One of the most iconic BMWs of the 1990s, previously owned and driven by basketball superstar Michael Jordan. Bring A Trailer appeared on auction site. Even better, this sleek, immaculate Beemer, also known as “E31,” has barely moved after 33 years and more than 30,000 miles on it.
Following the introduction of M1 supercar At the end of the 1970s, BMW entered the 1980s on a whim, selling countless 328i spinners and M-series sleepers that matched American and European performance cars, fulfilling BMW’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” slogan. It looked like.
As the heady 1980s drew to a close, the 1990s began with a new pinnacle for the BMW line: the 8 Series machines, powered by a 4.0-liter V8 in the 840 and a 5.0-liter V-12 producing nearly 300 horsepower in the 840. These cars were early products of BMW’s efforts in computer-aided design (CAD) and also featured the electric “drive-by-wire” throttle that is now common in many cars.
The 840 and 850 stood out among other BMWs of the 1990s. Its graceful design tapers to a slanted nose, hiding eyebrow-shaped pop-up headlights that recall his M1 from a decade ago. The lack of a B-pillar emphasizes the smooth lines. The 840 and 850, which were only offered as two-door coupes, were actually four-seaters and were well-equipped with style and luxury. 2017 Automotive Enthusiast Publications Oil-like created this beautiful video paying homage to the 850.
But persistent Refueling problems The early V12 tarnished its reputation and was before the era of cheap and easy firmware flashes to fix bugs. The 8 Series cars were heavy despite their sporty looks, and while they had plenty of power, they weren’t the hot rods some thought they should be. BMW envisioned the 8 Series as a sporty yet luxurious “grand touring” or “GT” car with long legs built for the road rather than the drag strip. It was equipped with a 6-speed stick shift, which was unusual for the time, so many may have thought otherwise and were disappointed. Reportedly, these were excellent running cars, and some models for the German market were equipped with his four-wheel steering. It also has a sizable trunk.
The V-12 eventually grew to 5.6 liters and nearly 400 horsepower (supercar power at the time), but in 1999 BMW quietly turned off the lights on the 8 Series, producing the last such top-spec “S70 ” Only 1,510 850CSI models were produced. The video above was produced. For a while, the 840 and 850 seemed forgotten by time, but when you found them they were a bargain.
In 2014, the 850’s spiritual successor, the Exotic line, was introduced. i8 hybrid, a clear nod to the 850 of old, and interest in the 1990s halo cars began to grow. In 2018, BMW brought back the 8 Series line, but the new cars didn’t seem to have the handsome, distinctive, standout styling of the 840/850. Today, clean 850s typically sell for over $100,000.
Mr. Jordan’s cerulean blue 850i was sold at some point to an apparently conscientious but anonymous caretaker, and aside from some aftermarket AC Schnitzer wheels and a Magnaflow exhaust, it’s mostly stock. . The interior is wrapped in tan surfaces and the seats are luxurious cream leather. The interior looks completely undisturbed, right down to the genuine BMW cassette deck in the center stack. An expensive optional CD changer is in the trunk.
A framed Illinois legal document confirms that the car belonged to Jordan and was signed by the Chicago Bulls legend. The Illinois license plate reads “M AIR J,” and one photo posted on the auction site shows the car parked outside the “23” gate of Jordan’s home. ing. At the time of publication, Bids have been placed Just over $60,000 with four days left until the auction ends.
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