Just about to buy my first 6

[ejenner]

Hi all,

New to this board so not sure how popular it is and if anyone will read or reply... here goes.

I'm just looking at a 1989 635 highline. It's done 60,000 miles which seems quite low for a car of this age. It has a comprehensive service history and lots of paperwork.

I like the car and have a holding deposit on it but I would like to ask a couple of questions:

- Is it normal to see some oil seepage on these cars? I was allowed to look underneath and I can see some oil leaking from seal at the gearbox output where it joins the prop shaft, more from the join between the g/box and engine (where the torque converter is) and some from the front of the engine (possibly cam-shaft or chain tensioner gaskets?)

The leaks look small and slow - so is this normal? - two BMW dealers said it's not unusual to see a bit of seepage and as an owner, driver and rebuilder of 79'-93' Saab 900's I'm used to seeing a bit of oil leaking at joins.

I just don't know the 6 well enough to be sure.


- second question - are there any other tips prior to potential 6 ownership? There does not appear to be any rust anywhere (inc. front wings) the engine mounts all look sound, the rear dif is dry-as-a-bone - no leaks there... only other problem I noticed was that the heat-shields above the exhaust manifold have worn through on the top side and probably should be replaced.



Thanks for any advice.


Regards,
Emmett.