BMW L6: First impressions...

The L6 looks pretty good so far. I have found no rust (a miracle on BMWs of this vintage). The Zender body kit has grown on me. The Zender rear spoiler is still trying to grow on me. The 16" Borbet wheels will likely go away. I am having trouble deciding what to replace them with. I have a couple thoughts that I will keep to myself for now. I spent 6 hours in the garage. I was writing lists of things I need and want for the L6, as well as comparing where everything is in the engine bay compared to the M6. The M6 has the S38B35 engine, while the L6 has the M30B34 engine. Overall, the L6 is in pretty fair condition and can be made into great condition with a little money and a lot of elbow grease. I will try to provide a little of both over the winter months.

The new BMW L6!

This Saturday, I purchased a new (to me) 1987 BMW L6.

A friend of mine emailed me a link to a forum that discussed an advertisement that claimed that the Chevrolet Cruze outhandled the BMW 328xi. The link never discussed exactly what parameter the Chevy bested the AWD BMW in. Was it in the slalom? Was it the skid pad? Does it matter? Here was my response:

The reason I own six BMWs is because I love the way they drive. There are kids in turbo Honda Civics and Supercharged Camaros that could eat my cars lunch on a drag strip, but that is not where I get the most enjoyment out of my cars. I've owned a lot of cars and driven countless others. BMW knows what they are doing as far as the "feel" of control and superior handling. The thing about performance numbers in a vacuum, is that they are pure advertising fodder. When a commercial tells me that the new Hyundai has more "X" than a BMW 7 series; all I can think is: "Since when is the guy who was in the demographic to buy a 7 series even considering a Hyundai?" It only sounds cool if you were considering a Hyundai in the first place.

I don't expect the slowest, least performance oriented all wheel drive, version of the BMW 3 series to be a stellar performer. That is what M3s are for. If you are buying a Chevy Cruze this may make you feel good. If you are an automotive enthusiast, this doesn't come as a big surprise.

As of today my stable consists of: 1987 BMW L6, 1988 BMW M6, 1992 BMW 325i sedan, 1995 BMW 325iC Convertible, 1995 BMW M3, 2002 BMW 325i sedan and a 2000 Ford Expedition 4X4. I own these cars (the BMWs) because I love the way they drive. The Nissans, Hondas, Mazdas, Mercedes Benz, Chevrolets, I have driven; no matter how fast or cool looking have not lived up to these old BMWs in my heart and mind. If money were no object, I would have a barn full of old BMWs. Hell, I'm well on my way there now...

A new M6!

The M6 runs like never before! I drove it 200 miles today. The power steering and the fuel pumps are now functioning fully. The car drives as good as new.

Power steering fixed.

I spent Friday afternoon installing the new power steering hose. The old hose (likely original) that ran from the bottom of the power steering reservoir to the piping below refused to come off at first. I was eventually able to remove and replace the hose. I placed a paper towel under the car overnight to ensure that there was no longer a leak. The next morning it was clear that the new BMW hose and BMW clamps were leak-free. Sweet.