Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

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PhoenixOp
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Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by PhoenixOp »

I've had an itch I haven't been able to scratch until last Saturday. Have been wanting a manual trans or euro spec 635. Was driving my black 635CSiA, went to Walmart for ATF (great prices) and a gentlemen in the parking lot asks me if I want to buy another one (635 not ATF), I said I would like to see it, so we went to his house. White w/black interior 1985 635CSi Euro spec 5 speed stick. New brakes, diff, driveshaft, oil pump, pics inside engine (like new), new clutch hydraulics, but will eventually need a clutch, complete tool kit including the blue cloth. Interior 9.7/10 exterior 9.8/10. \:D/

I asked him what he wanted for it, he told me he had put $4000 into repairs (has receipts since new), but he would take $2850. I couldn't say "I'll take it" fast enough. He has a '53 Ford F100 pickup with a 500hp engine to install and needs the room, plus he has some medical issues, so decided to sell the BMW. He wanted it to go to a good home, so he gave me the "good home" price. Boy, did he. He had turned down an offer of $3500 because the guy wanted to cut it up and race it. The scary part for me is, I haven't driven a stick in 20+ years, but hopefully it's true what they say "It's like riding a bike, you never forget".

I'm going to pick it up in a few days and I will throw some pics up.

It's true, I don't find cars, they find me... This is number 15, 10 are BMW's... I have a problem! ](*,)

Thank you for all the skill and talent that resides on this board. You guys/gals are the best! =D>
Mike Drives: :D
BMW's...
1980 633CSiA
1985 635CSi (EC)
1985 635CSiA
Plus:
1 - E31
2 - E32
1 - E34
3 - E38
3 - E39

Also:
67 Buick Rivera
99 Mercedes Benz SL600
02 Mercedes Benz SL500
07 Mercedes Benz CL600
14 Dodge Dart Rallye XT
15 Ram 3500
baders
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by baders »

Looking forward to the pics Mike !
1986 635csi LOCUTUS / Arktis Blau Metallic / Pearl Beige / S38B36/ Close ratio dogleg 5sp
2002 E46 M3 / Topaz Blau Metallic / Black Nappa / 6 speed SMG software tuned / Bilstein PSS10 Coilovers / CMP RACP reinforcement
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dwcains
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by dwcains »

Wow, what a story. I'd be sleeping in his driveway, though, until it was mine. I wouldn't want the seller changing his mind. We definitely need to see some pics.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

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PhoenixOp
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by PhoenixOp »

I left out the part where this is a two owner, one family car. His brother bought it new in Germany and had it brought back, which is why he has all the service history on the car. The seats are almost showroom because they have had covers on them it's whole life. :mrgreen:

I'm not worried about him changing his mind. During our conversation we discovered we were both Vietnam vets, both had PTSD and both hated the CIA :evil: . I was special operations (Phoenix Program) and he was Air America. Both programs were run by the CIA, so I guess we kind of bonded.

More to come...
Mike Drives: :D
BMW's...
1980 633CSiA
1985 635CSi (EC)
1985 635CSiA
Plus:
1 - E31
2 - E32
1 - E34
3 - E38
3 - E39

Also:
67 Buick Rivera
99 Mercedes Benz SL600
02 Mercedes Benz SL500
07 Mercedes Benz CL600
14 Dodge Dart Rallye XT
15 Ram 3500
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zinnocoupe
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by zinnocoupe »

OMG That sounds like the deal of a lifetime. Looking forward to the pics. An 85, you got the good tranny as well. Nice score. The whole Vietnam/CIA part of the story sounds interesting as well. Nice score
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Image
1979 Euro 635ci no longer a basketcase, just a running rust bucket!
1977 530i Partially restored and running now!
1987 635csi 60K KM Garage Queen
ron
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by ron »

What a deal! I worked with a lot of ex Air America guys at Transamerica Airlines and Southern Air Transport.

They kept us enthralled for hours with their stories.
They are ALWAYS rustier than you thought!!!!!!
'85 M #228
'87 M #367
'88 High line.
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Spasso
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by Spasso »

Deal of a lifetime indeed.
Euro spec E28 based 635's are hard to come by in any shape, much less in good shape.
Pictures please.
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PhoenixOp
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by PhoenixOp »

Can you enlighten me about the transmission? I'm kind of new to the whole E24 stick thing, so any info would be helpful. I vaguely remember in all of my readings, something about a "crap" trans, but don't remember what series. Also, I may be confusing my information with e31 850's, but are transmission parts still available for whichever trans this has? [-o<

Was also wondering about "short" shifters and who/where would be the best one to get, but only if the stock shifter is like trying to shift a worn out VW bug or mixing cake batter with a spoon.

I did decode the VIN and it has a 25% LSD, which, if I remember my old street racing days, is a good thing. =D>

He was a body/fender guy before he retired, so he is repairing the only bit of rust on the car. A silver dollar sized hole in the right rear front side wheel well. He was building a patch for the inner and outer fender using a leather sand bag so he could get the the shapes right before he welded them in, metal-finished, primed and painted the repair. Based on the body work he did on the pickup project, I'm expecting an invisible repair with 0% filler. He also wanted to reinstall the radiator and put in fresh coolant after having sent it out to have it cleaned out. In addition to PTSD, we also share some OCD. =P~

That's the latest update. Thanks for the positive feedback. Seemed like a good deal, but ya never know. Thanks also for the reinforcement.

Thanks gentlemen. As soon as I get it home, I'll shoot some pics and get them to ya!
Mike Drives: :D
BMW's...
1980 633CSiA
1985 635CSi (EC)
1985 635CSiA
Plus:
1 - E31
2 - E32
1 - E34
3 - E38
3 - E39

Also:
67 Buick Rivera
99 Mercedes Benz SL600
02 Mercedes Benz SL500
07 Mercedes Benz CL600
14 Dodge Dart Rallye XT
15 Ram 3500
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Finally6
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by Finally6 »

What a deal and great story, congrats!
Northern VA, I-95 drone...
RHD 81 635
02 530i
00 528iT
91 535i
songzunhuang
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by songzunhuang »

If you decide to pass it on one day with a similar deal, I’m sure you’ll have a ton of takers here in the forum. Put me at the top of the list. ;)

Congratulations.
-----
Song Huang
1984 633CSi
Last 7 of VIN: 6997383
GRNSHRK
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by GRNSHRK »

Can you enlighten me about the transmission?
Dean should chime in, he's got the same model and year, but it's my understanding that in '85 BMW went back to the 265/6 OD gearbox with separate bell housing, which is a very stout unit =D>

In '83 and '84 BMW used the 1-piece tranny/bellhousing unit that was crap, or so it's been advertised [-X

Nice find, please keep the forum posted [-o<

:mrgreen:
:mrgreen:
Bobbo
1980 633 CSi Cypress Green/Pearl Beige
2017 X5 M Sport Xdrive 35i Carbon Black/Ivory White
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dwcains
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by dwcains »

I will. There shouldn't be any real weakness in the transmission in an '85 Euro 635. They rattle a fair amount at idle, but that's nothing unusual, or to,worry about.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

Image
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PhoenixOp
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Location: Kuna, Idaho, USA

Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by PhoenixOp »

Dean;

Define "rattle". :-k
Mike Drives: :D
BMW's...
1980 633CSiA
1985 635CSi (EC)
1985 635CSiA
Plus:
1 - E31
2 - E32
1 - E34
3 - E38
3 - E39

Also:
67 Buick Rivera
99 Mercedes Benz SL600
02 Mercedes Benz SL500
07 Mercedes Benz CL600
14 Dodge Dart Rallye XT
15 Ram 3500
User avatar
dwcains
Posts: 1465
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2014 6:01 am
Location: Lutz, FL

Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by dwcains »

Some are worse than others, but I'd describe the sound as an old coffee can full of nuts and bolts. It worst if you're at a drive-thru window so the sound can reflect off the wall, but otherwise you really don't notice it much. My E30 M3 was like that brand-new.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

Image
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PhoenixOp
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Location: Kuna, Idaho, USA

Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by PhoenixOp »

Where does it come from and what causes it? My '85 auto doesn't rattle. :-k
Mike Drives: :D
BMW's...
1980 633CSiA
1985 635CSi (EC)
1985 635CSiA
Plus:
1 - E31
2 - E32
1 - E34
3 - E38
3 - E39

Also:
67 Buick Rivera
99 Mercedes Benz SL600
02 Mercedes Benz SL500
07 Mercedes Benz CL600
14 Dodge Dart Rallye XT
15 Ram 3500
User avatar
dwcains
Posts: 1465
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2014 6:01 am
Location: Lutz, FL

Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by dwcains »

Manusl boxes are always noisier than auto boxes. Lots of gears and bearings and synchro rings on the main and lay shafts, and they're all a bit loose so they can move around as needed. My 350Z is pretty noisy, too.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

Image
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dwcains
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by dwcains »

manual boxes are always noisier than auto boxes. Lots of gears and bearings and synchros on the lay and mainshaft, and they're all somewhat loose so they can move around as necessary.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

Image
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PhoenixOp
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Joined: Mon Aug 17, 2015 11:19 pm
Location: Kuna, Idaho, USA

Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by PhoenixOp »

Okay. I know sticks are noisier than autos. I've driven cars with straight cut gears. There's a symphony of noises not soon forgotten. As long as it's just normal sounds and not some sort of dooms day scenario like E39 cooling systems, E24 odometer gears or M62 timing chain guides, I can hang. :D

Thanks, Dean
Mike Drives: :D
BMW's...
1980 633CSiA
1985 635CSi (EC)
1985 635CSiA
Plus:
1 - E31
2 - E32
1 - E34
3 - E38
3 - E39

Also:
67 Buick Rivera
99 Mercedes Benz SL600
02 Mercedes Benz SL500
07 Mercedes Benz CL600
14 Dodge Dart Rallye XT
15 Ram 3500
User avatar
hornhospital Online
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by hornhospital »

E24 odometer gears are not hard to replace. I sure wouldn't put that in the same category as M62 timing chain guide difficulty.

The manual transmission rattle is from the slight drag on the pressure plate when disengaged. It rattles the input shaft. It's completely normal and nothing to worry about. I've seen one worrier have their 5 speed rebuilt, at great expense, because of it....and it made zero difference.
Ken Kanne
'84 633CSi "Sylvia"; '85 635CSi "Katja";'85 325e "Hazel Ann"; '95 M3 "Ashlyn"
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PhoenixOp
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by PhoenixOp »

Ken;

You are right about the odo gears vs. M62 timing chains, they aren't really in the same league.

Again, thanks for the information on the transmission. Better to find out about it here than freak out about it later.

See ya,

Mike
Mike Drives: :D
BMW's...
1980 633CSiA
1985 635CSi (EC)
1985 635CSiA
Plus:
1 - E31
2 - E32
1 - E34
3 - E38
3 - E39

Also:
67 Buick Rivera
99 Mercedes Benz SL600
02 Mercedes Benz SL500
07 Mercedes Benz CL600
14 Dodge Dart Rallye XT
15 Ram 3500
val_c
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Location: Toronto, Canada

Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by val_c »

Very nice story. Congrats!
Can't wait to see the photos!
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zinnocoupe
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by zinnocoupe »

Mike, I just saw this post again. When are we going to see some pics [-o<
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1979 Euro 635ci no longer a basketcase, just a running rust bucket!
1977 530i Partially restored and running now!
1987 635csi 60K KM Garage Queen
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PhoenixOp
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Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by PhoenixOp »

Thanks for keeping an eye on this thread. Here's the latest...

The seller had surgery on his neck. Like me, these old bones and joints don't always want to cooperate. He had a fusion of a couple of his cervical vertebrae because he was in so much pain, so has been laid up for a while. I haven't pushed him, in fact I hadn't even talked to him for a couple of months. We talked a couple of weeks ago and he's doing better. He's getting fired up to get the car finished. In an earlier post I mentioned our shared OCD, so I don't have a problem with him taking his time and getting it right. He's still on-line to sell the car to me and we have bonded enough through our shared experiences in war, that the sale will go through without problems or drama.

He also let me know that his other medical issue is a very slow growing cancer in one of his lungs that he attributes to the amount of jet fuel he was around during his time in the garden spot of Southeast Asia. He's not going to do anything about it currently, but will eventually.

So, gentlemen, that is the latest. I'm getting a gut feeling that he may finish the car and I will get it in my hot little hands either this month (March) or next. Time will tell. I'm looking it as free storage until I can finish the expansion of my shop and, while it sits, it's appreciating, so plus + plus! :D

Will let you all know when I do. This is still a great site with great people!

Thank you all,
Mike
Mike Drives: :D
BMW's...
1980 633CSiA
1985 635CSi (EC)
1985 635CSiA
Plus:
1 - E31
2 - E32
1 - E34
3 - E38
3 - E39

Also:
67 Buick Rivera
99 Mercedes Benz SL600
02 Mercedes Benz SL500
07 Mercedes Benz CL600
14 Dodge Dart Rallye XT
15 Ram 3500
mmolloy01
Posts: 11
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Location: Ireland

Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by mmolloy01 »

This thread is a great read.
Looking forward to seeing the photos.

Good luck and fingers crossed...
SenorShark
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Location: Dallas, Texas

Re: Finally! '85 635CSi - Euro-Spec-Stick!

Post by SenorShark »

I too am looking foreword to the photos and the additional posts as the project comes along. Great read for sure and congrats on the find. Non-rusty, well taken care of examples are getting harder to find as the cars are now 30+ years old.
------------------------------
85 635CSI Euro - Schwarz
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=26741
85 635CSI Euro - Diamantschwarz
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=29839
Others:
'86 Porsche 944
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