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 has been known to us almost since the company came into existence. Amongst the paperwork we found one of the earliest original Munich Legends invoices – hand written from before we had proper garage software. Since then the car has had a split existence, firstly being used as a daily driver and latterly sitting in storage, almost forgotten. With the owner sadly no longer with us, we have been asked by the family to find the right owner for the next chapter of the car’s life.
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 on sales@munichlegends.com or call 01825 740456.
