635CSi

You have actually been offered efectively two different cars. The 1980 six is based on the e12 5 series and no parts are interchangable with the later model. The later 1983 model is probable an e28 chassied car. However it depends on the build date. If the car was built in Jan or Feb 1983 then they both are the same model. The 1980 car is not worth having for spares unless it is the same model. To be able to tell the difference, the earlier cars rear bumpers will stop once they turn the corner whilst the later cars will go all the way to the wheel arch. Also within the engine the earlier car will have 6 exhaust coming from the engine and going downwards, while the later car will have the airflow meter on the top of the engine and a lot less flash manifold system.  The six is a good car and is mechanically solid, however its biggest problem is rust and they rust everywhere. Check wings wheel arches, floor pan inside the boot. basically everywhere. If the 1983 car is solid i would get it, but remember a pair of new wings will cost the best part of £1000. The earlier car whilst looking the same sufferes worse from rust and handles much worse as it's based on a more flexible chassi. Getting parts for the early car will be difficult where as the later model car is much easier and all parts are available. One other thing to bear in mind is that most sixes come with TRX metric wheels and tyres which are very exspensive to replace when the boots wear out and offer poor handling and wear. The earlier car will not so i would see if you could swap around the wheels and tyres. The choice with the wheels and tyres comes down to weather you want to keep the car original ar if you want to change things. Most six owners get rid of the metrics. (£200+ per corner).

Hope this helps.

Any more questions send me a private message.

James

Sohlman wrote: ...The later 1983 model is probable an e28 chassied car. However it depends on the build date. If the car was built in Jan or Feb 1983 then they both are the same model.

Incorrect.

The E24 underwent its engineering and cosmetic changes as of May 1982.

Therefore the 1983 car is more than likely to have the E28 floorpan.

Well she is now mine 

Collect her week on Friday.  Paid £425 for her and she is a beauty, been stored since 2002, started on the button without any hesitiation, smoke or idling problems.  I went for the earlier car in the end as she was in better overall condition, the later had been badly repainted and filled, had huge chunks missing out of the radiator from fan stikes and wasn't cared for as well as the one I went for.

 

She is Polaris Silver with blue leather interior, beige carpets..and apart from some TLC interior wise, she is as near perfect as she can be.  Already organised for a BMW trained mechanic to service and MOT her...inc changing the timing chain as a precaution...and I have a friend from the site I used to go on, cos I had a car of the type, the Mk3 Supra site who has a shed load of spares, inc an 'M' engine incase I need parts for her.

 

I is a very very very happy bunny 

One thing that really did it for me was the condition of her bodywork, immaculate all bar two spots of bubbling no bigger than a 2p piece on the bonnet leading edge.

The tyres are brand new too, Avon Turbospeeds..saves expense for a while 

Definately looking forward to a summer with her, she will be well loved and cared for, good mechanic and a good dealership over here too, Snows - Isle of Wight, they have been extremely helpful 

Goldryder wrote: The tyres are brand new too, Avon Turbospeeds.....

Oh dear....!

Goldryder wrote: Am I correct in thinking the Avon's might not be too great?

Remember that your wheels are metric-sized, so only metric tyres will fit.

Unfortunately, like me, you will find that Avons are the only type that you can get easily - for a price. Michelin TRXs (now back in production) are even pricier.

To say that Avons are "not too great" is a bit of an understatement. They are not very grippy on mud, snow, ice, or dry tarmac.....