Overview. BMW 840Ci, 850CI, 850CSI
The BMW 850CSI is a high-performance sports car that is designed to provide an exhilarating driving experience. It features a powerful engine, advanced technology, and a luxurious interior. The Owner's Handbook provides comprehensive information on operating, caring for, and maintaining your 850CSI. Get acquainted with features like the automatic transmission with STEPTRONIC, cruise control, EDC, ASC+T, and DSC. This handbook also covers the car's exterior and interior, detailing the operation of various controls and equipment. Use the guide to understand fuel grades, tire pressures, and other critical aspects of maintaining your vehicle.
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Telltale and warning lights 16
Ignition/starter switch and steering
Important facts in brief
11
Controls
Operating hints
Care and maintenance
Technical data
Index
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG
12
Driving area
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG
Driving area
1 Lever for flashing turn indicators, parking lights, dipped headlights
3 Horn, entire surface
5 Switch for heated
6 Knurled wheel for headlight beam
7 Multi-Information Display
8 Switch for hazard warning
9 Switch for programmable electronic output control (EML)
12 Lever for electric steering-wheel
13 Engine compartment release
13
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG
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Instrument panel
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG
Instrument panel
1 Fuel gauge with warning light for
4 Telltale light for ASC+T/DSC 16
5 Speedometer
6 Coolant temperature gauge 19
7 Check control indicator light and telltale and warning lights for brake system and steering hydraulics, handbrake, ABS, AIRBAG, AHK and trailer flashing turn
8 Trip distance reset knob and changeover knob for distance
11 Program and selector lever position display for automatic
12 Telltale and warning lights for electronic output control (EML), engine oil pressure, battery charge current, high beam headlights, fog
15
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG
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Telltale and warning lights
Indicator for ASC+T and DSC
(Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction/Dynamic Stability Control)
s
Goes out when engine is started if system is in working order.
Left/right flashing turn indicator
k
Comes on rhythmically when the flashing turn indicators are in use.
Electronic engine output control
Comes on briefly when the ignition is switched and goes out again if system is in working order.
If the light remains on or comes on again during a journey, the system is defective. However, the car can still be driven, and should be taken to the nearest BMW service station.
Fasten seat belt*
q
Possibly together with an accoustic signal
*
and/or warn-
Multi-Information ing on
Display (MID)
*
.
Comes on briefly when the ignition is switched on, then goes out (depending on version, signal may go out only after the seat belt has been fastened).
Engine oil pressure
w
Goes out when the engine is started. This light may come on at idle speed if the engine is hot, but must go out again at higher engine speeds.
If the light comes on during a journey and the ENGINE OIL PRESS LOW display appears in the Multi-Information-
Display (MID): stop the car and switch off the engine at once. Check engine oil level and top up if necessary. If the oil level is correct: consult BMW
Service.
Battery charge
v
Goes out when the engine is started.
If it comes on during a journey, the batteries are no longer being charged. The alternator drive V-belt has failed or there is a fault in the alternator charge circuit. a
If the V-belt is defective, increased steering and braking effort will be needed.
c
Cars with a second alternator
*
: A second bulb in the telltale monitors the charge current for the second alternator. If the main alternator should fail, the car can still be driven for approx. 2 hours with the telltale light on, provided that no additional electrical consumers are switched on.
High-beam headlights
l
Comes on when the high-beam headlights are in use or the headlight flasher is operated.
Fog lights
t
Comes on when fog lights are in use.
Rear fog lights
u
Comes on when rear fog lights are in use.
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG
Telltale and warning lights
Brake and steering hydraulics
n
Goes out when the engine is started.
If it comes on during a journey, accompanied by the LOW BRAKE
FLUID display in the Multi-Information Display (MID): brake fluid level is too low.
If it flashes during a journey and the
BRAKE ASSIST INACT. display appears in the MID: loss of pressure in the brake system or power steering circuit.
a
In both cases, increased steering and braking effort will be needed.
c
Further details: Pages 98, 103.
Handbrake
m
Goes out when the engine is started.
Comes on when the handbrake is applied.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
o
Goes out when the engine is started.
If it comes on during a journey, the ABS has ceased to operate because of a malfunction. The car can still be braked in the usual way, without any loss of efficiency.
Telltale for airbag
p
Telltale comes on for approx.
6 seconds and then goes out.
17
ARK (Active Rear Axle Kinematics)
Goes out when the engine is started if system is in working order.
If it comes on during a journey and the
R/AXLE FAILSAFE PROG display appears in the Multi-Information Display (MID):
The ARK has cut out as a result of a fault. The car can still be driven. If the steering wheel is slightly off-centre when driving in a straight line, the car will veer slightly from the chosen line of travel.
Trailer flashing turn indicators
Flashes together with the main turn indicator repeater if a turn is signalled while a trailer is being towed.
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG
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Distance recorder Revolution counter
The distance recorder shows the total distance which the car has covered in miles or kilometres.
Trip distance displays I und II
You can choose between two trip distance displays (e.g. one for the whole journey and one for a specific period of driving only) and reset either of them to zero independently. Both displays show distances up to 999.9 miles/km.
Changeover (I-II-I etc.):
d
Turn the reset knob (arrow) clockwise.
Resetting to zero:
d
Select the desired display first, then press the reset knob.
Up to two minutes after the ignition has been switched off, the display remains visible and adjustments are possible. When the distance display is not visible, it can be recalled for a short period of time by pressing the reset knob.
Never allow the engine to run in the red zone of the revolution counter.
In this zone the fuel supply is interrupted to protect the engine. This becomes evident as the ignition cutting out intermittently.
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG
Fuel gauge Coolant thermometer
19
The warning light comes on briefly as an operating check when the ignition is switched on.
If the telltale light remains on for longer periods or continuously, there are only about 10 litres of fuel left in the tank.
Please add fuel in good time, since
"running the tank dry" could damage the engine or the catalytic converter.
You can display the probable range on the fuel remaining in the tank on the on-
b
If the car's body is at an unusual angle, e.g. during a lengthy uphill run, the display readings may fluctuate slightly.
c
Blue:
the engine is cold. Drive at moderate engine and road speeds.
Red:
with COOLANT TEMPERATURE display in MID: the engine is too hot.
Switch it off at once and allow to cool down.
Pointer between the two coloured zones:
Normal operating temperature. At high outside temperatures or when loads on the car are severe, the needle may move up as far as the beginning of the red zone.
Checking coolant level: Page 100.
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG
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Ignition/starter switch/steering lock
1 Steering released
Move the steering wheel slightly if necessary to facilitate turning the key from 0 to 1.
2 Ignition switched on
All electrical consumers are ready to operate.
3 Starter motor operated
0 Steering locked
The key can only be inserted and removed in this position.
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel slightly if necessary until the steering lock engages.
Automatic-transmission cars:
Do not move the selector lever away from position P until the engine is running (ignition key position).
To turn the key back to position 0 or remove it, first move the selector lever to P.
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG
Starting the engine
d d d d
Apply the handbrake.
The manual-shift gear lever should be in neutral; the automatic transmission selector lever should be in P or N.
At very low outside temperatures, keep the clutch pedal pressed down.
Start the engine without depressing the accelerator pedal.
b
Allow the starter motor to run for a reasonable time, but not for more than about 20 seconds. As soon as the engine fires, release the ignition key.
Do not allow the engine to warm up at a standstill, but drive off as soon as possible, using moderate engine speeds. c
If the engine does not start first time, for instance if it is very cold or very hot: d
Depress the accelerator pedal halfway while starting the engine.
Cold starts at very low temperatures
(under app. -15 6 ) at high altitudes
(above 1000 m): d d
Always run the starter motor for a fairly long period (about
10 seconds) the first time it is operated.
Depress the accelerator pedal halfway while starting the engine.
BMW 840Ci, 850CSi
If the car is to be used for lengthy periods at high altitudes and at extremely low temperatures, have the engine oil changed to 5W-X grade
(see Page 97). Please contact BMW
Service.
a
Never run the engine in an enclosed space. The exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, which is colourless and odourless, but highly toxic. Inhaling exhaust gas constitutes a severe health risk and can lead to loss of consciousness with fatal consequences.
Never leave the car unattended with the engine running, as it then represents a serious potential hazard.
c
Stopping the engine
Turn the ignition key back to 1 or 0.
a
Never take the ignition key out when the car is still in motion or the steering lock will engage.
Whenever the driver leaves the car, he or she should remove the ignition key and lock the steering.
Manual-gearbox cars: when parking the car on a slope, apply the handbrake, as merely selecting 1st gear or reverse may not be sufficient to prevent the car from rolling away.
Automatic-transmission cars: select position P.
c
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Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG
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Running-in
Please comply with the following instructions, which are intended to ensure that your car achieves its optimum operating life and economy.
Engine and final drive
BMW 840Ci, 850Ci
Up to a distance reading of
2000 km (app. 1300 miles):
Drive the car at varying engine and road speeds, but do not exceed an engine speed of 4500/min or a road speed of 170 km/h (106 mile/h).
Avoid full throttle and do not use the automatic transmission kick-down.
After 2000 km (app. 1250 miles) have been covered, engine and road speeds can be gradually increased.
If the engine or final drive is exchanged later in the car's life, repeat the running-in procedure.
BMW 850CSi
Up to a distance reading of
2000 km (app. 1300 miles):
Do not exceed a max. engine speed of
5500/min.
Max. road speed 160 km/h (100 mile/h).
Do not use the full throttle position of the accelerator.
Up to a speedometer reading of
5000 km (app. 3100 miles):
Max. continuous road speed
200 km/h (124 mile/h).
Use top speeds for short periods only.
If the engine or final drive is exchanged later in the car's life, repeat the running-in procedure.
Tyres
New tyres do not achieve their full road grip immediately, for production reasons. You should therefore drive in a restrained manner for the first
300 km (app. 200 miles).
Brakes
Brake pads and discs do not achieve a favourable wear and contact pattern until the car has covered about
500 km (300 miles).
a
The brake lights do not come on when the handbrake is applied.
c
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG
Refuelling Fuel grade
d d
To open the fuel filler flap, press the front end in so that the flap can be lifted.
b
When refuelling, insert the pump nozzle fully into the filler pipe. If the filler nozzle is raised during refuelling the supply of fuel will be cut off prematurely and on filler nozzles with fuel vapour recovery, the recirculating function will be less effective.
c
To release the fuel filler flap if the central
locking system fails, see Page 114.
a
Comply with the relevant safety regulations when handling fuel.
c
Spark-ignition engine with catalytic converter
BMW 840Ci, 850Ci
The engine should be run exclusively on unleaded fuel. Since the engines have a knock control function, they can run on different grades of fuel.
Minimum fuel grade: regular grade, unleaded (91 (RON).
The rated performance and fuel consumption values are achieved with: super (premium) grade unleaded fuel
(octane number 95, Research Method).
This fuel is also referred to as
DIN EN 228 or Euro-Super.
For higher performance and lower fuel consumption, it is also possible to use
Super Plus/premium plus fuel (octane number 98, Research Method).
BMW 850CSi
Minimum fuel grade: Super (premium), unleaded (95 octane, Research
Method).
The rated performance and fuel consumption values are achieved with:
Super Plus unleaded (98 octane,
Research Method).
a
Never use fuel containing lead if the car is equipped with a catalytic converter, or else the lambda probe and the converter will be damaged beyond repair.
c
Spark-ignition engines without catalytic converter
(Note: a catalytic converter can be retrofitted.)
The engine is designed to run on both unleaded and leaded fuel. Since the engines have a knock control system, they can run on different grades of fuel.
Minimum fuel grade:
Regular-grade unleaded or leaded fuel
(octane number 91, Research Method).
The rated performance and fuel consumption values are achieved with:
Premium-grade unleaded fuel (octane number 95, Research Method).
This fuel is also referred to as DIN EN 228 or Euro-Super.
For higher performance and lower fuel consumption, it is also possible to use
Super Plus, 98 octane (RON) unleaded or Super (premium), 98 octane (RON) containing lead.
Super (premium) fuel is also referred to as DIN 51 600.
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Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG
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Tyre pressures
Check regularly for your personal safety:
a
Incorrect tyre pressures can render the car unstable and lead to tyre damage or even cause an accident.
c
Tyre pressures in bar – gauge pressure
– (psi) with tyres cold (cold = ambient temperature).
These tyre pressures apply to makes of tyre approved by BMW and known to the BMW Service Organization.
If other makes of tyre are fitted to the car, higher tyre pressures may be needed.
The information relevant to your car is shown on a label attached to the driver's door post.
When towing a trailer, always use the values for the higher load.
BMW
Model
Tyre size
840Ci
850Ci
235/50 R 16 95 W
225/55 R 16 95 Q, T, H M+S
235/50 R 16 95 Q, T, H M+S
265/40 R 17 96 W*
265/40 ZR 17**
235/45 R 17 93 W
235/45 ZR 17
235/45 R 17 93 Q, T, H M+S
235/45 ZR 17
265/40 ZR 17**
2.5
(35.5)
—
2.7
(38.5)
2.5
(35.5)
2.5
(35.5)
2.7
(38.5)
2.6
(37)
—
2.8
(40)
2.9
(41.5)
—
2.9
(41.5)
2.9
(41.5)
3.2
(45.5)
—
850CSi
235/45 R 17 93 Q, T, H M+S 2.5
(35.5)
2.7
(38.5)
2.7
(38.5)
245/40 ZR 18
285/35 ZR 18***
2.9
(41.5)
—
—
2.9 (41.5)
3.2
(45.5)
—
* Only permissible as mixed set with 235/45 R 17 93 W at front.
** Only permissible as mixed set with 235/45 ZR 17 at front.
*** Only permissible as mixed set with 245/40 ZR 18 at front.
3.0
(43)
2.8
(40)
3.2
(45.5)
3.2
(45.5)
3.5
(50)
3.0
(42.5)
—
3.5 (50)
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 790 191 - © 12/98 BMW AG

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Key features
- Powerful engine
- STEPTRONIC transmission
- Cruise control
- EDC
- ASC+T
- DSC
- Luxurious interior
- Comprehensive operation guide
- Maintenance instructions