decaf is used by phonies who say "if I could find one I'd buy it" - ya "find" (many) for them and they've mystically disappeared - nothing but useless bravado-esque air.....

 

They're electronic nightmares.

 

not really and I disagree - folks who "pair" a set of GOOD batteries (Interstate MTP 93s, for instance) and keep them charged (battery tender when not driven) don't have anything but "sweet dreams" (vs: "nightmares)

wouldn't call it an electronic problem but pixels on the OBC tend to "go" - so a rebuild or replacement would be in order - but wudda ya expect for cars that are 20-14 years old..?

it's NOT the electrics - it's the other "things"..suspension, belts, hoses, wiring - but, again, wudda ya expect for cars that are 20-14 years old..?

 

Thanks everyone, good information, as I was considering getting one also. Wasn't sure on reliability on the 850 vs 840, but there such beautiful cars and I'd love to have one!

 

some guy around my town drives a red 850ci ... pretty sure he is the original owner as he has the old NJ plates which I believe were mandatory forfit when you did any dmv work.

 

LOL they all need work. Constantly.. 840 isn't any better really. I wish there were more around, I could retire off the old E31s, E38s, and the newer junk E65/66s.

 

Had one with 160K+ miles, still kicking around town actually with over 200K now on a 91 CSI with Dinan bits on it. They will run forever maintained properly, its just the maintenance costs associated with the car still match the original 6 figure price tag. Are you really going to drop 4K for new DK motors if the car cost you 10K originally. 7k for a transmission.

The air intake boots are a freakin 10 hour job to replace, the batteries need to be swapped out every two years like clockwork and parts while avaliable are expensive from the source or a chance with the wrecker.

The 840i motor has its own set of issues but its easier to find parts for the motor and slightly less expensive to own in the long run. Its still a 8 series and it will eat you alive if you don't do your own maintenance and its a heavy heavy beast so it east suspensions

Almost to a t my old car.

 

^^^^ Intake gaskets not boots. But yes, absolutely a 10 hour job that 98% of them on the market will need. Might as well do valve cover gaskets while they're off and thats another 2 hours. X$120.00+ an hour labor. Oh yeah, and the intake gaskets are about $700 bucks. However VCGs are cheap at 40 bucks a side. Whats another $240+ in labor LOL