Initially, the E31 only as 850i with the BMW 750i from the already well-known twelve-cylinder engine with 220 kW (300 hp) available. The engines were designed to run on regular petrol develops, as a precautionary measure that series in Europe this paragraph shall not, and perhaps better in the U.S. is sold (the fuel in the U.S. has quite Oktanschwankungen). Optionally, the transmission takes place by a 6-speed manual gearbox or an automatic four. In autumn 1992, the series for the 850CSi with a 280 kW (380 hp) Top Twelve cylinders added. It was only with 6-speed manual gearbox and a rear axle mitlenkenden offered in the smaller Twelve cylinders approximately € 6,000 surcharge cost. Similarly, the 850i has been renamed in the 850Ci. In the same year, BMW for testing purposes, 18 copies of a 830i built. The engine was used for this in the E32 and E34 using V8 with 160 kW (218 PS), in the heavy coupe is not quite proper driving position provided. None of these vehicles arrived in the sale. He was followed in 1993 with a 210 kW (286 hp) V8-equipped 840i. This basic model was the first V8 Coupe by BMW since BMW 3200 CS in the 1960s. Again, the choice between automatic and manual transmission. The 850Ci was modernized in 1994 twelve-cylinder with 240 kW (326 hp), which is now fitted a five-speed automatic was. He led after the old 5-liter V12 from. Both models, however, were half a year, producing both strangely under the same abbreviation 850Ci. From 1996, only 840Ci and 850Ci in the program, the 850CSi was discontinued.