[Ragnar The Redneck]

TL;DR: School me in all things E31 850 so I can buy one.

In the next few months, after the first of the year, I plan on purchasing my dream BMW, an E31 850. I have owned inline-3s, inline-4s, V6s, inline=6s and V8s. I have driven extensively, first gen Dodge Vipers, so I have experienced a V10. The only engine that I haven't had or enjoyed is a V12. I am looking at rectifying that.

With that being said... I cannot afford any exotic Italian V12s ($100k+), and I am not looking for a sportscar, but rather a proper GT, either coupe or convertible. What this leaves me with choosing between Jag XJ-Ss, M-B SLs, and the BMW 850. The Aston Martin DB7 and DB8 are within my price range, but are still really too exotic for what I am truly looking for.

I really want the 850, but I cannot find much information on what to look for when buying one. I have a Jag specialist nearby that has extensive knowledge, and there are tons websites with tons of info for the Jag V12. About the only thing about the E31 is production numbers and that they available with a V12 or V8, that the CSi is really a three-quarter M8, McLaren used a version of the V12 in the F1, everyone should get the CSi unless they can afford the Alpinas, and the 6-speed manual (of which BMW was the first to use one behind a 12-cylinder production car) commands a premium over the automatic. There is even more info about the M-B V12 than there is the BMW.

Anyway, I am looking for a weekend driver, don't need show quality, but don't want one that looks worn out either, and not looking for a fixer-upper. Prices seem all over the map, from $15k to well over $150k. My limit is about $50k for the purchase price. A manual would be my first pick, but failing knees may make that more of a chore than an enjoyment, so an automatic would probably suit my needs better at the moment.

Now, what are the things that I should check or be aware of before purchasing an E31 850? What parts are difficult to find or non-existent now. What parts can be repaired or rebuilt at home (I started the hobby back in the 80s and 90s with British sportscar, so I'm not afraid of rebuilding electrical parts... lol, insert obligatory Lucas joke here).

Basically, I am looking to get schooled as much about these cars as possible. I want a V12, my wife is keen on the BMW, but not the Jag or M-B. So, I either get the 850, or we get her dream car, a 65-66 Mustang. Not a bad car, but not a V12, either.

[TriumphTim]

Well, I maintained one for its owner for a few years, a 1991 850i automatic with around 80k miles. He bought it as kind of a project and we put it back to stock.

I see you are a 3 series guy, the 850i has the steering box, not rack and pinion, so it doesn't have razor sharp steering. The V12 pulls pretty hard but doesn't "sing" and rev like a Ferrari V12, I have a 2000 Maranello from the same collection to compare.

850i is definitely more of grand tourer than a sport car, which sounds like what you are looking for. It is0 big coupe that is comfortable and fairly soft, great for highways, less so for tight back roads at speed.

I don't remember running into issues with parts availability, except for 8 series only pieces like interior trim and headlights which can usually be glued and fixed. Brakes and such seemed easy to source. I think the V12 parts like ignition wires and stuff got pricey.

Check out this guy's site - https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E31/Index.htm

My personal collection for reference is a 1955 TR2, 1988 325is, 2005 325ci, and 2008 328xi, various pre-1991 motorcycles.

My opinion is the 850 would likely be the best option of what you listed. I think the parts and enthusiast support will be the best for the BMW, we had a 2003 DB7 Aston V12 manual that was thrilling to drive but parts were a pain and a steeper learning curve to work on, would really require a commitment to maintain.

Let me know if you have any questions, looks like there are a few on FB when I search the Atlanta area.

[Onizukachan]

It’s a 2 door 7 series.

If you want a nice v12, get tha A/M.

The e31 to have is the v8. 840.

Dual batteries, dual 6 cyl ecu , dual distributors, etc. the v12 is two 6 cylinders in a single block, and jsut as big a PITA as it sounds, for absolutely 0 additional performance amd worse handling.

Go watch some m539 videos on them on YouTube.

I worked on them when they were relatively new, wouldn’t choose to own one.

[Ragnar The Redneck]

Originally Posted by Onizukachan

It’s a 2 door 7 series.

If you want a nice v12, get tha A/M.

The e31 to have is the v8. 840.

Dual batteries, dual 6 cyl ecu , dual distributors, etc. the v12 is two 6 cylinders in a single block, and jsut as big a PITA as it sounds, for absolutely 0 additional performance amd worse handling.

Go watch some m539 videos on them on YouTube.

I worked on them when they were relatively new, wouldn’t choose to own one.

Thank you for the reply and thank you for the recommendation to check out m539.

I've owned V8s, and if I have to go to a V8, I will skip my dream engine and purchase my wife's dream car, a 65-66 Mustang convertible. I am looking for a V12, as I have owned and driven everything shy of a V12, so a V12 is on my bucket list and is all I am considering.

I've considered Astons, British cars are my first love, and would love to have one in BRG with a dark biscuit interior, but parts availability and knowledge sharing is scarce and expensive. Sadly, the AM community I found was not really warm nor welcoming.

The Jaguar and Mercedes communities have been much more forthcoming and are much more vibrant and active.

I'm not looking for additional performance and handling. Besides, all of the V12s I am looking at have lower performance than my current 3GT, so that is not really a concern. My favorite car to drive has been a Triumph Spitfire, so outright speed and handling are not priorities. No other car has consistently brought a smile to my face while driving than the Spit has, even with all of the upkeep. Sadly, I can no longer gracefully exit a Spit.

[Ragnar The Redneck]

Originally Posted by TriumphTim

Well, I maintained one for its owner for a few years, a 1991 850i automatic with around 80k miles. He bought it as kind of a project and we put it back to stock.

I see you are a 3 series guy, the 850i has the steering box, not rack and pinion, so it doesn't have razor sharp steering. The V12 pulls pretty hard but doesn't "sing" and rev like a Ferrari V12, I have a 2000 Maranello from the same collection to compare.

850i is definitely more of grand tourer than a sport car, which sounds like what you are looking for. It is0 big coupe that is comfortable and fairly soft, great for highways, less so for tight back roads at speed.

I don't remember running into issues with parts availability, except for 8 series only pieces like interior trim and headlights which can usually be glued and fixed. Brakes and such seemed easy to source. I think the V12 parts like ignition wires and stuff got pricey.

Check out this guy's site - https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E31/Index.htm

My personal collection for reference is a 1955 TR2, 1988 325is, 2005 325ci, and 2008 328xi, various pre-1991 motorcycles.

My opinion is the 850 would likely be the best option of what you listed. I think the parts and enthusiast support will be the best for the BMW, we had a 2003 DB7 Aston V12 manual that was thrilling to drive but parts were a pain and a steeper learning curve to work on, would really require a commitment to maintain.

Let me know if you have any questions, looks like there are a few on FB when I search the Atlanta area.

Thank you! I went to that bloke's website... And WOW! Information overload! This guy knows E31s!!

This is a SUPER help!

I would love to have an Aston, but as you said, a steeper learning curve and parts availability is difficult. I have found that out as well. British cars are my first love, and what really got me into really liking cars. I've had a long list of Triumphs, mainly Spitfires and other small chassis Triumphs.

Thank you again! That is a ton of info!

[pbonsalb]

Are E-Type Jags under consideration? Have not followed them lately, but 60 year old rare and exotic foreign cars are expensive to buy and maintain.

The 60 year old Mustang would be cheaper. You can buy pretty much everything part you need and production was high so parts costs have an economy of scale.

[TriumphTim]

Sure, happy to help, let me know if you have any other questions.

Honestly, it sounds like an automatic would be fine for this particular car. I mean having an auto E30 isn't fun per se but the 850i is a pretty soft car, I didn't really miss the third pedal, all my cars are manual expect 2008. It would definitely start to move when it kicked down.

Not that you asked me but I suggest getting the most well maintained auto and spring for a nice aftermarket exhaust and still have a $10-20k left over, lol. Comfortable cruiser that would snarl when revved.

The manual seems to double the price of an automatic in this particular model.

I say exhaust because the collector guy had a Testarossa with stock exhaust, pulled hard but boring!! The maranello has a Tubi and sounds unbelievable, both V12s, really changes the character of the car.

[Ragnar The Redneck]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Are E-Type Jags under consideration? Have not followed them lately, but 60 year old rare and exotic foreign cars are expensive to buy and maintain.

The 60 year old Mustang would be cheaper. You can buy pretty much everything part you need and production was high so parts costs have an economy of scale.

Thank you for the reply! I would love to have an E-Type, but alas, I am looking at the XJ-S. The Series III roadsters are just a little beyond what I want to spend. Nice driver examples are going for $70-90k. There is still great support and parts availability for these Jags. The Series III E-Types are not as "in demand" as the earlier Series I and II, and many have had their V12s removed and Chevy 350s dropped in. I could probably get a Series III with what my total budget is ($80k, $50k max for car plus $30k for whatever pops up), but the less I spend on this, the more I will have for my wife's Mustang.

From being in the British car scene during the late-80s to early 00s, I am very comfortable with the Jags, regardless of age or type, as I still know many involved with British cars. Many of my friends are asking me when I am going to put down those German and Japanese cars and come back home.

As for the Mustang... That will come after my V12 purchase. I always put my wife's wants and desires before mine, but this time, my want will come first. As a matter of fact, we already have a few things for when we do get a Mustang, namely a 289 (also have a nice 302 block!) that I am going to start rebuilding soon and an AOD transmission. An updated braking system is in the works, but will keep the stock suspension setup. We want to update it as much as we can without losing the classic look and feel of the original.

And after the Mustang, and when I get of the V12, my last car purchase will be a big Healey, either a BJ7 or BJ8, as my wife likes roll-up windows and having proper folding top. I keep telling her that we would only drive on nice days, but she has this thing about such modern niceties.

[Ragnar The Redneck]

Originally Posted by TriumphTim

Sure, happy to help, let me know if you have any other questions.

Honestly, it sounds like an automatic would be fine for this particular car. I mean having an auto E30 isn't fun per se but the 850i is a pretty soft car, I didn't really miss the third pedal, all my cars are manual expect 2008. It would definitely start to move when it kicked down.

Not that you asked me but I suggest getting the most well maintained auto and spring for a nice aftermarket exhaust and still have a $10-20k left over, lol. Comfortable cruiser that would snarl when revved.

The manual seems to double the price of an automatic in this particular model.

I say exhaust because the collector guy had a Testarossa with stock exhaust, pulled hard but boring!! The maranello has a Tubi and sounds unbelievable, both V12s, really changes the character of the car.

Thanks! Nice sound, almost a cross between a big Jag V12 and the smaller Ferrari V12. The Jag had an enlarged 6.0L V12, a kit from Tom Walkinshaw Racing back in the day, with six Weber DCOEs, and TWR tuned headers. Imagine a big block American V8 with Ferrari revs. Best way I can describe it. Just glorious big cat sounds.