M6 Advice Needed

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MarksE9

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Hi All,

I've been offered a genuine Euro spec 1985 M635Csi (M6) ex Japan for about
US$7200.00 FOB Japan. Odometer is 51,000 miles and Model Code is 5531 which I believe means a Euro spec (no catalyzer) LHD. Appears very sound with leather seats Diamond Schwartz paint with fading to hood and roof and is driving. Although I have a 2800CS I've also very much liked these. Does this seem like a good deal or maybe a bit risky as it would be sight unseen? I've attached a picture. Your comments would be appreciated guys.
 

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M6

From the photo it does appear to ba a euro spec car. I have an 85 euro 6 and it is a very enjoyable car to drive. The M6's are nice, slightly more tempermental, but carry a higher value. I say on US soil that car would bring someshere between 12k and 18k depending on some condition details. The mileage seems quite low. I would have expected it to be a well preserved garaged car for that low miles, but the paint condition says it has spent a lot of time parked outside. To me that seems odd for a car that has not been driven much. If you didn't have any shipping cost and the mileage is accurate its a good deal. If you pay acouple of grand to get it shipped it's a toss up. I have seen M6's sold locally for 7-8K (with higher miles). Also for some reason the US cars command a higher price than do the euro cars, so being a euro is not as good of a deal. It's more of a purchase for your own enjoyment than for any percieved investment.
 
MarksE9 said:
Hi All,

I've been offered a genuine Euro spec 1985 M635Csi (M6) ex Japan for about
US$7200.00 FOB Japan. Odometer is 51,000 miles and Model Code is 5531 which I believe means a Euro spec (no catalyzer) LHD. Appears very sound with leather seats Diamond Schwartz paint with fading to hood and roof and is driving. Although I have a 2800CS I've also very much liked these. Does this seem like a good deal or maybe a bit risky as it would be sight unseen? I've attached a picture. Your comments would be appreciated guys.
Click to expand...

Put that $7200 into your 2800CS
 
M6

I would echo Dave L. Well sorted Euro M6s (e.g. valve spring upgrades,etc.) I have found will command the same money as US e24 M6s. If the mileage is correct I would agree with him that this is quite reasonable - you might pay $16-20K in the US for one in good condition, not needing paint (factor that in for your car). The true e24 fans prefer the Euro models. If you go with a US 1988 M6 the bumpers are almost as well integrated (vs the 1987 models) and if you chip it you get back most of the 30 HP difference and you do not have quite the parts hassle. Except for snow, e24s are great daily drivers so they are a good companion to the e9.

The recent US e24 M6 on ebay did not reach reserve at ~$30K which I though ambitious.
 
Defiantly a euro. Maintenance on these M88 motors is the key to longevity. I bought my 85 M635csi in 2000 with a little over 50k on it, now showing 71k. Oil changes and valve adjustments are a must. Engine rebuilds can cost 12k to 15k. Having said that, I love the car. Keep in mind this is a race engine put into a heavy coupe. Power band is in the upper ranges of RPM. RM just sold a 85 with 51k for $22,000.00.
 
M6 observation

IF the mileage is as indicated @ 51,000--it has obviously been seriously neglected cosmetically--my experience of 40 years of BMW ownership including an M-1 that I drove 52,000 miles--if so neglected cosmetically as to have paint in that condition it also leaves a big question as to its mechanicals--have the cars mechanicals been as abused or neglected as well. Big red flags waving.

If I were asked I would pass on the offer!!
 
Murray,

Remember, BMW had issues with their clear coats in the 70's/80's as did many manufacturers. That may be the case here.
 
Clearcoat issues of 80's--yes some--

But at 51,000 miles. It would have necessitated leaving the car exposed to weather 24/7 in Southern Japan to achieve the level of paint detioration that I see with this car. Is that representative of the care a prudent owner would give a car of this calibre--not the example I would expect at such low miles--IF those miles are correctly stated.
 
care of m-6

Having lived in Japan, driven and owned cars there, and speaking the language, let me give you some insights into car ownership in Japan. When a car is 4 years old it must undergo a very rigorous inspection called Shaken, the car is inspected both mechanically and cosmetically annually after it's 4th birthday. Believe me when I say these inspections are rigorous, I have seen cars fail the cosmetic part of it for a tear in the seat cover. Brake hoses are flexed and fail if there is the minutest amount of weather checking. Check to see when the last Shaken inspection was performed and passed and that will give you indicators as to it's condition. The point I am trying to make is that this car was probably stored outside like most cars are in Japan, but may be extremely sound mechanically. The reason for their ridgid inspections over there is to keep a lot of junk off of their roads, I know my E-9 would never pass an inspection over there, even after all of the panel replacing and other work I have done. Cars over there that don't pass inspection are usually taken to the nearest wrecking yard and scraped out for a mear pittance, so maybe if the car in the picture didn't pass inspection due to paint issues, maybe you can talk them down and be able to afford the shipping. Good luck, Leroy
 
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