1981 bmw 635 csi...New member needs help

[buckwasp]

My name is Buck and I live in O'Fallon, MO. I'm interested in buying a 1981 bmw 635csi. It was shipped from Germany to the U.S. many years ago. I'm doing some side work for a guy and am putting money in my pocket and some towards purchasing this car. The machine is supposed to run, but is not currently ready for the road. It has sat for every bit of 2 years. The owner says that he knows it needs a clutch slave cylinder and may have some wiring issues. He says that even after a new battery it will drain within a matter of days. I'm new to the forums, but after a little research I've already heard of some of these same problems.

I apologize for not having any pics, but the car has a few minor rust spots,could use new rubber around the windows, tires appear to be dry rotting, but not sure how bad yet and interior is in fair condition. It has recaro fabric seats that are really faded. Dash cover could be replaced. It has around 90,000 miles. Any guestimates as to what I would be paying for a vehicle like this?

Could I also get some input of a few top websites to find various parts & upgrades? Any ground effects type kits for the 635's? I love the front ends of the 635's, but I fell the sides & rear could use a little something. I definately also think it could use a slight lowering and it needs the rear spoiler replaced. (It's actually not there anymore.) I guess it was one of the old rubber ones. There's just a few rivets left and small chunks of rubber/foam left.

So any responses I could get would really be appreciated. It looks like there are a lot of proud & avid 635csi owners out there. Thank you very much and have a great day.

Sincerely,

Buck
buckwasp@aol.com

[marti5]

1981 635csi in the condition you are saying here in the U.K Max for spares ( Dollars ) $ 400

[AlpineSixAndSeven]

Dude I got an 87' 635 and I love it that is an 81' that would make it a E12 based e24 I would love to see pics or that thing! btw how mush is he asking for it? There are Sideskirts and rear valaces available for these cars.... If you need any help post a thread or pm me! these are great cars Mine has 245k miles on him!

[buckwasp]

I'll try to snap a few pics this coming wednesday and then post them for you to check out. I'm a few days new into checking out what this machine is all about. I'm encouraged by all the enthusiasts (namely alpinesixandsevin), but a little discouraged by the lack of parts and equipment. Especially for this particular year. I can tell by looking it over what a premium car this was back in the day. It's just had a long time of sitting which has probably done more harm than driving it.

To answer alpines questions....I don't know exactly know what he wants for it. Awhile back he mentioned wanting around $3000 for it. After some research that would seem to be a pretty high figure to me. Can I compare the value of this machine to let's say a 1987 bmw 635csi in nearly the same condition or is it worth more or less? I would only guess less because I don't know of any advantages of this year or with it being imported. (Everything interior is in German.)

I also haven't quite figured out the whole e12 e24 based car yet. I thought it was just considered a e24. Am I wrong and what are the differences. Sorry if I'm annoying the "experts" out there with my lack of knowledge, but I have done a little thread searching and still lack the particular knowledge of this specific vehicle. Thanks again for all that can help. Have a great day.

Sincerely,
Buck
buckwasp@aol.com
windows live messenger i.d. : buckwasp@aol.com

[AlpineSixAndSeven]

Ok so BASICALLY The e24 Was based on the 5 series cars Which actually Changed platforms in (I think it was 85?) From E12 to E28 Basically the suspention is completely different. 3k? that seems real hight EVEN for it being a Euro... I got My 87 635CSi with 244k miles (Odometer broke at 245) for $500 Which is REALLY cheap just so you know... I'd say get him to Around $1,700-$2,300 and that would be good Because it IS a euro you can sell the BUMPERS for 500 each! Also there is a chance you have the M90 engine! Pictures would help me out a ton figureing out what you need to do and what would be nice to do.... Racing Dynamics has a full areo kit available thats pretty sweet looking. Also are you SURE it isn't a 633csi?

Heres the kit:


Also you can do this:

[buckwasp]

Originally Posted by AlpineSixAndSeven

Ok so BASICALLY The e24 Was based on the 5 series cars Which actually Changed platforms in (I think it was 85?) From E12 to E28 Basically the suspention is completely different. 3k? that seems real hight EVEN for it being a Euro... I got My 87 635CSi with 244k miles (Odometer broke at 245) for $500 Which is REALLY cheap just so you know... I'd say get him to Around $1,700-$2,300 and that would be good Because it IS a euro you can sell the BUMPERS for 500 each! Also there is a chance you have the M90 engine! Pictures would help me out a ton figureing out what you need to do and what would be nice to do.... Racing Dynamics has a full areo kit available thats pretty sweet looking. Also are you SURE it isn't a 633csi?

Heres the kit:


Also you can do this:

I popped the hood on it last week to take a quick peek at things and I'm almost sure it's not an m engine. All of the m-powered engines are pretty damn easy to spot even for a novice. (At least I think so.) It is definately a 635csi though. I'll take plenty of photos wednesday and get them over to you. What makes this machine worth more than no euro machines? I kind of gathered that some of the emissions are left off which I'm guessing makes them a little faster. I have no idea if a vin # would help or not, but i wrote it down the other day. I will post it when I get a chance. Where should I start looking for a lowering/suspension kit? What engine is in the 635 in the pic? 12 cyl.? Thanks once again for your help.

Buck

[AlpineSixAndSeven]

Originally Posted by buckwasp

I popped the hood on it last week to take a quick peek at things and I'm almost sure it's not an m engine. All of the m-powered engines are pretty damn easy to spot even for a novice. (At least I think so.) It is definately a 635csi though. I'll take plenty of photos wednesday and get them over to you. What makes this machine worth more than no euro machines? I kind of gathered that some of the emissions are left off which I'm guessing makes them a little faster. I have no idea if a vin # would help or not, but i wrote it down the other day. I will post it when I get a chance. Where should I start looking for a lowering/suspension kit? What engine is in the 635 in the pic? 12 cyl.? Thanks once again for your help.

Buck

Ok First does the engine have a raised water jacket on the side of the block or a White L painted on the side(driverside)

The M90 isn't a ///M engne it was a rarer high torque engine.....
Yep that is a V12 from a 750iL

Ok what Heres a couple things to when you get the car
Change:
> Engine Oil and Filter
> Transmission Fluid And Filter
> Rear Diff. Fluid
> Coolant
> Power Steering Fluid
> Clean out Sunroof Drains(If you have one )
> Full Detail on the car(Wash and wax, Vacuum and shampoo the interior)
> Plugs,Cap and Rotor
> Fuel Filter, Air Filter, and Powersteering filter
That is the #1 things to do!

Next things are to do :
> Front Bushings(if it shimmys)
> Springs and Shocks(Do Strut Hats too!)
> Rims(most still have the old TRX rims and tires cost $400+ each) and tires
And then what every else needs repair

The Euro's are more desireable Due to:
> Better looking Bumpers
> Less Emissions restrictions
> Lighter

Need anything let me know I'll be waiting for those pics.....

[buckwasp]

Thanks to everyone that has replied. I'm still looking for a few suggested websites to find parts for the 1981 635csi I'm interested in buying. What I know I will need: clutch slave cylinder, all fluids (probably autozone or O'Reilly's), new tires (I'll check into size, but I remember them saying trx on the sides of them), new dash pad & or cover, new 5 speed shift knob (top is blown off), floor mats, seat covers for fabric covered recaro seats (probably new seats eventually) and at least one more necessary item/s....window seals. I know the rear window seals were dry rotted pretty bad. I'm sure most other rubber are bad also & will eventually need to be replaced. The rubber items I would guess are going to be hard to find and those are items that I would like to try and get new and not some rubber that is already half bad if you know what I mean. There's no sun roof on this model and as nice as they normally are I guess it's one less issue that I have to deal with right now.

Once again....any and all websites, phone numbers and addresses would be very much appreciated. I see lots of 1982 or 1985 and newer parts, but haven't seen much of anything for the 1981 635csi. Thank you very much and have a great day.

Buck
buckwasp@aol.com
636-485-5803

[witeshark]

This looks likes it's gonna become a sweet classic project!

[AlpineSixAndSeven]

BigCoupe.com - The Ultimate 6-Series Website It is a Site detacted to the six... but there arn't tons of people on there and some E12 Based Gods there!..... The Tech Articles are GOLD though.... When you sign up PM me your User name so I can have your accout activated.

Here there are more people for faster replys(I go on like 5-6 times a day Note I'm Teh Whore )

TRX's rims are Metric (390 mm or 400 something mm)which are Very expensive and hard to get (and dont grip well)

Ebay is your friend with old cars

clutch slave cylinder
eBay Motors: NEW! BMW clutch slave cylinder(e12)(e21)(e24)(e28)(e30) (item 220279816666 end time Sep-17-08 06:53:41 PDT)

Dash Pad DO sugest a cover Because they only last year to a year and a half
eBay Motors: BMW E24 M6 L6 635 633 630 Dash Mat Black Carpet (item 120306032263 end time Sep-22-08 18:05:48 PDT)

OR this on
eBay Motors: BMW E24 633csi 635i Cloth Dash Cover (item 190232528939 end time Sep-24-08 01:44:07 PDT)

Floor Mats some Nice alpinas(what i'm gonna get)
eBay Motors: BMW E24 628 630 633 635 NEW ALPINA MAT SET BLACK TAN (item 310083980033 end time Sep-22-08 08:00:39 PDT)

And OEM
eBay Motors: BMW OEM FLOOR MATS e24 630csi 633csi 635csi M6 ALL (item 180129924692 end time Oct-04-08 12:27:27 PDT)

Shift knob
eBay Motors: NEW BMW SHIFT SHIFTER KNOB E46 E28 E24 E34 535 325 (item 180289792822 end time Sep-22-08 16:59:01 PDT)

And the boot
eBay Motors: BMW E24 E21 E28 E30 E34 E36 BLACK LEATHER SHIFT BOOT (item 280266665623 end time Sep-17-08 23:24:27 PDT)

[buckwasp]

I finally got a chance to snap a few pics of the 635csi that I'm thinking about buying. I'm trying to gather up info. and prices before I make this guy an offer. It definately needs some tlc.

(Alpinesixandseven)...let me know about the engine. I'm thinking it's standard, but it sounded like you would have a good idea after looking at it. Thanks again.

Buck

[buckwasp]

Hey man....been quite a while since we've chatted. I've had the 1981 635csi for several months now. A while back you asked if it had a m90 engine and it does not. It's an m30 engine I believe. I decoded the serial number and that's what I came up with. I was able to drive it home, but it runs ruff on occasion. The wires are all pretty old and who knows about the fuel system. It's fully restorable for a person that has the time, money and resources to do it. I don't have any of the above...lol. Probably post it here and a few other places soon. Thanks for the info you dropped a while back. I appreciated it.

Thanks,

Buck
buckwasp@gmail.com

Originally Posted by AlpineSixAndSeven

BigCoupe.com - The Ultimate 6-Series Website It is a Site detacted to the six... but there arn't tons of people on there and some E12 Based Gods there!..... The Tech Articles are GOLD though.... When you sign up PM me your User name so I can have your accout activated.

Here there are more people for faster replys(I go on like 5-6 times a day Note I'm Teh Whore )

TRX's rims are Metric (390 mm or 400 something mm)which are Very expensive and hard to get (and dont grip well)

Ebay is your friend with old cars

clutch slave cylinder
eBay Motors: NEW! BMW clutch slave cylinder(e12)(e21)(e24)(e28)(e30) (item 220279816666 end time Sep-17-08 06:53:41 PDT)

Dash Pad DO sugest a cover Because they only last year to a year and a half
eBay Motors: BMW E24 M6 L6 635 633 630 Dash Mat Black Carpet (item 120306032263 end time Sep-22-08 18:05:48 PDT)

OR this on
eBay Motors: BMW E24 633csi 635i Cloth Dash Cover (item 190232528939 end time Sep-24-08 01:44:07 PDT)

Floor Mats some Nice alpinas(what i'm gonna get)
eBay Motors: BMW E24 628 630 633 635 NEW ALPINA MAT SET BLACK TAN (item 310083980033 end time Sep-22-08 08:00:39 PDT)

And OEM
eBay Motors: BMW OEM FLOOR MATS e24 630csi 633csi 635csi M6 ALL (item 180129924692 end time Oct-04-08 12:27:27 PDT)

Shift knob
eBay Motors: NEW BMW SHIFT SHIFTER KNOB E46 E28 E24 E34 535 325 (item 180289792822 end time Sep-22-08 16:59:01 PDT)

And the boot
eBay Motors: BMW E24 E21 E28 E30 E34 E36 BLACK LEATHER SHIFT BOOT (item 280266665623 end time Sep-17-08 23:24:27 PDT)