BMW 850 (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 173 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Total Tests (2024)
173
Avg Mileage
105,721 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 1991 BMW 850 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 33 years old, 86% of BMW 850s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 173 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 105,721 miles.
How does the 1991 BMW 850 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 BMW 850 has 105,721 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a BMW 850?
The most reliable year is the 1993 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 86%. The 1991 sits between the two at 86%.
How much does a 1991 BMW 850 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 850 by Year
Checking a specific BMW 850?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 BMW 850
The 1991 BMW 850 is a premium performance with a 4988cc petrol engine. 173 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 105,721 miles at 33 years old, BMW 850 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1991 BMW 850 Fuel Costs
The 4988cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 BMW 850?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 850 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 850s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 BMW 850
At 33 years old, the BMW 850 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1993 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Alternatives to the 1991 BMW 850
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- JAGUAR XJS (1990) 82% pass rate (-4%) from 1,011 tests
- MERCEDES 500 (1991) 87% pass rate (+1%) from 356 tests
- MERCEDES SL (1991) 86% pass rate (same) from 288 tests
- JAGUAR XJ (1990) 86% pass rate (same) from 282 tests