1997 BMW 850Ci

1997 BMW 850Ci

The 1997 BMW 850Ci is a luxury grand tourer that was produced from 1990 to 1999. It was powered by a 5.4-liter V12 engine that produced 326 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. The 850Ci was offered with a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.

People who like the 850Ci praise its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and sleek exterior styling. However, some people have reported experiencing issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior.

Engine

5.4-liter V12

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idle, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve stem seal failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, oil consumption
  • Solution: Replace valve stem seals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-speed manual

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, grinding noises
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-speed automatic

• Transmission control unit (TCU) failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, shifting problems, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace TCU
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front control arm bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from front suspension, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear trailing arm bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from rear suspension, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace trailing arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, battery warning light, difficulty starting
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead after sitting for a period of time
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical system drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door lock actuators
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors do not lock or unlock properly
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuators
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window regulators
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows do not go up or down properly
  • Solution: Replace window regulators
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater core failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No heat from heater
  • Solution: Replace heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard cluster failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges do not work properly
  • Solution: Replace dashboard cluster
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1997 BMW 850Ci is a powerful and luxurious grand tourer. However, it is important to be aware of the potential issues that can occur with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior. The severity and cost of these issues can vary, so it is important to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing.