1985 BMW M635CSi

Though they’re the juggernaut of BMW performance today, the reality is that there were quite a few stumbling blocks and it took many years for BMW Motorsport GmbH to establish themselves as the benchmark for German performance. Though many consider the M1 the genesis of BMW M, in fact the brand was born nearly a decade earlier with the introduction of the 3.0 CSL. The high performance E9 was built together with BMW’s competition department, a relationship which ultimately resulted in the birth of BMW’s Motorsport division. A few years later, the new entity would give birth to an equally legendary creation, the 2002 Turbo. But when it came to the first car to carry the “M” badge, it was of course the legendary M1 with its motorsport derived M88/1 double overhead cam inline six screaming in the middle of the car. You’d think this recipe carried over immediately to the sedan range, but that was not immediately the case. First, BMW produced the M535i in the E12 chassis. Though the E28 model of the same designation was mostly an appearance package, the E12 model was turned up over the rest of the range – but not with the M88; BMW instead relied on the M30 to power the M535i. Then, there was a year where nothing happened; the M1 was out of production, the E12 was replaced by the E28, and ostensibly BMW had no real performance models. That was remedied at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show, where a juiced up version of the 635CSi was offered. It was labeled the M635CSi; but unlike the M535i, under the hood wasn’t the venerable M30 that powered the normal 635CSi. In its place, the Motorsport division decided to slot the M88, now with /3 designation; the result was 286 horsepower – a staggering figure at the time, considering that the contemporary Porsche 930 was considered fairly bonkers with a little over 300 horsepower and though it looked much larger, the early E24s only weighed about 200 lbs. more than the Porsche. Coupled with some aerodynamic tweaks, heavier duty suspension, brakes and larger wheels and tires, the result was the menacing presence worthy of the nickname “Shark”. For all intents and purposes, this was really the first “M” car for the masses:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1985 BMW M635CSi on eBay

Year: 1985
Model: M635CSi
Engine: 3.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 105,000 mi
Price: $49,000 Buy It Now

Seller Comments

1985 BMW M635csi Coupe 105,000 miles, Incredibly Clean, . all original Euro spec 289 HP 250lbs lighter. No accidents no racing mods. Beautiful and Rare Alpine White, original paint, with Navy Blue Interior. Always garaged perfect dash and interior. Always Atlanta Ga. car I m 2ed owner for last 16 years. Mint condition Front and Rear Seats. Drives like a Dream. Complete Books And Records, very well documented. Remember this car its Euro Version (US Versions were available only for 1987 and 1988).

Investment Grade, Totally Rust Free, Super Nice Interior, creck free dash, clean carpets and supple leather upholstery. Windows, Sunroof, A/C (cold), Seats, everything Works perfectly. Mechanically superb, just serviced, all tools, spare, and new battery. Clean Vehicle with No accidents and no stories.

This car has the same Engine as the Legendary M1 (M88). Rare opportunity to own an original 1st Generation M6. You wont regret buy this car, enjoy it while its value grow.

Car has both (Clean USA Title and Mexican Papers)

Car is located in Mexico City and can be moved everywhere in the World, i can assist with shiping it.

This 1985 BMW M635CSi is an all original and unmodified example with complete ownership and maintenance history from day one. Always garaged and impeccably maintained by local BMW specialist Terry Sayther Automotive in Austin, TX, a three-ring binder documents extensive service history including the dual valve spring and tensioner recall. It is entirely rust and accident free and color is Alpine White over Pacific Blue leather. Always kept up and driven regularly, the car is an impressive example with 106k miles.

Slim Euro bumpers look great and are a big improvement over US spec M6s. OEM staggered 16″ BBS Style 5 wheels are always a good look on E24s and remain is excellent condition here. They are free of curb rash and wear fresh Hankook Ventus UHP AS rubber. All stainless, plastic and vulnerable rubber trim including the rear lip spoiler remain in good condition.

Pacific Blue leather remains soft and shows very well with some light, expected marking but no cracks, tears or discoloration. Protected under a dash mat, the dash shows no cracks or other sun damage. New 4 x 6 speakers are mounted in original speaker locations, and the seller emphasizes no cutting of doors or rear deck. Rear headrests and speaker pods in excellent condition, and all lights, switches and instruments are functional.

Carpets have been kept clean and can be covered either with two sets of factory floor mats or the pictured, custom color matched sisal Cocomats. Note the rare dealer-installed, concealed BMW branded radar detector. The original Becker Mexico has been retained and is included along with a full factory tool kit, jack, spare and warning triangle.

The 3.5L M88 engine has been fanatically maintained and given regular Mobil 1 15W50 oil changes every six months. Transmission and differential run Redline synthetic gear oil also changed at regular intervals. The motor has had the factory recommended dual valve spring and tensioner upgrade recall completed, and recent work includes fitment of a new radiator, thermostat, water pump, A/C compressor (R134a converted), condenser and drier, fully replaced belts, coolant hoses, power steering lines, upper and lower control arms, front and rear bushings, differential mount, driveshaft guibo and more. Original shocks have been replaced with Bilsteins.

All work is fully documented in a three inch thick binder covering the car’s ownership and service history from day one.

On Sep-04-15 at 07:57:45 PDT, seller added the following information:

THERE IS A MISTAKE, IM THE THIRD OWNER OF THE CAR, CAR IS TEXAS CAR (FOR 24 YEARS) THEN 6 YEARS VIRGINIA CAR (NOWADAYS CAR IS LOCATED IN MEXICO CITY)
IM SO SORRY FOR THIS MISTAKE… I HAVE FULL DOCUMENTATION OF THE CAR SINCE DAY 1.
THANKS A LOT

Around 3,200 left drive M635CSis were produced over the production run, but as they were never imported to the U.S. they’re fairly rare to see over here. This one appears to be in excellent shape; lower miles, a pretty and classic (as well as more rare) color combination of Alpine White with Pacific Blue leather, the only change that is notable from stock is the switch to the standard instead of metric BBSs. Properly, this car should run 415mm wheels, but I doubt many will mind the update – or even notice it. Outside of that, this is a show-quality driver that is certainly in the collector realm. That said, is it a $49,000 example? That’s considerably higher than we’ve seen many trade hands for; we’ve yet to log one over $20,000, though admittedly this car is better documented and in better shape than most that we’ve featured. Still, I think it’s ahead of the market, though the trends would tell us that in a few years this may not seem like an outrageous amount.

-Carter