1985 BMW M635 CSI Manual

Highlights 

• Rare and iconic performance model

• Comprehensively and professionally restored by marque specialists

• Bare metal respray

• Fully rebuilt and tuned engine

• Upgraded suspension and brakes

• Many new and refreshed parts  

• All reconstruction work fully documented

• In exceptional condition throughout

• Recently serviced

• Advisory-free MOT

• Modern retro stereo installed

Overview

This is the daddy. The OG. Genesis for BMW's road-going racers. Before BMW started slapping M badges on pretty much everything that rolled out of the factory, it tested the waters with the M635 CSi way back in 1983, creating a legend in the process. Yes the M1 is technically the first but who are we kidding? That was a bona fide sports car through and through. The M635 CSi was a proper road car and one of the coolest looking coupes money could buy. It still is.

Breathed on by the boffins in Bavaria, the M version of BMW's E24 sleek grand tourer was fitted with a revised version of the aforementioned M1 straight-six engine and a close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox. Developing 286bhp the car could easily post a sub-seven second 0-60mph time as well as a top speed of almost 160mph. Combine that with its handsome Paul Bracq-designed coupe styling and that iconic “Sharknose” front end and you have a recipe for success. And that's before getting into the E24's motorsport heritage.

This beautiful 1985 BMW M635 CSi presents in stunning condition throughout thanks to a full restoration and reconstruction using myriad new parts. The engine has been completely rebuilt and tuned and the car was treated to a bare metal respray in Polaris Silver in 2012 following comprehensive repair and anti-corrosion work, all care of classic BMW specialists Fritz’s Bits. Additionally, the brakes and suspension have also been upgraded and all of the work has been fully documented.

Make no mistake, this is one seriously sorted and incredibly well-presented BMW M635 CSi that is arguably better now than when it left the factory over 40 years ago. It appears that no bolt has been left unturned in creating a superlative example and now it could be yours.

History and documentation

• 1985 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 02 Aug 1985

• In current ownership since 22 Feb 2022

• Six registered former keepers

• Two keys

• Fully restored in 2012

• Restoration invoices, lists of parts and details of work carried out from classic BMW specialists Fritz’s Bits

• Detailed record of the entire restoration process

• Recent service invoice dated 28 Sep 2026

• Advisory-free MOT until 26 Mar 2027

• HPI clear

Interior

• In fantastic condition throughout

• Clean and well-preserved

• Refreshed as part of the restoration process with many new parts installed

• Minimal wear and tear

• No signs of any damage

• The black leather upholstery remains in fine shape with a light, well-earned patina

• Fully functional sunroof

• The vendor informs us that everything works

• Full interior valet Sep 2024

• Blaupunkt Bremen DAB modern retro-style stereo

• Air conditioning re-gassed Mar 2022

• The boot space is equally well-presented

• Spare wheel and tyre 

• Original toolkit is present but not quite complete

• Front strut brace installed

Exterior

• Fully and professionally restored 

• Bare metal respray in Polaris Silver with photographic record

• Many new parts fitted as part of the reconditioning

• No signs of any damage

• Front and rear screen posts replaced Mar 2024

• All chrome and plastic trim pieces remain in good shape but there is some cracking to the underside of the rear boot spoiler and some light surface rust to the front bumper chrome

• No issues with any of the glasswork

• Some black specks to the front bumper as highlighted in the photos

• Refurbished BMW “Bottlecap” alloy wheels are all in fine fettle with no signs of any kerb damage

• Michelin TRX 220/55/VR390 tyres all round

• Underneath looks clean and free from any issues

• Fully waxoiled

Mechanical

• 286bhp, 3.5-litre straight-six engine

• Reconditioned five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• The engine has been fully rebuilt and static tuned with an upgraded chip

• Stainless steel exhaust

• Upgraded brakes – E32 750i master cylinder and E34 540i calipers

• Upgraded Bilstein B6 shock absorbers

• New battery Sep 2024

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car starts and stops properly and goes very well 

Summary

A stunning slice of '80s German GT exotica, this fully restored and rebuilt BMW 635 CSi is a truly fantastic example of one of Bavaria's best. With thousands spent and seemingly nothing left untouched, if you're after a better-than-original E24 M6 then this could very well be the one. Beautiful and rare, it's impossible to ignore.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in London.