Welcome to the first in a series of mini documentaries on readers cars. We’ve gotten together with some of our readers and delved into the history of some of the most interesting classic or niche cars currently on Irish roads.
Here we dip into some of the history behind BMW’s M635CSi.
With it’s propeller inspired badge, its split radiator grille, and its double headlights, the front end of the postwar BMW – in this instance the BMW 635 CSI – became a marker of a brand that stood for status and quality.
This fine example of Bayern-Express was designed as a four-seater coupé, front engined, rear-wheel drive Grand Tourer. The first ‘Six’ had a production period of over 13 years from 1976 to 1989. Its sublime looks contributed significantly to its longevity which is why the BMW 6 Series is a sought-after collector’s item.
Chief designer Paul Bracq developed its powerful exterior and interior aesthetic and the concept of the driver-facing dashboard.
The most striking features include its front end with prominent BMW kidney grille and front spoiler.
The side profile characterises a stoic grandeur. The most conspicuous feature is its waistline which sits low, creating space for the large windows harking back to the BMW 6 Series’ predecessors in the E9 series like the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL.
Modern electronics increasingly found their way into the four-seater coupé. At the time, engineers relied on carburettor engines for the first models, later to be replaced with intake-manifold injection. Exhaust gas purification and the use of catalytic converters also became increasingly important.
First launched in 1978 the first Sixes strengths lay in smooth and comfortable driving, the BMW M635CSi focused much more on sportiness. This in-line 6-cylinder 3.5 litre engine with 218 hp was added to the engine range with an extensively revised chasis, tighter shock absorbers and reinforced stabilisers.
The E24 featured the M30 engines between 2.8 to 3.5 litres except for the M635CSi which was developed by BMW Motorsport GmbH and produced in small quantities from 1984. The legendary BMW M88 engine (first used in the BMW M1, the ancestor of every BMW M built to date) ensured superior acceleration.
The M635 CSi was one of the fastest four seat Grand Tourers of its time, the high-performance engine with modifications to the ignition and injection system was 9 hp more than the standard version of the M1.
The 635CSi was produced up until its replacement in 1989, having sold 86,219 units. The 6-Series was eventually replaced with the V12 8-Series.