prospective buyer

[morzada]

Hello all. Sold my e36 'vert earlier this summer and have been looking for a replacement semi-projec5 car. I've had a secret love fir the 635 since I saw a wheeler dealers episode some time ago and to my delight (and fear) there is now a fairly cheap one for sale not far away.

It's an 85 in grey with a manual transmission. The owner claims it has only on small spot of rust below the windshield on the passenger side. However the most obvious flaw is that the interior appears to be a botch swap from tan to gray. How hard would it be to find a replacement? Ideally something with sport seat ls as the current interior has comfort seats.

Thanks!

[dcains]

That's a nasty spot for rust, and they always have more,rust than you can see - always. Seats can be swapped, and interior panels can be re-dyed. Nice original sports seats can have a premium price due to rarity and demand, but others can be fitted, either directly or with adapters. E30 and E26 seats will work well, but the Tipton pattern won't match the rear seats.

You our didn't mention a budget, but bear in mind the old adage that noting is more expensive than a cheap BMW. Sometimes it's smarter to buy a well-restored car and pay up front. Any pics of the car you're looking at?

[morzada]

Here's the craigslist ad.

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/5294390448.html

I'm comfortable buying a project car, and would tolerate several thousand dollars of investment, but the interior is clearly a train wreck and the reason I sold my e36 was because the rust/body work was a loser. He sent me a photo of the rust. Looked like about 2 sq. in. starting from under the windshield rubber; it hadn't made it under the hood.

[dcains]

First, that's not an '85, so I'd make sure there are no issues with the title. Get the VIN and you can use one of the various online decoder to see what the car actually is, and what options it was delivered with. Just google "bmw vin decode" and several sites will come up.

The rust around the windshield would still be my major concern, as you really can see the extent without at least pulling the windshield out, and proper repair means cutting out past the margins and welding in a new panel. $4k doesn't go very far, if you need , bodywork/paint, suspension repair, a/c repairs, seats, etc. That battery drain could be a bear to track down, too. I'm going to guess the car is an '87 or '88, but will be curious to know what you found out. Those are rare with the 5-speed, but many have been converted. I'd get an independent inspection done, as a few hundred $ could save you thousands and lots of grief.

[mauryc]

The exterior shows it to be an 88'- 89', as do the interior grey parts. The tan pieces are from an older model. So, is this an 85' with upgrades or other. I'd lean that way as the rear ac (if functional) lends itself to this being a later model. VIN will tell. First thing that pops out are the TRX rims. Your looking at new tires AND rims at the get go, so factor that in.

Maury

[morzada]

The owner sent me photo of a portion of the title this morning. Still titled in Texas, aparently. I pulled the following off an online decoder:

Vehicle Identification Number WBAEC740XF0605133
Type EC74
Model 635 Csi - USA
Development Code E24
Chassis COUPE
Steering LL
Doors 2
Engine M30
Displacement 3.50
Power 0
Drivetrain HECK
Transmission MECH
Color Delphin Metallic - 184
Upholstery Perlbeige Leder - 0206
Production Plant
Production Date 1984-10-01

It has/had the following options:

290 Bmw Lm-raeder 7jx15,225/55r15v
458 Seat Adjustment, Electric. F Driver/pass
551 On-board Computer Ii W Remote Control
708 M-sport Leather Steering Wheel

- - - Updated - - -


The exterior shows it to be an 88'- 89', as do the interior grey parts. The tan pieces are from an older model. So, is this an 85' with upgrades or other. I'd lean that way as the rear ac (if functional) lends itself to this being a later model. VIN will tell. First thing that pops out are the TRX rims. Your looking at new tires AND rims at the get go, so factor that in.

Maury

Thanks for the reply. I'm (obviously) relatively new to the E24 game. What about the exterior points to the newer car? I figured the interior was some kind of swap, so who knows what year that came from. Also, what suggests new tires/rims - are they not original to the body style?

[smashervt]

Yea looks like it was originally beige because of the carpet and the back of the car where the speakers should be at. I am switching my beige to black and I have double parts of all the beige so if you do need beige interior parts I can hook you up. What I dont like about this car is he is hiding something with his hand in one of the images. Now you will see what but looks like you may have to replace the carpet.

[1986series6]

It's an 85 with 88 or newer interior? World bumper corners with 85 bumpers? Console where seat buttons are doesn't look right.

Rust in window channel--- not good. Save youself this project. Take advice from post #2. Dean is giving you good advice.

Even a great example of an e24 will be a project, why start with a mish mosh @ the getgo.

I owned mine for 27 years and it's been a project for the last 20.

Just my $.02

[smashervt]

Yea honestly save your money and get something better. I bought my 83 633csi 5 speed for $2500 (canadian yea thats cheap). Mechanically its good except it needs a paint job and I replaced the interior to all black. Spent like $1000 on parts and sometimes labour. Just sit tight and wait and wait until that glorious unicorn comes prancing down your local classifieds.

[dcains]

The problem with the wheels is that they require a special size tire available only as a reproduction (from Coker Tire) of the original Michelin TRX's, maybe $500 each, and they are shitty tires to begin with. Man, that car really is a frankenstein of more than one year and trim level, and it might take a "start from scratch" approach to make it look and work right. And, that Texas title sounds shady to me, especially since the current owner has had it for so long.

Oh well, looking for a good one is part of the fun, and the education process.

[dmac156]

The mix of parts from different years and different cars would make me nervous. There are probably lots of weird hidden problems. The rust would be the final deal breaker. There are better ones out there for the same money.

[morzada]

Thanks all for the replies and the beginnings of my education on the subject. I'm going to take the collective advice and pass on this one and look for the next.

Is there any kind of 'spotters' list on this forum? I'm not against long travel to find the right car.

Thanks again!