6-Series cars - how hard to find parts?

[JasonBMW]

How hard is it to find parts for the older 6csi cars? I have seen one that I am thinking of picking up, but I'm not quite sure what mess I will be getting myself into?

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Most of the parts are still available for the earlier cars, however if you are going to get a 6-series, I would reccommend you get the newest car you can find. The early cars have many electrical problems as well as suspension woes.

[JasonBMW]

Suspension woes? What specifically are you referring to?

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

I was referring to problems with the self-leveling suspension system they used on the 6-series. It has a variety of problems, and the parts are not cheap.

[83cab]

What types of problems would you expect with an 80 633csi with 130k miles? Does this have the auto suspension?

[prairieman]

I've got to take exception with a couple points:

the early (up to late 82) E12 based six series have arguably a better suspension than the later E24's. The early sixers did not have the self leveling suspension.

in addition, I am not aware of any electrical issues peculiar to the early series. In fact, I pursued and eventually located a pre-82 six series because it is more rugged and less complicated then the later cars.

I have been able to locate anything on the car in the two years I have owned it.

Now is the prefect time to buy one, as the slow economy has made the older luxury car market clearly in the favor of the buyer.

[Jeff Lemon]

I have an 83 and 84, mechanical stuff easy to get, manuals tough to find, interior/exterior parts hard to come by. great cars, I plan on keeping my clean 84 for years, I'm using the rusty 83 as a winter car.

[Wayne 962]

There's a copy of the six series manuals that someone has scanned and burned onto CD on eBay. Might be worth a look there...

-Wayne

[epbrown]

Just curious - when did the E24 switch to SLS suspension?

Emanuel

[Javier at Pelican Parts]

I beleive pro dates start 9-82 on the 633 was the first w/sls, those components can be expensive when bought in pieces, I've heard you can completly gut out that sysytem and replace it with normal suspension, for about 2k, maybe a little less, only worth it if you love the car.

If the car you're looking at as sls look for leaks at the rear end, there are 2 accumulators ther with hoses going in every direction.

[snowman]

Parts for the later model 6's have not been a problem. BMW club mag Roundel has many advertizers with parts.