Description
1986 - BMW M635 CSi French registration - Heir to the CS and the first production M with the M1 engine - Original French car, 5th hand for over 10 years - Excellent condition with 199, 900 kilometres - Important file, user manuals and spare keys In 1976 a range of BMW 6 Series sports coupes designed by Paul Bracq was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. It succeeded the E9 coupé series, whose CSL competition version became a legend, as did the M1, which arrived in 1978. Wider and heavier than the E9 series, it was also more powerful and more fully equipped for greater comfort and modernity. The interior, with its driver-oriented dashboard, was a study in style in itself. At the launch of the E24 6 Series, the six-cylinder engine was either a 3-litre carburettor or a 3. 3-litre fuel-injected unit. The BMW 6 Series was designed as a rather plush GT and was available in a number of versions. In 1978, a 3. 5-litre fuel-injected version came out, fitted with a 5-speed gearbox and sports suspension. This 635 CSi developed 218 bhp and was capable of reaching speeds of over 220 km/ h. It received a body kit with spoilers and aluminium BBS wheels. Two evolutions of this sharpened version were revealed in 1982 and 1987, with a number of improvements. However, the real sporting version was the M635 CSi, which arrived late in 1984. Aesthetically, it retained a low profile, with only a lower bumper, two M badges on the grille and boot, and body-coloured mirrors. Inside, apart from sports seats and a three-spoke steering wheel, as well as a speedometer graduated up to 280 kph and a rev counter with a red zone at 8, 000 revs embellished with a small M logo, it also remained fairly discreet. Under the long bonnet, however, is a pure BMW Motorsport production: the six-cylinder M88 from the M1. This 3. 5-litre engine features a 24-valve aluminium cylinder head and a high level of efficiency derived from racing, which was unusual at the time, especially for a naturally-aspirated engine. Mated to a Getrag 5-speed gearbox, it developed 286bhp and reached a top speed of 280kph with ease, distilling a bewitching sound. Driven by a self-locking axle and excellent weight distribution, as well as good damping from Bilstein, the M635 CSi suffers only from steering that's too loose and braking that lacks bite in relation to its weight and claimed sports car performance. Production of the 6 series (E24) ceased in 1989 with the arrival of the 8 series, after more than 86, 000 units had been produced, including less than 6, 000 M635 CSi and barely 3, 500 left-hand drive units. The latter is therefore relatively rare. The M635 CSi is a GT that is more comfortable than truly sporty, but thanks to its legendary engine and driving pleasure, it has enabled BMW to establish itself as a benchmark for large, luxurious coupés. The BMW 6 Series presented here is a first production M635 CSi, which left the factory on 3 September 1985 and went on sale in France on 1 April 1986. In Diamantschwarz metallic (181) with yellow headlights and BBS wheels, combined with a beige leather interior with matching carpets, it benefits from a superb contrasting presentation. The history of this beautiful car is undoubtedly another strong point of this M635 CSi. It has had just 5 owners since it entered service. Its first owner was an industrialist from St Etienne who drove the car extensively, clocking up just over 175, 000 km on board between 1986 and 1994, according to the file of maintenance invoices that still accompanies it. Thereafter, it was used more sparingly and remained constantly in the greater Lyon region. It has also always been meticulously maintained. The last two owners, unconditional BMW enthusiasts, friends and demanding collectors, took great care of it. As a result, the car, which has just under 199, 900 original kilometres, is in excellent condition today. The various invoices, mainly for parts, show the work that has been carried out over the last few years, which, in addition to routine maintenance (off the grid, hence the warning light on the dashboard), has included work on the brakes, ignition and electronics box. In addition to its very appreciable state of preservation and a comprehensive history file, this M635 CSi has kept its spare keys and will be delivered with its owner's manuals. A car of French origin, never restored and always well cared for, with an extensive file and an unusual configuration, this M635 CSi, which is one of the first examples produced, is...
