1991-1997 BMW 8-Series: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Building upon the idea of its luxurious 750iL sedan, BMW turned to a comparable 2+2 coupe for 1991. Introduced in June 1990, it served as the successor to BMW's 635CSi coupe and cost even more than the 750iL. BMW's familiar "twin-kidney" grille was installed, but the rear-drive 850i wore hidden headlamps, a feature never before seen on BMW models in the U.S. Although its 296-horsepower, 5.0-liter V12 engine came from the 750iL, the new 850i was created with a more sporty demeanor. Either a 4-speed automatic or a new 6-speed manual transmission could be installed. Standard 850i features included Automatic Stability Control (ASC), which limited power to the rear wheels when wheel slippage was detected during acceleration. Models with manual shift got a different version, ASC + T, which also applied brakes to the rear wheels to restore traction. The 850i was the first model to use BMW's new Seat-Integrated Belt system, which integrated the belt system into the seat instead of anchoring it to the floor and/or roof pillars. All 850i coupes had a driver's airbag and antilock braking. Electronic Damping Control (EDC III) became optional in the fall, several months after the 850i went on sale. With EDC III, suspension firmness adjusted automatically based on how the car was being driven. In addition, the driver could choose Comfort or Sport setting, using an interior switch. Rivals included the Mercedes-Benz 500SL roadster, joined later by the Lexus SC 400.