Long before BMW revived the 8 Series name for a new generation of luxury coupes, the original E31 established a very different interpretation of the company’s flagship grand tourer. Low, wide, and unmistakably a product of the 1990s, it’s still one of BMW’s most distinctive designs.
Its combination of pillarless side glass, an unusually sleek profile, and pop-up headlights makes it difficult to confuse with anything BMW builds today. The technology underneath was similarly ambitious for a luxury coupe introduced more than three decades ago.
Finding one in pristine condition can get expensive, but not every surviving E31 has spent its life tucked away in a climate-controlled collection. Cars & Bids currently has one with plenty of miles, a few imperfections, and some recent maintenance history.
The car in question is a black-on-black 1991 BMW 850i showing approximately 124,800 miles. It’s being offered at no reserve, meaning someone will definitely be taking this V12-powered grand tourer home when bidding ends on September 24.
There’s A 5.0-Liter V12 Under The Hood
BMW launched the E31 8 Series in the United States for the 1991 model year, initially offering it with V12 power. This particular 850i uses the naturally aspirated M70 5.0-liter V12, producing 296 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Power reaches the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.
While those figures aren’t extraordinary by modern standards, twelve cylinders and rear-wheel drive still make for a compelling combination in a classic luxury coupe.
Equipment includes the E31’s signature pop-up headlights, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. It also rides on 18-inch M Parallel wheels.
It Has A Few Modifications And Flaws
The 850i isn’t completely original, as the seller states that it has an aftermarket exhaust, aftermarket wheel center caps and stickers, plus an Alcantara headliner, while the exterior was repainted in its original black color in 2020.
Its age and mileage are also apparent in places. The Cars & Bids listing notes chips and swirls in the paint, creased leather upholstery, a pixelated radio display, and a faded rearview mirror, while the sunroof is inoperable and its mechanism has been removed.
The tires also carry 2015 date codes, so replacing them would probably be a sensible priority for the next owner.
Recent Maintenance Included New Fuel Lines
Service records show the fuel lines and fuel filters were replaced in August 2026 at 124,743 miles, when the brake fluid was also flushed. The current seller purchased the car in May 2016 and says they’ve only driven it around 1,600 miles since.
The BMW comes with a clean New Jersey title, although its Carfax contains a mileage inconsistency from 2011 that the seller says was a clerical error and has disputed.
At the time of writing, bidding stood at just $3,500 with five days remaining. With no reserve, however, the final bidder on September 24 will become the next owner of one of BMW’s most memorable V12 grand tourers.
Would you take a chance on an old BMW 850i with nearly 125,000 miles on the clock? Are the V12 engine, pop-up headlights, and unmistakable E31 styling tempting enough to make the potential maintenance headaches worth it? Let us know in the comments.