Re: 633Csi - what to watch for??? (archive)

Hey Ed, I own an 1983 633csi and maybe I can give you a few cogent issues and points to look for. First you have to differentiate somewhat between pre-83 and post-83 models. The latter sharing a different suspension of the e28 5series. I have also read about quality issues regarding the pre-1983 models (though this might have scant validity and I have no 1st hand experience). From what I glean from others, pre-1982 6ers were assembled by Karmann, the body designer/manufacturer. BMW took this over in 1983 due to reliability issues concerning their assembly; though, if a car is 18 years old or more it�s a good case for quality. I feel the 6er, given the long build span is quite an evolution with some tradeoffs- mostly in the technology department. The earlier models obviously have less, but this in my view is not always bad (i.e. simplicity). This is especially relevant to 633/635 differences. A fundamental difference in the later 633 models (1984) is the ability to add performance chips more easily, that is if you plan to mod. your vehicle. Otherwise, problems to look for in later 633�s are similar to 635�s. I think the big three which were mentioned to me when I was purchasing were Driveshaft problems, Control Arm bushings, and HVAC issues. The first two are well covered in the FAQ and cause shimmy and vibration problems for different reasons. The latter is just expensive to repair (especially AC), though maybe not common. Smaller problems have to do with electrics and interior (i.e. Service Interval battery replacement and age deterioration) and have common remedies. What worked for me pre-purchase was reading the FAQ front to back, and scanning this board wholesale for awhile. It gave me a good idea what to look from seeing repetitive posts on certain issues. Others certainly will have things to add to this list. Jeremy Walton�s Book, The 6-Series Companion, would also be a good read for the History of the model. Good luck, Chris

Last month (July, 2000), I purchased a 1981 633 CSi with 141,000 miles. I got the car for a good price, but some repairs were almost immediately required. As Chris suggested, my A/C was non-functional. Repairs by a local BMW repair specialist set me back nearly $400.00 as follows:

Diagnose A/C

Inspect auxiliary fan. Aux. fan problem tracked to relay. ($204.00)
Low freon tracked to leak at receiver-drier.
R&R receiver drier ($68.00)
2 cans freon ($120.00)

The exhaust system seemed to be hanging down quite low (close to the ground), so I asked the shop to investigate. They recommended complete R&R of the exhaust system, which had been cobbled-together from non-BMW parts. I agreed, and paid nearly $950.00 for exhaust work.

The car runs fine, and is now driveable even in hot weather. Many little items still require some attention one day, however:

When the tank is absolutely full, the fuel gauge reads 3/4 full.
The existing antenna is a fixed, aftermarket affair, and should eventually be replaced with a Hirschmann power antenna.
The advesive securing the plastic top panels of my rear speaker pods to the metal frames has failed. I must spend some time to re-attach them.
Some of the tools in my trunk deck lid tool kit are missing.
The Sony aftermarket radio is not securely fastened into the dash.
etc.

Bottom line: Many 20+ year old cars have, at one time or another during their lives, had some irresponsible owners. You may well find that the 6er you are considering buying has more problems which stem more from some previous owner than problems that are a direct result of its heritage.

Good luck!

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