This E24-chassis BMW 6-Series lives in that unique space of looking good enough to be a driver right now while also likely exhibiting some of the classic signs of benign neglect. It hasn’t been righteously abused, but it also hasn’t had much money spent on maintenance in recent years. The seller does confirm that this 1987 BMW 635CSI listed here on eBay has been in storage for some time, and it’s suffering from some electrical gremlins. Is it worth saving? The Buy-It-Now is $8,500 with the reserve unmet.
If this were an M6 from the same era, we probably wouldn’t even have a listing to write up. The 635CSI was a grand tourer in every sense of the word, equipped with a durable and torquey M30 inline-six, one of the best engines BMW has ever stuffed in a car. Known for racking up huge mileage with reasonable upkeep costs, the M30 makes for a willing interstate companion. The best combo, of course, is that engine paired with a 5-speed manual, but this BMW sports the optional 4-speed automatic. The bodywork is this 6-Series’ best selling point, in my opinion, as it looks quite tidy all the way around. It’s worth noting that this 6-Series appears to be missing the standard-issue rear spoiler.
The interior looks tidy, but these seats are always such a let-down compared to the Recaros that came in the European-market E24s. It does, at least, have the 3-spoke M-Tech steering wheel, which is one of the best factory wheels ever made. The tan leather seats show some cracks but nothing egregious, and the matching carpets are not laced with stains. The automatic is a shame, as these cars really are at their best with the proper 5-speed manual. The seller doesn’t note whether the myriad power controls still work, but I’d count on the power seats perhaps causing some conservation.
The seller notes the presence of some electrical gremlins but doesn’t elaborate; I’m going to guess that whatever it is, it’s serious enough to keep this 6-Series from running. The seller hasn’t made any attempt to repair it, so that will be up to the next owner to figure out. The starting bid is reasonable if you wanted to bring this car home as a project, but the Buy-It-Now is too high for a vehicle that is missing some of the desirable sport package equipment and that is equipped with the slushbox. Still, the clean body and lack of rust definitely count for something; the question is, how much is that worth for a non-runner?
One time that an LS would be doing us all a favor.
I always liked these… While my brain says I currently have “enough” classics in my fleet, my heart wants another project.
This one had promise until I got to the “Branded Title” part. The reality it that a branded title means the car will be a challenge to insure or re-sell. Hard pass.
When I was in the picture-car business, we used to grab branded luxury/sports cars cheap for stunts and any other scene where they would be damaged or destroyed.
I found it interesting until I got to the automatic. Someone else might find that a positive. It might just be the lighting in the photos, but it sure looks like a marginal repaint to me. Especially on the left rear quarter panel. Between my observation of the paint, and the “branded title” an in-person inspection would be required of anyone seriously considering purchase IMHO. Why no under hood photos? Why no under chassis photos?
It’s only interesting if you can afford it
The Ebay listing shows loads of helpful photos. The seller is apparently not trying to hide flaws and all. One great body style to me! Someone handy with solving electronic issues could save many $s and put it back on the road soon, and feel the effort was very rewarding.
I agree that the ebay listing has plenty of photos. But not a single under hood, in trunk or under chassis photo. That doesn’t do me much good if I am 2000 miles away from the car.
The best use of the “Hofmeister kink” in autoland.
“Branded title”? That’s a term I’m not familiar with, and I’ve been playing with old cars for nearly 50 years. Please explain, someone.
“Branded title”? That’s a term I’m not familiar with, and I’ve been playing with old cars for nearly 50 years. Please explain, someone.
Most jurisdictions now require titles, ownerships, or permits to be “branded” if the vehicle was severely damaged. Where I live, vehicles that insurers declare to be a “total loss” are branded with “Salvage”, if they are repairable. To be registered /driven on public roads, they must pass a special structural inspection, in addition to the regular safety inspection. The brand will then be changed to “Rebuilt”. Vehicles that are too far gone, are branded “Irreparable”, and can only be scrapped or parted out.
The program is supposed to protect consumers from buying poorly repaired wrecks, and reduce criminals VIN-swapping.
Many insurance companies will not insure branded rides, or charge higher rates. Financing is also a challenge as the value of branded rides is significantly lower.
Countless bad cars avoid branding through errors, omissions, and fraud. Vehicles that were not insured, or no claim was made (many are flood cars) also escape branding. Unreported damage will not appear on CARFAX. Always get a PPI!
Here in Texas we call them salvage titles. I rebuilt wrecks in my younger years. I was always able sell them quickly at “black book” price and make a descent profit. I was surprised how many went to dealers up north. It’s been 30-35 years but I remember something about changing states cleaned the title. Doubt that’s still the case with carfax.
Had a decent looking, but salvage-title, ’02 Dodge van for my business. It served me dependably and quite comfortably for a handful of years. Minniscule insurance rates and yearly registration didn’t bite my wallet, and kept me smiling. Eventually the headliner started to disrupt my rear-view vision and I traded it to a used car dealer who no doubt ripped out the cloth and put additional miles on it as an “errand” van.
Jeff, sorry but there was no standard issue rear spoiler for this e24.
Electrical gremlins, they say? Remember my daughters story on her 2016 3 series( I think)? She was gone for 8 months, upon returning, the car didn’t run right. Dealer told her, a rat the size of a rabbit, made a home under the hood, and ate most of the wiring. Apparently, BMW and others, use a wire coating that is edible. She got the car back with a SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLAR bill, that luckily, the insurance covered. BMW makes the best cars, bar none, but not for the light of wallet.