1989 BMW 635csi (E24) Highline

This rather splendid 635CSi Highline has spent the last 9 years in the same family ownership and, as its immaculate condition demonstrates, it’s just a little bit special.

“It’s very original and has been well cared for,” says the vendor. “It has also just passed an MOT test (which runs until 15th of September 2022) with no advisories and is in excellent mechanical order, with no issues whatsoever. I’m only selling because I have no time at the moment to use the car; it feels like a shame for it not to be used, as it is so capable of doing long grand touring drives.”

The BMW comes with a full service history and an extensive lever arch file of receipts for completed works at main dealers and the renowned independent specialist, Munich Legends.

All of the manuals, two sets of keys, the service book, tool kit, glovebox torch and BMW fire extinguisher are all present.

The private registration plate DXI 635 is included in the sale.

As an aside, our photographer – not a chap usually prone to hyperbole – came back from shooting and declared it to be the best car he’s ever seen in terms of condition and presentation. High praise, indeed.

“The bodywork is in excellent condition, with no rust,” says the vendor. “There are a few minor age-related marks such as presentation the odd stone chip, but it presents very well. It also has the factory optional Shadowline trim.”

The latter trim spec means that the brightwork was replaced with matt black trim, which lends it a more malevolent demeanour. The body looks absolutely spot on, with tight consistent panel gaps and supremely tidy paint. It’s an understatement to say that it presents spotlessly; look at the photographs of the wheelarches in our Gallery below – they are absolutely toothbrush clean.

The vendor states, there are one or two minor blemishes; we spotted a touched in stonechip on the nose, a couple of discoloured spots on the paint, some small dents by the sunroof and a chip just in front of the offside front indicator. These are minor considerations when observing the vehicle as a whole, though.

Doors, boot and bonnet all open and close well, and all rubber and plastics remain in very good condition. The wheels are the original metric BBS-style alloy wheels, all of which are pristine and shod in Toyo Proxes tyres.

Did we mention it’s supremely clean? We did. Ah well, it’s worth reiterating.

“The interior is in great condition with no rips, tares or damage to the leather. It has heated sports seats, a sun dim windscreen extended leather on the dashboard and headlining.”

All of which makes for one very enticing cabin. BMW interiors of this generation really began to set the marque apart from its rivals; supple leather Grey abounds, and as the vendor states it remains in glorious condition. That can be applied to carpets, door cards and headlining, as well. It is in lovely condition.

All electrics function as they should, including the sunroof. The rear window sun blind is still present and eminently usable. It’s fitted with a Kenwood radio/cd player head unit.

The engine bay is superlative. In fact, we’re surprised the vendor has time to work, given the car’s condition (wait until you see the underside!). Under bonnet plastics retain a deep black colour, rip- and fray-free heat insulation remains on the bonnet underside.

Unsurprisingly, the boot presents identically.

“It’s a great car to drive,” says the vendor. “It holds the road with absolute confidence and because it’s been kept in fine fettle it always runs exactly as it should. It’s also had a lot of recent work done to it, such as new suspension bushes, an engine service, a fuel system and injector service and numerous other things to ensure it’s in top fettle.”

Anyone in the old car game knows that keeping on top of maintenance is the key to ensuring that our old toys remain in perfect working condition, and the above works have ensured that’s the case here.

Please, if you do one thing, then take the time to study the photographs of the underside, as it’s indicative of overall condition. Very seldom do we see cars in this condition – okay, perhaps in the months and years after a full restoration.

There’s not a drop of dust, grime, gunge or any other form of assorted debris. Hell, even the exhaust system is clean. If we bought this car then we’d be tempted to take it to a show, crack out the ramps and put it up on them for display – it’s that good.

The vendor hasn’t photographed every single page of the car’s lever arch history file but, as you can see from the photos in our Gallery below, it’s a meaty thing.

He has however showcased a wide selection of invoices, expired MOT test certificates and a collated (and typed) history of the car’s entire service history. All handbooks are included, as is an RAC Vehicle History Check and a spare key.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to the very highest of standards.

The BMW 635CSi is a wonderful machine. This BMW 635CSi is a wonderful example of said wonderful machine. Whilst many in this marque’s world head straight to the M versions without passing go (and collecting £100), whisper it again, but it’s the standard 635CSi that holds the racing kudos and is deserving of the plaudits.

This car has been lovingly cared for and supremely well maintained, both of which can be seen its impressive condition. It also has the desirable Highline and Shadowline specification, so we think it’ll therefore sell for between £20,000 and £25,000.

The next owner will receive an immaculate car that’s had significant recent works and is ready to take to the road, asphalt or autobahn immediately. If you’ve always fancied bagging yourself a shark, then this stunning example is definitely worth your consideration.

Inspection is always encouraged, and this particular car is located at the vendor’s home in Tiverton, United Kingdom; to arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.