My name is Bob and I am addicted to sharks.

I am new to this site and hope I am not overstepping any boundaries.

I recently sold my Porsche Shark, a 88 928s4 and am looking to replace it with a 87-89 M6 or 635csi, a different kind of shark!!!

My past BMW ownership expeience incudes a 94(?) 325, 03 530, 04 330ci and 06 Z4..so i know I like BMW's, just haven't been exposed much to the older ones.

I welcome any suggestions, referrals, etc.... about any really nice M6's/635's available, preferably in the southeast as I am located in the suburban Atlanta area.

Preferences: 100k(?) or less miles, black, grey, silver, bronze(?), 5speed (but will consider automatic). Close to stock, but I appreciate tasteful mods and a nice wheel set upgrade.

I am looking for a NICE one. I am willing to pay a very fair price.

Well you are in a pretty good area to get a nice one. look on roadfly.com, ebay, and craigslist. try and get one before SESF!!! Southeast Sharkfest is going to be in mid to late april, and sixers of every condition come out to enjoy company.

lets see, for a nice 635csi, your looking at aroun 5 to 8k for a nice one. for a really nice 635csi, 8 to 10k.

for a nice m6, 10k. really nice m6, ~15k
nice m635csi, 15k, really nice m635csi 20k

-Jeff

Why do they call a Porsche Shark?

Thanks for the information. The pricing ranges seem right on what I have stared to see on cars.com, autotrader, etc.... A few rare super low mileage examples as the exception.

I'll check roadfly as well.

I did SITM (sharks in the mountains) this year with the 928. I will aim for SESF in 08 with a 635/M635 hopefully.

CW6er: Not sure if you are pulling my leg...but I'll bite. The 928's have been referred to as sharks for a long time. They have Sharktoberfest, Sharks in the Mountains (SITM), etc... I think was referred to mostly because of the old body style back to the 79 models to 87, the leading edge of the hood/nose had the overhang like the 6 series does.

Im sorry man, but as youve been obsessed with the porshces, and im sure you still are, we are a different breed and we believe that there is only one shark, the E24. Im not gonna be mean about it, and im sure most wont, but we are thick headed sometimes and will be confused if you refer to another car as "shark". Just be forewarned haha. Glad to see another bmw enthusiast get hold of an E24. Like you said, your addicted, and there is nothing you can do about it now.

So welcome to the madness, it will never end. Enjoy the ride!!

-Jeff

i love the power in the 928. that's something you will lose with the CSi. but you gain a lot in styling.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/car/446050546.html

Bob:

Welcome!! You're in a great area for Sharks - a number of ATL folks in the fold.

Here's a car in your back yard that looks very nice:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/425855111.html

Grab this one and ship it!:
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/car/413337558.html

This one would require a few minor things (like non-chromed wheels and looks to be Bronzit, my least-favorite color) but you might be able to get it for a good price.
http://reno.craigslist.org/car/431953466.html

I agree w/ the Roadfly comment, too - many nice E24's get listed there. I'll post some additional thoughts later...

If you would like to email me off line, I may have a car you're interested in. It's not mine, but I'd like to own it and it is available. It is rock solid with tons of recent work done making it ready to own.

rsterbens@socal.rr.com

Thanks for the welcome guys.

Surfcity...email sent.

e24mpwr..thanks for the links. I agree about the bronzit one, and I am looking to avoid the shipping issue for now... I am going to look at the local red one tomorrow afternoon. Also found what appears to be a gorgeous 86 diamondschwarz and beige one in TN (very promising).

Anyone have comments regarding manual versus automatic as respects performance on the 635 cars?

Is there a good place/posting on this site, or on another site for performance specs for the 635csi and M6?

5Spoke, thanks also for the DC listing.

Here are a few good resources:

BigCoupe (http://www.bigcoupe.com) All kinds of stuff

BMW NU (http://www.bmwcoupe.nu/) (History and Specs)

BMW RU (http://www.e-24.ru/eng/) - all kinds of stuff on a slick (if a little hard to navigate) site in Russia

Unix Nerd's E24 page (http://www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/e24.html) - Don't ask...useful site though :)

Roadfly Forum (http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e24/) - Probably the deepest and most active E24 forum, and home of the best Classifieds for E24.

If you're considering an M6, I'd tell you not to unless you are specific on that for particular reasons (like I was). You can get a great 635 and slap awesome turbo power on it and live much more cheaply. If you are going M6, PM me and we'll talk about things to check out/consider.

Welcome to the madness! :D

Check this out first:

Here is a Buyers Guide / History of the Six Series with Performance Info (http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=48)

Performance wise, the ultimate find would be a Euro spec M635 (286 Hp), then a US M6 (256 Hp) followed by a Euro 635 (218 Hp). the the US '88/'89 (208 Hp) and then the 635 (186 Hp) The US versions can get 15/20 Hp with the addition of a chip.

Another way to go would be to find a 653 that is cosmetically good inside and out and then either turbo it , or put in a Metric Mechanic 3.7 Sport Engine (270HP - $6300)

Metric Mechanic Home (http://www.metricmechanic.com/index.html)

MM Engine Pricing (http://www.metricmechanic.com/prices/pricing-engines-and-heads.php)

MM Engine Specifications (http://www.metricmechanic.com/catalog/anatomy-of-2200-3200-3500.php)

If you're considering an M6, I'd tell you not to unless you are specific on that for particular reasons (like I was). You can get a great 635 and slap awesome turbo power on it and live much more cheaply. If you are going M6, PM me and we'll talk about things to check out/consider.

Welcome to the madness! :D
I agree. Having owned both, I can verify that an M car is both fulfilling and difficult to maintain. Especially without local resources. This forum and bigcoupe forum are outstanding in that I don't believe you will ever have a problem, someone will not be able to help with. M Sharks cars are great though.:) BTW it has been my experience when I was shopping for an M, that there was very little difference in the retail prices of M635s and M6s. M635s are preferred, due to the Euro tuning and headers, while the M6 came with Cats and the double row cam chains. To further complicate the picture there were some Euro cars that were built with Catalytic equipped motors.

Thanks guys...a lot to think about.

So far I have learned a few things, pretty minor though...I like the sport seats and 5 speed and these seem to be harder to find in the 88 and 89 models (most I have seen have automatics and regular seats) versus the 86/87 models (at least based on the ads I have looked at).

If I can't find a super nice M6, a 635 with a chip, improved exhaust and other performance enhancements with a 5 speed may be the way to go, without going whole hog with a turbo or new motor.

I am willing to pay a for a M6/M635, but I want it really nice, like a 9.5 to 10, and would prefer it to be mostly stock...I have not found any M6's that fit this available at this time on the usual car ad websites.

In the meantime I will continue to hunt, read, learn, and look.

Thanks guys...a lot to think about.

So far I have learned a few things, pretty minor though...I like the sport seats and 5 speed and these seem to be harder to find in the 88 and 89 models (most I have seen have automatics and regular seats) versus the 86/87 models (at least based on the ads I have looked at).

If I can't find a super nice M6, a 635 with a chip, improved exhaust and other performance enhancements with a 5 speed may be the way to go, without going whole hog with a turbo or new motor.

I am willing to pay a for a M6/M635, but I want it really nice, like a 9.5 to 10, and would prefer it to be mostly stock...I have not found any M6's that fit this available at this time on the usual car ad websites.

In the meantime I will continue to hunt, read, learn, and look.If you find a 9.5 or 10 low mileage M car, it will likely cost 25-30k. Better to find an 8 and fix the minor things. There is a BIG difference between a 10 and an 8. A 10 will be a collector car. But, the dream is to find a 10 with an owner that does not realize what it is worth.

We can always dream........................okay a 9 would work too, anyone with a M6 at $20k or so?

Patience. That is about all that can be said. 88 and 89 only saw a few 5spd cars imported besides the M series. I think around 60 5spds in 89 and less than 200 in 88 but they are easily converted. SESF (Southeast Shark Fest) should be in mid April and will be a great opportunity to see a nice collection of cars with various options and accessories. It took me many years to find the car I really wanted but it paid off in the end. Good luck with the search and don't be afraid to travel to find the right one. Ebay is also a good place to see what is available.

Is anyone or has anyone been to the Eurofest event in Greenville

Sorry, slipped on the keyboard and did not finish my question.

Is anyone attending the Eurofest event in Greenville SC this coming weekend?
I may go over to look around, I would think there should be a good turnout of Bimmers since the event is sponsored by BMW. Anyone been there to the ones in years past?

hi bob,
my name is frankie, i've been kickin the idea around on selling my 1987 bmw m6,,,,w/ 84,000 miles on it. i really want to buy a new bmw r1200gs adventure motorcycle. the car is cinibar red w / white lotus interior. it has never had any performance upgrades done.the car is gorgeous......

I sent you a PM...

if anyone needs the mechanicsburg car checked out let me know. Im the closest being in central pa.

-Jeff

Sorry, slipped on the keyboard and did not finish my question.

Is anyone attending the Eurofest event in Greenville SC this coming weekend?
I may go over to look around, I would think there should be a good turnout of Bimmers since the event is sponsored by BMW. Anyone been there to the ones in years past?

Bob - I've heard it is a pretty good event. My pal Anita should be down there with her E34 Alpina B10 BiTurbo.

Unfortunately, the event is the same day as the ECU/NCSU football game, which I'm going to with my buddy who is flying up from FLA.

An event like that is never a waste - I think they are even raffling off a restored E24.

hello
in reference to the raffel in south carolina, i was down there two weeks ago at the "bmw performance center" for bmw motorcycle training and a dual sport ride up to maggie valley north carolina.
i got to see the car, a nice 1980 633cs. it has all new body panels, the interior has been gone over, the drive train has been gone over and tuned up...i had an extra 100.00 ,, so i took a shot
after are riders meeting on friday night, we got a test drive,,,more like a test beating.. in a new m5 ,,although we didnt get to drive,,,,,it was still a blast.
a few miles down the road is the "bmw zentrum museum",,which was way cool,,and even cooler when i saw a m6 on the floor...i was like i have one too....

,,,frankie

hello bob,
i sent you a pic of the m6. please let me know if you got it...im not the best with computers..
,,,frankie

Frankie...email sent earlier today...interested? Pictures.

I have to say I really appreciate the level of response I have gotten from the "sixer" or Shark guys. This has been very helpful. I have a few cars that I am very interested in and a few more I'm hoping to get more information on.

How do you decide between a 635 and a M if the price difference isn't the issue? Performance is important but I have driven an 88 635 auto and it ran well, it would have been better if it had been a 5 speed.

I plan on driving the car more regularly, 4000 to 6000 miles a year. Does that make a difference?

Is maintenance a major issue between the 635 and the M. I have a very good shop that specializes in BMW's and Porsches, so I have confidence they can handle what I won't do.

Maintenance is a big difference between the M and 635. You are going to pay a lot more for big maintenance items on specifically the S38 motor in the M. If it hasnt had its chain tensioners and rails done, then you are looking about $3k (i think??..Lee??). It has a lot more moving parts than the M30, so more can go wrong and needs to be watched.

But either car can handle 4 to 6k miles a year, no sweat. That shouldnt make a difference in deciding between an M or 635.

Either way, look for good maintenance records, preferably big ticket items done in the recent past by good shops or competent owners (like myself and everyone on this board!!).

Also, if you like a car in an area too far for travel, post up somewhere seeing if there is someone on the board that can go look at it for you and poke and prod. Id be happy to go look at the car in mechanicsburg, pa if youd like. There are many people all over that would be willing to help out another shark addict, esp to get a good car into good hands.

-Jeff

the key difference between the a 635 and a m6,,,is performance. the m6 engine came from the m1 super car back around 1980. the suspension is diferent,,the m6 sets lower and is stiffer. the front air dam is different, and the rear spoiler in standard. the intereior is more like a bmw L6, more leather and a refrigerator between the rear seats...
as for costs, maintanance ,,there would really be no diference,,,,unless you would have to repalce or rebuild the engine....

,,,you are more than welcome to come and see my m6....i appreciate bmw's,,,although my first love is motorcycles...i have a 2003 bmw f650gs dakar..for that reason im considering selling my m6....for a bmw r1200gs adventure, so my girlfriend can go with me on trips...

,,,frankie

"""""""""""""""there is a link at the bottom of this page,,it is a pic of my garage at home"""""""

i love the beemers. my co-worker has a k1200 (2007 i believe), he sold his former k series bike to get it. Wanted a little more power, and he got it! I love the F650gs, that would be my dream BMW bike. My girlfriends professor has a 60's R90 with a side-car, totally all original and perfect. Also has some kind of vintage police BMW bike.

Impressive set-up there in the garage. A little too clean though! haha, just kidding. Looks great. Hopefully Bob will want me to go check out the car, looks immaculate from that photo! Great work, and enjoy the bikes!

-Jeff

thanks for the compliment,,ive always wanted a showroom, the side of the garage is carpeted w a couch and coffe table..im still not done,,i got some more plans,,,,along w some polished stainless steel bling..yaaa i dont let it get dirty,,no wrenches allowed.....
someday i would like to do a full retoration on a bmw motorcycle from the 50's....there cool..

,,frankie


""link at the bottom""

Beautiful car and the garage is nuts man...very nice set up. Email sent.

Jeff..thanks for the offer. Sounds like you may go for a visit even if I didn't pursue it....

i may have to now that there is a couch in there!!!

-Jeff

Frankie...email sent earlier today...interested? Pictures.

I have to say I really appreciate the level of response I have gotten from the "sixer" or Shark guys. This has been very helpful. I have a few cars that I am very interested in and a few more I'm hoping to get more information on.

How do you decide between a 635 and a M if the price difference isn't the issue? Performance is important but I have driven an 88 635 auto and it ran well, it would have been better if it had been a 5 speed.

I plan on driving the car more regularly, 4000 to 6000 miles a year. Does that make a difference?

Is maintenance a major issue between the 635 and the M. I have a very good shop that specializes in BMW's and Porsches, so I have confidence they can handle what I won't do.

Bob - you've entered a community that is pretty tight - the E24 crew is truly like nothing I've seen in the car world. While every group has some "special" folks, I can say that overall the E24 crowd is as tight and fun as any I've ever seen. It has made me an enthusiast from just someone interested. You'll also like the Roadfly and BigCoupe board. All three boards have a different personality and different strengths (for example, BigCoupe is by far the most international, literally with folks all over the world). The grand fun is that it isn't about the absolute nicest cars, either. One of my favorite cars ever is one rescued from a field, cleared of the mud daubers who'd nested there and made roadworthy again by a father and son. Not a concours winner, but a great car with a great story supported by a great family.

If you really want to get a sense of it, plan to take a few days off and come to SouthEast SharkFest (http://www.bmwsharkfest.org). The location and date for this Spring will be announced shortly, and I'd recommend arriving Thursday. I'm confident you'll find it worth your time. It will less than five hours from where you live.

As for the M6 vs. 635, all things are relative. For an M6, if you have in mind the upfront costs (a nice M6 will start around $15K and go up to $30K for the nicest ones - I wouldn't part with mine for anything less than the top end of that range)and the maintenance (M6's are more maint. intensive, parts are more, tensioner/rails @ $2K+, etc.), and you're still thinking in that direction, then you are probably OK. I use my M6 for 7K miles or so a year, and while it hasn't been cheap (I'll buy you a beer sometime and tell the stories), I sort of knew it going in and I've done it all out of love.

If the exclusivity of an M6 isn't important (there were less than 6K made, and 1767 were the US/Canada models, plus the Euros like mine imported gray market), then you can do great with a 635, especially in a stick.

Probably the ultimate combination of looks, performance and exclusivity would be a '83+ Euro 635 with a TCD turbo kit and the brakes and suspension upgrades that would make it controllable fun. That car would be a little less hungry for your wallet over time than an M6 (unless you get cute with the boost, which is tempting...:evil2).

A "regular" 635 is a kick, too, especially with a stick A euro 635 is several hundred pounds lighter than a US one BTW, and has the pretty bumpers (see my sig).

By the way, some of my favorite Shark folks live in the Atlanta area.

I'm rambling - must stop.

If you have any other questions, post or PM. If you want, PM me and I'll give you my phone #, too.

You'll love the E24 when you get one!

e24mpwr...thanks for the additional information. (Is there a name other than e24mpwr)? I love your ride...really nice, great bumpers, wheels, color, etc... and it sounds like it is real performer too.

I have to admit that the "M" sounds like it may be gettting into the maintenance and potential repair expense area that my 928 was, which I am trying to avoid. Maybe a conversation on this would be in order.

I want a car that is really nice (I am always willing to do a little extra to improve it), but don't want to spend $10k on a 635 and have to spend another $5 to $7k to get it really nice...I would rather buy a nice one to begin with. I plan on driving it and maybe showing it at events, I want something to be proud of.

If I were looking for a regular 635, or a euro version (that would be great), with a stick, sport seats, and a few other enhancements, it sounds like it would be a much lower expense for both purchasing and maintenance issues?

Absolutely. For $10k, you would get a very nice euro 635csi. Thats with either all stock condition, or tastefully modified. For $10k you could also get a very nice 88 or 89 u.s. market 635csi, with a 5spd. Both types arent hard to find, just takes time. I would think it would be as easy to find either though. I would personally go for the euro if i were you.

Someday ill be able to pick up a nice E24 that doesnt "need" anything. But that wasnt what i wanted to do with the first one. I wanted to fix everything myself, so i know how, and then i can really call this one my own. But sometimes i wish i could have another one that was perfect in its own way, that has been that way for its entire life.

-Jeff

e24mpwr...thanks for the additional information. (Is there a name other than e24mpwr)? I love your ride...really nice, great bumpers, wheels, color, etc... and it sounds like it is real performer too.

I have to admit that the "M" sounds like it may be gettting into the maintenance and potential repair expense area that my 928 was, which I am trying to avoid. Maybe a conversation on this would be in order.

I want a car that is really nice (I am always willing to do a little extra to improve it), but don't want to spend $10k on a 635 and have to spend another $5 to $7k to get it really nice...I would rather buy a nice one to begin with. I plan on driving it and maybe showing it at events, I want something to be proud of.

If I were looking for a regular 635, or a euro version (that would be great), with a stick, sport seats, and a few other enhancements, it sounds like it would be a much lower expense for both purchasing and maintenance issues?

Apologies - my name is Lee - I forget to sign these things! (and as long as these posts have been, I should at least sign them, right? :))

You've pretty much got it. You can get a very nice 635 (US or Euro) around $10K+. They are hard to find though, and harder every year it seems like. From there, all the rest can be fun investment.

On the performance side, it was everything I could do to keep up with Scott Andrews when I was in the Bay Area and was loaned a fairly tricked out Dinan M6 for a little jaunt through the forest and down the coast. Scott was motoring comfortably along in his early Euro. My point is that the "regular" cars can be driven very fast if the driver knows what he's doing (let's not dwell on what that says for my driving - I felt very lucky to get such a nice car to play with :D).

PM me an e-mail and I'll send you my number. Cheers!

I'm older now, and prefer to have the car closer to being done already...except for a few personal preference touchs that I always add to my cars...I have a bad habit of making each car I own nicer or better to the benefit of the buyer when I ultimately get rid of it. I tell my wife it is the cost of a hobby........

Any Euro 635's out there? Around 100k miles or less, 85 or later, 5 speed and sport seats, excellent condition?

I have the same problem of sinking $$$ in order to improve. I couldn't get my money back on this 6. But it drives well and most importantly, always gets me back home.

#1 thing to look for is rust. I do plan on owning at least 1 more 6 that is rust free. I know what to look for now that i've been through this one. It's not eaten up, but it has a couple places.

As Lee said, the e24 crowd is a great bunch and you're not judged by how pristine your 6 is, all are welcome.

I have a 635 that I am thinking of selling. I have had it for about 8 years and have hardly used it any and need to make room in the shop. It is a very clean example that is all original and would also make a nice driver. If you are interested let me know as I am only a few miles away in Cumming.

Todd

How about selling me the Alpina...????? If it is one I have seen other photos of, I like it....

How about selling me the Alpina...????? If it is one I have seen other photos of, I like it....

Everything has a price; but don't expect the price to reflect market value. ;)

The 635 is actually a cleaner car and with just a small fraction of the time that was spent on the Alpina detailing it, it would be stunning. I hate to say it has been neglected but it has not been cleaned with Q-tips and white rags in preparation for use in shows. It has been garaged and maintained but was used for transportation.

A few pics of my 635. Not the best as it has not been cleaned in many months and the pics were done is morning in the warehouse.

I'd like to know what you think of something being NOT clean?! Great looking car!

I'd like to know what you think of something being NOT clean?! Great looking car!

Thanks for the compliment. It is by no means dirty but it is dusty and could stand to be polished. Windows need to be washed and the interior could stand to be wiped clean. I put very few miles on it any more and it gets dirty from just sitting inside. I need to take it outside and get some pics with the other cars.

I still want to replace the wheels. As much as I love the Alpina's, they just don't seem right on this car. The older style open lug looked better in my opinion but I think the style 5 would look the best. Something I may do if I decide to keep this one.

alpina, is the 635 bronzit??

alpina, is the 635 bronzit??

Yes, bronzit with pearl beige interior and nutria dash and upper trim.

Looks good for just sitting around. Email sent.

Yes, bronzit with pearl beige interior and nutria dash and upper trim.


hmm...i think thats identical to mine. except i got the euro body

Well, just an update on the shark hunt.....

I have looked at 5 sharks now, all 635's, plus 1 M6 (today), which was very nice but not equal to the hefty price tag (too many little things needing to be fixed, but the general mechanicals seemed up to snuff, proper udates, etc...).

Now on to a road trip to Eurofest in SC (hoping to see some others to compare what I have looked at so far), and to Tennessee to see a very nice 86 635, low mileage and which has my favorite color combo, diamondschwarz and beige/ tan.
Heres to happy hunting :D (hey look I get smilies and PM's now):alright

Thanks to everyone on the board for the referrals, and to Alpinacsi for the tour around his shop, his Alpina and his nice original 635.