One to Buy: Pre-Production RHD 1984 BMW E24 M635 CSi
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During the mid-to-late 1980s, arguably the most elegant sporting Coupes offered by Europe’s high end manufacturers were the Aston Martin V8 and BMW’s E26 M635 CSi. While in Vantage trim the Aston had a clear performance edge over its German rival, the BMW was much less expensive and had superior handling dynamics.
Designed by renowned automotive stylist, Paul Bracq, the E24 6-series replaced BMW’s iconic E9, another pillar-less Coupe that has similarly come to be regarded as an icon of 20th century aesthetics.
For this BMW Motorsport-developed iteration of the E24, a few subtle cosmetic tweaks were added to include a deep front air dam, flared wheelarches and a discrete rear spoiler. Most significant though were the M635 CSi’s mechanical upgrades; under the gorgeous bodywork, BMW Motorsport added an M1-derived dual overhead cam 3.5-litre straight six that pumped out an impressive 282bhp. Transmission was through a special close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential.
Chassis enhancements included uprated suspension and brakes while, to optimise weight distribution, the battery was moved from the engine bay to the trunk.
In total, just 524 copies of the M635 CSi were produced in right-hand drive between September 1984 and February 1989, the earliest existing example of which is currently on offer at the Dylan Miles showroom in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
One of six pre-production UK specification right-hand drive M635 CSis (the first three of which are understood to have been destroyed after testing), this example was constructed on October 12th 1984 and configured in the rarely seen combination of ‘Zobel Braun’ (metallic Sable Brown) with Pearl Beige leather. Optional extras included both an electric sunroof and air-conditioning.
Following its time with BMW in Munich, the car was delivered to BMW GB Ltd. in Bracknell, Berkshire, on August 7th 1985. Here it undertook press / demonstrator duties, remaining unregistered until February 1st 1986. Retained by BMW GB until June 1988, at this point the car was sold to its first private owner.
More recently, within the last few months marque specialists BMR Performance fitted replacement timing chains and guides, a new viscous fan clutch, a new thermostat, a new clutch slave cylinder, replacement fuel and brake lines and a new fuel tank with replacement fuel sender. A major ‘Inspection 2’ service was carried out along with installation of original period correct 16-inch Alpina wheels. The car was then sent to SM Trimming who reconditioned the interior and fitted a new Blaupunkt Bremen DAB radio with ten Morel speakers.
Showing a little under 60,000 miles on the odometer, this historically significant M635 CSi is accompanied by a comprehensive history that includes an official BMW Birth Certificate, copies of all previous V5C registration documents from new, service paperwork / invoices, an original M635 CSi brochure, an original 1984 British Motor Show Guide, two keys and various MoT certificates.
