1985 BMW M635CSi

In the mid-1980s, BMW responded to customers’ desire for a high-performance luxury car by directing its “M” motorsports division to adapt the engine from its mid-engine M1 supercar into a sleek 6-Series coupe. Known in the European market as the M88, the improved engine actually outperformed the M1’s version, producing an impressive 282 hp, 30 more than the S38 engine fitted to the US-specification M6. The M88-powered M635CSi recorded a top speed of 154.6 mph in a “World’s Fastest Cars” exercise as reported in the September 1984 issue of Road & Track.

The example offered here from a marque enthusiast is a true European-spec M635CSi that was extensively restored from 2009 to 2014. The restoration is documented with over 200 photographs that highlight the work completed to the engine, transmission, differential, suspension, steering, exhaust, braking, and ancillary systems. Expenditures on parts alone were in excess of $100,000, documented by receipts on file. Recently, the BMW was shown at the Monticello Art in Motion concours, where it won Best in Class, competing against several BMW M1s and a 507.

Exclusive and expensive when new, it is extremely rare to find an M635CSi restored to this level. The M635CSi is the pinnacle of development for the iconic E24 6-Series coupe, and this example is a unique opportunity to turn back the clock and acquire a comprehensively restored 1980s-era icon.