I'm hoping to find an 88-89 635 with a 5spd manual, are they rare or maybe non-existant? Maybe someone can set me straight. Any recomendations on what to check for when looking over a potential purchase would be appreciated. I'm trying to get up to date on what problems (if any) were common to those years. Thanks!

have a look at this site...lots of good info pictures

http://www.bmwcoupe.nu/index.html

Great site, thanks! I found 1 89 5spd so far but it is 2000 miles away. Any comments on 85-87 models versus 88-89 in terms of desirability? There are more 5 spds available if I go back a couple of years, but the wife definately wants the rear AC unit.

That is a great web site with plenty of info. I have an 84 533i and a 95 525i - my next one will be a 6 series - not sure how many of the various models came to Canada - but have seen M models here. Does anyone know what came to Canada - sometimes we get stuff not available in the USA?