Re: Purchase Advise (archive)

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Check the archives here for some excellent specific info on points to consider regarding condition. Sounds like you have done this already, and also some of the other suggestions noted below.

The six series cars can be a little pricy to repair, but you can do a lot of the small annoying stuff yourself. This largely centres around the secondary electrical systems and comfort options. A year specific Electrical Trouble Shooting Manual (ETM)is available to assist with this work, and a lot of the common repair problems have been tackled by others on the 'net.

Common major areas of concern on purchase of an older six series include:
- Brake rotors, and possible shimmy in the front end.
- General engine condition (compresion, driveability, etc).
- TRX tires vs conventionally sized replacements.
- Areas of body corrosion (front fenders, rear valence and fenders, rockers, etc.
- Relative difficulty in sourcing body/interior parts that are model specific (three series would presumably be be easier here).
- Automatic transmission, just because of high cost and the car's age.
- Suspension bushings, shocks, etc. because of age.

I like the six series for the large trunk capacity, relative rarity, and the body style. They are a fabulous car on the highway for extended touring with two people. I find they really are more comfortable when up to speed on the open road than for in town running around, although they certainly can be a daily driver car.

Haven't owned a three series myself, but I am sure they are a great car in town and close to home. I was looking over a high end model '87 E30 this summer, and noticed it included many of the same interior features I like in my 1987 six series (leather sport seats, OBC, electric everything). Dollar for dollar, this may be the way to go, but for me there is an intangable with the six that I really like. Also, I am sure maintence difficulties on these systems would be similar with either model. If you don't care about this stuff, the regular E30 is probably a lot simpler to keep up, and would have the later generation Motronic engine management system.

If either car has been well maintained, the 100K mileage should not be a big concern for the major running gear. However, as mentioned in the post below, the six can be expensive to "get into shape", so inspect carefully and listen to the previous owner on what he has already completed and when. Also, used parts from a wrecker are more difficult to find, so consider making a fairly detailed list of anoying "small stuff" that you would want to repair in order to factor into the price. Many of the actual components are common to other BMW models, but a little effort is required to find out what can be substituted. The parts CD (available on the 'net or from the dealer) can be helpful.

$2000 of post purchase work in the first year of ownership would not be uncommon, particularly if the previous owner cannot document recent routine sevice. I suspect this would be the same for either model though. Part of the reason for this is you really want to make sure maintenence is kept up and current, due to the fairly high cost of replacement parts. However, properly cared for, either car should be remarkably durable, and a lot of fun!

I am not as personally familiar with the earlier generation six series you are considering, but there was a considerable change between the 633 and 635 models. You may want to check this out carefully prior to your purchase decision. There is a list of older six series magazine articles listed at the following site that could be helpful:

Also, the "BMW 6 Series Enthusiast's Companion" by Jeremy Walton (just published, available on the net) details the model changes very well. Significant differences include body style, suspension and engine management changes.

For more information between the E30 and E24, the Ken Gross "BMW Spotters Guide" is an excellent reference. Our library has a copy, so worth checking there before purchase.

Also, depending on your area, check out BWMCCA or BMW Car Club of Canada for a local chapter of the club(s). Lots of expert advice, and some great enthusiastically cared for cars are probably around from the local club members or in the classified ads. Also, great people and events!

Good luck in your search, and welcome to BMW! Sorry to go so long, cold day with no reasonable chance to drive the six today!

: Hi folks. I'm in the market for my first BMW and I'm looking closely at both the E24 (6 series) and the E30 (older 3 series). Specifically I'm considering a 1983/84 633csi and a 1987 325. All the cars in my price range ($4000-$5000) are high mileage cars (over 100,000), but appear to be in very good shape. Would someone please provide some discussion on the pro's and con's of each model and which would be the better buy? I've been doing research on these cars as to the "gotcha's" to look for when doing my pre-purchase inspection like problem rust areas and such. I would also appreciate further discussion on these "gotchas" as well as anything else to look out for. Thanks!

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