Description
If there is one model in the history of the BMW M that represents its era well, it is the BMW M635CSi. In 1984, this four-seater car took up the concept of the high-performance six-cylinder inline engines that the legendary BMW M1 had established a few years earlier. But like no other BMW M model before it, it embodied the ultimate symbiosis of luxury and high performance. Considered avant-garde at the time, its typical M characteristics make it a sought-after classic today.
With the nicknames “Sharknose” and “Bayern-Express”, fans have not hesitated to give the BMW M635CSi creative and relevant nicknames. Today, as in the past, it is considered the icon of the BMW E24 series, designed as a four-seat coupe with a front engine and rear-wheel drive. The first “Six” was produced for more than 13 years, from 1976 to 1989, making it BMW’s longest running series.
The man responsible for the progressive and timeless exterior design of the BMW M635CSi – and an absolute master in his field – is a name that should be familiar to any car enthusiast: Paul Bracq. The aesthetic signature of BMW’s chief designer at the time is also recognizable in the interior. Here, Bracq has developed the concept of the driver-oriented instrument panel more effectively than in any previous production model.
The BMW 635CSi appeared in 1978, paving the way for the BMW M635CSi that followed a few years later. While the first “Six” showed their strengths mainly in a smooth and comfortable ride, the BMW 635CSi focused much more on sportiness. Engineers made all sorts of adjustments, with the 3. 5-liter, 218-hp inline 6-cylinder engine rounding out the engine lineup from 1978.
The chassis has also been extensively revised, with reinforced stabilizers and firmer shock absorbers. A limited-slip differential with up to 40 percent locking effect for an even more dynamic look completed the car’s refined technical base. On the outside, the BMW 635CSi was immediately recognizable thanks to the special decorative stripes on its sides, the new spoilers on the front and rear and the BBS wheels with crossed spokes.
The BMW 6 Series E24 was equipped with an M30 in-line 6-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2. 8 to 3. 5 liters. The only exception is the BMW M635CSi, developed by BMW Motorsport GmbH and produced in small quantities from 1984 onwards. Here, the legendary BMW M88 engine – the first variant of which was used in the BMW M1, the forerunner of all BMW M cars built to date – provided superior propulsion. The M635CSi’s high-performance engine developed up to 286 hp, thanks to higher compression and modifications to the ignition and injection system. It was nine horsepower more than the standard M1, with a displacement of just under 3. 5 liters, and unlike the M30, it had four valves per cylinder instead of two. All in all, this made the BMW M635CSi one of the fastest four-seaters of its time.
To handle the increased power, lucky M635CSi owners received a beefed-up 5-speed sport transmission, revised chassis and a more powerful braking system. In addition, its larger battery has been moved to the rear to improve weight distribution and traction.
This example is of Belgian origin and has 286 horsepower. It has only 85, 000 km on the odometer and is still in its original metallic black paint. It also has the sunroof option. Its adjustable sport seats upholstered in black leather are superb and the car is in exceptional condition, coming from the careful hands of a great BMW connoisseur and specialist. It is in very good original condition, the well-maintained mechanics work wonderfully. It is equipped with 4 new TRX tires and has a historical file.
