1988 BMW M6

Coupe

6 - Cyl.

Manual

WBAEE1412J2561223

Clear

Gasoline

I am relisting my M6 with a slightly lower reserve as it was very close to selling last time. This is a beautiful U.S.-spec 1988 (built 9/87) BMW M6 with 57,611 miles (as of 1/29/11). I purchased it from the previous owner six years ago when it had 52,265 miles, so I haven't driven it much during the time I've owned it. It's an extremely rare vehicle with low mileage. Only 1,767 were imported into the U.S., and according to Jeremy Walton, author of BMW 6 Series , 255 were built in November and December 1986, with 1,193 in 1987, and a final 319 examples for the nine months of E24 production devoted to the U.S. M6 for 1989. Walton said the M6 lasted but two model years. This particular car was purchased in San Jose by the first owner who sold it to the previous owner's father in 1990 who bequeathed it to his son from whom I bought it. He subsequently moved to Columbus, OH, and I found it on eBay in December 2004 and bought it from him at that time, then shipped it back to California (Orange County) where I reside. It passed smog (and continues to do so every two years) with no problem. It is currently plated here in California and based on the history described above, I am the fourth owner. The exterior color is Cinnabar Red with Natur (tan) leather interior. It comes with a sunroof, five-speed manual transmission and a cassette player (old school). The car boasts 256 HP, which would make you think that's not a whole lot in these days of 400+ stock engines, but it was considerable in 1988 and is still sufficient today. This car will cruise at 80 MPH all day long (if that were legal, of course...) and has plenty of torque, even in fifth. The tan leather seats have great bolsters throughout and really cocoon the driver. The rear seats are like new as not many people have ever sat in them, and of course, the center console in the rear houses the six-pack-sized cooler. Both the front seats are controlled by multiple power swtiches. The engine sounds fantastic, the tranny runs fine and I get plenty of nods and smiles, particularly from other BMW M owners. The car is completely stock, no accidents and never abused. It is owned by a non-smoker (as was the previous owner) and since I've owned it, has been maintained by the same BMW mechanic who looks after my '73 3.0 CS. The previous owner threw in new Weathertech floor mats, and I have never used them, so they are still new and in the trunk. My wife gave me new tan floor mats (front and rear) after I purchased it, and they are included. The original carpet is pristine underneath and the tool box in the trunk is almost complete. This car is always stored inside and is in great shape. However, there are a few places on the hood and the passenger door where the previous owner tried to cover them with a little factory-correct touch-up paint, but they still stand out a bit. Not enough to make you upset, but I want to disclose everything. Also, the left bolster on the driver's side is starting to show a bit of wear; Mother's leather care has helped. There's also a spot on the right side of the driver instrument panel pod where the previous owner attached a radar detector and I have not been able to remove the remnants of the adhesive. I can't see it from the driver's seat, so it doesn't bother me. The rear spoiler has what appears to be water spots. I hired a pro detailer to see if the spots could be rubbed/polished out, but no luck. It will need to be repainted if it bothers you. I've been meaning to do it, but just never got around to it. The front spoiler has a few scratches and paint chips, but no cracks and nothing major. It could use a spray as well if you wanted to make this a show car. Finally, there's a small crack on the rubber molding on the center of the bumper where someone bumped me in the parking lot. It isn't much, and the rubber could be replaced, but it is what it is. Other than a few cosmetic items that can be quickly sorted, this is a wonderful car that will prove its value on any drive. Underside is excellent. I've spent money where necessary, and that has been mostly preventative mechanical maintenance through Bullet Performance in Costa Mesa. The last expense was a new battery. I have all my invoices (but not those of the previous owners) as well as the anti-theft radio ID card. I have decided to sell the car to let someone else enjoy it. I certainly have, but my goal is to focus on earlier models. I will be glad to help the new buyer with shipping, but transporting the car to the new buyer's home is the buyer's expense. I do not have it listed locally and no buy-it-now offer. I've set the reserve at a very reasonable number (now lower than the first time, as I said earlier), but do reserve the right to end the auction early if someone comes through with a reasonable offer. Feel free to click on the "ask a question" link here in the auction and I will respond to all relevant questions. I've sold several vehicles through eBay, and for the most part, I've had good luck dealing with buyers except for one who flaked on me, so please bid with the intention of going through with the purchase if you win the auction. I'll require a $1,000 deposit within 48 hours upon completion of the auction. I'll be happy to hold the car until you're ready to come get it. Inspections are always welcome; just send me a message when you'd like to see the car. Thanks for taking a look and good luck. - Pete