1987 635CSI Or 1994 525i

[bobbyboy987]

i have never owned a BMW before so i dont know what to expect

the 635CSI has 173000kms and looks like its in good condition

the 525i has 233000kms and is in very good condition, plus it was lady driven (this can be either good or bad lol)

both are about the same price

the 6 is such a sexy car but its kind of an old car
i will be driving this car for about 5 years
and then i will be outta university and will probably get a new car

[epj3]

635 will be a bit quicker, it's a real classic, and it's a great car. I'd personally go for the 635...love the m30!! Repairs will be the same on both cars.

[Kalevera]

It all depends on what you want. Personally, I like the rarity of the E24 (and the CSI, nonetheless!), so I'd probably be picking that one up. But the 525 is no doubt a good machine.

If you prefer both cars the same (ie - styling), I'd make the decision based on what kinds of service records are available.

best, whit

[Scott C]

i have never owned a BMW before so i dont know what to expect

the 635CSI has 173000kms and looks like its in good condition

the 525i has 233000kms and is in very good condition, plus it was lady driven (this can be either good or bad lol)

both are about the same price

the 6 is such a sexy car but its kind of an old car
i will be driving this car for about 5 years
and then i will be outta university and will probably get a new car

Hopefully you have had a car to "cut" your teeth on prior to the BMW?
You certainly must expect this to be somewhat costly to maintain vs Honda/Rice rocket

If you have the time to work on the car, are mech/elect inclined and like the challenge as well as the way the BMW drives, you are making a good choice.

Scott

[bobbyboy987]

ummm so are u saying that BMWs require alot of maintenance?
how much are u talking about
just a little tweaking a months or is it like constant changing stuff?

[kyleN20]

i havent had to anything on my car, cept a water pump, that wasent even broken, i would not say there much to do at all, get the 635, the m30 engine is damn near indrustial grade

[Derek A.]

If this is your first BMW - spend the $100 and have the car looked at by someone that knows what they are doing. These cars can be a handful - once you get them sorted out - you need to stay on top of it.

[dave b]

Get them both!

Would still be about 1/4 the cost of a new car.

[Kalevera]

I've spent ~ $6000 USD on mine since I bought it in late Oct 2004.

Granted, it sat in a field for 2 years. Here's a list of what I've done:

November/December 2004:

- front control arms
- front thrust arms w/750 bushings
- front strut housings/abs sensors
- front sway bar links
- bavarian autosport springs
- center link
- tie rod ends
- two front tires - maxxis 225/60/15
- alignment
- all V belts
- battery
- rear pitman arms/dog bone links

($900+)

January 2005:

- ZF remanufactured 4hp-22 installed by Brett Anderson
- windshield washer jets
- coolant return line
- Driver's and Trunk Actuators
- Driver's Seat Switch

($2500+)

February 2005:

- coolant hoses, thermostat and BMW cool blue
- aux water pump
- front brakes, reman'd pass side front caliper
- rear brakes
- spark plugs
- Sachs kit install (springs, struts)
- differential speed sensor, Redline 75w90 w/LSD
- all eccentrics, bolts/washers
- Passengers, fuel lock actuators
- Fuel filter and fuel lines
- accelerator pedal bushings
- valve cover gasket
- radiator temperature switch

($1100+)

March 2005:

- Autodimming rearview mirror
- glove box unstuck/cleaned
- reglued door panels and additional soundproofing
- BMW Style 5's
- Alignment
- FPR lines

($900+)

April 2005:

- Leather seats restored (front and rear) with Leatherique
- ZF remanufactured 4hp-22 replaced under warranty by Hendrick Motorsport (Hickory, NC)
- M5 Front & Rear Swaybars
- 3 door seals
- Glove box latch
- Driver's seat recline motor
- Various interior plastic parts replaced: front DS kick panel, dome light
- Pass door panel

($500)

May 2005:

- M5 Skirts
- Rubber exhaust hangers replaced

($300)

...plus other things that slip my mind. These are not inexpensive cars, although they are reliable.

EDIT: and, with the exception of the trans, I did all of the work (and I would've done the trans myself if I wasn't in a compromised position when the work had to be done). It would've cost me 2x to get it all done otherwise.

best, whit

[Scott C]

ummm so are u saying that BMWs require alot of maintenance?
how much are u talking about
just a little tweaking a months or is it like constant changing stuff?

The front end (equiv of balljoints) is a weak design, virtually all parts are more expensive than domestic or japanese imports, the electrical systems are likely to be a little troublesome. I do NOT recommend an older BMW as a college car unless you have the resources (time and $) and facilities to maintain it. That being said, these are truly unique automobiles and reward the driver well. The engine is very reliable and will last a long time. The brakes are excellent. The comfort is very nice. But - the auto tranny will likely fail after 120K miles (if it has not been rebuilt) and will cost between $500 to $4K depending upon your luck.

I will send you my costs of repair if you so desire, but the bottom line on a certified BMW 1995 525i that I bought in 2001 with 60K miles (Tranny had already been rebuilt) at $16.5K from a dealer has cost $4100 in parts and labor (although 90% is my labor at 0$) and I have a $600 dollar A/C job in progress.

My humble recommendation is to get a car that allows you to focus on college first, then when you graduate, you can have fun

Good luck,
Scott

Scott