The BMW M850i Enters The Long-term Test Fleet — The FIVE Questions That NEED To Be Answered...

Im sure the 850 is a nice cruiser but the portions of the car seem off to me in person in the colour above. I have not had the opportunity to look at one in a different colour close up but the original 850 was and still is one of the sexiest cars of all times and I'm regretting not buying one years ago (low mile, mint and super cheap) but the reliability thing gave me cold feet.

Rightfully so.

Those E31s are an utter, utter nightmare unless you're prepared for the maintenance (mentally and monetarily).

Not a big fan of the 850is interior either, I think at this price point it should feel more special, hell it doesn’t even hand you your seatbelt like the 3 series coupe did over a decade ago

The biggest problem for the 850 is that it looks like a Ford Mustang made dull and generic by the Chinese.

The second biggest problem is that a 440i is better looking, almost as quick, larger inside and 1/2 the price.

Both of you #NailedIt.

Hell, even my M2 is seemingly more spacious.

Purchased a Barcelona Blue M850i convertible with the all black option two weeks ago. Its everything I've read about it, both good and bad. Positives...very fast, drives small, sport plus mode transforms car measurably, all the latest tech and beautifully finished. Negatives...
its big on the outside and small on the inside, you really have to change your mindset and be careful because it drives small but is very large, you cannot see front edge of car or any of the car's rear from inside. The driving dynamics are very good but different from any car I've ever owned. Despite the weight it handles like a 3 series but takes up the space of a 7 series. Odd but appealing.

First off, congratulations on your latest acquisition.

Second, yes, you nailed its pros/cons. For me, it was very impressive to feel how agile it is given its size/weight; however, even in Sport Plus the suspension had a bit too much float for my taste. I was pretty put off by the massive front hood and not being able to place the front/passenger corner of the vehicle.

That said, it's a fantastic grand touring product. Drives great at 80+ mph. Just wish the seats were more adjustable/comfortable.

I do not care how it looks - it is just another BMW - their styling has just stagnated for too long.

The problem I have with it is - after 3 years most BMW vehicles have given their useful lifetime. At that point, they tend to fall apart, and require extensive expensive repair. THis is too well documented to ignore anymore and it will take a couple of Decades before they can change that - EVEN IF - the current car starts a improving trend - and we will not know that from any 1 year long test, it will be another decade before it is borne out. In fact, the same problem is now showing up in Rolls Royce - whose cars never had that problem in the past. I have a new Phantom that already is showing it.

That is why I also do not like Audi as well. If anything - their repairs are even more expensive than Bmw. Yes - I am accustomed to greater problems in High end high feature cars - it has ALWAYS been this way. But AUDI and BMW are a step beyond that at least - so It is HIGHLY unlikely I would consider either.

I won't question its driving dynamics, since it's a big car anyway. But this car looks like a souped up 4 series, and falls way behind in design and luxury department, to even a cheaper LC500.

Totally fine with this being a 6 series... but an 8? Well, good luck