1987 BMW 635 CSi (E24)

The BMW 635 CSi is a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and sophistication. The 'Zinnober Red' paint has even coverage, with a consistent hue. The finish has a decent lustre, catches the sunlight positively and we didn't spot any road chips. The body has a few paint imperfections, with a few minor blisters and runs. We spotted these on the offside front wing, roof, nearside rear wing, and bonnet. There was minor orange peeling on the rear valance, and there is a chip on the boot lid edge, but most of these issues could be treated and resolved by a detailer. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint. The exterior presents well: we didn’t notice any discernible corrosion or dents. The panel flow is flush to the body, with decent shut lines. All doors open and close with ease. The underside is cleanly presented, with a coat of inhibitor. The engine bay, floor pan, wheel wells (and front trumpets), boot floor and sills are solid. The sills and suspension mounts look positive, with some minor signs of age. We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves. The dashboard, binnacle, and facia are in good shape with no significant damage; aside from a mark on the glovebox and drill holes in front of the centre vents. The dials, switches, and controls are in good condition, and all are said to work as they should. The headlining, interior trim, and door cards are all decent. 'The Ultimate Driving Machine': the 635 CSi perfectly embodies BMW’s marketing description. The potent 3.4-litre straight six engine is eager, and is made all the more pleasurable by the confident grip and sharp steering. We were offered a low-speed drive of the 635 CSi, with a few 40 mph stretches, which offered a positive experience of the car's driving manners. While we were deprived of the full performance potential by the roads, the car's balanced handling and smoothness are remarkably advanced for its age. It pulls smoothly from rest, with no hesitancy from the engine. The steering remained composed and free of wobbles or pulling when braking. The stainless steel exhaust adds a pleasing resonating tone upon acceleration, but never intrudes into the cabin. There were a few minor interior trim rattles, but nothing too distracting. The engine has plenty of torque, making it easy to drive at all speeds. It performed perfectly as we hunted around looking for photographic locations, and it is as manageable and controllable as any modern car. The engine temperature and oil pressure all remained stable during our visit, and Vernon has not reported any issues with the car's reliability. The glass is in good shape with decent seals. The headlamps are in good shape, but both rear lenses have minor fractures. The trim is complete and correct for the model, but there are instances of poor masking on the plastic and rubber trim - these could be cleaned off with some effort and patience. The chrome work is in good shape, with some signs of age on the guttering trim. The bumpers are well-mounted, with a few light marks on the rubber trim and light surface pitting. The 17” aftermarket alloys are cleanly presented with a few minor surface marks but no scuffs on the rims. The front of the car is fitted with 2016 Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres in 225/45 size and the rear 2015 Michelin Pilot Sport 3 (245/40). All are in good shape with even wear. Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the BMW and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your own assessment of their condition. The black leather seats are smartly presented and very comfortable, with a little wear on the driver's side bolster beading and light creases elsewhere. The carpets and mats are in good condition and free of damp. The boot trim suggests careful use with age-related wear on some of the furnishings. The engine fires up after only a couple of turns, and once it catches, the engine idles smoothly with no undulations. The usual cold engine condensation was noted from the exhaust, but there were no excessive fumes at any point. The engine also starts up readily when warm. All of the dashboard warning lights remained off. Vernon pointed out that the cooling light warning occasionally flags up on the computer warning module, which can be attributed to a loose sensor wire, but while we were in the car, nothing came up. The 3.4-litre engine is cleanly displayed, showing evidence of good maintenance with decent hoses and ancillaries. The car remained leak-free during our visit. It had a new starter motor and a new battery in 2022. The automatic gearbox operates without any faults: it selects drives with smoothness and is free of unusual noises. In the 'On The Road' Vernon left the car in 1st but Darren move the car around during the photoshoot and the gearbox was working as expected. A CD/USB Kenwood head unit has been installed. The sunroof and all electric windows operate without fault. Vernon told us that everything is working, to his knowledge. It was first registered by BMW main dealer Stokesley Motors of Middlesbrough in April 1987. It has seen an impressive routine of servicing since then, with 22 stamps in the service book. Over the years, it has had 4 long-term keepers, with Vernon taking over the ownership of the car in 2003. Aside from a spell in storage from 2009 to 2016 and a year in 2020, the car has been used, including several trips across the continent. In 2017, the car underwent a major bodywork refurbishment, which included metal fabrication to the front and rear bottom ends of the wings. Sections of the inner front firewall and the structural stiffeners were replaced, and all secondary body rust holes and blemishes were cut out and replaced. A full body paint respray was completed soon afterwards. Since its renovation, the car has covered around 800 miles and has only been used in fair weather. Invoices for maintenance go back to 2004, and most recently it had a full engine and transmission fluid service in 2024. It comes with its owner's and service booklets and two keys. The car's body stripes and badges will be supplied with it. It has an MOT to September 2026. Vernon sent over some more details of the car's history: 1987 – 150,830 miles- 2 previous owners, currant owner since 2004. MOT till September 2026, MOT’s from 2003, pre 2003 MOT’s and service records destroyed in house fire. BMW 635 csi auto–small block 3430 cc220 bhp, Zinnober red, black leather seats, sun roof. Split differentials- Aftermarket wheels 225/145x17 front 245/40 x17rear. New tyres 2018 – s/s sports exhaust. Major refurbishment to bodywork carried out in 2017- front and rear bottom ends of wings replaced-Sections of Inner front fire wall replaced - structural stiffeners of fire wall replaced - all secondary body rust items cut out and replaced. Full body paint respray. All suspension bushes - brake disc pads and callipers renewed-all brake lines replaced in 2017, new brake master cylinder, new starter motor, new battery in 2022, all fluids, engine oil, gear box oil, differentials oils, and brake fluids replaced in 2024 Only 800 miles covered since refurbishment works carried out. Car of road from 2009 to 2016, and 2020 year, vehicle has been garaged for full time period of present ownership, car only used in summer months since refurbishment. Vehicle original badges and body stripe have not been replaced after respray, they have been saved in good condition. We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check. He also sent over some photos from before and after the body refurbishment you can see in the history gallery. We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming. If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. The car rides without any negative feedback, and we didn’t hear any untoward noises from the wheels. At low speeds, the suspension absorbed the road without problems and felt tight. The suspension bushes were all replaced in 2017. The braking is effective, with no squeaks or grinding. It felt reassuring to slow the car down from 40 mph, with no unwanted noises heard. The discs, pads, calipers, master cylinder and lines were renewed in 2017. The steering wheel and gear lever are tidy.