For 1987, BMW decided to play up its high-end luxury chops by offering “L” versions of its range topping 6- and 7-Series. Thus was born the unfortunately-named L7 sedan and the L6 coupe.
Don’t be a square! Find an L6, ideally one with a manual trans swap, like this one.
The L model BMWs were fully loaded E23 and E24 models with unique leather dash and door trim, in addition to their badges. Purists sometimes deride then because these were seen as marketing tricks only, but this helps keep used prices down. There are two downsides, however: both Ls came only with automatic transmissions and the unique leather bits didn’t hold up well in the sun.
Our feature car has a 5-speed manual swapped in, so downside #1 has been addressed. Supposedly, the seller bought this as a shop project while in high school and doesn’t have time to deal with it. The seller claims it ran when he or she bought it, but a tune-up was started and it’s not running now. Why the tune up required removing the intake manifold is not clear! Anyway, the claim is that this car was bought from the original owner, who “left it out in the heat too long.” To us, that means the leather bits may all be toasted.
With a good inspection, one could get a deal here, but we think the non-running condition means this needs to transact below the $5K asking price unless there is some REALLY good documentation that it can easily run AND the condition is better than expected. We hope someone saves this cool grand tourer – someone did the right thing by swapping in the MT; so it deserves to live on.
Click for Craigslist ad
Mission Viejo CA (very close to Oddimotive HQ)
$5,000
It’s too bad this doesn’t have the Canadian market wheels on the 635 featured on Wheeler Dealers…
Classic 6-series look with an odd badge!
Here’s the L6 badge.
Given the interior is what makes an L6, it’s too had there isn’t a better shot of the front. We can tell that the leather upper door trim is missing, however.
Here’s a strangely angled view of the rear.
Here’s the odometer showing about 85K miles – hopefully, it works, unlike those in most E30 BMWs.
Ad text:
Here I am selling a rare 1987 BMW L6 with a 5 speed manual transmission. This car has an M30 engine with a larger 3.5 displacement due to the weight of the extra leather in this “luxury” car. It only has 85,000 miles on it and from experience these engines run well up into the 200,000’s.
I bought this car to work on as a high school auto shop project but being involved in sports it was hard to find time to work on it and with graduation around the corner I sadly must sell the vehicle. I bought it from a man who had bought it originally and left it out in the heat too long. The car ran when I got it and just needed a tune up. I pulled all the hoses and belts off, the intake manifold and started working on the electrical. I was unable to finish but bought $700 worth of parts including brake pads, calipers, belts, hoses, fuel filter and spark plugs which will come with the car. It is not running right now and needs to be towed at buyers expense.
If you are interested or would like to make me an offer, text me