1988 BMW 6 SERIES

The M635csi was the successor to the iconic E9 3.0CSL, which put BMW Motorsport on the world map. As the first BMW coupe to wear the ‘M’ badge, the team at BMW Motorsport decided to use the fabulous M88 3.5L six-cylinder powerplant taken from their M1 supercar as the base for their engine in both the M635csi and the E28 M5. For a road car to boast a 286bhp version of a full blooded race engine (using the new multi-valve technology) was pretty well unheard of, particularly for a mainstream manufacturer. The throttle was fast, responsive and brutal, leaving the driver in no doubt of the car’s pedigree. But it wasn’t just the engine that made the M635csi a worthy badge carrier – the M6, as it became known to many – got the whole treatment. Suspension, steering, brakes, gearbox – everything that sets an M car apart from the rest – was breathed upon by the M team. The result was astonishing. What emerged was an incredibly capable cross between a luxury GT and a sports car, a machine capable of crossing continents in comfort at a single bound, or tearing up A and B roads with gusto. It was even pretty handy on track – for a road car – have a look at this video of 80s F1 star Nelson Piquet putting the M635csi through its paces, the car showing poise and power almost unheard of for a GT coupe.

The E24 model range was based upon – and spanned – three generations of 5 series, the early E12, then the E28 followed by the E34. The M635csi itself was introduced in 1984 and production was split into the early cars (now known as pre-highline) and the later Highline or facelift versions, with slightly more modern integrated spoilers and a revised interior. In total 524 of the E24 M635csi were made in RHD before production ceased in February 1989.

This particular M635csi is one of the later or ‘Highline’ facelift models, of which a total of only 102 were made in RHD, and has been known to us for a very long time. Having been in the same enthusiast’s ownership for the last 28 years, this very original M635csi will also be well known to many of the old skool E24 ownership fraternity. John (the owner) was not just an owner and fan, he was the main organiser of the ‘Sharknose’ chapter of the BMW Car Club, and helped us organise a good few open ramp days for the group. We have always known John to be a knowledgeable, fastidious and careful owner. There is a huge, comprehensive history file, together with the complete document wallet, covering the car’s complete life. Sadly, John has been unable to use the car in recent years due to a medical issue, and so the car has been effectively been left in dry store without much attention, also having developed a fuel pump fault, rendering it a non-runner. Now recommissioned, and with a brand new MOT, the decision has been made to find a new home for this iconic car.

The condition of the car is very original, and having just passed an MOT, is a drivable, ownable, matching numbers example, one that would make an excellent full restoration project, or a fun ‘daily’ classic, with a manageable list of non-urgent fettling and care needed to keep it happy on the road.

For more information on this veritable Legend, or to book a visit (by appointment only please) contact our showroom team