1988 BMW 635csi

This eye catching 635CSi was supplied to the United Arab Emirates from new in 1988. The first owner retained the car, enjoying it in the preservative desert climate of the Emirate until 1994. At that juncture the former, and second, owner acquired it.

In a quirk of fate current owner, Nick, knew and admired the car from that stage being part of the same circle as the then owner. When the opportunity arose for Nick to purchase the CSi he duly did so in 1999. On leaving the UAE in 2002 Nick exported the BMW to France with the car then sharing its time between there and the UK. The car was registered in the UK at that time with Nick noted as the first UK owner in November 2002.

Since 2003 Nick has predominantly had the CSi serviced by marque luminaries Munich Legends of East Sussex. Nick has clearly been generous with his maintenance routines and, as a result, reports that the car “drives like new with no faults.” The car’s early life in the arid climate of the UAE has also paid dividends as has the car’s additional professional rust proofing whilst in Dubai and subsequent dry garaging. So much so that a Reading based BMW specialist recently commented that it is the most corrosion free example of an E24 that he had seen. Praise indeed!

Nick notes that the CSi’s odometer stopped working around 10,000 miles ago. Based on the current reading of 136,724 kms that gives the BMW an approximate current mileage of 95,000 miles or so.

If there was ever any question over the design skill and capability of Paul Bracq, then one quick glance in the E24’s direction would emphatically provide the answer. His work here is an object lesson in striking coupe design. That “100mph standing still” impression blends with a delicacy around the A, B and C pillars that suggest both brutality and finesse in equal measure.

This example is presented in a BMW- Schwartz livery. This is thought to be the car’s original finish and, again, pays fitting tribute to the stewardship of the car across its three owners. As our extensive photographic package will attest every panel appears to exude a deep, rich shine as well as possess symmetrical and appropriately tight panel gaps.

One of the obvious highlights of the car are the genuine BMW BBS alloy wheels. These split rimmed 840 alloys are 17-inch items with painted silver centres complimenting deeply polished rims. They appear to be in a very fair condition all round and suit the sporting persona of the 635CSi perfectly. There appears to be a little minor deterioration to the rim lacquer in places. The wheels are shod with a matching set of Falken Azenis tyres in a 265/40 configuration. Nick confirms the original and refurbished metric wheels with TRX tyres will also be included in the sale.

The generous cabin glass, associated with the E24 design, and accompanying light lenses appear to be in an excellent and seemingly original condition. The quad headlamps feature the innovative BMW pivoting wash / wipe cleaning system which is reported as not currently working. Some minor paint chipping on the nose and a scuff to a bumper end is noted but remains thoroughly unsurprising for a car of this age.

The cabin of the E24 is every part the equal of the sublime exterior treatment. Firstly, the condition appears excellent, and the quality of fit and finish is bank-vault standard. The black leather interior with complementary dark carpets has done a fine job hiding the signs of years of use and enjoyment. In this case there is little of concern to report. The front M-Sport seats exhibit just the right amount of age-related charm.

The front seats are electrically operated and fold forward to provide access to the sumptuous looking rear seats. These are generously stuffed and appear to have been very lightly used despite their commodious proportions for a sporting coupe of this type.

The familiar and ultra-clear VDO, white on black gauge set sits in a hooded binnacle ahead of the driver. These, in turn, sit ahead of the original, three spoke, leather sports steering wheel. Other charming, period detail includes the system check panel to the left of the steering wheel and the centrally mounted trip computer. A later Kenwood head unit is currently fitted but not working, but the original and pictured, Becker unit is also included and is in working order. 

The good-sized boot is trimmed in its original, hard wearing grey carpet. Whilst the signature, drop-down tool kit is a little “lightly equipped” the original concealed first aid kit is present and correct. 

This example features the post-facelift M30B35, 3,430cc straight six fuel injected engine. With an ultimate production run of over 27 years and utilisation in all manner of BMW models, this is renowned as a robust and refined unit with few equals. In this instance it is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with early switchable mode technology.

The engine bay is presented in an admirably original condition and not over-fettled as is often the case. The inner panels of the bay all appear to be in great condition with the requisite data plates present and correct. 

The underside of the car looks to be in an equally good, original condition. Plenty of preservative factory underseal appears to remain present with no signs of significant damage or repair noted. A professional underside clean would potentially improve the presentation still further if required. The BMW is noted as riding on M-Sport Bilstein dampers all round and is fitted with an original, factory specification BMW exhaust system.

As we will see next, the maintenance regime enjoyed by this car appears to have been exemplary during all ownership periods. The cliché “maintained regardless of cost” certainly seems appropriate here. As such it is reported that the car performs faultlessly with no known mechanical issues. We understand the service light has just come on based on time elapsed only as less than 1,000 miles have been covered since the last service.

The fact that our documentation gallery contains no less than 171 paperwork images should give you a flavour of how this CSi has been maintained. The archive starts with the current UK V5 registration document in the name of the owner. The most recent MoT expires in April 2025 (it had a couple of advisories).

Other highlights include workshop manuals and original UAE book pack. The maintenance invoices from all periods of the car’s history and all geographic locations are on hand and extensive. We recommend you take some time to review the plethora of documentation included with this pampered E24.

The E24 CSi has long lived in the shadow of its E9 predecessor in terms of classic BMW status and kudos. However, not only is the E24 eminently more attainable but also represents a significantly more useable proposition in the 21st Century. 

This example genuinely surprises in the way it presents. Given its age it is reasonable to expect something less well sorted and presented. A popular colourway is complemented with those highly desirable BBS split-rim wheels. A mammoth paperwork archive provides ample reassurance over the exemplary maintenance record of this car. We are confident that the lucky new owner will quickly learn that the 635CSi is a notable high-water mark in BMW road car production.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £12,000 - £16,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.