UP NEXT
One Mini that's taking on multiple massive cross-country trips in classic style.
Sign up to receive the weekly newsletter featuring the very latest from Petrolicious. Don’t be left out—join the ranks of those who Drive Tastefully.
Already a member? Log in
We're glad you're back.
Not a member yet? Sign up
We'll get you back on track.
Films:
The BMW 850CSi Is Still The Ultimate Dream Car
Is it any surprise that the last car designed by the late, great Klaus Luthe is a timeless design? The man who designed the front fascia of the original FIAT 500, NSU Ro80, and a ton of BMWs, most famously the E30 and E31.
I sincerely hope BMW does not rehash the 8-Series as the modern BMW company would ruin this…they have forgotten what made them great since the last 2 great BMWs: the E39 5-Series and E53 X5…long gone are BMW’s legendary durability and dependability, replaced with budget internals designated by bean-counters in Munich…
Attention Mr Slinger. Anyone who has read one comment section knows you. You are also frequently heard from at cars n coffee. You are the guy who has been there, done that, owned one, rebuilt it, hand-fashioned the parts, never bought the t-shirt, raced a few, knew the original designers, and moved on to more important projects. You sir, are the bore. Try this: go out and find a great car story. Get the quotes. Do the homework. Take stunning photos. Write it up. Submit it for publication. IF your work is published or e-published, stand by for what follows.
Nice film, I enjoyed it. I have to complain about the title though. Maybe it should read the Ultimate dream car for this guy and his father. Or the Ultimate dream car for parts manufacturers, due to well documented power steering hose and suspension part problems. To be clear, I am not hating on the film or this mans experience, just the title. http://repairpal.com/problems/bmw/850csi
I love the video, I love the car. What a wonderful machine. It shows what was possible in a particular time. A bright flame in the automotive landscape. The roads today are full of small boring suvs, large boring pickups, and very few daring cars. This is a German Ferrari 456, exciting and beautiful.
These are great cars. They are not for everyone; just like any car over 20 years old they need maintenance. It is a complex machine and will certainly cost more to maintain than a 20 year old Honda…but then you’d have to drive a Honda. I chose my 8 Series because of the unique design, luxury and cruising capability. It may not be fast compared to today’s standard but it is quick enough.
Tom J: I challenge you to drive my 21 year old JDM Honda Integra Type R and say that. It’s my choice for a fast cross country fun drive ahead of my 20V ur quattro, E39 M5, and Megane 265 RS. Only ever needed routine maintenance in its 50,000 miles of life. You could equally have said VW or BMW. They have cooking models too…
We’re in agreement, Tom. I’d love an 850 manual but it’s easier to find hens teeth, at least here in NZ. I certainly wouldn’t choose the Honda for a long distance cruise. That would be my M5. Or an 8 Series if I had one. And your comment that “it is quick enough” is right on the money. It amuses the hell out of me how some people obsess about acceleration times, and how such-and-such is quicker to 100kph than such-and-such. Who cares? I care about the thrill of driving, and that is ALL about connection between driver, car, and road. I obsess about times when I’m racing, but that’s never on the road. (I race a K20a powered DC2 Honda Integra – I have another for road use)
A friend of mine in college had one when it was new. He was given a CSi as a 21st birthday gift. He would let us drive the car on occasion. It was such a sensational experience, at the time, I didn’t have any meaningful reference point. It was just awesome. No, the car doesn’t have typical ending of a stupid rich kid too fancy a car too early. He was a really nice guy, and he drove the car through the college years, and then through graduate school. I haven’t talked to him in ages, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he still has it.
