A 1991 BMW 850i 11 said to be owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan is now up for auction on Bring-A-Trailer. This retro Series 8 was originally purchased new by Jordan and remained in his possession until 1995, and currently shows just over 30,000 miles on the odometer, considering the usage it received from the basketball icon and its current owner. The E31 8 Series is painted in the eye-catching Mauritius Blue metallic paint, a classic and iconic part of the BMW range.
eternal beauty
The BMW 850i was equipped with some of the most advanced features of the era, including a power sunroof, dual-zone climate control and cruise control, all of which signaled its premium status. Most important, however, is its 5-liter V12 engine, a potent powerplant that produces 296 horsepower and can reach an impressive top speed of 156 mph. For a V12 engine, even at the time, that didn’t sound like much, but it wasn’t. There are many smaller engines that produce more power, especially some American V8s. However, the 850i’s main goal isn’t pure performance. Instead, it’s designed to be a fast but not mind-boggling grand tourer that can traverse continents with ease. Therefore, it needs a long-legged engine, a comfortable ride and solid stability, all of which the BMW 850i has. As you’d expect, a six-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels. It is one of the only cars in the world with a V12 engine and manual transmission, and quite possibly the only front-engine car.
Using AC Schnitzer parts
The 850i’s exterior features unique ’90s features such as pop-up headlights, fog lights and a power sunroof, while AC Schnitzer body components (modified from its previous owner) enhance its unique appearance. In addition, this E31 BMW 8 Series is equipped with 17-inch multi-piece AC Schnitzer wheels, which adds a touch of sportiness to the elegant design. In terms of performance, the BMW includes four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, ABS, and Continental Extreme Contact tires installed in 2023.
The cabin exudes ’90s luxury, with power-adjustable front seats upholstered in light parchment leather with matching door panels and carpeting. An extra personal touch comes with a custom “M AIR J” license plate, a nod to Jordan’s iconic Air Jordan sneakers. As of now, the car is still open for bidding, with the highest bid being $25,600, and there are still 6 days left until the auction.