[Ragnar The Redneck]

TL;DR: School me in all things E31 850 so I can buy one.

In the next few months, after the first of the year, I plan on purchasing my dream BMW, an E31 850. I have owned inline-3s, inline-4s, V6s, inline=6s and V8s. I have driven extensively, first gen Dodge Vipers, so I have experienced a V10. The only engine that I haven't had or enjoyed is a V12. I am looking at rectifying that.

With that being said... I cannot afford any exotic Italian V12s ($100k+), and I am not looking for a sportscar, but rather a proper GT, either coupe or convertible. What this leaves me with choosing between Jag XJ-Ss, M-B SLs, and the BMW 850. The Aston Martin DB7 and DB8 are within my price range, but are still really too exotic for what I am truly looking for.

I really want the 850, but I cannot find much information on what to look for when buying one. I have a Jag specialist nearby that has extensive knowledge, and there are tons websites with tons of info for the Jag V12. About the only thing about the E31 is production numbers and that they available with a V12 or V8, that the CSi is really a three-quarter M8, McLaren used a version of the V12 in the F1, everyone should get the CSi unless they can afford the Alpinas, and the 6-speed manual (of which BMW was the first to use one behind a 12-cylinder production car) commands a premium over the automatic. There is even more info about the M-B V12 than there is the BMW.

Anyway, I am looking for a weekend driver, don't need show quality, but don't want one that looks worn out either, and not looking for a fixer-upper. Prices seem all over the map, from $15k to well over $150k. My limit is about $50k for the purchase price. A manual would be my first pick, but failing knees may make that more of a chore than an enjoyment, so an automatic would probably suit my needs better at the moment.

Now, what are the things that I should check or be aware of before purchasing an E31 850? What parts are difficult to find or non-existent now. What parts can be repaired or rebuilt at home (I started the hobby back in the 80s and 90s with British sportscar, so I'm not afraid of rebuilding electrical parts... lol, insert obligatory Lucas joke here).

Basically, I am looking to get schooled as much about these cars as possible. I want a V12, my wife is keen on the BMW, but not the Jag or M-B. So, I either get the 850, or we get her dream car, a 65-66 Mustang. Not a bad car, but not a V12, either.