Thinking about buy an 1983 633csi BMW for a project car

GudaGuda · 09-07-2024, 02:54 AM

I found a really nice looking 1983 633csi bmw in fb marketplace for $2900. Owner said that the there's no rust or holes however he did say that there is some paint bubbling near the wheel well. He states that the car currently does not run as it has no sparks (I'm assuming he means spark plugs) and hasn't got around to doing it since he has other project cars.

I'm providing some pictures on how it looks like. Looking for some maintenance tips and things to look out for if/when I get it. This is my first project car and first bmw.

grannyknot · 09-07-2024, 05:57 AM

It appears to be in pretty good shape but bubbling paint is rust so be prepared for that.
They big heavy cars, not so good in parking lots but on the highway they are a dream.
I had an 87 M6 and it had a lot of electrical glitches, so it is a good idea to remove every ground and clean them well, same with all the electrical connectors.

E93Dude · 09-08-2024, 10:50 PM

My dad had a eurospec model in the mid-1980’s when we lived in Europe and it was a great car. Given that yours is now 40+ years old, I would be concerned about ageing wire insulation breaking down and causing shorts. Replace all hoses and belts, for that matter. Not an insurmountable problem, but just be prepared to chase down electrical gremlins if you buy it and try to resurect it.

John in VA · 09-09-2024, 04:55 PM

Interior & exterior parts are becoming harder to find, but check out the forums. E24 is mechanically similar to the E28 5er. Good luck!
https://bigcoupe.com/
www.mye28.com/index.php

pbonsalb · 09-09-2024, 08:52 PM

It will be a project fixing up a 40 year old car and keeping it on the road, but if you are a DIYer that helps. We had a modded 79 635csi but did not drive it enough to make the work worthwhile. Got rid of a modded 73 Bavaria a few years ago due to underbody rust that would have been a lot of work to fix. Still have a 75 2002 in pieces to restore but that is a much simpler car. It will be a toy that I would not drive much. If you have the time and money and want a project, have fun.

09-07-2024, 02:54 AM	#1
GudaGuda Registered 5 Rep 1 Posts Drives: BMW 1983 633csi Join Date: Sep 2024 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	Thinking about buy an 1983 633csi BMW for a project car I found a really nice looking 1983 633csi bmw in fb marketplace for $2900. Owner said that the there's no rust or holes however he did say that there is some paint bubbling near the wheel well. He states that the car currently does not run as it has no sparks (I'm assuming he means spark plugs) and hasn't got around to doing it since he has other project cars. I'm providing some pictures on how it looks like. Looking for some maintenance tips and things to look out for if/when I get it. This is my first project car and first bmw. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-07-2024, 05:57 AM	#2
grannyknot Captain 1010 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2008 Z4M coupe Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	It appears to be in pretty good shape but bubbling paint is rust so be prepared for that. They big heavy cars, not so good in parking lots but on the highway they are a dream. I had an 87 M6 and it had a lot of electrical glitches, so it is a good idea to remove every ground and clean them well, same with all the electrical connectors. __________________ 2008 E86 M coupe
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-08-2024, 10:50 PM	#3
E93Dude Lieutenant 391 Rep 444 Posts Drives: 2007 E93 MT6 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: The Old Dominion iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E93 [0.00]	My dad had a eurospec model in the mid-1980’s when we lived in Europe and it was a great car. Given that yours is now 40+ years old, I would be concerned about ageing wire insulation breaking down and causing shorts. Replace all hoses and belts, for that matter. Not an insurmountable problem, but just be prepared to chase down electrical gremlins if you buy it and try to resurect it. __________________ BMW: Doing Amazing(ly cheap) Things With Plastic (crap) Since the E90...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2024, 04:55 PM	#4
John in VA Colonel 1182 Rep 2,419 Posts Drives: 2015 228i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Leesburg, VA iTrader: (6)	Interior & exterior parts are becoming harder to find, but check out the forums. E24 is mechanically similar to the E28 5er. Good luck! https://bigcoupe.com/ www.mye28.com/index.php __________________ ____________________________________________ 2015 BMW 228i in EstorilBlau II Metallic / Terra Dakota Leather - 6-speed manual, M Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Lighting Package, Premium Package, Harman Kardon premium sound, Anti-theft alarm system, Blue Metallic Matt Accent Moldings, Aluminum Hexagon Interior Strips, Anthracite Headlining
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2024, 08:52 PM	#5
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5759 Rep 11,284 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	It will be a project fixing up a 40 year old car and keeping it on the road, but if you are a DIYer that helps. We had a modded 79 635csi but did not drive it enough to make the work worthwhile. Got rid of a modded 73 Bavaria a few years ago due to underbody rust that would have been a lot of work to fix. Still have a 75 2002 in pieces to restore but that is a much simpler car. It will be a toy that I would not drive much. If you have the time and money and want a project, have fun.
	Appreciate 0 Quote