850 i Maintenance

[dlynch]

Here's a list I found for 850i maintenance items. Hope it helps someone.

BMW 850I Maintenance Issues

Built 1991 to 1997
Approx. 2,000 cars per year for all of North America
Options
Automatic Transmission (4 speed originally; became 5 speed)
6 Speed standard transmission
Models: I became Csi
Wheels: forged 17 inch available (cast 16 inch base)

Concerns

Mileage—lower miles help reduce risk of high cost repairs
Warranty—reduces cost of ownership
Service—ask for service records to ensure car has been well maintained
Winter use—salt exposure plus chance of accidents

What goes wrong|? Clues

clutch fails due to engine torque & driver’s use
coils fail and can take out computer LHM
engine management computer fails with coil; limp-home-mode (LHM)
D-K Motors (throttle-by-wire) LHM
intake manifold gaskets cold idle is very rough; heat + expansion: idle smooths out
valve train banjo bolt
EDC active shocks leak; replacement cost is high
6 Speed Transmission hard to shift (vague) changed later to Getrag
front shock bushings fail with 17 inch rims
rear shock mounts fail “ “ “ “
engine rebuild expensive! US$15,000 +
oxygen sensors in exhaust LHM
overheating in hot environment pop hood to vent heat; later cars electric fan
seats get out of sync; rub on console
sunroof gets out of sync; missing paint?
change box (driver’s door) fails
window switch lights burn out (switches in door)

Recommendations

get service records (has regular service been done?)
check VIN to determine real mileage; ask about extended warranty
check condition of exhaust, clutch, coils, D-K motors (original or replaced?)
4 wheel alignment; check for chassis damage
replace ignition coils at 50K-60K miles to prevent damage to computers
D-K motors have been disassembled, cleaned and repaired by mechanics


Dave L

 

[Gib-McFragger]

Nice list man That is bang on. Those are the exact problems we are finding with the 8's at work. DEFINATELY make sure it has been maintained, repairs are killer due to the M70 engine being such a pain to work on. *Shudder* Extreme pain to work on..

 

[dlynch]

It was Paul Michael Brown that put it together. Great guy; his member list is no longer active.
Dave

ps Dwayne, sorry! I just found this hidden on my hard drive. I had forgotten I save it...
Dave

 

[dwayne]

Good list

Thanks dlynch..you right about those common problems ...i did some intense research
on the 850's and being a mechanic myself ..makes it more fun for me ... to fix thats why
i went all out for the V12 ..its just plain ole common sense with any car ..in providing care and matinance to your car ...i was very lucky to find a cherry 850i ..i had the car up on the rack ..for under inspection ..did leak down tests , even the brakes still have a factory stamp across them .., but my main concern was the rotors ..you can tell alot from a cars breaking run out on there rotors if the car was drivin hard ...also i want to do some dyno test to see were my motor peak points are and horspower as well , i think getting the parts is the problem for most ..and finding a non english speaking german with dirty hands is the trick ...the cars are built real good ...and its true ...parts fail with out notice ...i am in the process of trying to find the overall manual of repairs on this beast ..V12 ..if anybody got a line on were i can find one let me know ....

 

[dlynch]

We used the list when we went looking...it really helped.

Hope it helps someone else.

Regards,

Dave L

ps This was my wife's car; she looked hard, found it and used it daily! She's incredible at finding exceptional cars and making them even better!