Highlights

• A very original example of the E28 underpinned 653 CSi from the last year of production
• A fastidiously maintained car with an extensively stamped service book
• Maintained in the last 18 months by the BMW Engineer owner
  
  

The Appeal

The History and Paperwork

• The car was supplied new via the BMW dealer network September 1989
• The car has is on its 13th owner currently
• Despite that there have been several periods of extended ownership
• The first owner kept the car for 7 years with a later owner keeping it for 11 years
• The car has covered a shade over 6,000 miles a year on average
• This strikes a good balance between regular use and overuse
• The last two owners have been significant in the car’s current condition
• The previous owner was an enthusiast and engineer
• The current owner is a BMW Engineer and engine designer and builder
• The paperwork on hand includes the current V5 in the name of the owner
• The current MOT is an advisory free item and is valid until March 2024
• This 635 is complete with its original 1989 book pack and folder
• The original service book is included
• This shows a full set of services ranging from handover in 1989
• The last service in the book is at 158,000 miles in 2002
• After that, services by independent specialists are documented
• In the last 18 months the current BMW engineer owner has maintained the car
• This has included a generous schedule of works and many new parts
• The original TR wheels and rare, original BMW mudflaps are also included
  
  

The Interior

• The interior of the 635 is sumptuously trimmed and finished 
• The car is finished in Dove Grey leather to seats, door cards and other trim
• The overall condition is excellent for the age and mileage of the car
• This has been aided by the leather having been treated twice in the last year
• The owner reports some age-related cracking but no tears or missing parts
• The high-backed front sports seats feature the signature adjustable thigh bolsters
• The big side bolsters are highly supportive and locate driver and passenger well
• The shapely rear seats are pristine and may have never been used based on their condition
• The woollen carpets are finished in a complimentary grey and in a great, used condition
• The Leather style headlining is original and is a fine used condition with no sagging noted
• The “driver-centric” dashboard is recognisably BMW
• The white on black VDO dials are clear and informative
• The charming period check panel and trip computer add some true ‘80’s interest
• An optional three-spoke leather wheel is fitted and is in fine fettle
• The leather trimmed door cards are well presented
• The owner reports that the AC compressor is off the car but included, This is in need of a refurbishment, refitting and a subsequent recharge
• The boot is a commodious and well-shaped affair
• The boot carpet mat is missing as the owner was unable to find an original item
• A full-sized alloy spare wheel is, however, present
• The signature, drop-down toolbox is 90% compete missing just one spanner and the cloth
  
  

The Exterior

• The 635 presents in it striking Delphin Grey metallic paintwork
• The overall presentation of paintwork and bodywork is generally good
• A good level of shine is exuded from all panels
• The owner attests to the car being admirably rust free in the usually vulnerable areas
• As would be expected from a 1989 car there are some minor areas of imperfection
• These include some paint chips on the bonnet and some minor paint cracking
• A botched repair on the sunroof panel (pictured)is evident and some mismatched paint around it
• None of these appears particularly detrimental and doesn’t detract from car’s charm
• The light lenses and cabin glass all appear original and in good, used condition
• The headlamp wipers have been removed but all wiring is present if replacements can be found
• The car currently sits on 17-inch, 15 spoke light alloy wheels with BMW centre caps
• These present very well with no obvious dings or kerb rash to report
• A mixed set of 235/45 R17 tyres are fitted 
• The original RT wheels and aged tyres are also included without centre caps
  
  

The Mechanics

• This 635 is fitted with the 3.4L, straight-six M30 SOHC petrol engine
• One of BMW’s most long-lived units, the M30 produced 218 PS and 229 Ib-ft of torque
• Power is fed to the rear wheels via a four speed ZF 4HP 22 gearbox
• Judging from the service book and invoices this car has been diligently maintained
• The current owner has undertaken an extensive schedule of works in his ownership
• This includes a new radiator, alternator, ignition leads and starter motor
• New battery and new earth wiring throughout
• Heater and fan controls have been refreshed
• The diff has been opened and checked for functionality as has the gearbox
• The engine heads have been removed, and the internals ceramic coated
• The timing has been checked and set
• The owner describes the car as running “like a clock”
• The under-bonnet presentation is good, with just a little surface corrosion in places
• The underside of the car looks clean and straight with plenty of underseal present
  
  

Summary