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

["Al Floer" <cybercord@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

To All,

I too am loking and investigating a used 635.  There is a wide range of
quality cars.  Milage is just one aspect of the formula.  My present mech,
that does my other BMW's and is a BMWCCA member/racer says that the milage
is an indicator of use.  Low milage , little use.  High milage , constant
use and possible upkeep.  I've been looking at low milage cars , <100k, but
with the idea that some suspension and and tranny work will be required in
the near future.  Many older cars that are >130k may have had all of this
work completed.  So if you buy a low milage car at a high price, still be
prepared to spend some money.

My research IMHO, is to buy a good cosmetic car, inside and out, with a a
track record of being driven.  The motor, if kept up should be the least of
my future worries.  I have talked to owners of cars with less than 80k miles
and found out that the car sat for several years.  This is neglect and
equals more money to repair.

Good luck to those in their search.

Al
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Mathews" <bimrone@domain.elided>
To: <bmw@domain.elided>
Sent: Monday, March 10, 2003 10:12 AM
Subject: Re: <6er> Pondering purchase 85 635CSi (longish)


> If I was you Gary, I would walk right pass that one and do not bother to
give it a second look. It is probably worth about $1,500-2,000 plus a gross
of aspirin.
>
> With that many miles, you are talking about replacing most of the
suspension components and shocks ($500-2000), complete brake replacement
($400-1000), air conditioning conversion (R-12 to 134) ($1,000-2,000), and
probable catalytic converter and muffler replacement($1500-2500).  After you
do all these repairs, you are going to have to replace all of the hoses,
tubing, and belts.  Now, that you have the vehicle running,you can think
about a quality paint job ($4,000 + rust repairs) and redoing the interior
($400-1,000) for the drivers seat.  A used dashboard is about $300 plus
installation if you can find one.  The automatic trans typically lasts 150k
on this model ($3,000 plus installation).  The good news is that the motor
is probably in good shape.
>
> The model that you are looking at is a great design concept, but.....with
that many miles on a BMW, you are looking at some serious repair dollars.
In fact, if you drive by a typical independent german car repair shop, you
will probably see similar older bmw's out front in the parking area.  No
doubt left by the previous owners who could not afford to repair them.  I
recommend that you look for a model with less than 100k and that has been
garaged.
>
> Tom
> Been there and done that.
> 78 320i  150k+
> 88 535is  142k
> 95 740i 82k
>
> Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2003 10:18:54 -0600
> From: "Gary Allgood" <leyte@domain.elided>
> Subject: <6er> Pondering purchase 85 635CSi (longish)
>
> 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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