The biggest problem with the current e63/64 six series is that it invites comparison to the handsome, pure sixers of old. The e24 M6 represents a pinnacle of ’80s grand touring class. No, it’s never going to be the cone carving autocross warrior the e30 M3 (another favorite) was known for, but this is the car you grab when you’ve got a long way to go, a short time to get there, and a bushy mustache or cowboy hat.
Today’s example sports 132k on the clock, which may be cause for concern, depending on what maintenance has (or hasn’t) been performed over the years. The M88 six cylinder is based on the near-indestructible M30 I6, but the hi-po head and individual throttle bodies are notoriously fussy.
Barring any other major issues, budgeting half the purchase price for maintenance down at Klaus/Ivan/Gunter’s BMW specialty shop still leaves you with a strong performer that doesn’t make you look like a total wanker (see aforementioned e63/64).
Source: Universal Auto
Jeff Glucker
If that sweety wasn't all the way across This Great Nation from this Daytona based olelongrooffan, I'd totally hoon it. Even if the roof is too short. And no matter what their current ad campaign says, BMW, especially this one, will always be The Ultimate Driving Machine.
Sharks are sweet, but the vehicle most synonymous with Ultimate Driving Machine is the e39 M5.
Totally. That's the one that would have me dropping mad cash. It was the most handsome and understated of the M cars, IMO. For most people, only the wheels would give it away (and the 4 pipes hanging out back). No stupid fender vents, no spoiler, no tacked on garbage. Just a few subtle fascia changes, and about 400hp under the hood were all it needed to be a badass. From what I see on Autotrader, you can pick one up with under 100k on the clock for around $16-$17k, and it would kick this M6 off the track in almost any category from performance, to reliability. So no thanks, but I'll pass.
In fairness, the e39 M5 has 10 years of development going for it. And while you're right on with the performance, I pity the fool required to R&R the V8 in that thing.
M6s suffer because you can build an equivalently (or better) performing car out of a 635 or 633 for far less. The Ms have moved into that restore-me-I'm-sacred territory.
I have seen a few e39 M5s in my market running from 16 to 22, all with under a hundred-grand on the clock. I really, really want one for my next ride.
However, are there better alternatives in the used performance sedan category? A newer STi maybe. I think I should submit this question to Hooniverse…
Like 2 years ago, Jalopnik ran a QOTD that was EVO Vs E39 M5.
The hilarious part was that 30% said "duh: Evo", 30% said "duh: M5", each unable to fathom why someone would think otherwise.
Here it is:
http://jalopnik.com/304202/bmw-e39-m5-vs-brand-sp…
Sorry, youngsters, in the Malaise Era of the 80's, this was the vehicle this, now 50 year old, man lusted after. Few computers doing the work for us, standard looks that no FHP driving cop looked at, or even recognized, and a Recaro bearing, 5 speed equipped interior that allowed us to Hoon to our hearts content. While the E39 M5 is a nicely equipped machine, the original, aside from a bad*ss 2002, M30 ruled. Think of it as a Mustang Shelby Cobra in its early days for us more selective Hoons loving going left and right vs. a straight line or roundy rounds.
But, again, no disrespect to the E39, but in this oleman's mind, this is one of the first most spirited machines from Bavarian Motor Werks.
But then again, this olelongrooffan loves his '88, slush box equipped E30 ragtop. And appropriately, it is black and tan, much like my friends who chase down local I-95 hooligans.
Viva La Difference!
wow thats a bangin interior!
really i did not know they looked that good!
I was amazed by the interior! It looks like brand new, and that is very impressive considering, um, 1987!
It's in fantastic shape.
For three more thousands, you can add six more cylinders and associated headaches:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1992-BMW-850i-V12-…
yah, but youll never get that leftover human out of the electric seat adjustment buttons…
Ah, but most critically, it's missing a pedal.
Shark or 8? hmmmm…though,even with the auto, which I absolutely hate. But an 850 Ci was the very first supercar I saw riding on the streets, close enough I could touch it, back when I was 8 or 9 in Brasilia. So it has enormous panache for my twisted tastes. Still, the shark is among the car fauna.
You know who does a really enjoyable cover of East Bound and Down?
Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies. I love that cover.
I love Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies.
I throw on their cover of "Country Roads" whenever I need to cover a lot of ground in a very short time.
Sorry, in the realm of BMW grand touring coupes, I will settle for nothing less than an e9. Something tells me there is not a BMW GT in my future.
Here ya go.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-BMW-3-0-CS_W0…
Bidding starts at $5k
"The biggest problem with the current e63/64 six series is that it invites comparison to the handsome, pure sixers of old."
I would go beyond this and say that this was also the problem with the E31 8-series. The E24 was a clear evolution from the E9. Both were damn near perfect GTs that sported beautiful (for German metal, at least) bodies. The 8-series came out and had no real connection to its predecessor outside of sharing the door count. It was heavier and had an insane level of complex when compared to the 6. Call me an old man yelling at a cloud, but BMW's handling of replacing the 6 was just a glimpse of the future.
I'm very fond of the sharks. Yes, an E39 M5 is a better (and faster) car, but the shark has panache, which counts for a lot. And racing cred, as well.
The obligatory 6er history: http://ateupwithmotor.com/sports-cars-and-muscle-…
I have an 86 635CSi. I've had it for just over a week now and love it. Bavarian Autosport (bavauto.com) has tons of OE or aftermarket parts including everything from suspension and exhaust to shifters and dome lights for the e24. As opposed to newer cars (and yes, even some BMWs), this car has personality. There is nothing else like it on the road. From a distance one may wonder whether a car ahead or behind is a Camery or a new 5 series. No such question with the classic Bimmers. The interior is far more modern than other cars of the '80's and all of the electrical components still work! My car was a donation to the Kidney foundation's auction and was formerly from southern California – no rust. It still has the original wheels, too!
The only thing I really need to do to it is replace the rear shocks, the rear end sinks a little during shifts when I get on the gas. Aside from that, simple restoration bits here and there and I'll have a beauty!
But I have to admit, if I could get the e39 M5 I'd jump on it in an instant.