I am looking at a 1982 model at a local classic car dealer. This is the description from the dealer website:

This impressive BMW 635 CSI coupe has 34,434 actual miles on its original 3.5 6-cylinder motor and original Getrag 5-speed transmission. It has factory leather Recaro seats, power windows, factory Blaupunkt stereo, original paint finish, original alloy wheels and near new Michelin TRX VR rated tires. This car was built to European specifications, and was imported into the United States in 1984. It has been well maintained, is very straight and runs and drives extremely well.

I have seen the car in person but not started or driven it yet. Inside and out, visually, it is nearly perfect. Outside is a 9.5 out of 10, inside is an 9.0 out of 10. Before I go any further, though, I'd like to know the facts. They are asking $10,900. Based on NADA's classic car site, max retail is only about $8400, but I also know that classics sometimes fall outside those parameters. I really like the looks of the car but not enough to massively overpay for it. I'm no BMW expert either.

So if any of you care to weigh in with some advice. . .please do so. Assuming the car runs as nice as it looks, what is a fair price estimate? Also, I currently have a C4 Corvette, which I just sold. How will the BMW driving experience compare? (I was just doing some research and I see it is an E28 based version if that affects the value.)

If the car is a Eruro, and as nice as you say, it would be worth $10K for me. NADA can't really show value for these cars. That is high for a 635, but the really nice ones get up there. I'd certainly take a swipe at a lower offer - there won't be a huge number of buyers unless he's advertising it widely.

Think the '82 is an M30 (pretty much the most reliable BMW motor ever) but if you have the M90, then you're REALLY cooking with gas. Either way, you're in good shape.

The E24 is more of an autobahn cruiser, so you'll find it very different than a Vette, but I know what I'd want to take to a nice curvy set of roads...

go to BigCoupe (www.bigcoupe.com) - it will be your friend.

The '82 euro motor with 5 speed OD is a very nice combination of performance and economy (218 Hp and better than 25 MPG). If the car is truly rust free and has a clean bill of mechanical health, the price sounds about right. Definitely worth taking a good look and a spirited drive.

Here's a few things to check:
Norm Grills 6er check list (http://normgrills.net/bcg/Fundamentals_FAQ.html#anchor2383905)

Joe M in WV

Sounds like a great car. The dealer is going with the very low miles (I'd confirm this) and all "original" to position it as a future all original concours d'élégance car and ask the max. But be aware that the "original alloy wheels and near new Michelin TRX VR rated tires" is a big minus for a daily driver because standard tires won't fit. These rims are 390mm (15 3/8") and only Michelin (through Coker tires) now makes a tire that fits, at over $350 a tire! Plus, although the TRX's are still among the most responsive tires, they are made with outdated '80's rubber compounds. (The 415mm size has been updated with new compounds for the Ferraris and the like). If you are going to drive the car you will soon need a set of rims and tires, so factor that in to what you offer.

Compare with some other cars for sale. Does the one you are looking at look better then this? (this one has high miles):
http://www.geocities.com/oedipusrecs/635.html

Here is the original discussion about the car:
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4505&highlight=

The car I'm looking at is pretty nice - pretty much showroom condition. I do not know how well it is documented though, but I'm beginning to think the price is pretty good, though I would certainly offer less. I had a deal to complete the sale of my Corvette tonight and the buyer backed out last minute because he couldn't raise the cash. So now I'm back to selling the Vette before I can make an offer on this car. I was set to start looking closer and maybe working a deal tomorrow.

So I wonder how close to his asking price that guy sold the car for.

So I wonder how close to his asking price that guy sold the car for.

As of this morning it hasn't sold yet. (see the second link)

Based on that I would say that rust bubble is a lot bigger underneath and his price is going to end up being too high.