This Euro BMW 635 CSi is cool and timeless…
Designed as a replacement to the BMW E9, the two-door BMW 6-series (E24) shared the chassis, and drivetrain with its four-door cousin, the BMW E28. Designed by Paul Bracq), who also penned the series W108, W114, and W115 Mercedes Benz, carried over into the BMW E24 many of the key design characteristics from the E9 including its unique ‘shark-nose’, ‘beltline’ and ‘pillarless’ design. This particular euro BMW 635 CSi is cool and timeless.
Built between January 1976 and April 1989, four different models were produced for the North American and Japanese markets. The entire range was powered by the same engine, the bulletproof M30.
The BMW M635CSI
The second ‘M-car’ to come out of BMW’s legendary racing department, the M635CSI was powered by the M88/3, the same engine driving the Lamborghini-designed, mid-engined M1.
Designed as a autobahn ‘grand tourer’, the M88/3 powering the BMW M635CSI produced 286 horsepower, sufficient to give the vehicle a top speed of 255 km/hr or 158 miles per hour. The BMW M88/3 was derived from BMW’s venerable M30 engine.
The BMW M6
Marketed as the BMW M6 in the United States, the range-topping E24 was powered by the S38, a detuned version of the M88/3. Also powering the American market BMW M5, the engine ran at a lower compression and with catalytic converters,, produced 256 horsepower.
Starting life as an American market BMW 635 CSI
The fine specimen profiled here started life as an American market 635CSI. Powered by the M30B35 engine, it produced 208 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 251 lb-ft of torque, which was sufficient to propel the vehicle to a top speed of 140 miles per hour.
As an American market BMW 635 CSI, it had US-spec 5 mile per hour ‘diving board’ bumpers. They have since been replaced with chrome plated European market bumpers giving the car a much sleeker appearance.
The front air-dam is a modified version of the fiberglass air dam that originally came with the car. The integrated fog lights have long since been abandoned.
A stunning euro BMW 635 CSi
Also long since abandoned is the original drivetrain. In its place is a 4.0L M60 twin-cam V8 engine and a Getrag 6-speed manual transmission from an American market BMW 540i. The M60 left the factory producing 282 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, a ‘modest’ bump of 77 horsepower over the M30B35. While impressive, the most beautiful thing about this conversion is the baritone rumble of the V8.
The seller states that the engine has been disassembled, cleaned and resealed using OEM BMW parts. A performance chip has been added from DUDMD tuning along with an upgraded exhaust system. The catalytic converters have been removed. However, both the original chip and catalytic converters are included with the vehicle and can be reinstalled if the car is to be registered in California.
Wheels are a set of staggered BBS RA 005 wheels sized 17”x 9” up front and wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza rubber sized 235/45. In back, the wheels are the same diameter but 10 inches wide, wrapped in size 265/40 tires.
A custom-tuned coilover system from Ground Control and polyurethane upper control arm bushings were installed to top off the stance and suspension. The seller notes a small leak from the power steering pump and a fluid change completed within the last 1,000 miles.
Inside, the interior is wrapped in black leather over electrically-adjustable sport seats. Modifications are limited to a beautiful matching wood-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob. Both the steering wheel and shift knob are aftermarket.
Conclusion
There has been renewed interest in German cars from the 80s and 90s in recent years as evidenced by the price appreciation of Porsche 911s and BMW M-Cars from the era. While the BMW e24 has not seen that much interest from investors, this particular 6-Series is through the roof in ‘coolness’. This is a particular car I would love to drive and perhaps own.
