Re: Whole M635 engines? Who's got good prices? (archive)

Regarding ownership costs, I think the number one criteria for owning one of these cars should be having a mechanic who has specific experience in dealing with eighties vintage M cars. You are only going to find those folks at independant shops that specialize in BMWs.

Let me recount a story that illustrates my conviction about this. When I first bought my M635 I asked a number of older-BMW people local to me (in the DC area) where I should take the car to have it looked over. They all suggested Excluservice in Rockville. It's a large modern shop where you could eat off the floor, and there are several very mint and restored and very valuable BMWs parked in one corner, including a spotless 507. Another cool thing about this shop is that they let you *IN* the shop. Lothar the owner says any shop that keeps you out for "insurance reasons" is blowing smoke; they just don't want you looking over their shoulder. He *likes* having owners in the shop because "then they have a better understanding of their car."

During the inspection the candidate M635 the mechanic, Jim, noted that the compression for one of the cylinders was lower than the others. A quick scope exploration revealed that the threads for one of the spark plugs were stripped. Options: replace the head or use a heli coil. Issue: finding right helicoil (size and alloy composition) for the application. No problem: shop has repair specs and extensive stock of parts for all euro version cars, and supplier who can provide coil. Two hours later the problem was fixed for the grand total of $50, which was actually covered by the seller. They also did a number of other things, including changing a number of seals which had dried out because the car had seen only occasional use over the past 10 years.

Without this kind of shop to support my ownership, I think owning an M635 would be a very different and potentially expensive experience.

: I've been following your postings. My sympathies go out to you man...I just bought my M6 2 weeks before you did. My first BMW.

: One month and $1000 in maintainence later its still going.

: This is what we signed up for when we bought these fancy toys. We have to pay to play.

: But they're TONS of fun.

: I hope things work out.

: Tom

: : I want to replace my entire M635 euro engine. My mechanic ruined my old one, and I would rather replace than rebuild. This guy is a loser.

: : Who has the best prices for a rebuilt or NEW M6 engine? Also, can I squeeze an 850i engine in instead?

: : Thanks,

: : Newbie

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