1987 BMW 635CSi

The included V5c document shows that this 635CSi has had a total of eight owners from new and what’s clear from its stunning condition is that each one has simply cherished this vehicle. “The owner immediately prior to me had it for around ten years and appears to have used it for BMW events twice a year,” explains vendor Tristan. “It is quite phenomenal; tight as a drum, it’s not been mucked about with and has quite clearly never been apart. Importantly it appears to have been used every year, never stored up, and its condition clearly suggests that it has been garaged all its life. I have owned many classics over the years, but this has to be the best and most original classic I have ever had.” Zinnober Red with the sports seats and other choice options too.

It has a very good service history that’s worth flicking through (in our photo gallery, below), with stamps indicating:

• Running inspection @ 1502 miles on 02/07/87

• Oil Service on 10/04/87 (mileage unspecified)

• Inspection I on 22/09/87 (mileage unspecified)

• Annual Check and Body Inspection on 13/11/89

• Oil Service @ 34,309 miles on 20/07/90

• Body Inspection on 31/10/90

• Inspection II @ 36,334 miles on 01/01/91

• Annual Check and Body Inspection on 09/06/92

• Oil Service @ 43,197 miles on 09/06/93

• Annual Check on 21/06/96

• Annual Check on 13/06/98

• Inspection II @ 52,600 miles on 28/08/98

• Oil Service @ 54,729 miles on 27/03/00

• Inspection I @ 57,395 miles on 18/03/05

• Oil Service @ 56,090 miles on 15/07/08

• Oil Service @ 60,908 miles on 27/09/09

• Oil Service @ 61,674 miles on 02/08/11

• Oil Service @ 62,694 miles on 15/05/13

• Inspection II @ 62,694 miles on 15/05/13

• Oil Service @ 63,831 miles on 10/06/15

• Oil service @ 64,674 miles on 20/02/17

• Service @ 67,658 miles on 18/01/22

Since buying the car last year, and having its most recent service completed, Tristan has completed just over 1000 miles in the car. It’s also had a recent MOT test carried out, that it passed with no advisories, and the certificate runs until 06/04/23.

“The tester was very complimentary of the overall condition. It runs like a dream and, after only covering limited annual mileage prior to my purchase, is again properly bedded in, fully checked out and ready to go.”

So why is it for sale I hear you cry? “I’ve just bought an M635 – it’s in great nick, but if I’m honest it’s not as good as this 635CSi,” explains Tristan. “It’s an honour to have had brief custody of a car like this; I’m always trying to find unmolested examples like it.”

That decision means that this superlative example is now on the market.

The clean lines of a 635CSi are majestic to behold. Its low stance and forward-thrusting, quad-headlight front end ensure that it resembles an apex predator ready to strike its prey. There’s a real simplicity at play here, something lacking in modern Bimmers.

And to say it’s clean is an understatement. “It’s quite phenomenal,” says Tristan. “When you look under the bonnet at the bottom of the inner wings where the battery is, that’s usually the first thing to go on one of these but it’s absolutely solid.”

The paint shines beautifully and Tristan has had the paint meter on it. “The thickness shows that it’s all original, save for a small area on each front wing just above the bumper; they have been very cleverly matched. Remarkably, the pinstriping too, is original.”

BMW sunroofs of this period are renowned for causing significant issues; in fact, many a restoration has been ditched because of serious problems in this area, so perhaps the best indicator of this car’s condition is the electric sunroof, which opens to reveal clean, and absolutely rot- and filler-free metal.

It still wears its original metric wheels at each corner (many owners converted them) and they’re in excellent, damage-free condition. You’ll find them shod in metric 230/55 x 390 Dunlop SP2000 tyres, which wear 2019-year date stamps. If you’re an originality fiend, or looking for a vehicle that has always been treated properly, then this information is for you!

Brightwork is similarly very good and, like all the trim, clips, grommets and seals, lines up exactly as it did in 1987; in fact, the only nit-picking item we can see is that the rear light surrounds have a touch of light pitting (nearside) and heavier pitting that’s broken through (offside). Small bananas on a car of this quality and originality.

Time-warp is a sometimes overused word, but when you come across a cabin like this it’s the only one that’ll do. It remains in remarkably original condition. The factory-fitted optional sports seats remain like new, wearing just the lightest of pleasing patinas and have not been restored or painted. Carpets retain plenty of pile. The footwells are fitted with two sets of overcarpets! The dashboard, centre column, door cards and headlining all remain essentially mark free. Every single little bit of trim remains exactly as was – you can see exactly why the previous owner used it for BMW Car Club shows.

Electrics are excellent: the 1980s immobiliser still works just fine, as do the model’s funky trip computer, fuel economy and check lights. “I’ve just fitted one of the brilliant new Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 stereos, all modern DAB, Bluetooth and connectivity but housed in a period correct front; the original, working Blaupunkt head unit will be supplied too. I’ve also resurrected the electric aerial, which stopped working. If I’m being critical, the driver’s window switch has become a touch temperamental recently, sometimes taking two prods. I haven’t tried the headlamp wash wipe either, which are famous for getting a bit clogged up.” By the way, how many ‘80s cars do we offer with working AC? Not many. It’s ice cold in here after a recent checkover and regas.

Pop the boot and you’ll find it immaculately decked out, with the original tool set, first aid kit and matching spare wheel to be found stowed behind superb, crease-free carpet and flooring.

We’re sure BMW nerds will already have seen the torch still in the glovebox (needs a new battery though).

You’d expect the engine bay on this car to be toothbrush clean and it doesn’t disappoint. The bonnet underside sports smart, rip-free heat insulation, and it’s generally of show quality under here. Genuinely look at this car as the base for a potential concours winner, not something we can, or do, say very often.

However, you don’t want to show this car (okay, you might), you want to drive it. “It drives unbelievably well,” says Tristan. “Smooth, powerful, with a tight chassis and excellent brakes. There are no cabin rattles or suspension clonks, it just devours mile after mile with absolute ease. It’s fabulous. I do have to note a slight tick from the engine bay when hot, but it doesn’t affect performance at all.”

Underneath, it’s extremely clean with the original underseal still in situ. Never been welded, never needed it. All suspension components look to be in rude health and the exhaust system looks robust, too.

In the history file you’ll find the aforementioned V5c document and service booklets. Also present is the original Owner’s Handbook, several MOT test certificates, two sets of keys (naturally), an RAC Vehicle History Check (showing no alerts) and a small number of invoices. The most recent of these show the Electric Aerial mast being repaired (22/12/21, £23.79), a new heater valve fitted (18/01/22, £202.37) and an Air Con service and re-gas (12/02/22, £71.99).

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 a very high standard.

The BMW 635CSi is a wonderful machine in all respects and this car is an exceptional example of the breed. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, while many in this marque’s world head straight to the M versions without passing go (and collecting £100), whisper it, but it’s the standard 635CSi that holds the racing kudos and is deserving of the plaudits.

Tristan bought it on account of its first-rate condition and originality and during his ownership it’s been exercised regularly and given a serious once or twice over to ensure all functions as it should. Oh, and did we mention that it drives supremely well, too? As such, we think this best-of-breed Bimmer will sell for somewhere between £18,000 and £25,000, but there’s no reserve, the vendor leaves his trust in the bidders to decide.

For that the next owner will receive one of the best remaining examples of this highly desirable model. If you’ve always fancied bagging yourself a big shark, then this one is most definitely worth your consideration.

Last word to the vendor: “It’s a reference car, almost concours, in one-in-a-thousand condition.”

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car is located with the seller near Abingdon; 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’.