bmwwgn

Ben, are they M60- or M62-powered?

NZ new or UK imports?

Either way, if these are both factory manuals then they're very rare cars.

Only 54 manual RHD's built with M60 engine 

Only 3 manual RHD's built with M62 engine

My old database says there were just two RHD 3.8 litre E34 M5's sold new in NZ, both pre-facelift with 5-speed gearbox:   

GE00070 Avusblau (Reg. MIIIII) Build date Oct 92                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

GE00089 Daytonaviolett (Reg. SD5150)  Build date Nov 92

There were three (3) 3.6 litre RHD E34 M5's sold here:                                                                                                                 

GA25279 Alpinweiss II (Reg. EYR773)  Build date Aug 90                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

GA25291 Macaublau (Reg. RIS3N) Build date Sep 90                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

GA25413 Lagunengruen (Reg. RI5195) Build date Feb 91

Thanks for sharing, Boris... have always had a soft spot for the E34 M5, and yours is an exceptional example. Hope the old girl is behaving herself.

Cheers!

To the owner of the red E34 M5, Reg. TU5262, spotted on Akoranga Drive yesterday...........nice car, and great to see one of these rare machines in daily use (have seen this car on numerous occasions, crossing HB).

But did you know that your throwing-stars are fitted backwards (maybe just the fronts)?

A common error made by owners and tyre shops alike.

Rare (I think?) Color too. Nice.

According to 8coupe.com, there were only 43 850CSi's produced in Barbadosgrun Metallic (247).

Of the 160 RHD CSi's built, only two were ordered in this colour (it was a 'BMW Individual' order option).

Oh wow 8.8:1 from a 90s performance engine... no wonder they were a bit low on the performance figures!

If it was an American V12 I could forgive them but thats quite surprising for a German product.

Most engines of a sporting nature by the early 90s were pushing high 9s or early 10s, if not higher.

Yep, the CSi definitely benefitted from the 9.8:1 compression of the S70.

The lower compression M70 was more of a lazy twelve.

The S70 V12 was a BMW M-fettled version of the M70 - which I've always likened to 2x M30's bolted together (some sources say M20, but the V12's cams were chain driven, like the M30).

Anyway, here's a good summary of the S70B56 engine, which was only used in the 850CSi (courtesy BMW M-Registry):

"How is the S70 engine different from the M70 V12 upon which it is based?

When creating the 850CSi's S70 V12 motor, BMW Motorsport began with the standard 24-valve SOHC M70 engine and instituted the following changes:

-Increased bore (from 84mm to 86mm) and stroke (from 75mm to 80mm) for a new total displacement of 5,576cc (from 4,988cc)
-Lighter pistons

-Increased compression (from 8.8:1 to 9.8:1)

-More aggressive valve timing for increased high-rpm power
-Larger diameter exhaust pipes
-Variable rpm limit (6,400 in 1st+2nd, 6,200 in 3rd, 6,100 in 4th. 6,000 in 5th+6th)
-Adjustable throttle sensitivity via dual mode (Sport or Komfort) console-mounted switch
-Engine oil cooler (European-spec models only)

These modifications resulted in an increase in maximum power from 300 hp (DIN) or 296 hp (SAE) at 5,200 rpm to 380 hp (DIN) or 372 hp (SAE) at 5,300 rpm. In addition, maximum torque was increased from 332 lb/ft at 4,100 rpm to 402 lb/ft at 4,000 rpm.

This engine can be identified by the "Powered by M" inscription on the central cam cover between the two banks of cylinders."

The 627 hp S70/2 used in the McLaren F1 was a 48-valve derivative of the same engine, but heavily modified, with alloy block and 4-valve heads.

It had an 11:1 compression ratio, ran a dry sump oil system, and also had VANOS.

The AHK rear wheel steering system on the 850CSi only worked above approx. 60 km/h, turning the rear wheels in the same direction as the fronts, up to a maximum 2.5 degrees depending on the amount of steering input.

I could certainly feel it working in my CSi on a few occasions but, as previously mentioned, it really came into good effect when manoeuvering at speed on the European motorways and fast winding roads, which the car was designed for.

The AHK was essentially designed to provide the CSi with superior high speed lane changing capability on the autobahns - and it worked.

Porsches and Ferraris struggled to match it in this mode.

Correct, all were 1993 year models - four built in late '92 and one in early '93 - so they preceded the later 6-speed cars, which came out in May 1994.

Thread title is a misnomer, as are all the comments about the car being a "manual".

C'mon guys, don't you know that the 850CSi only came as a 6-speed manual?!

Just 1510 units were produced by BMW M - they were an M8 in all but name.

This is a January '94 Euro-spec (EG91) car and is quite possibly the lowest mileage example in existence.

It should fetch well over $NZ100k - likely to a European or US buyer.

Five is correct for the NZ new 3.8's - PM sent

Thanks for the above link, Matth5.

That's a much more user-friendly site.

Have it bookmarked as a favourite now.

Cheers

Has anyone else found that the 'Options' selection has disappeared from the BMW etk?

This means we can no longer view production data for any BMW using this website, despite having the 7-digit serial number.

Quote: "As the BMW Car Club or no other BMW affiliated business would not sponsor this event the Playday organizers have opened the day to all comers..."

In other words, this event is not exclusive to BMW Car Club members - all are welcome to attend both days.

Just follow the instructions above to register.

Non-E31 cars and owners will be invited to join the Saturday (BMWCC run and sponsored) event at HD.

Are you a BMWCC member?

Bump this topic:

The date for this great event is now firm, for the weekend of 15-16 November this year.

- Saturday will be an afternoon/twilight play-day at HD, in conjunction with BMWCC.

- A dinner for 8er owners that night followed by a road trip out of Auckland on the Sunday.

So far we have cars coming from as far afield as Wellington - let's make it an epic 8-series event.

We're aiming for a target attendance of 25 E31's, so spread the word, and please confirm your interest to me and/or Mr Fearghus.

Cheers

P.S. Maybe this thread should be in Meetings section?

If so, could someone move it?

We are planning a get-together of E31 owners to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the start of 8-series production - in Sept 1989.

At this stage we're looking for all the E31 cars and owners we can muster, and more as well.

The venue and date will most likely be Hampton Downs some time in mid-November this year.

All other BMW owners are also invited to join in the festivities, which could include a track afternoon, show n' shine and BBQ.

Anyone who is keen to join us can register their interest via email to: bmwwgn@gmail.com

Will also keep you up to date from time to time via this thread.

Will do - just PM me with your and the car's details.

Cheers

euroriffic's method works every time for me.

Only I didn't need to grind my spanner.

Sharp hammer blow to unlock the nut, moderate tap to lock it.

No need to hold the coupling.

If you need the special tool, it's a sign the nut has been overtorqued.

But at $US35 the tool may be cheaper than buying the big spanner!

A Boxing Day discussion?

Not my list... Found it online. Not sure where the idea of a M6 came from - as far as I know there was only ever the M635CSi. Still...

1. M1

2. E28 M5

3. E30 M3

4. E24 M6/M635CSi

5. E39 M5

6. E46 M3

7. Z3 M Coupe

8. The M8 Prototype locked away in a vault because it was too insane for humans to actually drive (or the accountants didn't like it)

9. E34 M5

10. 1 Series M Coupe

11. E36 M3

12. E61 M5

13. E92 M3

14.-87. All others

Take a deep breath... And, discuss.

E31 850CSi is a true M-car with 'WBS' VIN.

E24 M6 was the US/Japan version of the M635CSi.

I really miss my E28 M5 - such a fun car to drive.

Hi kodachrome,

When I bought my 1994 850CSi last year, my insurance company needed a valuation before they would provide Classic/Vintage insurance cover.

They had no listing whatsoever for the BMW 850CSi, which as we know is a much more rare and valuable beast than the regular 850i.

So I had a friendly RMVD sign a written valuation for my car on their letterhead, including an appendix with pictures of the car.

The car's value was derived from its rarity, condition/history and recent sales prices overseas.

This valuation was acceptable to my insurance company, and should therefore satisfy your import company's requirement for a "Registered Valuation".

Look forward to seeing the car when you get her complied and registered for the road.

It is the 7th RHD 850CSi to be brought to this country, and will be one of just five road-registered examples here.

Let me know if you still want to be included in the NZ E31 Register.

All the best.

Had a lovely old E28 525ee which was sold new by Shelly BMW.

As far as I know she's still going strong with her current owner, and has now done over 300,000 kms.

Awesome, thanks for that. Talked a friend into buying an E46 instead of a Merc. They are such good value these days.

Built in South Africa, that car.

Inflation adjustment is also important to consider, as it can wipe out any perceived appreciation.

For example, a car that cost $10k in 1964 would now cost approx. $75k.

A car that cost $50k in 2000 would now cost approx. $78k.

And let's say that Ford cost $500 in 1929 - the same car would cost just under $8k in today's money.