Looking to purchase 1985 BMW 635csi

[Mote]

Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum and was looking for some opinions on price to pay for a 1985 635csi. The dealership is asking $4995 for it. I went to see it and it looks to be in fair condition but don't know what exactly to look for so that I don't get screwed. AC doesn't work. All the power options work fine and interior is in reasonable shape. No visible rust but the kidney grill seems to be a bit banged up. Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

[Bert Poliakoff]

A meticulous inspection for rust. Interior condition a plus. Check that all electronics work.
Auto or 5 speed?? That a/c will cost you, in all probability, at least $1K. make it a part of the deal that the A/c has to be working. need more details for price, but if you are in luv with it stay close to $2500. There are plenty out there in that price range needing mechanical work. Stay away from a car needing body work or paint, unless it is a rare car or you get it for free. The cost of the repairs will bury you!!

[Roku35]

I know you are new to the forum (just like me). But if you could get it so that you could post pictures of the cars exteriors, interiors and engine compartment, there are many folks here that will have A LOT to say about your pending purchase. Get the VIN and good people will do a VIN check for you very quickly.

Members here are very knowledgable (inside and out) on these great 6-Series vehicles. And you will get a lot of insight on what to look for. Keep posting your immediate questions to get those numbers up so you can post your pictures. I'm not sure how many posts you will need though. Good luck, and welcome to the forum. BTW, not having A/C working could get rather involved from the start. I hear that parts are getting harder to find.
(http://www.bigcoupe.com/)

Some links to buying guide on a great site.
http://www.bigcoupe.com/buying.html

[Mote]

Wow thanks guys for the replies and help! Good to find a forum where people are willing to help out.

I remember as a kid growing up, my aunt had a 1982 black on black 633ci. It was then that I became enamored not only with BMW's but with that model specifically and held it close with me all these years. I now have the means in which to properly give one a good home, so I'm very excited to say that I'm in the market for one and will be even more excited when it's sitting in my garage!

I tried to post the Auto Trader link in here but due to my low post count I'm unable to do so. However I'm going back tomorrow morning to the dealership to take a few pictures and test drive it. I've done some research and I feel pretty well armed with enough knowledge and confident that I shouldn't pay more than $3,000 for this car in the condition it is.

As a side note: When I pointed out the AC wasn't working, the salesman told me this was something they would fix for me if i purchased the vehicle. It currently has 147,000 miles and I would be the 3rd owner. Like I said before all the electrics seemed to be in good working order (sunroof, all 4 windows, mirrors, etc.). Even has the original tool kit completely intact located in the trunk. No visible rust aside from some on the tailpipe. The car is an automatic transmission.

I'll post back here tomorrow with more pictures and more info! Again thank you to those willing to help! :)

[av8r4aa]

Test drive the car or at least see if all the idiot lights work.

Take the selector knob ( next to the transmission selector lever)
turn it to the left, start the engine, make sure it snaps back to the center.

Also try ALL the gears 1-2-3 -D , Sport mode and the regular hand shifter.
Drop the gearbox into 1 see if it holds, bump it into 2 (lower power setting)
see if the auto box is going to work etc.

That is the biggest headache and wallet buster on the car.
If it's good shape then that is a big consideration.

All the rest of the stuff you can learn and do yourself.

Ask me how I know all this....... :nono

Awaiting the pictures!:redspot