Exclusive Discovery: Only Five Santorini Blue BMW 850 CSi’s Exist in the World

The E31 BMW 8 Series has become a beloved model among collectors and enthusiasts due to its timeless design and retro styling, which has helped maintain high prices and desirability over the years. Particularly sought after is the 850 CSi, the top-of-the-line model of its time, featuring a powerful V12 engine and a manual transmission reminiscent of the exclusive McLaren F1. Recently, renowned YouTuber and BMW expert Sreten, also known as M539 Restorations, unveiled a rare 1995 BMW E31 850 CSi in the stunning Santorini Blue finish.

Exploring the Santorini 850 CSi reveals its rarity, with only 1,510 units ever produced between 1992 and 1996, including a mere 225 U.S. models. Sreten’s Santorini Blue example is a European-spec vehicle, allowing him to delve into its unique rear-steer system known as Active Rear Axle Kinematics (AHK). This complex system, introduced in 1992, featured a computer-controlled electrohydraulic four-wheel steering setup, eventually replaced by the more cost-effective Automatic Stability Control Plus Traction (ASC+T) a few years later.

Despite the challenges of working with early four-wheel steering systems, the Santorini 850 CSi stands out as a remarkable find. Only five cars were ever painted in Santorini Blue, with just two receiving a black interior, making this particular model incredibly special. Equipped with a V12 engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, the S70B56 5.6-liter engine delivers approximately 375 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, rivaling performance figures of its era, such as the Porsche 928 GTS.

Sreten’s YouTube channel, M539 Restorations, will showcase the extensive restoration process required to bring this unique 850 CSi back to its former glory. From the challenges faced during the restoration to the final stunning result, viewers can expect a detailed documentation of the car’s transformation. With only a handful of Santorini Blue 850 CSi models in existence, this rare find promises to be a captivating journey for automotive enthusiasts and BMW fans alike.