One to Buy: 36,000km ex-BMW Motorsport 1985 BMW E24 M635 CSi
The 1980s really was a great time for large-engined German Grand Tourers with Audi, BMW and Porsche all taking a divergent approach with the Quattro, M635 CSi and 928 respectively. For an alternative of comparable performance from Mercedes, an AMG-tuned CE or SEC Coupe offered something more leftfield.
As outstanding as each of them may have been, for us here at Supercar Nostalgia, the Audi, Porsche and AMG Mercedes are eclipsed by the all-round excellence of BMW’s E24 6-series-based M635 CSi produced between 1984 and 1989.
Underneath the iconic Paul Bracq-designed discretely spoilered body, BMW Motorsport fitted an M1-derived dual overhead cam 282bhp straight six hooked up to a close-ratio five-speed manual Getrag ‘box. The suspension, brakes and interior also came in for special attention in typical BMW Motorsport fashion.
Although it seemed incongruous at the time because everyone knew about the flagship BMW Coupe, less than 6000 examples of the M635 CSi were completed making it much more scarce than the Porsche 928 or Audi Quattro.
Examples with a genuine BMW Motorsport history are even rarer still, but that’s exactly what Sprinkgbok Sportwagen currently have on offer at their showroom in Isernhagen, Germany.
Configured in Zinnobar Red with Black leather upholstery and a sunroof, the car was first registered to BMW Motorsport on November 8th 1985 and went on to serve in a test, research and development role. It was later sold off and, with a little over 36,000km showing on the odometer, has the potential to be a best-of-breed example.
Reprinted below is Springbok Sportwagen’s description:
BMW Motorsport GmbH factory prototype
Perfectly documented
Year: 11.1985
Mileage: 36.350km
Power: 210 kW (286 BHP)
Gearbox: manual 5 speed box
Colour: Zinnoberrot
Interior: Leather black
This beautiful BMW M635 CSI is a very special vehicle! It was first registered on 8 November 1985 to BMW Motorsport GmbH and used as a test and development vehicle.
It was later sold on and has been in collector's hands for a long time.
The M635 has now run approx. 36,000 kilometres.
It is partially in its original paintwork.
The current owner has had the vehicle in his collection since 2015. He had the vehicle's performance-enhanced engine completely overhauled by BMW specialist Tegetech Power in July 2016. The invoice for this work, totalling EUR 24,000, is available.
The last MOT inspection was carried out in May 2024.
Special equipment:
0401 Sliding/tilting roof, electric
0530 Air conditioning
0667 Radio BMW Audio
0682 Automatic radio aerial
0979 Velour floor mats front and rear
The vehicle is also fitted with revised multi-piece wheel rims.
