Posted by Sam Schultz on February 13, 2006 at 19:19:00 from 71.71.6.28
In Reply to: What have I got? posted by Rk on February 13, 2006 at 18:51:35:
Well the trans will work (but a 5 speed is better in the six. You can upgrade the 530i with the 6 parts. The 6 series is actualy worth more. Both cars are VERY safe, the 3.3L engine and wiring in the 6 is better then the 3L but in Alaska the thermal reactors wont be as big an issue as further south. The 6 has the problem of TRX tires but the E12 (530i) rims fit.
We are the first fives board so we say keep the 5. The 6 has the advantage of its harder to get 5 people in it (see distractions). The 530i has a simpler suspension setup and is WAY more reliable and cheaper to maintain. Depending on the year of the 6 her front seats may fit. early 6 series were e12 based but 633 should be later. Once we know the dates we can help more. 530i parts and 633i parts are easy to get except for a few exaust peices on the 6 again depending on the year. USED e12 parts are easy to come by but shipping to Alaska can get expensive. Get the seats recovered is a cheap way out. Both cars are great first cars, both will rust, both use cheap snow tires.
Sam
78 530i
80 520/6