Wheels For sale
Our goal is to help owners of unique cars tell the story of their vehicle when they sell it, capturing the history, character, and memories that make it special.
Each car carries a legacy, and every owner has a journey worth sharing. When a buyer acquires one of these cars, they’re not just gaining a vehicle—they’re becoming part of its story.
Selling your classic car? Email us at wheelsofnyc@gmail.com
Introducing: Ben’s 1986 BMW 635csi
VIN: WBAEC7402G0607069
YEAR: 1986
MAKE: BMW
MODEL: 635csi
TRANSMISSION: Manual
MILEAGE: 148,000 miles
SPECIAL OPTIONS / EQUIPMENT: Power seats, windows, sunroof
MODIFICATIONS: Exhaust and rims (done by prior owner)
KNOWN FLAWS: Scratch on air dam; radio/tape deck is glitchy, The antenna is non-operational.
SERVICE HISTORY: All servicing under the current ownership has been performed at BKM, a New York City shop specializing in European vehicles. Recent work includes a new radiator, new battery, new hoses, A/C recharge, engine tuning and regular oil changes. Service records are available upon request.
PRICE: 40,000 USD
Hit play and dive into Ben’s story below to learn more about this car.
What's the story behind this car? How did it come into your life?
“I spent about six months scouring the internet and visiting used car dealers in the region until I saw an ad from Burlington, VT, on Autotrader Classics. Sort of on a whim, I flew up there to meet a guy named Mark at his storage unit. Some friends of mine live nearby, so I thought, if this turns out to be a bust or if he's a scam, I'll just hang out with my buddies for the night and fly home the next day.
Mark wasn’t a scam; he was a super passionate and particular car enthusiast. He even told me he drives barefoot to have a better connection with the car. Mark had flown to LA to buy the car from the original owner and drive it back East. Before I drove off, he made me promise never to drive it when there's salt on the road, to protect the car from rust. I’ve kept that promise."
What first inspired you to buy it?
“My love for the E24 was inspired by a different shark-nosed car designed by Paul Bracq—a gorgeous Fjord Blue 3 Series that I’d seen parked in Greenpoint. That smaller car led me to discover the larger 6 Series coupe. I wanted the same elegant lines but with a bigger engine and cockpit. At the time, I owned a Mercedes 380SL convertible, also designed by Bracq. The 6 Series felt like the next step in my journey with that classic '80s aesthetic.”
What’s been your most memorable experience or journey with this car?
“The day after I bought the car in Burlington, I set out on a solo road trip down Route 100, which runs through the spine of Vermont’s Green Mountains. I covered about 400 miles right away, spending three days putting the car through its paces on mountain switchbacks, working the gears through descents and climbs. That was my first real understanding of sports touring—feeling the pitch of the engine and the tension of the handling. It was a category of driving all its own. I was hooked.
Another unforgettable experience was picking up my daughter from NYU Langone in midtown the day after she was born. I was probably the only idiot new dad in a 36-year-old, solid-steel, two-door coupe trying to figure out how to fit an infant carrier into the back sport seats. I wasn’t trying to be cool; we just didn’t have another car!”
What unique features make this car special to you?
“You're surrounded by glass in this car. The narrow center pillar gives the cockpit a solarium-like feel, making it incredibly open and light. The rims are special too—a unique addition from the first owner. They’re clearly not stock, and they add a bit of swagger to the E24’s refined style.”
What do you love most about this car?
“The lines. The proportions are just perfect. And the straight inline-six engine is pretty great too—it’s got a smooth, powerful feel.”
What's been your favorite ride or activity with it?
“Driving it to Maine and back in May of 2022.”
Why are you selling it?
“The old saying, "We’re not owners, just caretakers for the next driver," feels right in this case. The prior two owners were passionate about its care and about making sure it was driven. I’ve loved and learned a lot from this car too, but life as a parent of a toddler brings new pressures and priorities. It’s time for me to find its next custodian.”
Every car has its quirks—what are some imperfections, and how have you managed them?
“I’ve invested a lot into repairs and maintenance, so it’s in good shape overall. The tape deck is glitchy—I just put up with it. The engine block radiates heat on long drives, so I roll down the windows or turn on the A/C if it gets too warm.”
We are excited to share Ben’s car with you. For nearly two years, we’ve envisioned creating a space where community members could find and share unique cars with rich histories. It’s not just about the car itself but also the journey, memories, and passion that bring each owner to this moment of passing it along. By capturing these stories, we hope to connect each car with the right person to carry on its legacy.
Ben was the perfect partner to kick off this vision—easygoing, flexible and a joy to work with. His E24 is a true gem, meticulously maintained and beautiful in every detail. We hope you enjoy the photos, Q&A, and video as much as we enjoyed creating them. Please let us know how we can keep making this experience even better.
Thanks for the ongoing support,
Oren
Founder, Wheels of NY