Highlights

Limited-slip differential from the factory
Rare manual-transmission model
Full restoration project - bags of potential

The Appeal

The first generation of the BMW 6-Series - designated E24 internally - launched in 1976 to replace the ageing BMW E9 coupé, and offered a range of performance levels to suit varying needs, from the 628 CSi up to the M635 CSi, with all models using a petrol inline-six engine and featuring bodywork designed by the legendary Paul Bracq.

This particular example is a mid-production 1983 635 CSi, powered by a 3.4-litre M30 SOHC inline-six engine, with the rare manual transmission and limited-slip-differential boxes ticked by the first owner when purchasing the vehicle.

Having stood for 20 years, the car has been lightly recommissioned by the vendor and is reportedly running and driving, though a full restoration will be required to bring it back to its best, and to return it to a useable, enjoyable condition once again.

Potential? This thing has all the potential you could ever dream of…

History & Paperwork

V5 registered keepers document, showing 6 former keepers
The car had stood for 20 years prior to the vendor purchasing the vehicle this year
The story goes that the car was laid-up following a failed MoT with the intention of being restored, though this plan never came to fruition
The vendor has freed the brakes, put fresh fuel and a new fuel filter in the car, and reports that the car does run and drive
Notably, this example was very highly-specified from the factory, with a limited-slip differential, manual transmission, electric windows, velour interior, electric sunroof, OBC, central locking and headlight wash/wipe
A replacement steel offside wing is included in the sale of the vehicle

The Interior

Velour interior in very good condition for its age
No obvious evidence of any rips, tears or damage to the seats
The carpets are commensurately worn, but useable
The on-board computer appears to be in full working order, as is the instrument panel
Some more visible wear can be seen on the gearstick, steering wheel and the high-traffic areas of the cabin
In the boot, the spare wheel is present, though the boot itself would benefit from being tidied up

The Exterior

Significant bodywork required
Front area looks to have had an impact at some point in its lifetime
Significant corrosion visible to the OSF wing, bonnet, boot edge, OSR wing, rear bumper, front ‘valence’ area, NSR wing, aerial mount
Bubbling noted around the sunroof
Damage to the front and rear bumper chrome trims
All four wheels in good condition

The Mechanicals

Single overhead-cam M30 inline-six engine
Reportedly running and driving, though a full overhaul/restoration will be required, and the vendor has only driven the vehicle around 100 yards.
Coolant light and ABS light illuminated inside the vehicle
Evidence of coolant leaks/staining around the fan, radiator and front end of the engine bay
The engine bay itself shows significant corrosion
The vendor has supplied a number of underside photographs for evaluation, which can be found at the end of the gallery below

Summary

If you’re looking for a project, this may just be the ticket.

A strong specification from new, including the rare manual transmission and limited-slip differentials, excellent colour combination and with an interior that looks to be in good order, there’s no doubting this 635 CSi needs plenty of love, but imagine just how good it’ll look when it’s finished…

An opportunity to bring a German legend back from the dead, this 635 CSi needs a new home and plenty of love, but will no doubt reward its next owner with hours of enjoyment and driving fun once it is back on the road.

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