Would you tackle this 1984 BMW 633CSI project for $1,600? – Jalopnik

It’s a new year and that means new opportunities and good intentions. The current Nice Price or No Dice 633CSI presents an intriguing opportunity and will take some determination to get back on its feet. Let’s see if it’s the right price or a lost cause.

A common mantra in business is “work smarter, not harder.” In the racing world we are also told to ‘whatcha brung’, which means making the best of what is available at the time.

For automaker Chrysler, both statements seem appropriate, as the company has long tried to make do with what it had at hand, using throwaway platforms from past brands it acquired, or from whichever partner or parent it considered its latest sugar daddy. The 2002 Chrysler 300M Special we looked at last Wednesday is a great example of a car that melded old with new and made do with what was available at the time. While fairly popular at the time, like most of Mopar’s mainstream models of the past thirty years, these cars proved unmemorable, and at $7,800 our bruised but still capable candidate came across in the comments as a car most of you would just as quickly forget. A huge ‘No Dice’ loss of 90% was the result.

Of course, that wasn’t necessary, as the Paul Bracq design of the E24 was virtually perfect from the start. An evolution of the design of the previous E9 coupe, the E24 softened and modernized the appearance without sacrificing the unique BMW design elements that buyers and brand enthusiasts had come to expect.

Many of you may not be paying attention to these details, as they seem to be masked by a patina of a flawed clear coat, a bit of rust on the body, and an interior that the beloved Peanuts character Pigpen would love to call home.

Yes, you got it, this is a project car. It has to be… (scans ad)…damn close to everything. For those of you wondering where to start with such an intimidating project, I think we can all agree that a tetanus booster would be a good starting point.

Fortunately, apart from a side marker lens, the gear knob and, most ominously, the lower half of the steering column where the ignition switch is housed, the car appears complete and thus more of a viable project than a parts car.

Combined with the stoic six is ​​the gearbox of choice: a Getrag 265 five-speed manual. Prospective buyers shouldn’t ask about clutch wear or synchro whining, as the miles, years and neglect this car has endured will require an appraisal and likely a renewal of every part from top to bottom.

Naturally, the next owner will have to call a towing service or “bring a trailer” to tow this coupe away. Based on the photos, the tires (mounted on what appear to be BBS basket weaves) still hold air, but they probably shouldn’t be counted on to do much more than that. In addition, the interior should not be entered without a hazmat suit, so driving before a major thorough cleaning is not recommended. The seller says the car is clean and that the car comes with a bill of sale, as the transfer of ownership will prove difficult as the car is not prepared to pass (or even study for) the state-required smog test.

What are you saying? Is $1,600 a fair price for a classic BMW coupe that needs just about everything? Or is that too much to handle the cost, workload and potential Hantavirus risk this Bimmer poses?

You decide!

Nice prize or no dice:

Los Angeles, California, Craigslistor go here when the ad disappears.

H/T to Don R. for the connection!

Help me with a nice prize or no dice. Contact me at robemslie@gmail.com and send a fixed price tip. Don’t forget to include your comment handle.