Hi guys,

My uncle and I are thinking about buying a 1986 635 CSi that is for sale at an old farm down the road from where he lives. It has been sitting for a while and no longer runs, but it is a one owner car. This lady's husband passed and now her son is trying to get rid of the car since they don't need it for anything. I think we can get it for $800. It's not in great shape, but not poor shape either, will need some work.

My uncle has rebuilt numerous old Benzes that were in a lot worse shape, although this would be his first Bimmer. My brother and I both have e46s, so are familiar with newer Bimmers but not older ones. I have always loved the body shape on these and think this might be a fun rebuild project.

What do you guys think? Worth it? I don't have a lot of details yet. My uncle is going to stop by and check it out this week, hopefully get some more details and pictures. I'm hoping its a manual, but not sure of that either.

How hard is it to get parts for these cars? Would it be worth the effort?

Thanks,
NicB.

Hi guys,

My uncle and I are thinking about buying a 1986 635 CSi that is for sale at an old farm down the road from where he lives. It has been sitting for a while and no longer runs, but it is a one owner car. This lady's husband passed and now her son is trying to get rid of the car since they don't need it for anything. I think we can get it for $800. It's not in great shape, but not poor shape either, will need some work.

Check for cancer and the condition of the interiour. Mechanically these cars are pretty solid and all parts are still available, most if not all of them even used.

My uncle has rebuilt numerous old Benzes that were in a lot worse shape, although this would be his first Bimmer. My brother and I both have e46s, so are familiar with newer Bimmers but not older ones. I have always loved the body shape on these and think this might be a fun rebuild project.

If your uncle is able to restore MBs he should not have major problems with BMWs. The only thing he should be aware of is that BMW has always been miles ahead of Mercedes so he should be prepared to find technology in the shark that he won't see in an 86 Merc.

What do you guys think? Worth it? I don't have a lot of details yet. My uncle is going to stop by and check it out this week, hopefully get some more details and pictures. I'm hoping its a manual, but not sure of that either.

Fom this very limited information you can give at the moment all I can say it's worth looking at it, especially since it's just down the road. More detailed feedback once you can post details and pictures, pictures and even more pictures :D

How hard is it to get parts for these cars? Would it be worth the effort?

Thanks,
NicB.

What part of the state are you from? I'm just east of Louisville.
For $800 you can't go wrong when buying a 6. That is if it's in any kind of condition. Rust buckets are not worth the time, but can have some parts value.

especially since its a one owner car and 800 bucks go get it. the only thing that i would be worrying about is rust, but besides that your good to go

Okay, we are going to get some more detail on it. The comment about Mercs being behind the times on technology was great btw! ;)

... The comment about Mercs being behind the times on technology was great btw! ;)

just a fact :D

No, no it is not worth it... so... what's the phone number of the seller?

^ LOL classy dude:D

hmmm I have both... my 76 benz has all the options my 86 e30 and 87 e24 have..... Benz has a more classy feel.... The bimmers have more of a sporty feel....
sorry i'm gonna go with benz on this one....

LOL how many benzes have you worked on? BMW IMHO is lightyears better in almost everyway. So benz has the options 1st..but they still work on the B-em's lol

Merceded FTL

No, no it is not worth it... so... what's the phone number of the seller?

smooooooth :)

Okay guys, we talked to the owner, it's been a daily driver for some time and was running good. He moved, he decided not to put anymore money on it and its been sitting since. He thinks it needs all maintenance items. He thinks it will start with a jump. I think we are going to offer $1000 for it. We are going to tow it to my Uncle's house and go over it with fine tooth comb. Any hot spots we should look at in detail? Do you think $1000 is a fair price to pay? Turns out it is an auto, not sure how I feel about that. Is it possible to do an auto/manual swap?

Thoughts are appreciated. Also, if we end up getting it and decide its not worth it, think I could part the car out and get the money back? Is there a market for parts off of these things?