Highlights

Fantastic condition and colour combination
Standard car but with tasteful 17in wheel upgrade
Highly original, even has the factory wax film still covering the engine bay
Exceptionally low mileage, surely one of the lowest in the UK
Enthusiast owned by former proprietor of a specialist German car workshop
Just recommissioned after long term storage
12 month MOT

The Appeal

BMW's 'sharknose' era established a run of models that is one of the high points in a lineage marked by exceptional high points. Capable and distinctively BMW, they didn't just look good, they went exceptionally well too.

Of these models the stunning E24 6-Series set a new benchmark in the GT class, combining scintillating handling with sharp lines and silky-smooth engines. These models, particularly the 635CSi, offered buyers the luxury of a GT with the thrills of a coupe. Buyers loved them and with impeccable quality and reliability, most were driven hard and long too.

It is rare, therefore, to find a 635CSi like this one. One of the last built it has covered a miniscule mileage, mainly thanks to long term storage by its enthusiast owner (who ran a specialist German car workshop). Recently recommissioned and in stunning condition this is a rare, low mileage treat for the many enthusiasts of these utterly capable cars.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 16th March 1990
E24 production ended in 1989 so this is likely one of the last cars registered
DVLA records show 7 owners:
- Car changed hands within the same family on two occasions
- Excluding changes within family the car has only had 3 owners
Stamped service book showing servicing by BMW Holland Park to 32,005 miles in 2004
Then serviced by vendor who ran a German specialist car repair workshop
Acquired by the seller on 9th May 2006
Always garaged during his tenure in dry environment
Car stored by seller from 2009 until August 2022
He has run it every 2-3 weeks
Just recommissioned:
- Brake flexi hoses replaced
- Brake fluid replaced
- Serviced including fluids and filters
- Has covered few miles since
MOT to 5th July 2024 with no advisories

The Interior

Sumptuous late-model E24 interior in the sort of condition you would expect from a low mileage car
Classic E24 ruched leather interior
Very presentable interior with immaculate rear seats
Electric front seats with multi-way control
Some wear on the driver's seat bolster that would respond to hide feed and colouring
Smart contrasting steering wheel with black rim and grey centre
Electric steel sliding sunroof
Original right down to the factory stereo and rechargeable glove box torch
Two-tone leather-trimmed dashboard with dark grey upper and light grey lower section
Light trim in very good, unmarked condition
Trip computer
Boot area in similar condition
Non-matching factory supplied spare in boot
Door cards, carpets and headlining continue the well preserved theme
Full factory tool kit, appears unused, in boot

White and grey make up the interior colour combination and a little research tells us there are 13 cow hides used for each 635’s cabin and they have lasted well in this example with only some creasing starting to show in the driver’s seat and a tiny section of the armrest which has worn.

The rest of the interior is in stunning condition but with less than 40,000 miles on the clock it’s hardly been used considering this car excelled as a grand tourer. The dash is in great condition with the clocks and dials looking to be in near new visual condition.

Door cards and headlining are clean and relatively unmarked, and you’ll want to take your shoes off to keep the carpet looking as fresh as it does. There does look to be a water mark on the passenger side of the dash, but we can’t confirm what this might have been.

The same story continues into the boot space which was huge for the car at the time and surely won a lot of golfing enthusiasts around from their tri-starred chariots of the time. A full tool kit with spare bulbs, and what looks to be the original badge too, is the highlight of the boot space. The carpet looks clean and unmarked, hiding the spare wheel and some clean metalwork, even the Kenwood disc auto changer is in place and looking in great condition.

The Exterior

Diamond Black Metallic a subtle choice and nice contrast with the light interior
Paintwork is in very good condition just a small scratch on the offside rear wing visible on close inspection
17in BBS 3 piece split rim alloy wheels fitted at cost of £3,500 by vendor in 2007
Wheels remain in superb condition retaining their polish finish and with no kerbing
Glass work and lights in superb, unmarked condition
Black grille and badging add to the subtle style of this classic slice of 80s motoring
Underside shows no issues and still carries the original factory underseal treatment

Diamond Black Metallic in case you were wondering, a subtle but deep metallic colour that perfectly showed off this car’s lines without the overstated looks of the brighter colours it came in. Paired with a set of chrome BBS wheels, this BMW looks effortlessly cool having the performance and driveability to back that up.

The bodywork is in great condition with very little negatives to draw your attention to, in the interest of honesty there is a tiny mark in the side pinstriping above the rear passenger side arch (photo 31) and a small ding and scuff near the filler cap (photo 153-155). That’s all we can see however and considering this car is 33 years old, it’s done very well to avoid all the usual battle scars.

Elsewhere, the glass is all in great condition, the sunroof too (which is working well) as are the light lenses, the grilles are complete and free from excessive damage, the headlight wipers are reported to be working wheels look to be freshly refurbed or have had very little use as they are in near unmarked condition, the trim, handles and everything else on the exterior remains in fantastic condition. These are true enthusiast cars now and this car is a clear example of one that has been cherished during its ownership.

The Mechanics

M30B35 6cyl BMW 3,430cc engine
Later 635CSi with more powerful 205bhp version of this engine
4spd ZF automatic transmission
Full BMW service history to 32,005 miles in 2004
Serviced by the vendor since purchase in 2006, who is a specialist German car repairer
Last serviced in August 2022 following recommissioning
Few miles covered since last service
Engine bay still has the original factory applied wax preservation treatment

The 635 CSI came with the M30B35 single overhead cam, inline 6 with the later cars (of which this car is) coming with the Bosch Motronic electronic engine management which gave a smoother, more rewarding drive, despite not adding any more power.

Engine, drivetrain and suspension are all reported to be working superbly in this 635 CSI and the engine bay itself looks to be in excellent visual condition. We can’t see any split hoses, exposed wires, excessive corrosion to the strut towers or signs of fluid leaks and we suspect that if the rest of the car has been taken care of in such great detail then the powerplant has not escaped the care and attention.

Summary

The E24 6-Series is one of the most sought-after of classic BMWs. Given the competition within the marque's model ranks, that is quite an achievement. But the facts speak for themselves - these cars don't just looks great, with their sharknose styling, they deliver behind the wheel too.

It is rare to find one of the desirable late model 635CSi models with the low mileage of this one. Clearly cared for by its enthusiastic, knowledgeable owner, this immaculately presented car looks very tempting indeed.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.