[kaisen]

I think this is the W126 series. Yes, W126

E24 6 series BMW of late 80's vintage. The 6ers were more 'sporting' and available with a manual transmission, but weren't as bulletproof as the 126 SEC's.

-what are the engine options? 380 and 500 V8's from 1981 to 1984/5, 420 and 560 V8's from 86-91. They were never available here in the states as a diesel coupe, or the inline 6 (300).

-were airbags ever available? Yes, the 420/560 had driver's airbags and the later models were available dual.

-how maintenance intensive are they? Not. They are pretty bulletproof. The timing chains on the early 380/500 were weak links, pun intended. The transmissions were okay at best.... feel for a long delay going into reverse, or a very hard or soft 1-2 shift.

-how long will the engine go before major work is needed? Hundreds of thousands if they were maintained. Again, the earliest 380/560 could have RH cam wear because it was the last oil circuit to pressurize.

-was a 5 speed available? Not here in the states, but if you are enterprising you may convert one. Plan on spending as much as the car's purchase price.

-what can I get for under 10 grand? Should be easy to get whatever model / year you'd like. Don't be scared of miles if it has a good pedigree.


E