Model History

The E24 6-Series was an impressive and beautiful sports coupe. With its effortless performance it was great for any long distance trip. The E24 model was a great success for BMW and was produced from 1976 to 1989. The models ranged from the base 628 CSi to the M635 CSi. With its ‘shark nose’ front end and stunning looks, the 6-Series really stood out.

Six years into production came the M635 CSi (or M6 in North America and Japan). This was the BMW Motorsport-developed version of the E24, powered by twin-cam, 24-valve straight-six engines known as the M88 or S38; these were both derived from those used in the M1 supercar.

The M635 CSi had few visual clues to distinguish it from the normal 6-Series. Almost all body panels were shared with other E24s, including the body-coloured rear spoiler with black rubber lip. The only exception was the deeper front air dam fitted only to pre-facelift models, which was ribbed on the lower portion. There were also two M badges, one on the boot lid and one on the grille, though these could be omitted upon request. In addition, the rear-view mirror housings were painted in body colour instead of the chrome finish used on all other pre-facelift 6-Series. Finally, cars equipped with the optional cross-spoke alloy wheels (in either the early or later version) had body-coloured wheel arch extensions.

The interior of the M635 CSi was also much like that of a standard 6-Series. The only truly unique item was the instrument cluster containing a 280kph/170 mph speedometer and a special tachometer with the M logo instead of an economy meter. In addition, every M635 CSi was fitted with the three-spoke M-Technic steering wheel (unless equipped with the optional driver's airbag) and the same sport seats available in other 6-Series models. Finally, the battery of the M635 CSi was mounted in the trunk for better weight distribution.

In general, the level of standard equipment increased on the M635 CSi from year to year. Depending on the market and production date options included: cross-spoke alloy wheels, metallic paint, Shadowline exterior trim, headlight washer/wipers, various types of leather upholstery, air conditioning, rear air conditioning and storage unit, electric front seats with driver’s seat memory, heated front seats, electric sunroof, rear window sunblind, rear headrests, cruise control, and various audio systems.

BMW Motorsport developed five different versions of the M635 CSi: Two non-catalyst models for the European market (LHD/RHD), plus three distinct catalyst versions for Europe, North America, and Japan, which were all LHD. This example is one of only 524 examples ever produced in RHD.

Equipment

Cosmos Blue Metallic paintwork, Pacific Blue Highland Cloth upholstery, 3.5-litre M88 non-catalyst engine, 5-Speed manual transmission, Original cross-spoke alloy wheels, Front air dam, Rear spoiler, Headlamp washer system, Front fog lights, Three-spoke M-Tech leather steering wheel, Electrically-adjustable door mirrors, Electric windows, Electric sunroof, On-board computer, Rear armrest, Sony cassette player, Boot-mounted CD changer, BMW fire extinguisher, Glove box torch, Original BMW carpet mats, Spare wheel, BMW toolkit.

Exterior

This lovely unrestored example presents in great original condition, the Cosmosblau paintwork showing only a few minor age-related marks and blemishes evidencing the car’s honesty. Being an earlier E24 this one is equipped with attractive chrome bumpers retaining a great depth of shine. All the black plastics and rubber seals are in equally fine condition with no sun damage or scrapes to report. Better still, within the last year the car has been treated to a full under-body and engine bay dry-ice blast revealing an extremely well presented underside. All in all, highly collectable non-catalyst example that’s sure to draw many admiring glances out on the road.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

The classic blue interior is in fine order with no fading or sun damage to note. The hard-wearing houndstooth cloth remains in excellent original condition even to commonly worn areas such as the driver’s bolster, which in this case hints at only light use with absolutely no rips or damage to speak of. The steering wheel and gear knob are also in great shape, the only real negative to report being four small holes in the passenger side of the centre console where a period phone cradle was once fitted. The original BMW overmats are all still present and protecting the immaculate carpets, the boot compartment is spotless, and the drop-down tool tray still contains all the original tools.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Looking under the bonnet is a real treat for any 80s BMW enthusiast. The engine bay is in magnificent original condition having recently benefitted from a full dry-ice blasting session along with the car’s underside. All the components appear remarkably fresh with no signs of any corrosion, damage, or previous poor repair. At the heart of the M635 CSi is the revered M1-derived M88 straight six which in this case was last serviced just a few hundred miles ago. A new radiator and water pump have also been fitted.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The alloys are still in their original finish and appear in very good order other than a few expected kerb marks to the outer rims. They are shod in the correct Michelin TRX tyres with plenty of tread left, the rears having only recently been replaced within the last few hundred miles. The brakes have also been checked and remain in fine operational condition following a recent overhaul of both front calipers along with new front brake hoses.

History File

First registered in September 1985 this rare UK-supplied M635 CSi is 1 of only 524 ever produced in right-hand drive; it is also understood to be 1 of only 3 ordered in this particular colour combo. The car is accompanied by a detailed maintenance record with 25 stamps in the original service booklet. It was maintained solely by BMW up until 93k miles when its regular servicing moved into the hands of a couple of different marque specialists. The last service was carried out in December 2021 at 126,990 miles and the advisory-free MOT is valid until February 2024.

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