Intro...

[Tex707]

I didn't see a formal area for newbies to the forums to introduce themselves so I'm making my own. Pardon the intrusion.

I'm from Northern California and up until this past Monday had no intention of owning a BMW. I grew up around American muscle cars, low and slows and 2 wheeled bombs. I like things that are loud and can go real fast in a straight line. That's how I was raised.

The fact of the matter is I blew up my commuter and was looking for a cheap "get me by" for the next six months.

I had a total of $1200 to spend. After spending god knows how many hours lurking craigslist and wasting my time looking at real shit boxes and dealing with numerous douchebags in need of fast cash, I stumbled upon an ad which read, "Fast, reliable, 83 BMW 633csi. Just Smogged. Make offer." So I did...$1000 in cash.

I ended up getting a response from the guy and agreed to meet him the following night to look at the car. The whole time I'm figuring this is a scam of some sort cause it was going entirely too smoothly.

I show up and the guy arrives about 15 minutes late. He's an older asian fella and in his hand he had a stack of papers and the manual. We sat down over a cup of coffee and he spent 45 minutes giving me the low down on the car and why he was selling it. He was recently retired, an MD that ran a medical lab at the local university, he had a fleet of luxury cars and in his words, " I don't need 7 cars. You will like this car. You should have it. You look capable."

Everything that was potentially an issue was minor cosmetic stuff from the sound of it and according to his testimony and repair records the car was mechanically top notch...which is all I really cared about in the first place. After we hash out all that we go to see the car, which turned out to be a beautiful baby blue sedan, with a nice low mean stance, chrome spoked rims, and brand new over-sized Michelin's. Inside the interior was not pristine but in great shape and it came with a crazy sound system complete with boxed woofers in the trunk.

The motor was clean, no leaks, and when we started the car up it had a sharp throaty rumble that caught me by surprise. He had just had it tuned up the day before. I turned to the guy and made sure he understood that I had offered him $1000. He nodded and told me to get in. He let me put the thing through it's paces and once we got back I couldn't hand him that $1000 quick enough.

I guess you might say I'm a changed man. This car is the most fun I have had on four wheels. I have all but abandoned my 49 Studebaker project and commenced to day dreaming about what I'm going to do with this thing. Here's where you guys come in....

I know nothing about these cars and it's hard to teach an old Chevy dog new tricks. So I will most likely be on here... a lot...asking retarded questions and looking for guidance. Be patient with me.

Thanks for listening.

Here's a pic:

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/RoadDevil666/BMW633csi003-1-1.jpg

[BoldUlysses]

Wow! Great score for a grand. That's awesome, and welcome. This is a good place to be. BigCoupe.com has a good bunch of folks too.

Those are very British-looking rims for an old 6er, but they're better than the metric-sized TRXs many of our cars came with! Is it automatic or a stick? Any rust? Rust tends to be a big issue on these cars, but you're on the west coast, so I'm betting there's little, if any.

Again, welcome. Ask away--there are no dumb questions. CW will be along at some point and post a whole truckload of links that will be invaluable.

-Matt

[Taylor Marshall]

Welcome ! That's a great intro and you're a lucky man stumbling into an enthusiast looking for a quick sale to a fellow car buff and not worrying too much about maxing out the sale value.
Around here the only retarded question is the one you don't ask. You sound like you know a shiteload about cars in general (and older ones at that) already and I'm sure you'll be a quick study and probably able to help some of us with lots of practical info and tips on non BMW specific applications.

[smaglik]

I had a total of $1200 to spend. After spending god knows how many hours lurking craigslist and wasting my time looking at real shit boxes and dealing with numerous douchebags in need of fast cash, I stumbled upon an ad which read, "Fast, reliable, 83 BMW 633csi.

awesome find for a grand! post some more pics of it.

based by your comments above (and thanks for the laugh), you'll fit in well around here. Welcome, and ask away!

[Layne]

Wow nice deal. I've never seen wire spokes on a BMW before.

There's a really knowledgable guy named Ken in Petaluma the frequents the E21 forums. He's also an old muscle car guy, you should meet him.

[Tex707]

I love links!

No Rust what-so-ever. It's been a west coast car since day one and garaged for the better part of the past 2 decades.

Thanks for chiming in guys. Looking forwarded to sponging up what ever knowledge you guys can throw my way.

"There's a really knowledgable guy named Ken in Petaluma the frequents the E21 forums. He's also an old muscle car guy, you should meet him."

This is kind of bizarre...I found Ken's homepage and I'm pretty sure he lives down the street from me.

...and the hits just keep on comin.

[Seeker]

is it an auto or 5speed?

looks really clean and original.

Say you gotta a good deal on it from the looks of the one pic.

[Tex707]

It's an automatic with 164k on it.


Here's a couple more pics:

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs019.snc3/12652_189286789283_574324283_2800679_3851582_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs039.snc3/12652_189286814283_574324283_2800680_1117714_n.jpg

[Zack01GC]

Looks like a nice car... those wheels have got to go, though. They're pretty bad.

I mean they serve their purpose... but they don't compliment the car at all.

Anyway, welcome. Anyone in this E24 room is usually more than willing to help answer any questions you have.

[Tex707]

Few more pics:

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/RoadDevil666/interiorbmw005.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/RoadDevil666/interiorbmw001.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/RoadDevil666/interiorbmw005.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/RoadDevil666/interiorbmw003-1.jpg

[86GT635]

Hey, glad to have ya here. glad you found the right place to ask questions.
You got a good deal on the car. Some of the things to check before driving too enthusiasticly, are suspension and brakes. There is a bracket that likes to break. It is for the steering and allows the box to be bolted to the subframe, the weld's on the bracket break and can cause a vaque centered steering, making it difficult to judge orientation of the direction the front wheels are being steered.
I personally like the wheels in a strange way, it just gets down to the elegance of them. They are a very old form of wheel, and have been used for a century. They do need to be re-trued annually or so. Special cleaners can be bought that are specifically for that type of wheel, so the chrome won't be damaged.
That is a nice looking ride, you made a good decision. And got a great deal. take care.
-DJ

[Ol'6erGuy]

Hey! Welcome to the insanity. We are all a little looney around here, but it's a good kind of looney.
I used to haul apples into Petaluma many moons ago, to a cannery I think it was. Saw my first 2000cs there.
Bill

[vadon]

Like you ,I grew up on American Muscle ,(Mopar and Ford though),it wasn't until the early 80's when my XO gave me a ride in his Euro 635 that I realized what those little in-line 6's were about.
Welcome aboard and have fun with it!

[CW6er]

You thief!!
_________

Aww, ...... the wheels are Beautiful, I kind of like them as something different (wonder if they will fit my MGA??). After all, they are the real spoke wheels that the stylized basket-weaves are trying to simulate. :D :cool
___________________

Welcome !

Here is a cut & paste of some standard information I've gathered, maybe you have already seen it, but if not, it may be of use. In any case, bookmark them:

There are some things you will definitely need:

There are no aftermarket repair manuals for the Six, but it shares the same engine, drivetrain, suspension and many systems with the 5-Series so the Bentley BMW 5-Series '82 to '88 Manual (Green cover, $38 at Amazon.com) works very well. The "Driveablity" and the fuel injection sections alone are worth the price for diagnosing running problems.
http://www.amazon.com/BMW-5-Service-Manual-1982-1988/dp/0837603188/ref=sr_1_3/105-9530707-1070056?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181794459&sr=8-3


ETM (Electrical Troubleshooting Manual, aka "wiring diagram"). It is a very good manual, and everyone needs to have this. You really can't work on the car without it. Here is a Site with free downloads of ETM's (PDF files -13 to 20 MB) for various years ('82 to '01) and models of BMW's (3/5/6/7/8/Z):
http://wedophones.com/BMWManualsLead.htm

Free Downloadable Factory Workshop Manual (U.S. Spec after '82 - e28 based, including the M6) and a separate Factory Specification Book (you need the Spec book because torques/specs are not included in the Workshop Manual, however, most torques are given in the Bentley manual). The Workshop Manual is not the greatest, but you can't beat the price, and it is invaluable for the things not covered in the Bentley. It basically just lists the steps for replacing parts, very little in the way of Troubleshooting or System Descriptions are included, so it is best to still get the Bentley, and use the Factory Manual for e24 specific things that aren't in the Bentley:
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=53625

Online Factory Workshop Manual. Unlike the downloadable Manual above, it also covers the early, e12 based cars - 630 to 633 before '82, as well as, the later cars and the M6. It is also for U.S. Spec. :
http://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/

Downloadable ZF 4HP-22/24 Automatic Transmission Overhaul Manual It has a fault chart, shows a complete overhaul and has the procedure for the "fix" for the "A" clutch pack:
http://bmwzone.ro/forums/post-a14824-.html
__

There is also an Online ETM for an '85. It has much clearer component location pictures then the downloaded ETM's:
http://www.stormpages.com/countchocula1/bmw/etm002.htm
(The component location listings and pictures at the end of the ETM are invaluable as you find your way around the new car)

A gold mine of articles and how-to's:
BigCoupeGroup Tech Library (http://www.normgrills.net/bcg/) ;
Not to be confused with BigCoup.com, don't forget their Tech Articles also. (http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=11)

An online Vin Decoder:
http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi

Site showing BMW wheels with their data, pictures and the cars they came on: It's in German, but with the pictures, it doesn't matter much.
http://felgenkatalog.auto-treff.com/

And last but not least, there are 3 Online Parts Catalogs:

RealOEM.com, the original and I still find it the fastest to navigate if you are still on dialup:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do?vin=&kind=P&series=E24&arch=1

BMWFans, more graphic, so slower for dialup, but if you click on the part number in the right hand column, it will show you all of the other cars the part was used on. Very handy for hunting at the salvage yard:
http://bmwfans.info/original/E24/Cou/

Maximillian Importing, they will sell you the part, but the price isn't much better then the dealer:
http://www.bmwmobiletradition-online.com/bmw/

__

For parts, the lowest prices I've found on the net: check all 3 when looking for parts (they also make good references):

http://www.AutoHausAZ.com
http://www.Pelicanparts.com
http://www.BavAuto.com (Great Catalog, order it, it's free)

[Tex707]

You guys are F'n awesome. Thank you for making me feel welcome.

@86GT I will look into that bracket tomorrow. I have a couple of welder friends that like to make new brackets for things just like this. It's a weird source of entertainment for them.

The brakes are in great shape and the suspension is some of the best I've ever driven on. Of course I'm used to amatuer c-notches & drop blocks...and riding on rigid bobbers with 1/4 (if that) of padding. So I may not be the best judge. The car rides straight as an arrow...even on slightly rough or uneven roads which really surprised the hell out of me. Thank you for all the links. I'm going to start digging into these after I get my daughter to sleep.

[BoldUlysses]

I will look into that bracket tomorrow. I have a couple of welder friends that like to make new brackets for things just like this.

Here's a link that describes the whole issue and solutions:

http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9069

I think you may need to have BigCoupe account to access it, but it's worth it.

-Matt

[e24mpwr]

Awesome deal and welcome!!! Frankly, the wheels might well be worth what you paid for the car, depending on what they fit.

Wheels have the opportunity to really adjust the look of these cars.

[Alex E24 E30]

Welcome to the madness. Quite the steal you wound up with. Definitely a good looking ride. I've always liked those wheels, but I've never seen them on a 6er before.

Glad to see another 6er join the crew!


Alex

[Seeker]

Mods I see in this cars near future are:

Different wheels&tires
Front Spoiler/Fogs Changed
Sport Seats - are yours power or manual?
Front Bumper Retraction and/or World Bumper Conversion


Just for starters.. :D

[stoner]

You guys are F'n awesome. Thank you for making me feel welcome.

@86GT I will look into that bracket tomorrow. I have a couple of welder friends that like to make new brackets for things just like this. It's a weird source of entertainment for them.

The brakes are in great shape and the suspension is some of the best I've ever driven on. Of course I'm used to amatuer c-notches & drop blocks...and riding on rigid bobbers with 1/4 (if that) of padding. So I may not be the best judge. The car rides straight as an arrow...even on slightly rough or uneven roads which really surprised the hell out of me. Thank you for all the links. I'm going to start digging into these after I get my daughter to sleep.

If your car drives straight and doesn't suddenly lunge to one side or the other than your steering box bracket is fine. Nice clean car, way to stumble on a great find. BTW, I like the spokes, very unique.
Regards,

Dwight

[Tex707]

The seats all the way around are leaving. The ones in there right now are manual which is what I'm going to stick with. My personal philosophy as far as wiring is "Less is More". If I had my druthers I'd ditch the power windows too.

I'm gonna leave the wheels and tires alone for now. I dig the spoke rims. Obviously they're hit or miss.

Can you describe the "Front Bumper Retraction and/or World Bumper Conversion"?

[Captain Bavaria]

The seats all the way around are leaving. The ones in there right now are manual which is what I'm going to stick with. My personal philosophy as far as wiring is "Less is More". If I had my druthers I'd ditch the power windows too.

I'm gonna leave the wheels and tires alone for now. I dig the spoke rims. Obviously they're hit or miss.

Can you describe the "Front Bumper Retraction and/or World Bumper Conversion"?

Front bumper retraction is where people bleed the struts that stick that front bumper way out- pushing it in. World bumper conversion is fitting the 88/89 bumpers/bellows on an earlier car.

Pretty sweet deal. What color is that?

[Tex707]

Front bumper retraction is where people bleed the struts that stick that front bumper way out- pushing it in. World bumper conversion is fitting the 88/89 bumpers/bellows on an earlier car.

Pretty sweet deal. What color is that?

Thanks for clearing that up a bit.

As far as the factory color....I'm not sure. It's on my checklist of things to look up 'cause it could use a few touch ups.

[Seeker]

color name should be on/near the shock tower

[Captain Bavaria]

Thanks for clearing that up a bit.

As far as the factory color....I'm not sure. It's on my checklist of things to look up 'cause it could use a few touch ups.

There's a member here who- if you give him the VIN- will look up all those factory specs. He's got a thread somewhere if you search for it.

[Badgas]

Congratulations on a great deal on a nice car!
You scored big picking a car with a following of of cool helpful folk. This web site and Big Coupe are fantastic resources of knowledge and support. Welcome and enjoy your growing passion.

[Zack01GC]

Looks like Balticblau or Sapphirblau (Sapphire Blue) to me. My E23 was Sapphirblau, and very similar in color.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/TheOneStar00/1984%20BMW/ghettotrim2.jpg

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs039.snc3/12652_189286814283_574324283_2800680_1117714_n.jpg

[Lavalamp]

kinda looks like cirrus blue to me. but it's hard to tell in pictures, colors can vary a great deal.

[CW6er]

..... If I had my druthers I'd ditch the power windows too.

The electric windows and sunroof in this car are my idea of true luxury, fancy bells and whistles with manual backup. :cool

If you pop out the little round plug in the door and use the hex key and the spark plug socket in the tool kit in the trunk, you can manually roll them up and down if they fail.

[Tex707]

The electric windows and sunroof in this car are my idea of true luxury, fancy bells and whistles with manual backup. :cool

If you pop out the little round plug in the door and use the hex key and the spark plug socket in the tool kit in the trunk, you can manually roll them up and down if they fail.


That F'n rules!!!!

Seriously...it's the little things like that, the attention to detail if you will, that make me a happy man. There are few things in the world that piss me off more than a failed motor in an electric window. I can never appreciate them. I just know that it's just a matter of time before they F'n infuriate me...so right out of the gate I'm like "F-U power windows."

...which in retrospect is probably a waste of everybody's time. Much like this post. :confused

[Zack01GC]

No, really. That is a big deal.

I tried helping a female friend of mine get the window all the way up in her 2004 Chrysler minivan when the regulator/motor failed... had to take off the whole door panel just to find that there is no way to manually raise or lower the windows. Then reinstall the whole door panel.

These things count!

[Tex707]

Ok....fellas here's an actual question for you. I just read that the ///M series weren't available until 1984 and only in European markets until '87.

On the rear quarter panel of my '83 is a " ///M " label on the pinstripe.

The car was first purchased in 1983 and as far as I know it's the original paint. I can't imagine a paint shop that would be that lame. Well....I can I guess.

So....WTF?

[Idriftane30]

nice car but those wheels have to go, they make me sad:(...........................:D

[Taylor Marshall]

On the rear quarter panel of my '83 is a " ///M " label on the pinstripe.



It's not an M car....all E24 M series whether Euro or world have a 24 valve DOHC motor with 6 separate throttle bodies that is impossible to mistake for the 12 valve SOHC M30 which is what you have.
Probably the pin stripes were added by the PO as a touch of bling.
And believe me, if you had managed to score a true M car for the price you paid we'd all be jumping straight up and down and hollering like a troop of baboons in mating season.

[Alex E24 E30]

Looks like Balticblau or Sapphirblau (Sapphire Blue) to me. My E23 was Sapphirblau, and very similar in color.




I'm with Zack on the color guess. My other E24 is saphirblau, and it'd pretty neat to see another.

Let us know what you find out.



Alex

[Tex707]

Still haven't looked up the exact paint yet. But...I did get in touch with that fella Ken who posts on the 3 series forum and it does turn out he lives in my neighborhood. We're gonna get together this week and I'm gonna do a whole lot listening while he talks.

[BoldUlysses]

Still haven't looked up the exact paint yet.

Pretty easy to find out--there's a plaque on the passenger-side shock tower in the engine bay with the color description on it.

-Matt

[Tex707]

Pretty easy to find out--there's a plaque on the passenger-side shock tower in the engine bay with the color description on it.

-Matt


Balticblau-Metallic

[Captain Bavaria]

Balticblau-Metallic

Whoa another baltic blau! I though it looked similar but a tad too light- probably just the lighting. That's awesome- the balticblau has really grown on me and I def. won't be changing colors. Shoot, I'd probably do a respray to balticblau if my car wasn't already haha