The M635 CSi was launched in 1983 and represented the flagship variant of the E24 Six Series that was first introduced in 1976, BMW’s new two door ‘shark nose’ coupe penned by automotive design supremo Paul Bracq to replace BMW’s previous E9 model
The M635 CSi was the most highly tuned of all E24, extensively developed and refined by BMW Motorsport GmbH using their expertise gained in competition, the origins of its engine hail from the original Works 3.5 CSL twenty-four valve ‘M49’ unit
Production of the M635 CSi began in 1983 and ended in 1989 with the final series of ‘Highline’ models and just 5855 examples were constructed over six years, of which just 524 were built in right hand drive and approximately 300 of those cars were delivered to the UK.
The M635 CSi and sister M5 were fitted with the legendary M88/3 six cylinder engine, double overhead cam with a capacity of 3453cc and 24 valves, they produced 286 BHP at 6500 rpm and were the same as the M1 motor but with wet sump oiling, allowing outstanding performance that powered the big coupe to 158 MPH.
Both handbuilt and considerably more expensive than the 635 CSi at £45,000, M635 were built in batches of four cars, both production lead time and cost were well in excess of the standard CSi model.
The BMW Birth Certificate on file denotes our car was constructed on 12th October 1984 to UK RHD specification, finished in Sable Brown metallic coachwork with Pearl Beige Leather and Nutria interior. Further notes detail ‘BMW Individual special equipment with sunroof and AC’.
One of the rarest colour options available, only two RHD M635 were ever finished in ‘Zobel Braun’ and this car was ordered and delivered to ‘BMW GB Ltd’ to promote the new M635 and was the first RHD example delivered to the UK
One of six ‘pre-production’ UK specification RHD M635 CSi models, the first three chassis were used as test cars in Germany and believed destroyed after testing, hence our car is the oldest surviving RHD M635 CSi!
Understood to have been used for official duties by BMW GB Ltd throughout that period serving as a BMW Press car/demonstrator, the M635 remained unregistered until 1st February 1986 and was kept by the concession for a further two years, acquired by its first private owner from Chalfont St Giles in June 1988.
The M635 was recently shown at BMW event where a retired member of the ‘Barons Of Farnborough’ workshop team from the eighties immediately recognised the car due to its unique colour, recalling fond memories of maintaining the official GB Ltd fleet with this car being a firm favourite of the boys in the workshop!
Between 1988 and 2011 passed through the hands of a number of owners between London, Cambridge and the Midlands and was subsequently sold by Lincoln based car dealer Chris Betts to an enthusiast in Yorkshire, with invoices on file for maintenance work with marque specialists JC Racing of Thirsk, Yorkshire during his ownership.
The car would remain in the north for the next few years before its acquisition by a St Albans based enthusiast in 2023 with documented £11K maintenance between 2019-2024.
In October 2025 the M635 was inspected by marque specialists BMR Performance who confirmed the car was an excellent, original low mileage and unmodified example displaying excellent structural integrity but in need of further recommissioning due to limited use in recent years, as such the following works were completed;
Complete replacement of timing chains and guides, new viscous fan clutch, new thermostat, new clutch slave cylinder, replacement fuel pipes, new fuel tank, replacement brake pipes and new hoses. Attention to electricals included replacement fuel sender and new door mirror switch then a major ‘Inspection 2’ service, the fitment of original period correct 16’ Alpina wheels plus wheel alignment etc at cost of GBP 7000, completed between Jan/February 2026.
The M635 was then sent to SM Trimming who reconditioned the interior and fitted a new Blaupunkt Bremen DAB radio with ten Morel speakers at a cost in excess of £4000.
Undoubtedly one of the most original, historically important and elegantly specified RHD M635 CSi models extant, interested parties will note the lack of wheel arch extensions usually seen on M635, this car was never fitted with them due to its early production date
This superb M635 CSi is supplied with comprehensive history file including official BMW Birth Certificate, copies of all previous V5C from new, service history and associated invoices, original M635 brochure, original 1984 British Motor Show Guide, two keys and various MoT certifcates
