, and what the major service intervals are for the car.
The one I posted there needs some cosmetic work (ie, go back to factory colour (white) and replace leather upholstery) but for the price they're asking, it's better than anyone I've seen in the US or Canada. About $9000.00 CAD (+$3600 CAD delivery and documentation fees). If it's going to be a PITA to service, then I'll drop it, but if not I may just buy one.
TIA lads n ladies.
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Try asking on
BimmerForums.com you will probably get help from there. Hopefully it helps, I know it has with the questions I've asked about the BMW i'm buying
.
I <3 the 850's.
GAM, this probably won't help but I'll throw it up there anyway. I don't know much about the mechanical side of BMW's, but here's my experience so far.
the roomie had an '89 535iL (525? I don't remember). anyway, reverse went out. he took it to a BMW mechanic who told him that they don't fix transmissions, they replace them. it was going to cost him well over $3000 just to fix that. so he traded it in.
Desert Tuners
“When you come across a big kettle of crazy, it’s best not to stir it.”
I was at a bimmer dealership on sat test driving the 06 325 Xi and the new 07 328Xi.. there was the exact same 8 series bimmer waitin to get serviced. Same color but different bimmer style wheels, I had no clue what the hell the car was till i looked at the tags.
one of my professors worked @ a bimmer dealership... ill ask him
Well theres a list of recalls here
BMW 8-Series Recalls and I know our family's european car dealer told me once (i asked him cause i loooooove the look of these cars) that the electircal systems (like the TCS and electronic suspension) can fail and when they do.........Cha ching.
Yeah, I know that nothing on BMW's are cheap, but what I'd pay in a couple of repairs like that I would have saved on the purchase price so that's not a huge concern (it is something I'm aware of though, I haven't got my head in the clouds
)
Apparently the Prefecture this one is from is pretty strict on mileage and inspections/repairs etc. So I'm not entirely worried about this, and there is a Bimmer shop near here (literally a 10 minute drive) in case anything goes awry, and they have a good reputation, so that's handled.
Either way, I'll check out the forum link, thanks Alex!
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How much are you picking it up for if you don't mind my asking? I saw an 8 series for sale locally a few days ago.
Edit: I see it now, forget I said that, the one I saw locally was mint condition and theyre asking a bit over 10 grand. Only like 20k original miles though I believe.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Tuesday, October 31, 2006 7:07 PM
I've always liked the 8-Series. Like you already know the service expenses are no joke but hopefully the 8 you're looking at is well-maintained. As for the BMW service techs -- the best I've ever seen. My next ride will probably be another BMW and that's largely based on my experience at the dealership.
NOTE: There are a few really good alternate BMW shops -- ones that specialize in BMWs, Porsches, Benzes, etc. The hourly rate is lower and the service tends to be high quality.
Z24 
BMW
Hey, I have a 1987 supra. I know the meaning of the word frustration.
I wasn't looking for it for anyother reason than having something fun, and something that there isn't a bajillion copies of on the road, plus, I love the look of the cars.
I do realise that everything is going to be expensive as hell, and God and I have a deal going: Every time I don't deny it's existence, I don't have a kid. It's been working for me for a long time.
Either way, there are some non-bmw replacement parts out there for wear-items, and if not I'll figure out what to do. The other thing: The car I posted has less than 40,000 km's. I don't think BMW has stooped to Lada Quality Control projections.
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Oh boy...
Just buy a jar of Bayer asprins because you're going to need them.
>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
That is a nice looking 8 series
When I was over in Germany this summer, I saw one 8 series...and even the natives had to take a second look
Mr.Goodwrench-G.T. wrote:Oh boy...
Just buy a jar of Bayer asprins because you're going to need them.
Care to elaborate?
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GAM (The Kilted One) wrote:Mr.Goodwrench-G.T. wrote:Oh boy...
Just buy a jar of Bayer asprins because you're going to need them.
Care to elaborate?
Rule of thumb I have and that I tell friends is; if you MUST buy a German vehicle, buy it with a factory warranty. And these 850s are no exception. You will have much better reliability on diesels engines, but that is not the case here.
Besides what they have told you up there^. They (V12s) run very hot, so they are prone to overheat. So they require extra maintenance on the cooling. They tend to have water pump failures and since the run hot, the computers in the engine tend to fail earlier as well. Also these cars tend to have rough idle too.
Also do not expect stellar performance either, the car weighs in over 4000lbs and has about 320HP, it is very weak for a V12. These cars are front end heavy too. With it, expect your fuel consumption to be in the teens in city or hwy.
When I worked for Benz, my co-worker worked for BMW for 20+ years. So he told me a few tidbits on these cars.
BTW I asked him on a good site to research, he told me here. There may be more.
http://www.e31faq.com/index.htm
Either way, stock up on Bayer... . No Advil!
>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
I say stick with the G35. It's probably not worth the risk.
5pointO
Ehhh... I'll twin-turbo dis bish... 4 core radiator, Motec ezzhaust, and a spoon sistim yo. I be ballin'.
As I said, I understand that it's gonna be a expensive proposition.
Bayer: nah.
Excedrin w/ Caffeine.. or... well Heroin usually does the trick.
If I don't end up getting an 850, I'll see what a Toyota Aristo will do.
Lexus body, Supra Engine... I'll have an "O" face on... you know oh... oh!!! OOOOHHH!!!! You know what I'm talkin' about.... OH...
Either way, this one is already gone to an Aussie. Looks F-ing awesome
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Use the grey matter Urban... YOU CAN DO EEEET!!!
BTW, the Net is great for transmitting Sarcasm don't ya think?
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I would rock that. I like the wheels.
urban wrote:GAM (The Kilted One) wrote:
the Net is great for transmitting Sarcasm don't ya think?
sarcasm? whats that?
(answer below)
urban wrote:dear lord... I'm trying to if decide you're just joking
or if you fell on the head and require medical assistance
The fact that you needed to point out sarcasm by pointing out my sarcasm after questioning my sarcasm with your sarc... oh dear lord I've gone cross-eyed!
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i can give u a better deal on that exact car GAM i am direct with the aucton guys let me know if you want it
