6 series questions

I have spent somewhere in the region of three grand in the last 6 months on my 1983 635CSi Auto,
bringing it up to scratch. You can see the results in the Motormec Customer Gallery at
http://website.lineone.net/~motormec/customers13.html

The better cars are the ones made from May 1982 onwards, as that is when the engine, suspension
and computer upgrades kicked in. The floorpan was based on the E28 5-Series.

The wings are the major Achilles heel. As BMW did not design wheelarch "fill-in" covers, this
unfortunately allowed water to collect on the mounting point between the front indicator
and the wheelarch itself, so the rot would slowly "break out" from there. They also rust along
the tops of the wings, usually from the inside outwards. Wing panels are about �400 (incl. VAT)
each. ALSO TAKE A GOOD HARD LOOK AT THE INNER WINGS!!!

If you are going for the "slim chrome bumper" examples made between May 1982 and June 1987, bear
in mind that the chrome bumper trim can also rot through (ask me how I know!), and the individual
parts are costly. Because they are only made in batches, if you miss your slot, then you might have
to wait more than a few weeks for the next batch.

"Highline" Sixes, built from June 1987 up to 1989 have more improvements, but also more electrical
complexity, because they had even more bells and whistles put in. They are recognisable because of
their thicker US-spec bumpers, ellipsoidal headlights and 27 sq.metres of leather interior - even
the dashboard is covered in leather.

They will also eventually rust at the edges of the rear light clusters, mainly due to the fact that
the rubber gasket seals there have perished and allowed moisture in.

Other hotspots are around the bootlid opening, where the bootlid seal may have had its day. This can
lead to the metal underneath the seal rusting away, and also the bootlid itself can corrode at the
mounting points for the hinges.

The sills are generally long lasting, which is just as well, as a complete sill repair section can
come to about �300.....

However, take extra care with body-kitted examples (fortunately very few) as the external trim can
also hide potential rust areas.

Engine specs from May 1982 onwards were:

3430cc, 12-valve, 218bhp (standard 635CSi)
3453cc, 24-valve, 286bhp (M635CSi)
3430cc, 12-valve, 220bhp ("Highline" 635CSi) - this engine was the one used in the then new E32 7-Series.

I agree that the M635CSi is the one to have if you can afford it, but you must pay close attention
to servicing and engine maintenance. The M635CSi's timing chain, for instance, must be changed at around
the 100,000 mile mark. Its suspension and brakes are also quite unlike the standard Six. The battery
is located in the boot because there was no room in the engine bay once that 24-valve unit had gone in!

But don't get put off - most of the above is only common sense. A Six is a joy to have, but please please
look after it when you acquire one. Don't take shortcuts - it's not that sort of car.

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Chris Tinker Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 20-May-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1	Topic: 6 series questions Posted: 20-May-2003 at 11:37
	I am looking to buy a 6 series 3.5 litre model. I have been told that they suffer badly from rust, is this true?

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casper Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 16-February-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 10	Posted: 22-May-2003 at 02:17
	Ufortunately its true they can suffer from rust ! Mine certainly does, and it can go from the inside out. You might get lucky and find a clean one though. Theyr'e worth looking after, buy one and you'll find out why. Go for an M635 if you got the lolly.

Horsetan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Say Neigh to Gatsos Joined: 11-April-2003 Location: Please let it be Ireland Status: Offline Points: 6381	Posted: 22-May-2003 at 23:15
	I have spent somewhere in the region of three grand in the last 6 months on my 1983 635CSi Auto, bringing it up to scratch. You can see the results in the Motormec Customer Gallery at http://website.lineone.net/~motormec/customers13.html The better cars are the ones made from May 1982 onwards, as that is when the engine, suspension and computer upgrades kicked in. The floorpan was based on the E28 5-Series. The wings are the major Achilles heel. As BMW did not design wheelarch "fill-in" covers, this unfortunately allowed water to collect on the mounting point between the front indicator and the wheelarch itself, so the rot would slowly "break out" from there. They also rust along the tops of the wings, usually from the inside outwards. Wing panels are about �400 (incl. VAT) each. ALSO TAKE A GOOD HARD LOOK AT THE INNER WINGS!!! If you are going for the "slim chrome bumper" examples made between May 1982 and June 1987, bear in mind that the chrome bumper trim can also rot through (ask me how I know!), and the individual parts are costly. Because they are only made in batches, if you miss your slot, then you might have to wait more than a few weeks for the next batch. "Highline" Sixes, built from June 1987 up to 1989 have more improvements, but also more electrical complexity, because they had even more bells and whistles put in. They are recognisable because of their thicker US-spec bumpers, ellipsoidal headlights and 27 sq.metres of leather interior - even the dashboard is covered in leather. They will also eventually rust at the edges of the rear light clusters, mainly due to the fact that the rubber gasket seals there have perished and allowed moisture in. Other hotspots are around the bootlid opening, where the bootlid seal may have had its day. This can lead to the metal underneath the seal rusting away, and also the bootlid itself can corrode at the mounting points for the hinges. The sills are generally long lasting, which is just as well, as a complete sill repair section can come to about �300..... However, take extra care with body-kitted examples (fortunately very few) as the external trim can also hide potential rust areas. Engine specs from May 1982 onwards were: 3430cc, 12-valve, 218bhp (standard 635CSi) 3453cc, 24-valve, 286bhp (M635CSi) 3430cc, 12-valve, 220bhp ("Highline" 635CSi) - this engine was the one used in the then new E32 7-Series. I agree that the M635CSi is the one to have if you can afford it, but you must pay close attention to servicing and engine maintenance. The M635CSi's timing chain, for instance, must be changed at around the 100,000 mile mark. Its suspension and brakes are also quite unlike the standard Six. The battery is located in the boot because there was no room in the engine bay once that 24-valve unit had gone in! But don't get put off - most of the above is only common sense. A Six is a joy to have, but please please look after it when you acquire one. Don't take shortcuts - it's not that sort of car.