Educate me on 87' BMW 635csi

[icemann427]

Looking at a very nice 60,000 mile 87' BMW 635csi 5 speed which was stored for many years. Was told wiring was redone. Runs great. Pro's and Con's, please? Thank you!

[Rick V]

The only advice I can offer is don't be like me and sell it after you buy it. I will always consider mine the one I let get away.
The self leveling sucks, and can be fitful, beyond that it is like any other BMW of the era. They are fantastic drivers

[Nostril Cheese]

Pros:
M30 engine, dependable and bulletproof with one or two updates.
Awesome styling
5 speed. The auto cars are dogs.
Comfortable cruising


Cons:
Expensive model specific interior bits.
Stock wheels were TRX
Self-levelling suspension (can be bypassed)
Weight (its a big car)
Suspension bushings and track/control arms (if they havent been replaced, they will need to be)

They are nice cars, but not really sporty. They are for cruising in style. I had a mint '86 635CSi with red leather interior. I would have kept it if it was a manual.

[SoCal911T]

The self leveling rear suspension can be eliminated. The red flag to me on this car would the "wiring redone". What was redone and why at such low mileage?
I've owned three e28s which share the same chassis as the e24 and they're rock solid. Most parts are cheap and they're easy to work on. There is a HUGE knowledge base at http://mye28.com and those guys can pretty much answer any question about the e28 & e24 you might have.

[aap1966]

My daily driver is a 1989 automatic, bought 5 years ago. Now up to 280,000 km (~174,000 miles) so.....my observations.
The youngest of these cars (such as mine ) are now 25 years old, and they ain't simple cars. Things will need to be done, and maintainance will be high. BUT, (almost) everything is still available. Be aware, you will be placing regular orders through Pelican.
Electronics are an issue, the fact that it's had some wiring redone does not concern me and if it's been done properly I'd actually argue it's a plus point. You will need to find an auto-electrician familiar with 80's European stuff.
Suspension is an issue. Basically BMW put a heavy body onto a 5 series chassis, so the suspension does suffer a bit. Bypassing the self levelling suspension is easy, and I had it done soon after I bought it. However, it's one of my regrets. Parts are available and I wish I'd kept it stock.
If you read the UK reviews, rust (esp front wings) is an issue. We don't see that so much in Australia and I suspect the big difference is use on salted winter roads.
I absolutely love driving it, it's performance is quite acceptable and they're great looking cars. I found it heavy at first, but then I did go from a motorcycle to the 635 as my daily driver, so not a big surprise. The ABS is primitive compared to modern cars and the lights are very 1980s. Get some imperial wheels, the TRX really limit you tire choice wise. E28 5 series and (from memory) E32 7 series wheels are readily interchangable and not that expensive. Don't be tempted to go for big rims, the suspension is not designed for low aspect tires and while they may look good, your kidneys will suffer.
Replace all your hoses, ALL your hoses.
My habit for repairs now is "do one, do all". I replaced the left door handle mechanism, only to have the identical part break on the right door 3 months later.
In short, great, stylish cars to drive, and actually really easy to drive. The occasional thumbs up from other drivers or compliment in a car park is a bonus.
BTW, don't be tempted by ebay parts. New parts from Pelican are often cheaper than what is been asked for on the second hand market. The Bigcoupe forum is a great trouble shooting resource.


Any questions?

[black_falcon]

Owned an '85 635csi 5spd for four years (2003-2007).

Off the top of my head:

- Rust prone! I can't speak for them all, but mine began bubbling out at an alarming rate everywhere I looked. Chose to sell it on versus investing in extensive body/paintwork.

- Build quality was high with glitchy electronics being its achilles heel. Lots of gremlins.

- The straight six would make your spine tingle at 6000rpm.

- Parts and labor = expensive. Frequent repairs.

- Lots of fun to drive. Classic good looks. Very comfortable and refined. Buttery smooth torque laden motor. The Getrag manual trans had fairly long throws but was easy to use and had a very positive feel.


One of the best looking cars of the 80's IMO, but my ownership experience was the epitome of a love/hate relationship. Nonetheless I'd buy an e24 M6 in a heartbeat.

[BigLou.]

Cool cars. I always think of Hawk from the 80's show Spencer for Hire. He drove a 6 series on the show.

[icemann427]

Thanks so much for the great information, gents!

[Nostril Cheese]

[beepbeep]

Hey' that's Wez driving the car!

635's are big with hipsters with money, prices went up couple of years ago.

[Bill Douglas]

Cool car. But, compared with a 911 (yes they are a different sorta car) they handle like a pig.

[Heel n Toe]

As always, ask around among BMW owners in your area so you can locate a good, honest independent BMW mechanic whom you can hire to do a thorough PPI.

You didn't mention where you are, but if you're in the U.S., you can check with BMWCCA members/officers in your area here: https://www.bmwcca.org/chapterfinder

You can also go here...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?237-1976-1989-%28E24%29

...and start a thread introducing yourself and title it "Does anyone here live in or near _____________?" followed up by your intro with "Who can recommend a good, honest indy for an E24 in my area?" in the body of the thread.

[jhelgesen]

buy it......

Pro's, the smile on your face

Con's, the time you aren't driving it

[mattdavis11]

Cool cars. I've only worked on 2 of them, but the a/c system can be problematic. The front evaporator failed on both cars. Book time is 16 hours to R and R. I thought the rear evaporator (drink cooler) was a nice touch.

The first one in the shop was a complete a/c overhaul, new rubber, rebuilt the compressor, had to make a hard line that was NLA, etc.. I had nothing but a box of parts in the trunk when I started. PITA. Not long after, the owner had the audacity to tell me he sold it to a buyer that lived in Alaska. Like pouring salt on a wound.

The very next week, another came in, but only need the evap. Finished that one pretty quick.

[WPOZZZ]

I've had a few 6ers and as other have said, they are prone to rust. Check the front fenders, rear wheelwells and tail light surrounds.

[SoCal911T]

Looks pretty nice and I love that it's Cinnabar.

[strupgolf]

I've had a great 1985 635 for a number of years and can't say enough about them. They are great. Not anything like a 911, but a great Grand Touring car. There are some rust buckets like any car. Mine is rust free, Euro version, and I have just done routine upkeep. The car drives great on the open road and gets 30 mpg to boot. There are some great 80's bmw models made, and this is one of the last great ones.

[strupgolf]