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Hello everyone, I don't post here often anymore, so I figured I'd come back to clutter the board with more useless information. It may be interesting for some.
The other day my dad mentioned that he saw a light blue 6 series for sale near our home (on the side of the road), so I decided to venture out in the cold to get a look for myself. I got some pics of the car, checked out the basics, called the owner and told him I was interested in a test drive. The car happened to be a 1984 633i with 160k on the clock, and it was obviously a well-maintained example.
After some discussion with the owner, I arrived the next day to a warmed up car (thanks seller!), and for fun brought my father along (the 54 year old who seems to have owned every british sports car built during the 1950's and 60's) because he owned a 2002 back in the 70's. I decided to show up in my then-unmodified '87 9000 Turbo (191k now on the clock) daily driver (951 in summer), with interest in perhaps buying the BMW to replace the Saab. I had no illusions, I figured that the BMW would probably not be able to compete acceleration wise, but i figured the big rwd touring coupe would show the 9000 some real road manners. Plus it is one hell of a cool looking car.
I jumped into the 633i to discover a comfortable, ergonomic, and smooth running car. It seemed the car could have used some shift bushings and maybe a power window switch or 4, but otherwise all was well. Getting onto a 55mph state highway, I decided to stretch its legs a bit. A 20-60mph acceleration displayed excellent gearing, but definately a disappointing amount of power. Onto some backroads, i noticed the car becomes somewhat of a burden to throw around in tight corners, something the large hatch has no problems with; the BMW definately felt as if it had 500 more pounds tacked onto it. The BMW barely had enough power to utilize the RWD in inducing oversteer. Braking was acceptable, but again, it suffered in comparison to the 9000's. As a miracle, or some act from a higher being, all the electronics including the A/C worked. On the freeway the car had more of a gliding feel than the 9000 (which has a tight line-holding nature), although it felt very stable. I definately give the car kudos for the smooth driving experience though, and with very seemless weight trasitions in cornering.
Overall what I have to say is this: the 633i is a more well-mannered driving experience, a car definately for those who enjoy a silkier ride and less of things such as driveline lash/cabin noise. The Saab definately triumphs as the driver's car, quite a feat considering the Saab is fwd (though I do have the Saab set up for slight oversteer). It too is truly hard to beat the joyous torque provided by a turbo engine.
The cost of my 9000: $900, purchased with 180k in 2004. A 6/10 just because of a horribly done accident repair on the rear quarter panel. A 9/10 in mechanical condition, as the vehicle has given me no problems and is surprisingly tight. Have since modified the APC and installed a home-made 3-inch exhaust. G-tech at 6.1 to 60mph (all seasons at 35 deg F, fighting for traction all the way).
The cost of the 633i: $2500, the price the seller wanted as of Jan, 2005. An 9/10 in cosmetic condition (a handicap for age), and a 8/10 in mechanical condition. Engine was great (despite one substantial oil leak from the valve cover), but you could tell the rear end bushings needed attention.
To each his own, I suppose. Both are great cars, the BMW definately has style while the 9000 hides its performance under a guise of practicality.
posted by 65.31.123...
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