<6er> Pondering purchase 85 635CSi (longish)

["Gary Allgood" <leyte@xxxxxxx>]

A lurker coming to life here... Looking to become a first time BWM Owner.

I am in the early stages of which one do I want. I am looking at 635's and 
94-95 530/540I series (I am aware of the engine issues). Sure they are not 
real similar, but my quest is a nice daily driver for when my Triumph and 
Harley are not best suited for the day ahead.

I found a 85 635CSI. CarFax verified one owner, 148,979 miles. The car has 
a nice outside appearance. Light brown with a light brown or off white 
leather interior. There appears to be some rust starting on the rocker 
panels where a silver dollar size opening shows in the front of the rear 
wheel wells. Laying under the the edge of the car you can look up and see 
the layers of metal with a good start of rust on it. If I decide to go 
further with it, I will be lifting it up and doing a complete inspection on 
it. There is evidence of red primer on the inside rear wheel wells, and 
lower rear rocker repair. Most likely some bondo....? I may find the car 
has been repainted, but at this point believe if any paint has been put 
down it was the lower half at most.

Drivers seat is torn pretty bad, along both lower seams front and back and 
across the lower panel from left to right center of cushion. I am curious 
to see what repairs and replacements the list has had success with. The 
rest of the interior is in need of cleaning and conditioning.

The dash pad has three cracks in it, and the rear deck speaker covers (?) 
appear to be a bit warped from heat or removed by someone and not replaced, 
but are in place. The interior does not smell musty at all. Whats this 
Sport Steering wheel thing? It has the little color banner in the lower 
center steering wheel spoke.

As far as I could tell the motor mounts are new, they are about 1+ inch 
think and very deep black. Exhaust appears to have had some replacement 
parts but again I need to lift it to make sure. From what I could tell 
whilst crawling around on the ground is the bushings are pretty much 
original, at least I got a good look at the rear bushings and they are 
getting a bit tired looking. Again I will check these out closer later.

The stock wheels appear to be in good shape, tires are about 60% remaining.

I have not started the car, only spent a few hours over three days crawling 
around many many hours searching the net for info on this model. I will get 
more in depth this weekend if I decide the vehicle is worth pursuing, and 
looking for your comments to assist.

I am competent mechanically, being from a family of have-to-be mechanics 
and one brother who wrenched for 28 years. Having completed a few resto's 
with minor assistance, and one with no assistance.

Any idea what a 635 with the above mentioned description and in running 
condition would be worth?

I would welcome on or off list comments on this make of vehicle.

Thanks,

Gary



Gary Allgood
1962 Triumph TR4
1982 Harley Davidson FLHT 

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