Test drove an '81 635csi - questions

[Nksyoon]

I found a blue '81 635csi on Mudah, probably many of you have seen this too. Arranged a test drive but encountered some issues and was wondering if they are typical for this car or they are problem areas that need rectifying. Bear in mind that I would be using this car as a daily driver.1. The owner has fitted 18" wheels E39 M5 style wheels and the steering is really heavy. How much lighter would the steering be with the standard 14" wheels or slightly larger 15" wheels?2. The brakes need a decent shove to slow down the car, even at low speeds. Is this normal for this car or will it improve with some overhaul or replacement of parts?3. I'm a big guy, 180cm and >100kgs, and the 635 is a really tight fit with my head touching the roof and my right knee almost touching the steering wheel with my foot on the accelerator but not pressing down. Is it possible to modify the seat rail/mounting position to provide more leg room? Or to fit a different seat? The steering wheel didn't seem to be adjustable even when the lever is released.Hope someone will be able to help me answer these questions. It's a beautiful design and I'd really like to own one, but only if I find it usable on a regular basis.

 

[Vincent Hor]

Here's some useful guide

http://www.bmwcarclub.org.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=3578

http://www.bmwfirst.com/6series/buying-guide/buying-maintain.htm

http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E24/Coupe/Europe/635CSi-M30/RHD/M/1979/july/browse/

Steering adjustment probably jammed due to age & rust. With some work and a good mechanic should be able to free it.

These hydraulic brakes are simply awesome when they work well. Brakes can be serviced. Probably suspect the brake accumulator (Brake bomb), service kit for master cylinder if the cylinder is not worn off/scorched & an experienced mechanic to knows how to bleed the system.

Heavy steering? Check the Vane pump. It's probably leaking there. If I am not mistaken should be a 100 bar unit. If you could find a replacement unit with 120 bar then the feel will be lighter.

Is the seat original standard/bucket (Recaros)/manual/electric. I am sure they should be adjustable to your needs. These cars were built for those big Eurpoeans and Americans.

 

[Nksyoon]

Thanks for the links. Do you know of a good BMW specialist in Klang valley with lots of experience with the e24?

The seats are not Recaro, prob original re-covered.

Other info: engine head has been replaced at some point, and auto gearbox was changed from 3 to 4 speed. Headlining would also need to be replaced at some point.

 

[Vincent Hor]

My 635 is being worked on by Albert of WP Auto. Do search here to get more info about him.

 

[Nksyoon]

Thanks! Will follow up once back from a trip.

 

[Vincent Hor]

You can also try BG Motorwerks along Federal Highway. Owner has an E28 based 635CSI

 

[Nksyoon]

Vincent, as far as you know, are there any problems getting parts for e12 based cars as compared to the e28 based cars. Am looking at an 82 car.

 

[Vincent Hor]

1982 E24 can be E12 or E28. Not impossible to get E12 parts but can be a bit of a challenge. Else order from Singapore.

 

[Dipak7]

Hi Nksyoon, I'm running an E23 and it came with 18" alpinas when I bought them. When I switched back to period 15" wheels the difference was phenomenal. The steering on these cars are heavy by nature, but they just weren't built for big wheels.

Mine actually has an E24 engine, and the conversion work was done at BG. Highly recommended though you need to schedule early as they're pretty busy.

 

[lightspeed]

1982 E24 can be E12 or E28. Not impossible to get E12 parts but can be a bit of a challenge. Else order from Singapore.

a dumb question...how to verify the 1982 e24 is e12 or e28 based? outlook? suspension?

 

[Nksyoon]

From what I've read, e12 has radio antenna on left front wing, e28 on rear wing. And e12 has a gap between front wheel arch top and the side feature crease, while the e28 front wheel arch is close to the crease.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=21756898&postcount=23

 

[lightspeed]

From what I've read, e12 has radio antenna on left front wing, e28 on rear wing. And e12 has a gap between front wheel arch top and the side feature crease, while the e28 front wheel arch is close to the crease.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=21756898&postcount=23

good info bro...thx
just wondering is it easy to find e12 based sport suspension? any bilstein or so?

 

[Nksyoon]

No idea sorry.

 

[Slide]

interiors are completely different. just use google images and you will soon find out.

 

[devilsadvocate]

bro kksyoon,

did you get the car?

is the reg 929?

cheers,

da

 

[Nksyoon]

No, I didn't get the car. I decided I needed a newer car as a daily driver.

It was readvertised with new pics. Still on Mudah, yes the number is 929.

 

[mikeklh]

A M635CSi came up for sale recently.

Haven't viewed it but from the answers the vendor gave, it's most probably genuine. 1985 car asking RM130k!

 

[lightspeed]

A M635CSi came up for sale recently.

Haven't viewed it but from the answers the vendor gave, it's most probably genuine. 1985 car asking RM130k!

wow.... interesting...mind to share abit more info? contact etc?

 

[mafia]

i drive a 1984 635csi.....parts for e12 based is hard to comeby but for the e28 based, over the counter....

 

[lightspeed]

i own a yr82 ori mtech 635csi for less than 3 months, c/w dogleg g/box, e12 based. Ebay / pelican is always my best friend to source the small parts, though shipping cost could be hefty. The most headache i believe is to source for big items such as bodykit etc, which the shipping cost will be ridiculous. Nevertheless, those could still be sourced locally here, but get ready to be 'slaughter' at ridiculous price and yet you have to beg for being 'slaughter'. haha... i experienced it b4. well, what to do? it is the seller market for this model.

however, alot parts under the hood are quite common, be it e12 or e28 based.