Hello Everyone,

I am in the market to get an E24. I absolutely love the E24 model and think it's stunning. Probably the only BMW with the most character I've ever seen. So, I am looking to get one. I've read a lot about them, the numerous models and their differences.

So, I came here to ask for some advice on picking one out based your experiences owning one.

First off, I don't need the power of an M6. Sure, that would be great, but it's not necessary. It would probably be my daily driver and would mostly consist of highway driving. So, I'm trying to find the model that would best suit my driving habits that has comfort and a fair amount of speed.

I am selling my 92 525i Touring due to never ending transmission issues and am going to convert to the E24. Could someone vouch for the maintenance and repair expense you've encountered while owning an E24. It can't be as bad as my previous experience as long as I fine one pretty decent shape. But, I've also heard plenty about the E24. I think the E24 will be worth the effort.

So, what do you fellas recommend?! Thanks in advance for all your help.:)

From my personal experience, having only owned an E24 for a year and a half, it is a waaaay better highway crusier than my E30, at least from a driver comfort standpoint. Low noise, it'll get up out of the way when you need it, but it's not as great on gas as my E30 was. I've only encountered one stranding situation where the throttle cable broke when I was half a mile from my house. No grief aside from that.

I drive it around town in Knoxville, maybe 10-15 miles a week, and stretch it out once every 6-8 weeks going back home in Nashville. I think it's 325ish miles round trip. It's completely reliable, beautiful lines, handles well.

I will never regret the purchase, and I don't think I'll ever sell.

I've heard that maintainence on an M6 can be a pain, but owners here will vouch soon.
Alex

I've spent about $800 on hoses and other small replacement items lately and most of those are not M specific. Plus a further $1000 for the M timing components that 12 valve engines don't usually need replaced. Most of the fear of M engines is just old wives tales but you should be willing to spend the money to take care of this rare car if you do get one. When I was looking for one, I said the same thing. I was looking for a 635 thinking I didn't need the extra responsibility of the M, but I couldn't resist the deal I got and I LOVE it. It is more than you need though, its more than anyone needs.

Thanks for the responses thus far! Quite helpful. Ya know, I wouldn't mind an M at all. I think it's just a matter like you said, Layne, if I find a deal I can't pass up.

This weekend I am visiting this guy who owns 9 e24s (used to own 14). Hopefully one of them is a diamond in the rough. I've seen some pictures and there are a few beauties in his collection. I shall take pics and post my finds and probably ask for your opinions. I've got a budget of about $5000, so hopefully I'll land something fairly decent.

Keep comments coming!

Here is a good article on the differences and changes made to the e24 over the years:

http://www.europeancarweb.com/tech/0401ec_bmw_e24_6_series/index.html

If comfort is what you want, and you will be driving the car most on highways, I would said a 88-89, better looking car than the US 87 or earlier because of the bumpers and it have 208HP. One thing you should check on this years is the self leveling rear suspension.

Hello Everyone,

I am in the market to get an E24. I absolutely love the E24 model and think it's stunning. Probably the only BMW with the most character I've ever seen. So, I am looking to get one. I've read a lot about them, the numerous models and their differences.

So, I came here to ask for some advice on picking one out based your experiences owning one.

First off, I don't need the power of an M6. Sure, that would be great, but it's not necessary. It would probably be my daily driver and would mostly consist of highway driving. So, I'm trying to find the model that would best suit my driving habits that has comfort and a fair amount of speed.

I am selling my 92 525i Touring due to never ending transmission issues and am going to convert to the E24. Could someone vouch for the maintenance and repair expense you've encountered while owning an E24. It can't be as bad as my previous experience as long as I fine one pretty decent shape. But, I've also heard plenty about the E24. I think the E24 will be worth the effort.

So, what do you fellas recommend?! Thanks in advance for all your help.:) Matt, The best advice is to find the best car you can afford. I personally like the 635CSi just because I love the M30 engine. It, in my opinion, is one of the better engines BMW ever built and will give great service as long as correctly maintained. The things that make E24's expensive to keep up are the glass, plastic, rubber, molding, trim and interior pieces which can be very expensive to replace. The engines, transmissions, suspensions, and bodies are pretty straightforward. The M88 and S38 engines (in the M cars) are great but require a bit more maintenance and are costly to re-build. The market for these cars isn't great as many need the items I touched on above. Really good ones are relatively hard to find and vary widely in price. I have a 74k 635CSi that I am going to be putting up for sale eventually. Is close to showroom and won't be cheap but in extraordinary condition and meticulously maintained.

Any of the E24 6-series cars are a terrific bargain. I would recommend a 635CSi from '85 onward, with a 5-speed. Find one that has received good preventive maintenance. It is always best to buy directly from an owner, if possible. I would also get an opinion from an experienced BMW mechanic.

My unbiased opinion is that any decent e24 will be a good buy. A clean example is a joy to behold from any angle. Avoid rust and as mentioned above try to find a car with everything working and nothing missing. Maintenance records usually means that the car was loved and treated well in the past.

The large US (diving board) bumpers serve their purpose well. Our son hit a deer at 50 mph in his '87 and the car suffered very little damage.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/jmenacker/87-635/019108-87-635-ds.jpg

There is a slight 4" diameter depression (hip check?) on top of the nose that is not readily seen. Other than that the car came out unscathed -- unlike the deer.

Good luck in your search. You should be able to find a nice one in your price range.

Joe M in WV

Excellent. You guys have helped me out a lot! Once I find the perfect one for me, I shall post pictures.

Thanks again.

I have another question...
What do you guys think of the 633 model and E24 in the years 83-85??

Easier to work on, but less power and refinement of the later 635's.

For me, I'd want a 5-speed that was either an '88/'89 US 635 or a Euro 635, no rust and as few miles as possible.