• Believed to have been ordered new by a Sheikh in Saudi Arabia; subsequently bought by a Finnish expat after the Sheikh cancelled his order
• Retains selected Gulf-specific extras such as enhanced air conditioning and built without a catalytic converter
• Presented in Orient Blau over a blue leather interior
• Powered by its matching-numbers 5.0-litre V-12 “M70” engine paired with an automatic transmission; produces 300 PS
• Retained by The Munich Masterpieces Collection since 2007

Unlike contemporary BMW sister models such as the 3-, 5-, or 7 Series, the 850i launched at the 1989 International Motor Show (IAA) as a “clean sheet” design and without ties to earlier versions of its platform. The new 8 Series proudly carried the lineage of its BMW badge, though, with a flat nose reminiscent of the earlier M1 while being touted as an indirect successor to the outgoing E24-generation 6 Series, at that point the company’s flagship grand tourer coupé.

As the first examples were released for public consumption, the 8 Series made a bold impression, with its 5.0-litre V-12 engine rated by the factory for a 300 PS output. Customers could choose between a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, with the example offered here equipped with the former. Originally ordered in 1994 model year specification for the European market, the BMW is understood to have been bought new by a Sheikh living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, who ultimately did not take delivery of the car. Instead, it was bought by a Finnish citizen residing in the Middle East, who took the BMW with them upon returning to live in Europe. As a result, the 850 Ci carries selected Gulf-specific features, such as enhanced air conditioning and being built without a catalytic converter.

Acquired by The Munich Masterpieces Collection in 2007, the BMW shows 90,344 kilometres at the time of cataloguing and is offered with books and manuals, a Birth Certificate by BMW Classic that verifies this example’s matching-numbers engine, further to its boot-mounted toolkit. Please note, due to this car’s build configuration for the Middle East, buyers are encouraged to make sure that the BMW can be taken to their intended country of registration prior to bidding.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mu24/.