Finally...after all these years...yes...It's here. *LARGE PICS*

[evlgt85]

I'm still searching for words. This car is spectacular. Is it perfect? No. Is it perfect for me? Absolutely and without a doubt. THIS is the car I have spent so much time looking for. The car is amazing, the transaction could NOT have been better.

I thank you all for letting me hang out here and learn so much and ask so many questions each time I found a car that I wound up not buying. LOL!

I will have more shots of the car, with the engine and interior soon. I took these this morning, and the car is still wearing the dirt and such from the trip from SoCal to AZ. I managed to loose a couple of the Roundels off of the wheels along the way, so if anyone would like to direct me to where I could get some replacements for my BBS Style 5s, I'd appreciate it.

The car is a 1987 M6 with 84k on the clock.

Without further babbling, here's the car, and I'll tell the story later if any of you want to hear:

http://evlgt85.com/gallery/albums/album101/IMG_1512.jpg

http://evlgt85.com/gallery/albums/album101/IMG_1501.jpg

http://evlgt85.com/gallery/albums/album101/IMG_1514.jpg

http://evlgt85.com/gallery/albums/album101/IMG_1519.jpg

http://evlgt85.com/gallery/albums/album101/IMG_1498.jpg

The rest, and more later can be found here:

http://www.evlgt85.com/gallery/albums/album101 (http://evlgt85.com/gallery/albums/album101)

:redspot

[Ol'6erGuy]

Congrats on the fine car. Looks like the wait was worth it.:buttrock

[jbd5015]

Great find man! Lets hear the rest of the story about where/how you found it and what your plans are!

-Jeff

[Makr]

:buttrock FINALLY!!!!!!11111


That is stunning. I absolutley love the color.

Your link doesnt work, and yes lets hear the story.

[Bears]

what are the specs on that car? :o

congrats :)

[de Witt]

Damn, Royal Blue on Louts White...there was one for sale here in CO with similar mileage last summer, for $12.9k, I should have pulled the trigger on it.

You have a very nice M6.

[xatlas0]

Gorgeous!

[el six]

nice. very nice. color and all. congrats. that color is awesome.

[evlgt85]

Thanks for the compliments.

I wound up running into a guy online who happened to be local to me. After many traded PMs on another board, he pointed me in the direction of an online ad that I'd not yet seen. Upon reviewing it, seeing the price and location, I was stoked.

The car was in SoCal, so within a fly-out, drive-home range. Perfect. The actual owner of the car wanted nothing to do with selling it. Actually, I don't think he wanted to sell it. Another 6er enthusiast saw the car with the sign in the window, managed to talk to the guy, and found out that although no one had shown interest in the car, he'd not put forth any more effort than just the sign. I also came to find out he kept fixing things on the car as the weeks progressed, like the air dam (completely and freshly redone, I almost wish it weren't because that means I'm going to mess it up myself!), hood struts, and other little bits here and there.

Well, I'd posted on Roadfly asking where in the area the car could be taken for a PPI. I wound up with a lot of replies, two of which wound up going beyond the board - one with phone calls, the other with emails. Seems that the guy helping to sell the car is this well-known stand-up guy in the BMW community and if he says the car is good, it's likely darn good. I get recommendations for the PPI, I call the place, talk to a wonderful man named Habib who runs Bavarian Master Care in San Marcos, and set up a PPI.

The PPI comes back glowing. Habib immediately says, "This car basically NEEDS nothing, there are very small things here and there that should be looked at eventually, but it's in incredible shape!" I then tell him the asking price of the car, and he tells me I need to buy it. HAHA! Which, I kind of figured, but I didn't want to jump the gun. I received a bunch of records faxed to me, I send a good-faith deposit because I really think this car is the one. I even wound up having a couple of minor things taken care of before actually buying the damned car. I didn't want to jinx it completely, but I also was pretty darn sure I was flying to San Diego to pick up an M6 and drive it back.

So, Friday morning, the damned shuttle doesn't show up to take us to the airport. We jump in our truck and head to the airport. We make it into San Diego around 11:30, pick up a steaming pile of poo rental car (Chevy Cobalt...wow, that thing sucks), and head to my father-in-law's sailboat at Harbor Island. Can't beat free accomodations! During that afternoon, we wind up meeting up with Alan from the SoCal Sixers who was a HUGE help throughout this experience, and taking a look at his beautiful road warrior shark with over 300k on the clock. We'd hoped to hook up with him and Pedro the next day, but it wound up being very, very busy.

We get up the next morning and head north to see the car. As we pull up, I am struck breathless by this glimmering Royalblau beauty. I could NOT believe how gorgeous the car looked in person. Stunning. We all met at the house of the man helping to sell the car, Dennis. He is an outstanding man. The soon-to-be-former owner, Tom is also a great guy. Dennis and I go for a test drive, and I am hook, line and sinker for this car. Like there was any doubt before. We head to Dennis' beautiful back yard to do the paperwork, and then Dennis hops in his beautiful black 6, I'm piloting the M6 and we're off to BofA to disburse fundage. The confidence shown on both sides of the transaction was really stellar. I had no reservations, and they knew I was the real deal as well.

After BofA, I follow Dennis to drop off Tom. According to my husband, Mike, who was riding shotgun, Tom watched the entire time we drove off. I don't think Tom sold that car easily. I don't blame him. My love for this car is deep already.

It was then that we headed over to Bavarian Master Care so I could meet the great Habib! I could only WISH that such a shop would be local to me. First off, Habib is a good guy to deal with, no doubt, the shop is SPOTLESS...I'd eat dinner off of the floor in there. Old school to late-model Bimmers abound there. Habib had expressed his wanting to meet me a few times, the last time we spoke on the phone, he asked to speak to the "Blue M6 Lady" haha! And then told me he'd love to meet. How could I disappoint? Had a lovely visit, and then it was back to Dennis' house so Mike could drive the rental car of poo (seriously, we called the car poo the entire time, mostly because it's funnier than calling it s***) back to the airport, while I cruised in style down the road in an M6. Hee.

We finally headed for Phoenix around 12:30 I guess? Something like that. Stopped for gas and a bite to eat in Yuma. Did a few triple-digit bursts for fun on the long, open, emptiness. The car's stability and grip is so impressive. We had to go to the airport to pick up the truck and then made it home just after dark. Once the sun went down, I opened the sunroof, rolled down the windows and just listened to that six-cylinder symphony. *tingle*

And there we have it. I've got a new car, new friends, and apparently a new nickname in SoCal (don't ask). And, after all these years (look at my registration date! I was actually here for the Oct. 01 crash, too!), I'm an actual Bimmer owner.

The car passed emissions today, so hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to get the title and registration sealed up. I think I'm going back to staring at the car some more....

:)

[bmwlovr]

Very, very nice. Good luck with the car -- can't beat SoCal for clean cars - usually hi miles though, so great find. I miss my 6 :(. Maybe I will have to start my own search...

[chyya]

good read, stunning car. i shouldve waited longer and gotten a m6 but my hunger for the e24 got to me :)

[JCHenryAIA]

Congrats. Great looker and hope it stays perfect for you.

[evlgt85]

Thanks, everyone. I can pick the car apart with the best of them, but it doesn't dim the car's radiance for me. I've just been out wiping down the engine compartment. Starting to get a little dusty in there. Don't care to let it build up any. Besides, it's good orientation time, looking at all the hoses and wires and German words :)

Got the car all legalized today. Now I've got generic plates until I think of something to put on the car for a decent tag. Have to think of something soon because the plates have the letters VW in them. How utterly WRONG! Haha!

The guy who had to check the VIN went kind of ga-ga over the car. He'd never seen one before and couldn't believe that it was in that condition for an 87, nor that such a good looking car could have been made in 87. It was really quite funny. I enjoy seeing the reactions of people who are unfamiliar with it but are taken with its appearance just the same. It really is one of the best looking BMWs of all time, and not just to BMW enthusiasts.

My next door neighbor came over last night to have a look. She's had a bad weekend and such, and was in a funk. She sat in the car, had to touch everything, I gave her the grand tour and she's smitten with it. Her first car was a 2002tii, so her heart is in the right place. And it's pretty cool when a car can cheer someone up out of a bit of gloom, ya know?

I think I'm going to have a fine time with this car.

[Ol'6erGuy]

Do as I say. Go out your front door, spread your arms as wide as they will go and shout, "Hallelujah". You got it commin' babe!!!

[adamnur]

SsssssSSSsssssICKKKKK! :eek: Beautiful, congrats!

[dm635]

looks great,your persistance has paid off.let the driving begin.
is it what you expected?

[evlgt85]

It is what I'd hoped and more. I really didn't think I'd find one in this good of shape, with mileage that low in my price range. And it really is a joy to drive. It just feels so capable, sure-footed, it's a confident car.

Mike had started to tell me (mostly out of desperation and exasperation) to just buy one, and then later worry about finding a blue one or whatnot, but I knew I should hold on, wait, search and find the right car the first time, get the best car I could. And, I think that's the right way to do it. Too many times, folks get impatient and just buy ANY car because they just want one. Then they become disappointed and the flame is gone. It's always better to get the best car, the one that comes closest to your wants and needs FIRST, even if it takes a long time. That way you have a MUCH better chance of enjoying the whole experience and find it rewarding.
We'll be off on a brief adventure later on this morning. I'm taking any excuse I can do drive. :)

[T-Rex]

Wow...that is so beautiful! I want an E24 again so badly, and yours is one of the best examples I've ever seen online! If you're selling the style 5s, let me know how much you'd want for them....

Congrats again on the purchase!

[SudWind]

Congratulations!! I have watched your search with great interest. I have a suggestion for a tag. When I got my last tag, I discovered that 87 SHARK was available and grabbed it! Good luck in naming that critter.

[evlgt85]

Haha, I think a lot of people are glad that I'll just shut the hell up and drive. Especially my husband.

The car's name is Hansi, after my favorite singer...he happens to be German. :D

As for the plate, a friend has 87 SHARK as his plate in Cali, so I don't want to copy him. I've thought E24MPWR would be good, but my husband (and only my husband so far, of those I've asked) thinks that people will see it and think I'm trying to make some sort of feminist statement. ?!?!?!?!? He thinks that people will see MPWR and think that. Err. Hm. I dunno.

I'm keeping the wheels for a good, long time. I'd wanted throwing stars, but I really do like these wheels. I didn't think I'd be lucky enough to get a nice set of wheels already on the car. Well, I didn't think I'd be lucky enough to get as much car as I did, honestly.

[e24mpwr]

That is an awesome find and a great story. You really want to buy a car from someone who hates to let it go! Hope you're planning to go to one or both of the Left Coast SharkFests! Mark in Mesa AZ helps organize SharkFest West - a very fun and social event. Pacific is a large show, and you'll get lots of kudos for that car!

[haledj]

awesome car
as for the plate-- I dont know how many letters you are allowed

SIXY
M6 Shark
REAL M6
E24 HOURS
FIN SOUP
BIGGER 6
6 DEGREES
LAND SHARK
DEEP 6
SIX PACK

Just a few I could think of
Good luck
--Doug

[jbd5015]

Hmmm, im doing a vanity plate as well, hopefully. Mine will be WOLFIE, but if your looking to stick with the actual car and not a nickname...what about:
SHRK BT (shark bite?)
E24 LVR
Im not too good at this, and you can also get a custom euro plate for up front, unless your state requires 2 plates. With the euro plates, you can get a lot more creative because they are longer.

-Jeff

[evlgt85]

Still not sure about the plate yet. I want some lightning bolt of inspiration to hit me and be THE thing to put on the plate.

AZ only allows 7 characters, and spaces count as characters.

Putting the car's name (Hansi) on there would probably just confuse people. It would confuse them far more than E24 or other technical references. That, and my husband might think it's a little weird. LOL!

[The Beastmaster]

Wow! Congrats on the purchase! How's about S38B35 for your plates?

[California6er]

Wow, beautiful M6. Always wanted a Blue one.....with white interior....... Long live the E24 M6:buttrock

Heres my 88:
http://images1.snapfish.com/34756%3A%3A%3B6%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2348%3D75%3C%3D337%3 DXROQDF%3E232386688%3C274ot1lsi
http://images1.snapfish.com/34756%3A%3A%3B6%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2348%3D75%3C%3D337%3 DXROQDF%3E232386688%3C277ot1lsi

[evlgt85]

Oooooooo...Dinan-ized M6, how hot is that!?! :eek:

Thanks. I just couldn't let go of wanting a blue M. I still can't keep my eyes off of the car when entering or exiting the garage. We'll go somewhere in the truck, and I'll just stare at the car until the garage door closes. Sigh.

Have you ever attended the Monterey Weekend? There's always a fantastic showing of 6ers in the Festorics area.

[California6er]

Haha, same here. After I park the car I'm always looking back at it, what can I say, the e24 is a work of art. Never been the the Montery show, I know thats bad considering im only 45 min away, but I take it to lots of BMW meets and shows in the bay. People love the old Mcars. Gona have yours at Pacific Sharkfest next spring?? I was there in 04 with my 635, and will bring the M6 down the Paso Robles next spring.

Edit: Nice "fleet" Always had a soft spot for the 80's Mustang/Capri, especially the lil turbo SVO, my dad had a Red 85 similar to yours. (Dont tell anyone here tho...) :devillook

[evlgt85]

You simply MUST attend Monterey just once at least. It is such an experience, words fail me. It is total and absolute sensory overload. By the end of the day, each day, I am a complete zombie because I'm trying to complete the absorption of all the different things I've seen the entire time. Doesn't matter where you go, on the way there, the surrounding towns, the hotel parking lots, the event parking lots, everything, all the time. Incredible.

Pacific may be a bit of a haul from AZ (we fly each year to the Historics, although I may want to take the M6 for a road trip there just once, so we can be in something a bit more appropriate than a flippin' rental car!), but it all depends on our scheduling. I'll definitely be a SFW, though, since that's only about a 6 hour drive and we have a free place to crash at the in-laws' (they're very cool, father-in-law has an E28 M5, mother-in-law has an E36 'vert).

Just popped in from rubbing down the car a bit. It's so nice to have one that I can touch and grope and ogle and not be arrested or anything. Haha! This car makes me very silly. And very, very happy. :D

[amibuggnu]

Definitely a beautiful car. I've read through your thread and some of the stories about your search, and its great that you've found your Hansi. And I can certainly understand why you are so happy about it and can't take your eyes off it!! Its a great looking car.

Have you settled on a number plate yet?

[ecorrea21]

Man that is a clean car, I'll be looking for a 6 by the end of the year. I'm in the middle of selling my house and moving so it will have to wait till the move is done.
Nice find!!!

[berry]

Love the story, once again patience is a virtue. As for a plate how about SOCALM6?
Congratulations, and watch the speedo, you don't want to lose your license after all this waiting

[evlgt85]

Thanks. The search was sometimes frustrating, but it paid off.

Last night, we were entering the house after having had dinner with a neighbor. We came in through the garage. My husband walked in between my Mustang and my M6, and I went round the other way by the M6. Mike stopped and stared at me. I stopped and couldn't figure out what he was doing. I was at the left rear corner of the M6 at this time. He indicates to me that I should proceed and he would follow. I didn't trust this. I finally give in...and touch the spoiler on the M6 as I walk past. Mike proudly and loudly declares, "I knew you couldn't do it!" Meaning that I couldn't walk past the M6 without touching it, and I typically touch the spoiler. Busted.

Still not decided on a plate. This is silly, really.

[e24mpwr]

I think your whole story is awesome - it took me three years to find mine, finishing with a drive from Colorado to North Carolina (a couple days after some...personal...surgery). You're in the right club - I can't look at my car and not smile. After a few weeks of driving my "new" E30 around, I'm driving the M635 while it is on loan to some friends visiting from Germany and I have to say I really love my car. Makes me giggle!

You should do a Member Page at Big Coupe. Here's mine (http://www.bigcoupe.com/gallery.php?id=28&parent_id=20).