1988 M6 with 101k miles... what to look out for...

[count_schemula]

A friend of mine is going to look at a 1988 M6 with 101k miles on it.

What are some common issues with these cars?

For the most part are they reliable? What regular maintanence has to be done on these car? valve asjustments, etc.

Are most major parts still easy to get, like brakes? tires? windows?

Thanks!

I'll read up on past posts as well..

[Hellrot_VA]

I suggest you go to roadfly.com. There is an active 6er board.

You want to make sure ALL of the maintenance has been done. Have compression & leakdown tests done and a pre-purchase inspection.

The self-levelling system and suspension in general (bushings) can be near the end of the line at that mileage. Check the front/rear AC carefully. Check all functions on the power seats. See what the check panel reads. Make sure the OBC works.

Most parts are still available. HOWEVER, body panels are expensive. Engine parts have the "M Multiplier" on them (i.e. plug wires for $240). I have a well maintained example and it cost me $350 to get a tuneup to pass smog.

I drive mine every day. I get about 14 mpg in heavy traffic. Less with the AC on. It is a beast to drive in the city. Be prepared to spend money on it. The worst thing you can do is buy one and not be able to afford its upkeep.

Remember that a new head will run you maybe $4K and an engine rebuild will be at least $8K.

[count_schemula]

Yeah, roadfly has a good 6 section...

thanks... wow, 14mpg!

I see rust and suspension as the 2 main things. Once you get them running good, I assume they are fairly reliable? Something like the Porsche effect, where you have to put some money into it up front, regardless...

Self-leveling suspension sounds awful. How hard and what is the cost of the Dinan swap to a regular suspension?

How would you describe the driving characteristics of the car? Like a 928, a big and powerful GT type car? Fast, but not quick. Surprisingly good handling?

[Hellrot_VA]

Originally posted by count_schemula
Yeah, roadfly has a good 6 section...

thanks... wow, 14mpg!

I see rust and suspension as the 2 main things. Once you get them running good, I assume they are fairly reliable? Something like the Porsche effect, where you have to put some money into it up front, regardless...

Self-leveling suspension sounds awful. How hard and what is the cost of the Dinan swap to a regular suspension?

How would you describe the driving characteristics of the car? Like a 928, a big and powerful GT type car? Fast, but not quick. Surprisingly good handling?

My SLS was eliminated with Bilsteins and H&Rs before I got it. I also have Racing Dynamics adjustable sway bars and front and rear K-Macs, so my car's handling is probably a little different than stock ;)

This car is very quick given its size. Every once in a while I will push it hard around a corner and I am always surprised it does not come right around. My handling is very neutral altho I cannot say what a stock M6's handling is like. It has "good" low end although it really comes alove in the upper RPM ranges. It's happiest between 4-6 grand.

Start with a good car - stay on top of the maintenance - and you will have a reliable car. The engine is rather high-strung but it isn't not black magic. You just need to know someone who can work on them. They do have less margin of error than most engines. I.e. you might screw with the timing on a "regular" car and just lose some power, whereas with the S38 it WILL let you know it is unhappy and buck or run ragged.

Like I said mine has been a daily driver in heavy DC traffic - the LEAST desireable driving experience for a car like this - and I have had no issuses for the moderate time I have had it.

[jcsomerset]

Yeah - Mine seems to take a moment to get out of the whole, but otherwise, she's fast..

Handling surprises me...everytime I hit a corner faster than I thinik and she just glides right through it..

Stock handling - I've got stock suspension - Very even - a little slushy (due to age of car and components) but it's hard to shake off the road.. I haven't done so yet..

One more thing - the TRX's if the car still has it's "original Rims" those are TRX's and no one but Michelin and someone who bought the molds from Michelin make them - about 200-220 a tire. (easily replaced With modern 17's or 18's)

I love the car.. IMO more exclusive than 928 due to limited production#'s...