86 M6 European (archive)

First, if it is an 86, it is a Euro. Cars in the UK were Right Hand Drive, not the ones in Germany. The US market did not see the M6 'till 87. Second, if it has the pretty bumpers, it's a euro. Also, euro models had just "///M" on the trunk.

If he has good records, you are correct that it is a steal. (IF the car has not been hit, and is not rusty.) I paid upwawrds of 13k for my 85, but it was ALL original, and it had a stack of records that could choke an elephant.

Here are a few items to check for:

1)How long did the car remain in Europe?

2)Where in the US has it stayed its whole life?

3)CHECK the DOORS, LIC. PLATE LIGHTS, and around ALL trim/windows for RUST! It can be BAD on these cars.

3)Does it have a DOT approved windshield, etc? What about cats? Some places will laugh at you if you attempt to gte the car inspected w/o cats...

4)Does he have the EPA/DOT paperwork to go with the car? If not, good luck registering it!

6)Is the speedo in just KM or in MPH&km? If the car stayed in Europe for a few years, and then had the speedometer replaced to meet DOT specs, it may not read the correct mileage! Another problem is the Euros that came over late tend to have a bit more rust here and there...

6)ARE YOU READY FOR SOME HIGH INSURANCE? If you want to TRULY cover the car, you will need to disclose the fact that it is "gray market," and the insurance is similar to that of a Ferrari! Mine runs around 1000 per year for collision/comp, and 250 for liability. DO NOT attempt to trick Allstate, GEEKCO, or State Farm into insuring the car. THEY WILL NOT PAY TO HAVE THE PROPER PARTS REPLACED IF OU SHOULD EVER HIT SOMEONE!

The Euro is by far my favorite 6 car ever made, but there are a few hurdles for owners, such as I have mentioned. Parts are a few bucks more, as well. Keep in mind that it's REALLY easy to sink 5 g's into an m635csi in no time flat. Check to see that he had the valve springs updated, and that the SUSPENSION has recently been replaced. (The car IS getting old, you know...) Also be sure WHO did the services, etc. A shadetree mechanic can do more harm than good to a German machine like the M6 and M5.

Get several opinions from reputable BMW service centers on the car's condition, and DRIVE THE PISS OUT OF IT. If it is running well, chances are it was taken care of...

BEST OF LUCK! I hope it all works out for you,

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