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Car & Classic

1991 BMW 850i Auto (E31) - 5.0 V12

Sold for

£15,500

Ended 31 Aug 2026

Data from Car & Classic, updated on 26 Oct 2026

Year
1991
Mileage
145,500 miles
Gearbox
Automatic
Engine
5000cc
Colour
Blue
Location
Shropshire, United Kingdom

Specification

Steering
Right Hand Drive
Auction house guide
£11,250 – £17,900

Description

Highlights

  • Brand new replacement V12 engine fitted at 123,000 miles by BMW (invoices supplied)
  • BMW service history supported by an extensive history file documenting significant expenditure
  • Major service completed in July 2026
  • The vendor describes the condition as very clean and in presentable unrestored order

The Appeal


The BMW 8-series was introduced in 1990 - and sadly, that was a really bad year for a top-of-the-line performance driven car. This ambitious machine had 1.5 billion Deutsche Marks invested in it, and was given a thoroughly modern treatment in the design state, having been subject to everything from CAD blueprints to wind tunnel testing. The result was an impressive 0.29 drag co-efficient.

It's a highly-specced machine too. With a 5.0-litre V12 engine, pillarless coupé silhouette, and advanced electronics, it's obvious that BMW were chalking this up as a new flagship. Regardless, only a whisker over 30,000 units were ever built. Bad news for BMW, but a tantalising prospect for the modern enthusiast.

This 850i benefits from a replacement V12 engine, comes with a BMW service history and a comprehensive history file, documentating a clear record of diligent maintenance. A recent major service encompassed a full fluids and filters change along with an air con condenser replacement. With a valid MOT through to October 2026, it's a modern classic that ticks plenty of boxes; and we expect it'll garner plenty of interest at auction.

Key Information

  • Mileage: 145,500 miles (odometer reading believed to be correct)
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom
  • MOT status: valid until October 2026
  • Technical specs: 5.0-litre V12 petrol, four-speed automatic
  • Paperwork: BMW service history and extensive history file reportedly present

The Detail

  • Replacement engine fitted at 123,000 miles
  • Major service completed in July 2026, including a full fluids and filters change
  • Air conditioning condenser replaced as part of the recent major service
  • BMW service history present, with the exception of a period when the vehicle was off the road
  • The vendor describes the car as very clean and presentable in unrestored condition, with a few marks
  • Mauritius Blue Metallic colour scheme
  • Light Silver-Grey Leather upholstery
  • Instruments are clean and legible
  • Dashboard in good overall order
  • Factory specification includes:
    • Electrically adjustable steering column
    • Electric seats with memory function
    • Heated front seats
    • Electric rear blind
    • Auto-dimming interior mirror
    • Electric lift-up-and-slide-back sunroof
    • Ellipsoid Styling 60 light-alloy wheels
    • Hadlight washer system
    • HiFi speaker system

BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..

Comparable sales

Sold prices from auctions that ended in the last 24 months. Chart shows the last 12 months. The latest 8 sales carry details. Prices in GBP.

Median sold price

£18,500

Sold range

£7,100 – £48,375

Sold lots

17

Price trend

Rising

Sold 16% below the E31 median

Jan 2026Apr 2026Jul 2026Oct 2026
See all results

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