Tell me '80's M6 resurrection horror stories

[artplumber]

There's one nearby for $2500. Make me stop.

TIA

[porsche4life]

Good luck....

[Tishabet]

It was a night just like tonight 30 years ago when the old insane asylum burned down... and that is where the electronics in an 80's M6 came from.

[RANDY P]

Does the gearbox rebuild still cost like $4k or something like that?

E24's are pretty needy cars in general.

rjp

[HardDrive]

[DanielDudley]

It is the motor that costs to rebuild. If that is good, you are good to go. They rust like mothers.

[Rick V]

The M30 in that thing is a monster (old school) I love the E24's, I wish I still had my 88, I will own one again.
I say gopher it, but yeah they rust, if it has the self leveling on it, remove it and go with conventional struts. The problem with the older cars is there are too many of them that have been "fixed" by people who don't understand how the cars work or are assembled.
Pics please, can't ever see too many sharks.

[klaus]

The M30 was not in the M6's, the M30 is the more mundane more than can be found in the 633 and 635's (and the same motor in my 535is, it is a wonderful big 6, but it is also a bit of a slug).

I believe the motor in the 80s M6 was the S38 B35, and while these motors are fantastic when they are running, they are very expensive to maintain, and a rebuild will cost a good bit more than the whole car is worth, odds are why you see one for sale for $2,500. Given that it was derived from a race motor, they tend to be harsh, and also need to be pushed through the rev band to enjoy the power they can put out.

I won't tell you not to buy it, but it could be a very costly road if you do.

[exc911ence]

Who cares how much of a nightmare it'll be, those cars were just soooooooooooo handsome!



Even if it bankrupts you, you'll still look good living in it!

[jyl]

How is parts availability for the '80s M6, also for the 633/635 and M5/535/528 cars? Available/not available? Affordable/not affordable?

And, how are they as DIY cars? What is the "bible" as far as service manuals go?

[artplumber]

I'll try to grab some pics today...

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by jyl

How is parts availability for the '80s M6, also for the 633/635 and M5/535/528 cars? Available/not available? Affordable/not affordable?

And, how are they as DIY cars? What is the "bible" as far as service manuals go?

Quite available. Not affordable. At least the engine and related areas. The rest of the car is straight e24.... it's really only the motor. And they made so many e24s (and e28 sister sedans) that the main parts are in ample supply, as are used parts, and even some aftermarket and o.e.

The motor is the beast. And not horrific in terms of expense. It's cheaper than rebuilding a 911 motor.

I had a 1985 Euro M6 and that was a real animal. By modern standards though, it's not that exciting. You'd have to love the shape and the historic significance that it was the first M car (the M1 doesn't count). It was a REAL M, not a watered down sport package that M represents today.

A flawless US example might crack $25K, so they're not really worth making a silk purse out of a cow's ear. Nice ones are out there for $10-15K. The Euro is the way to go, IMHO.

[klaus]

Originally Posted by jyl

How is parts availability for the '80s M6, also for the 633/635 and M5/535/528 cars? Available/not available? Affordable/not affordable?

And, how are they as DIY cars? What is the "bible" as far as service manuals go?

For the most part the e24 and e28 cars are DIY friendly. The M5/6 motors require some special tools, and finding parts for them can be very difficult, but the rest of the 5 and 6 series family seem to have an abundant supply of parts. There are things you will need to hunt down on ebay, or in a scrap yard.

I don't know about the "bible" for service manuals, but the Bentley has been good to me so far. There are a few internet resources to look at as well, mye28.com has some knowledgeable folks, and parts can be found right here from our hosts at pelican.

[cbush]

They definately are beautiful cars. Would be fun to have one- go for it

[kaisen]

BTW, a used motor is worth $2500 all day long

[scottmandue]

+1 on being one of the most beautiful cars on the planet.

Other than that I know nothing... buy it so I can live vicariously through you.

[speeder]

They are only worth buying in this condition, IMHO: