Choose One: 635CSi vs 850Ci vs 944 Turbo

[slow&rusty]

Wow..interesting...nice to see all the love for the 635, it is a timeless car for sure.

The 635 in question is a US spec car with a 5 speed, not the higher compression engine and more powerful European version.

I've heard numerous times that 944 Turbos are a pain to work on, but what exactly is the challenge? I know the exhaust has the silly under the engine crossover pipe but at the end of the day it is pretty basic 8V single cam engine from the '80s....so what am I missing?

[widgeon13]

Originally Posted by Neilk

Easy. 636CSi. Beautiful design, no crazy electronics to deal with.

+1, great design! Love that car. White is nice as well.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I've had two 951s, they are remarkable driving cars that still hold up well today. But you'd be hard pressed for me to buy another because they ALWAYS need attention and SUCK to work on. While yes, they are just a 4-cylinder, the engine, turbo, and all of the controls are absolutely jam packed into a small engine bay. Everything is vacuum controlled, meaning there is a mile of vacuum hoses and tees that are subject to cracking, consuming hours of your time to sort out a random issue. Basically every single task requires removal of the airbox and plumbing, and a good percentage more require the removal of the intake. The clutch replacement is a nightmare, torque tube bearings are a nightmare, you can't even see the turbo from above, etc etc etc. It's a great car but so tightly packaged that I eventually just didn't like mine.

So I guess of the three, I'd probably pick the E24. I've never had one but always thought they were absolutely classic looking cars, one of the best bodystyles of the 1980s. Though I would go after an M6, which are still pretty affordable considering how special they are. Also one of the last BMWs that was really built to a standard rather than a cost point, post E30/E34/E24 they really lost their way and in my opinion have never found it again.

[WPOZZZ]

I used to track my euro 635 and it was a blast. I've lusted after a 944t and an 8 series. Out of the three, the most fun would be the 944t. The 8 series is a great autobahn cruiser as it eats up miles in comfort. The 6er when set up with a good suspension, euro motor and cr 5 speed is sublime. Throw in an M635 into the mix and it would be a tossup between that and the 944t. If no M Power, I'd get the 944t because most 6ers tend to turn to iron oxide.

[Nickshu]

635 for sure....Moonlighting!! Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd.

[nota]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

850 is only available with an automatic. That disqualifies that option for me.

?
my buddy had a 6 speed v12 850

I have owned a 79 euro 635csi zf 5 speed with alpina goodies

both are big heavy cars with little in common with a 951

[Yorkie]

I had a euro 635 with the dog leg first, recaros in silver and black. Ran it for about 18 months and in that time the transmission blew and the head gasket went. The quality of the interior was typical BMW (dry leather and curling panels) and I found it quite boring as it was very heavy. Beautiful looking car but I do not miss it.

[biosurfer1]

Originally Posted by nota

?
my buddy had a 6 speed v12 850

Correct, Dantilla is wrong:

"The 850i/850Ci (V12) models each carry either a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission, a 5-speed automatic transmission was fitted from mid-1994. The 850CSi model only came with a 6-speed manual transmission."

I like the 8 series...I'll take the M8 any day, though it wouldn't be in the same galaxy price wise as a 635 or 951.

[intakexhaust]

Had lots of wheel time in all of them. Hand's down, the 944 turbo is the giant killer for track and twisty's. Comparing to the BMW flagship coupes, the Porsche wins in cargo practicality. Also is far less problematic in mechanicals and electrics. Bonus is the fuel economy trumps those piggy BMW's.

That said, I think both of those BMW's are most handsome and IMHO, much better than the 944 body. Though the 944 galvanized panels has the body integrity. The BMW's will rust.

The 850 a very respectable and almost foolproof driver if tossing the keys to a wanna be joe racer. Put some faith into the cars equipped with ASC+T and mash the pedal by wire to the floor in a corner and turn steering wheel. Electrical's and reliability. I'm sketchy on them, especially now as they've aged. Replacement module and controllers can cost nearly what used motors are!

For the cool factor and timeless, the 6 series wins. The HVAC gremlins may come and go but if you keep up on the maintenance, dissect it once in awhile, it's fine. Agree with the other post here, and go for a euro spec., sans DOT and EPA crap. Go only with manual trans! These are for the DIY owner and much what I prefer today.

[jyl]

I got a ride in a well set up E28 which I'd think has similar potential as a 635. Car had less body roll than my 911, better braking, and could burn rubber for 50 feet . . .

[intakexhaust]

These boogied and loads of fun. Color choices were red, black or silver. Wouldn't mind having one today in silver (sans spoilers). The mechanical sounds they produced are so German like.... for whatever

BMW M5 E28 | eBay

[jyl]

I was driving the 911 today, coming the other way was a 3.0 CS silver blue with the full quartet of yellow rally lights on the bumper . . . pants were tight for a while.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by biosurfer1

Correct, Dantilla is wrong:

Learn sumptin every day. I thought only the V8 powered 840 was ever imported to the US with a manual tranny.

Was the manual tranny in the 850 a Euro-only option?

[Macroni]

Had a 85 Euro M6. It was a cruiser with an amazing sound..... But it wasn't athletic like a Porsche. My vote would be the turbo.....

[AFC-911]

Not a bad problem to have to choose among these 3. What's the parts availability on the E28? I rarely ever see these on the streets.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

These boogied and loads of fun. Color choices were red, black or silver.

BMW M5 E28 | eBay

the E28 M5 was like the Model T.

You could get them in any color, as long as it was black.

(At least in the US).

[greglepore]

Originally Posted by McLovin

the E28 M5 was like the Model T.

You could get them in any color, as long as it was black.

(At least in the US).

And almost all of them had the camel interior. Black interior cars are rare, rare,rare. The ebay ad is screwed up on a lot of levels. For example, that's not a "euro" all leather dash-all M5's had hand sewn leather around the lower dash. Upper dash on all E28s was vinyl.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by Neilk

Easy. 636CSi. Beautiful design, no crazy electronics to deal with.

^^^^^ dis.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

1988 BMW M6 | Bring a Trailer

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by Neilk

Easy. 636CSi. Beautiful design, no crazy electronics to deal with.

Agreed.