JAY & JAY CHECK OUT A 90S ICON - THE LESSER-SPOTTED BMW 850 CSI AND IT'S SMOOTH V12.
The BMW 850 CSi was the high-performance flagship of the E31 8 Series, a car that was already a technological marvel when it launched in 1989. The E31 was BMW’s first true grand tourer of the modern era, blending cutting-edge aerodynamics, luxurious appointments, and powerful engines. But while the standard 8 Series was impressive, the 850 CSi - introduced in 1992 - was something truly special. The 850 CSi was initially intended to be a full-fledged BMW M8, with BMW M Division working on a hardcore, race-inspired version of the 8 Series. However, due to concerns over cost, market demand, and emissions regulations, the M8 project was scrapped, and instead, BMW gave us the 850 CSi - essentially an M-tuned version of the standard 850i. To differentiate it from the lesser models, BMW gave the 850 CSi a modified V12, a reworked chassis, and aggressive styling cues that set it apart. It was the closest thing to an M8 that BMW ever built until the modern M8 arrived decades later. At the heart of the 850 CSi was a naturally aspirated 5.6-litre V12, internally known as the S70B56 - a heavily revised version of the M70 engine found in the 850i. The differences included taking the capacity up from 4,988 cc to 5,576 cc, raising the compression ratio to 9.8:1, changing the cam profiles and some ECU fiddling from the folk at BMW M. The results were impressive, especially for a normally aspirated setup from the 90s. Power rose to 280 kW, a good 60 kW up from the 850i’s power, and the torque rose from 3450 Nm to 550 Nm. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission - the only option for the 850CSi. This S70B56 engine served as the foundation for something even more legendary - the S70/2, which powered the McLaren F1. BMW took the same engine architecture, enlarged it to 6.1 litres, and developed it into one of the greatest naturally aspirated engines of all time. So in a way, owning an 850 CSi means owning a distant cousin of the McLaren F1.
For a grand tourer from the early ‘90s, the 850 CSi was pretty quick, 0-100 km/h was done in 5.9 seconds and it had a typically German top speed limited to 250 km/h. It could also do a 400 m pass in the 14-second bracket. This is for a car weighing a hefty 1,860 kg and without any kind of boost - it must have sounded absolutely brilliant, While these numbers might not seem mind-blowing today, back in the ‘90s, this was Ferrari 456 GT territory, and the 850 CSi delivered its performance with a smoothness and refinement that only a BMW V12 could offer. The 850 CSi wasn’t just about straight-line speed. BMW M Division worked its magic on the chassis, giving it a 15 mm lowered suspension, stiffer springs and dampers, a quicker steering ratio, four-wheel steering and a limited-slip differential for improved traction out of corners and on the launch. Visually, the 850 CSi stood out with M-specific front and rear bumpers, unique side skirts, M badging on the door sills and engine cover, quad exhaust tips and custom 17-inch forged wheels (later upgraded to 18-inch). Inside, the cabin was a mix of luxury and sportiness, with an exclusive M-style three-spoke steering wheel, heavily bolstered sport seats and wood or aluminium trim options. The 850 CSi was built from 1992 to 1996, with a total of 1,510 units produced worldwide; 1,125 went to Europe, 225 to the USA and 160 units spread across the rest of the world. It’s rather rare to say the least. Today, well-preserved examples fetch serious money, especially in desirable colours like Hellrot Red, Alpine White, or Dakar Yellow. Now we get to see a modern review of one by one of the world’s most well-known car collectors, Jay Leno, who gives his input on the 850 CSi with fellow car nut Jason Cammisa. When these chaps agree that a car is special, it really is. 🔥Long live the V12! 🔥
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off one of these rare BMW saloon cars in the metal as two very well-versed automotive minds give their input in every facet of the car. Interesting car for sure: BMW 850 CSI: The Forgotten V12 Super Coupe | Jay Leno's Garage ft. Jason Cammisa | Jay Leno's Garage
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