Top Tips for Buying a Used BMW E24 Series 635CSi Coupe (1986-89)

In 1986, when BMW finally launched its 3.5-litre coupe onto the Australian market, the delay had sent the price of automatic versions past $110,000 and into territory owned by Mercedes-Benz with its 380SEC.

The BMW was still a striking and elegant car, even though its shape had first appeared a decade earlier carrying 633CSi badges.

People may have been encouraged to buy the new version based on spirited performances by similarly shaped cars in televised Touring Car events, but looks could be deceptive.

BMW 635 Csi - Image: wheelsage.org

The cars delivered here were tuned to run on 91RON Unleaded Fuel and produced a lazy 136kW. They remained smooth and serene though, especially with the smooth and responsive ZF automatic transmission in place of the scarce manual. 

BMW put a lot of work into a suspension setup that helped its big coupe to a trio of Spa 24 Hour race wins (1983, 1985, 1986) but the cars we saw were attuned to ride quality rather than cornering prowess, despite sitting on brawny VR-Rated tyres, designed for speeds in excess of 210km/h, and 16-inch alloy wheels. 

Helping justify the $113,000 introductory price was a generous list of equipment including electrically adjustable leather seats, air-conditioning, power mirrors and ABS brakes. Some 635CSis were also optioned with a sunroof.

Engine Bay - Image: wheelsage.org

The car we should have been getting and which did sometimes arrive as a  private import was the M6 derivative of the 635CSi. In this form it had a 212kW version of the E24 engine, five-speed manual transmission, bigger brakes and optional 17-inch wheels among its performance-oriented changes. The cost was almost double the price of a standard E24.  

Europe, the USA and Japan accounted for most of the 17,445 Series 2 635CSi coupes produced from 1986-89, but there were 1292 RHD cars with unspecified destinations and at least some of those came to Australia.

Cutaway Drawing - Image: wheelsage.org

Like many older, and somewhat complex cars, the BMW 635CSi needs rigorous maintenance. When checking a possible purchase, the first place to go is the (hopefully) thick folder of service invoices showing which components have been overhauled or replaced during recent years.

Vendors seem to understand the need to meet market expectations and price the big coupes accordingly. Those that have been neglected and will need some rectification will generally be offered at less than $30,000, with very good examples still available above $50,000.

Interior is focussed on the driver - Image: wheelsage.org

Things To Watch Out for When Buying a Used BMW E24 Series 635CSi Coupe (1986-89)

• Rust around window apertures and the sunroof (if fitted)

• Faded or damaged plated parts

• Fuel smells and leaks from the fuel-injection system

• Revving an auto in Neutral can damage the clutch pack 

• Excessive brake pedal pressure due to failed servo

• Air-conditioning failing to supply adequate cold air

Valuation Timeline BMW E24 Series 635CSi Coupe (1986-89)