I am not new to BMW's having owned four and every one has been impressive, each model had it's own weak points though. I am currently considering a 88' 635 csi manual with 108,000 miles with records. Anyone have any tips on what to look for on this age and mileage. Lastly what if any changes were made to the 88'-89' models if any will I find to the earlier models in options and horsepower.

the 88-89 model 6ers had the updated M30 engine - 206 HP and maybe 213 torque - something like that - as opposed to 182HP on the earlier models -

Basically bigger valves; slightly different CR I think - Can't remember right now..

This I do remember - for 88 and 89 the sticks were almost non-existant. there were 185 sticks imported into the american market for 88 and 110 for 89 - assuming this is a factory stick - you're looking at a rare critter.

The rear A/C can be hell to fix if not working - but it's really cool (no pun intended) once it is.

Check for Rust in the usual spots.

www.bigcoupe.com

www.roadfly.org (the E24 board)

PIck a sharkfest - (the one nearest you) and go to it...

the southeast Version is the one I attend.....

Get a pair of M6 seats for the front and you will be a happy camper. You will LOVE the car. Once you buy it, you will find yourself playing with it for hours. Climbing in and out of the rear seat, etc.
Enjoy!

I drove it and was rather unimpressed. I suspect the lines have not aged, but the car has aged more than I had suspected when I drove one in 1992. This example was in desperate need of shocks and had the trx tires which really affected the handling. The motor did not seem very rev happy, I don't know if that is the mice nest under the hood or just needing a tune-up. Lastly, the interior needed some attention being light gray and not receiving consistent upkeep. My expectations maybe a little too high for a car of this vintage or is this uncharacteristic of these cars.

Well, I think you have to decide exactly what you expect the car to be. Remember that these are not sports cars in the classic sense; they'd be more accurately described as GT cars, built for high-speed touring as it were. Yeah, replacing the shocks will make a big difference, especially if you go to something like a Bilstein HD. And the TRX tires should be the first thing to go; you'll find you can replace the tires and wheels with standard 15s or 16s for less than a new set of TRX tires alone. As for the revs, I'm not quite sure as mine's an auto... although the power seems to really come on above 3k for me. Just remember that the newest of these cars is 15 years old, and that they all require a bit of love either to get them into shape or to keep them that way.

Anyway, when everything's in order (and I've just about gotten mine to that stage), there's nothing better for a long trip down winding roads...

Oh, and as far as what to expect as far as mileage is concerned, it's tough to say. I've seen fairly low-mileage cars in sorry shape, and I bought mine in excellent condition in and out with 182k on the clock! I probably would have moved on if my car hadn't come with a ton of records from new, so if that sort of thing is important to you, ask for them. It's all about your comfort level.

That said, so far I've replaced the exhaust, the driveshaft, the lower control arms, the tie rods and the wheels and tires. I'm waiting to see what goes next...

I drove it and was rather unimpressed. I suspect the lines have not aged, but the car has aged more than I had suspected when I drove one in 1992. This example was in desperate need of shocks and had the trx tires which really affected the handling. The motor did not seem very rev happy, I don't know if that is the mice nest under the hood or just needing a tune-up. Lastly, the interior needed some attention being light gray and not receiving consistent upkeep. My expectations maybe a little too high for a car of this vintage or is this uncharacteristic of these cars.

Sounds like you drove one in need of a few things - shocks/struts just being 1 of them.

cars that are well maintained while not drag strip cars will really shine once you get them out on the interstate - they were designed as GT cars - high speed cruisers for long periods of time and at this - in stock form and good shape- they really excel..

the TRX's make lots of road noise and understeer something horrible.. replacing those alone will make you feel like you've got a whole new car.

interiors will age - but can be maintained..

the not terribly rev happy comment worries me - in neutral - the engine should spin freely up to redline. just like you're accustomed to -

it not wanting to points to myriad of problems - could be clogged cat; bad AFM; clogged injectors; etc.etc.

sounds like you may want to either pass or get it checked out and talk the seller into reality if you want a restoration project.

you can spend easily more than the cost of a well maintained one restoring one that's been abused or left to deteriorate.

I don't have a 88-89 but do have a 5 speed 87... here are the details!

BMW 635csi 5-speed in good shape just needs a few things to be perfect done. Already spent over $1500 recently and had a completely near shifter and linkage bushings, New Brake master cylinder, NEW clutch master and slave cylinders, New Clutch Line, New Sachs OEM complete Clutch Kit, New Fulcrum Arm, New Redline fluid in Manual transmission and differential, New Mobil 1 10w-40 in Engine, All other fluids flushed and filled, 17x8 (2 piece) 5 star rims with Michelin Pilot ZR raterd 245/45zr/17 tires around (Low on tread), but also stock rims off e34 535i (updated bottlecap style) with good tires also included. Now for the bad points...
Needs a Brake Booster which I just do not have the money for, rear catback muffler setup (i can have a complete setup put on for just over $300 custom made), and has the typical SI board issues, except the speedometer and odometer and gas gauge work fine. The tach, Coolant temperature, and instant gas milage gauge all decide to work once in a while. All lights function perfectly and so will the cruise control once the new wand gets here. Great car for someone who has just a little bit more money to make a stellar 6er. Call eme with any questions anytime at 859-224-9551 which is my home and work number, or email me at TheEdgeproductions@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Jared Seymour
3449 Lannette Lane
Lexington, KY 40503
Phone: 859-224-9551 (Call Anytime I have crazy hours!)
Email: ConcreteJunglePerformance@yahoo.com
Email2: TheEdgeProductions@yahoo.com
Yahoo Messenger: TheEdgeProductions
MSN Messenger: Iconoclast_Prod@hotmail.com
America Online & AIM: DJThrilla

I don't have a 88-89 but do have a 5 speed 87... here are the details!

BMW 635csi 5-speed in good shape just needs a few things to be perfect done. Already spent over $1500 recently and had a completely near shifter and linkage bushings, New Brake master cylinder, NEW clutch master and slave cylinders, New Clutch Line, New Sachs OEM complete Clutch Kit, New Fulcrum Arm, New Redline fluid in Manual transmission and differential, New Mobil 1 10w-40 in Engine, All other fluids flushed and filled, 17x8 (2 piece) 5 star rims with Michelin Pilot ZR raterd 245/45zr/17 tires around (Low on tread), but also stock rims off e34 535i (updated bottlecap style) with good tires also included. Now for the bad points...
Needs a Brake Booster which I just do not have the money for, rear catback muffler setup (i can have a complete setup put on for just over $300 custom made), and has the typical SI board issues, except the speedometer and odometer and gas gauge work fine. The tach, Coolant temperature, and instant gas milage gauge all decide to work once in a while. All lights function perfectly and so will the cruise control once the new wand gets here. Great car for someone who has just a little bit more money to make a stellar 6er. Call eme with any questions anytime at 859-224-9551 which is my home and work number, or email me at TheEdgeproductions@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Jared Seymour
3449 Lannette Lane
Lexington, KY 40503
Phone: 859-224-9551 (Call Anytime I have crazy hours!)
Email: ConcreteJunglePerformance@yahoo.com
Email2: TheEdgeProductions@yahoo.com
Yahoo Messenger: TheEdgeProductions
MSN Messenger: Iconoclast_Prod@hotmail.com
America Online & AIM: DJThrilla


Still selling the BMW afterall! The 635csi is just not my favorite BMW and I am also in financial problems so it must go soon!

call me

Jared Seymour
859-224-9551

Well, I think you have to decide exactly what you expect the car to be. Remember that these are not sports cars in the classic sense; they'd be more accurately described as GT cars, built for high-speed touring as it were. Yeah, replacing the shocks will make a big difference, especially if you go to something like a Bilstein HD. And the TRX tires should be the first thing to go; you'll find you can replace the tires and wheels with standard 15s or 16s for less than a new set of TRX tires alone. As for the revs, I'm not quite sure as mine's an auto... although the power seems to really come on above 3k for me. Just remember that the newest of these cars is 15 years old, and that they all require a bit of love either to get them into shape or to keep them that way.

Anyway, when everything's in order (and I've just about gotten mine to that stage), there's nothing better for a long trip down winding roads...

Very true words... nixtfy lisn to this guy!

The beauty of the six series lines will always be there. I understand the six series being a GT cruiser will drive much differently than my current cars 86' 325es and 97'm3. I have just changed my mind on when will I really drive a Gt cruiser, on road trips I would always take the four door m3 because of more storage for the fiance and dogs. My fiance kind of put me back on track and said buy a race car e30 m3 or a e30 convertible.
I really appreciate everyone's help

Mine is manual. It starts to smile over 3000 rpm, gets horny at 4000 rpm, and has itself an orgasm between 5000 and 6000 rpm. Got to do alot of work on mine and is already underway. These old big 6's are bloody expensive to maintain but is worth it. I am so calm in my reliable old 85' 520i but turn into a damn hoon in the 635csi. The engine note and exhaust sound sings rev me baby! Why they ever bothered making these with automatic transmissions I'll never know :)
M3=very nice... M6=Group A race car with lines that will never be seen again.
But I do love other cars like the awesome classic Audi Quattro!