I sold my E36 M3 a few months ago and I'm getting the bug to buy an M6 or 635CSi. My driving habits are very low miles per year (5-6K) but I do like the occasional sprint.

I'm new to the 6 series and have read several books on them. I've also lusted after their style for as long as I can remember.

One of the local Wheels & Deals lots has a 1987 M6, 5 speed, Black/gray, 217K miles. The engine was rebuilt 60K miles ago, new clutch, brakes, carpets, and wheels/tires. The price is $6900 or OBO.

Body is OK with some cosmetic damage but no rust to be seen and no evidence of an accident repair. Interior is clean and no rips, cracks or wear marks.

My logic is, I'm a pretty good wrench my self and have a well setup garage. My driving (low mileage) habits probably won't change much in the future so if I put an additional 50K miles on this car, it might take 8-10 years.

I'll be taking it out this afternoon for a test drive and see if I can keep it overnight for a more detailed inpection.

Does this sound like a good choice for my first 6er? I've got a hunch that the 217K miles will be a big negative for most buyers but with my driving habits, it should be no problem. I just want a nice ride that I enjoy looking at and driving and working on.

Thanks for any advice here.

Ken

As you probably are aware, the engine in the M6 is very expensive to repair.

I would definitely have the car looked at by a mechanic familiar with the old M-cars, and have them do a cylinder compression and leakdown test.

The M6 is not as bad as the E28 M5, but it also has some m-specific trim and interior pieces that can be ridiculously expensive to source. M5 seats are like $4k each new.

Make sure the car is not running old metric rims and TRX or XWX tires.

Yup - 10K on an engine rebuild for sure. They are expensive.

217K is a high mileage car, but if it's been maintained, you shouldn't be able to notice.

Not sure what BrahtW8 meant about it not being as bad as the E28 M5, since they are essentially the same car, but anyway -

if it drives good, tranny is nice and tight, temp guage never gets about about 11:00, and the A/C works (rear A/C is a PITA to work on)

That is a hell of a deal - you could almost sell the engine for that much alone, esp W/ only 60K on a rebuild.

Thanks for the quick advice/feedback. I've got the VIN:

WBAEE1402H2560462

Any idea whether this is a real BMW "M" VIN? I'll try to run a CarFax this PM, unless someone wants to before me.

Ken

I ran the CarFax and it came up clean. A real M6 it is.

Ken

Im probobly going to go to the one in santa clara this week. Is the m6 at that one?

I just took a look at this M6 but didn't drive it. Let's just say I'm going to pass on this one. email me if you want the details.

Ken

Originally posted by jcsomerset
Not sure what BrahtW8 meant about it not being as bad as the E28 M5, since they are essentially the same car, but anyway -


I was speaking of the M5 seats and other M5-only trim pieces that are very expensive. I think the M6 does not have as many unique trim pieces, but the seats may be the primary difference.

Mechanically, the cars are very similar.

Ah - Yes - the M6 only has the steering weel and gear shift that are "M " specific (except of course the motor)

Seats are REcaro sports but no M striping on them.

I've seen a 6 interior that was PASTED all over W/ M logos. Wasn't too crazy about it.

THe model specific stuff for the 6ers can get a little more pricey, but still not too bad.

-I'd still love an E28 M5, however.

Yes, the E28 M5 is very desirable.

I hope to pick one up in a year or two, as a nice weather daily driver.

That would be car #3 (assuming the 325i sale is completed), so I don't know if I can justify it or put it ahead of other frivolous 'necessities' like a boat or an apartment in Europe.

there is an Absoultly MINT 1988 M6 on www.trader.ca ( canadian auto trader ) it has 64097km NOT MILES he is asking $41,700 Can. But from an inside source they will let it go for about $35,000. My buddy's brother in law works at the dealer and he checked it out... he told me even if i put $30,000 into my 6 - it will never look as good as this... ALL records from day 1. Oil Changes and everything. If you want more info let me know.

Its...Manual, 2 dr., 6 cyl. , Gas, Black exterior, Black interior, Fog Lights, Alloy Wheels, Sun Roof, Spoiler, Leather, Bucket Seats, Power Seats, Heated Seats, Heated Mirrors, Air Conditioning, AM-FM Stereo, Cassette, Compact Disc, Power Windows, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Cruise Control, Tilt Wheel, Driver Air Bag, Passenger Air Bag, Anti-Lock Brakes, Anti-Theft, CD changer, Turbo

http://www.trader.ca/BuddsBMW/Default.asp?Trader=1&CAT=1&mknm=688&Region=&adid=3384196&dContact=116666&VLot=/BuddsBMW&ADS=3384196%7C&SRVlot=1&SRslts=1&q1=%3D+1&c1=%40category&q3=688&c3=%40makeid&q4=17420&c4=%40modelcode&q5=&c5=%40adcopy&q6=&c6=%40year&q7=&c7=%40askprice&q14=&c14=%40subcategory&mknm=688&mdnm=M6&Region=&subcategory=&alpha=

You can also find well-kept M6's through the BMW CCA classifieds, www.bmwcca.org

There are a few with low miles for mid $20k, US dollars.

I saw those in the Roundel this last month, I drooled, and then smiled, cause my M6 has all records and I dind't pay nearly that much. (I've got 107K miles, however)

M6s seem to fall over a fairly wide range. The top end seems to be about $25k, but a few low mileage cars may go for more.

At the other end of the range, most M6s seem to fall between $12-18k. It is not uncommon for an M6 with 70-100k to sell for $12k.

I suspect the cars going for the lower range have more mechanical and cosmetic issues, but don't know for sure.

I hope these cars do not appreciate too much in the next few years, as I would like to get into a nice E28 M5 for $10k or so, with around 100k miles.

After I buy one, they are free to start appreciating in value. :stickoutt

you would think with the introduction of the new 6 series... our classics would go up in price... and maybe one day in the future see one of ours on Barrett Jackson! haha i wish. 50 years from now that 6 is worth a couple hundred thousand

I would be happy just to see the prices stablilize at their current levels, which is what they appear to have done over the past few years.

I don't think the new M6 will have a significant impact up or down. The cars are so far apart in price that it seems doubtful that it will have an impact.

If anything, it might decrease the value of the older M6, as some have speculated the new HSC/NSX will do for older NSX values.

I'm optimistic that the resale/collector value of All 6es will go up when they release the new 6er - esp cause the older ones are prettier..

I've actually noticed a slightly higher asking price for M6's lately, (I like to keep tabs on the market. :) )

Good Luck findingthat M5 - they only built like 1355 or so for the US market. (actually fewer than the american M6's if you can believe that)

Originally posted by jcsomerset
Good Luck findingthat M5 - they only built like 1355 or so for the US market.

No worries there. Actual US production numbers are around 1220 or so, with a debate raging as to the precise number. Around 1200 is what I stand by.

In any event, I have been admiring the M5 since before it existed and keep tabs on them every once and a while. There are at least 8 for sale in the US at any given time, and I know of several I could snap up as soon as they passed a thorough inspection.

I passed up a 72k mile, perfect condition M5 a little over a year ago. It was a great car, but I wanted something faster and more of a sports car, so I got the NSX.

My 325i is just about gone, and then I'll be down to two cars until I have to scratch that M itch.

My first BImmer was an e28 528, so I love the body styles. I saw an M5 W/ 170K on the clock for sale here in town a year or so ago, but I didn't jump on it - probably should have though - asking price was less than 9K.

After I sell the '84 633, I'll trick out the M6 a bit - make her a little faster.. Maybe even a match for the NSX. hehehehe..