Six Months Gone: 1996 BMW E31 850Ci – Sold?

July 9, 2021 Update – while this “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s past history we suspect may not actually be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” However, we will keep an eye out for an updated listing. In the interim, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

June 3, 2021 Update – Hard to explain why this 850i hasn’t sold yet.  A new ad using the same pictures, description, and asking price is now posted on Craigslist.

May 1, 2021 Update – We’re still at a loss on why this beautiful and rare BMW 850Ci remains unsold. The private seller just posted a fresh listing using the same lower price adopted last month.

March 26, 2021 Update – After having us believe this stunning BMW sold quickly after posting, it appears the seller elected to keep the car over the winter to sell their 850Ci once the weather warmed up.  More promising is the fact the price of $38,500 is now $1,400 less than the original ask of $39,900.

December 17, 2020 Update: We just confirmed the private seller of this ride deleted their Craigslist ad, so we’re now able to call this one “Sold!” 

$93,300 MSRP, the equivalent of about $154,840 in today’s dollars.  That was the cost of entry in 1996 for BMW’s stunning V-12 powered, 850Ci Two-Door Hardtop.  If you couldn’t afford that kind of scratch back then but always dreamed of owning an E21, now’s your chance to purchase a 24-year-old new car like this 1996 850Ci first listed in November 2020 and then relisted in June 2021 in Palmer Township, Pennsylvania with less than 25K original miles could be yours for the revised price of $38,500.  Despite the pictures showing the car to be in almost flawless Concours-ready appearance, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool places the asking price between this guide’s current #3 “Good” estimate of $23,800 and its #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $46,400.

Here’s the seller’s complete description backing up the stunning photographs documenting their 850Ci:

“This 1996 BMW 850Ci is being offered in original condition by its current owner since 2017 and shows fewer than 25,000 actual miles. Sold new to a professional football player in Florida, it has had only three owners. As you can see by the pictures, this modern classic is in superb condition. It must be seen to appreciate its beauty and how well cared for it has been.

The car is powered by the 5.4-liter DOHC V12 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. All systems and accessories are operational, and the car runs and drives as it should. Recent work includes the replacement of two fuel pumps, two batteries, and the headliner professionally repaired. This E31 is offered with two keys, and a clean Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name. Car is located in Easton, PA.

Amenities include power-adjustable and heated front seats, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control (AC blows cold), a factory cassette player with a six-disc CD player in the trunk, a working sunroof, and a functioning onboard computer. No dash warning lights are illuminated. The odometer indicates just under 25k miles, of which approximately 600 have been added by the current owner.

The engine is the naturally aspirated 5.4 liter DOHC 12-cylinder with 2 valves per cylinder. Factory specs for 1996 show an output of 322hp at 5000rpm, and maximum torque of 361 lb/ft at 3900rpm. Power flows to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission.

A current CarFax and AutoCheck are available for review.

Asking $38,500.

Please contact me via Craigslist for additional details, more pictures, and to arrange your inspection.

Do you have an E21 BMW 850Ci story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!