Friday 20th April 2007

SOTW: BMW 635

BMW 635CSi

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Already on opposite lock...

With big BMW coupes at the front of our minds this morning, you won’t be that surprised to see we’ve fallen back on an old favourite for ‘Shed of the week’.

‘Shed’ has always lusted after the big Beemer, and we all know why that is: it’s got a great big straight six under the bonnet that sends its drive to the rear wheels. Not difficult to understand, that.

Then there’s that priceless mental image of crossed-up, ETCC ‘works’ M6 entries with M stripes in ‘BMW Parts’ livery. Ok, a humble and ageing 635 Auto is a long way from such heroics, but ‘Shed’ is nothing but an optimist.

Interesting too, that although the six series looks very much ‘of its time’, there’s an essential ‘rightness’ to its overall form that the Bangle era designs have rarely managed to match. Yes, it’s conventional and traditional, but a good example still looks sleek and imposing – the shark-like nose parting the air with genuine gravitas.

Not sure if that applies to this example here however. We’ve had to opt for the cheapest CSi out there to fit within Shed’s budget, which hardly fills us with much confidence; big car, big bills. And we’re trying not to think too hard about the slusher ‘box either. The vendor doesn’t seem to have much to say. Still, it looks ok from a distance, and how hard can it be to drop a manual in there - anyone?

Advert: Automatic, 118,000 miles, Silver. £650

www.autotrader.co.uk

[malaccamax]

Must be a Monet: great from a distance, a mess close-up. That is crazy cheap. I bought mine for £1400 and that was the devil's own rust pit. Lovely engine though.

[malaccamax]

Perils of cheap 635s, no. 381: rotten spring cup



Needless to say, had to use the yellow card on this one

[malaccamax]

PP, what did you end up doing with it? Get any spares or repairs takers? I found rust in the weirdest places on mine, as pic shows. I bodged all the holes for a half-decent showing at Le Mans last year then quickly sold it. Still half-regret it.

[malaccamax]

Track car? Nah, if there was one thing it hated it was going round corners