BMW 6 series: Classic Cars forum: Classic Motorsports

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March 25, 2010 10:57 a.m. GSCReno New Reader

I just brought home my newest toy in the form of a bright red, 5 speed shifted '86 BMW 635CSI. So far I absolutely love it. I was just wondering if anyone of you has had any experience with these cars. Any and all comments would be welcome. I'd be kinda curious as to what Andy has to say about these 6s. Thanks, Guys. Cheers, Scott
March 25, 2010 12:01 p.m. BoxheadTim HalfDork

Congrats, one of my favourite BMW designs!

Mechanically they're pretty robust, biggest killer on these is rust - bodies were built by Karmann (at least the early ones but I think it's all of them) and rumour has it that Karmann licensed rust to the Italians.
March 26, 2010 12:27 a.m. friedgreencorrado Dork

I was a BMW guy in the 1980s (a bunch of 2002s, Grey Market E21 323i, and an E3). A lot of the original owners of those cars were swept up in the pop culture appeal BMW was establishing at the time, and didn't maintain them very well. Also, a lot of us BMW guys thought they paled in comparison to the E9 (hoping mostly in vain that we'd be able to find a good E9 "someday"), and just kind of stuck with what we had when the running E24s finally came into full depreciation. I sure wish I hadn't been that stupid back then. "The Shark" is a great car. I wonder if I can still find one for a few grand that doesn't need a bunch of work. I've missed having a BMW around, and I might as well have a pretty one..

They should be old enough now that any major problems should have been addressed in a car you can drive home. Here's a couple of links to places I lurk when I look for one:

http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/index.php
http://www.bmwcca.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=77

How can it be a midlife crisis, when I've driven sportscars my entire life?
March 26, 2010 9:47 p.m. ddavidv SuperDork

Always liked them, never owned one. One of my mechanic friends had one as his DD, it seemed like a car that was built from granite. A bit big and heavy for my tastes, but maybe as I get older...

"Having fun is my revenge on mortality"--Dustin Hoffman
March 27, 2010 6:04 p.m. GSCReno New Reader

Always loved the shape of them. It just looks fast... I kinda had the same thought as you David, at 3500 lbs. give or take, and a touch over 180 hp to get it moving it can't be quick... Actually it is pretty zippy. I'll try to get some pictures posted Monday. Thanks for the comments, Guys. Keep 'em coming please. Cheers, Scott
March 29, 2010 9:51 p.m. bmw327 New Reader

Did the late 6ers ever get the final version of the M30? I had a pair of E34 535i's and while they certainly were not dragsters, they were potent and seemed to do just about everything pretty well. I've never owned a car with a more pleasant drivetrain and it was quite reliable to boot. For a 3500 lb car, I always felt that those were pretty light on their feet. I think I'd go for a good E24 if one presented itself. Good luck with the car!

Christopher
March 30, 2010 10:06 a.m. Andy Reid Auction Editor

I got my very first speeding ticket, at 16, in my dads 633csi. A 6 series is a car on my short list for sure. Please let me know how the ownership experience goes.
April 6, 2010 9:20 a.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director

I got to borrow an L6 for a while. It was plush, fast and very pretty.

Yes, we now have signatures.
April 7, 2010 5:09 p.m. GSCReno New Reader

As I talk to other car guys, online and face to face about these cars, the one thing that stands out in my mind is that other than the afore mentioned rust, nobody has much bad to say about them. I'm sure that the honeymoon will end at some point, but so far it's been fun. Cheers, Scott
April 11, 2010 12:42 p.m. GSCReno New Reader

Hmm... Perhaps instead of posting smart-assed comments some of us should concentrate on improving our spelling and puncuation, eh Randy? Cheers, Scott