BMW 850csi

Grant

Grant

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So a friend who owes me some money is wanting to start a new business. In the process he is selling assets to raise capital.
I have been offered the above car for R160k (this also settles what is owed to me).

The car is a 97 model in pristine condition, it has always been maintained by the agents since new (my friend is its 2nd owner). It has done 85k KM.

I know it is a long shot, but i was wondering if anyone here has had one or knows anybody who has, and may have a pearl of wisdom or share.

If i do take it, the car will be one of those "sunday drive" cars.
But also by taking the car I am able to recover what is owed to me and get the beast for a bargain.
 
If you could sell it for a profit or at least recover your costs I'd do it. Otherwise if you intend to keep it I would be weary.
 
First off, no dealer will give you 160k for the car. These old 8 series depreciate worse than alfas.
Secondly, spares are scarce and ridiculously expensive should anything go wrong. You'll need to find a specialist to work on the car (especially seeing as its a V12).
They are oh so cool but this car can turn into a money pit very very quickly.
 
Did your friend import it? Because the csi was never sold in South Africa. And it's probably a 96 model, if it's a csi at all.
 
Last edited:
abzo said:
Did your friend import it? Because the csi was never sold in South Africa. And it's probably a 96 model, if it's a csi at all.
Click to expand...


It definately is a csi. He is the 2nd owner of the car so i no nothing about where it was originally purchased.

As much as i like the car the main objective is really to recover money owed.
Despite it having its entire service history, the car is after all over 15yrs old.

I have had many bmw's over the years and in my experience once they approach 5yrs old they begin a metamorphasis into an alfa.
 
grantza said:
So a friend who owes me some money is wanting to start a new business. In the process he is selling assets to raise capital.
I have been offered the above car for R160k (this also settles what is owed to me).

The car is a 97 model in pristine condition, it has always been maintained by the agents since new (my friend is its 2nd owner). It has done 85k KM.

I know it is a long shot, but i was wondering if anyone here has had one or knows anybody who has, and may have a pearl of wisdom or share.

If i do take it, the car will be one of those "sunday drive" cars.
But also by taking the car I am able to recover what is owed to me and get the beast for a bargain.
Click to expand...

What's the total price, including the debt? I'd be wary, you could end up sinking a lot more into it.
 
I still laugh at 300hp from a 5L V12, but it truly is a classic that thing!

(450NM is quite a lot though)

Do it!
 
If the price of the car is geared to cover your debt as well, let him sell the car on the open market and pay you back in cash from the proceeds. If he can't do that, then the car isn't going to settle the debt. Then take that money and buy a car that you really want, not something you're already having second thoughs about.
 
I'm not a bmw fan but every time I see that car I smile ear-to-ear:love:

Could be expensive to maintain, but that car has the design of a classic, and I'm sure it will maintain it's value as the years go by. I love it!
 
They are future classics for sure and I love them. As a keeper Sunday car, they offer a lot in exclusivity, freakin good looks and easy dealer access.

I will just leave this here to balance your decision making process ... or not.

4854635603_068595dc4b_z.jpg

BUT...you would have to really WANT that car. As someone else stated the market for them is very small, they were never liked that much by fans when new and maintenance is high. Forget trading it, but in time you will get a private buyer if the car is in really good nic.

Ohh yea.... did I mention they were thirsty, not like in V8 thirsty, but like in drinking like a Russian thirsty....:o
 
It's a pretty car. But it's a thirsty, almost 20 year old car. If you can afford to keep it in storage it might go up in price with that mileage.
 
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