Buying a BMW 635 csi E24?

[bmwkai]

Hi everyone.

I have for a long time had a dream of E24. I have seen a 635 csi from 1980. Is it correct that this first series have the M90 engine. The car also have dogleg gearbox, so it has all the right stuff. Only thing is that it is polaris, or light grey, with blue leather interior. I would prefer Henna or Zinnober-red with Black interior, but this one has a price I can pay...

What is Your opinion, should I go for a series 1, or find a series 2 from mid 80'es.

Kai Nielsen
Denmark

 

[HB Chris]

I think the euro 1980 635CSi is an M90, a variant of the M30b34, with 9.3:1 218 metric HP.

From the Wiki:

Note: The following models use a variant of the M30 coined the M90. This engine is actually 3453cc and uses the same block as the BMW M88/S38 . It does, however, use a SOHC head and was regarded as the test horse platform before the production of the M88/S38 in order to determine if the "oversquare" engine setup would work reliably. The differentiation of this engine is coolant water passages on the side of the block (not otherwise seen on an M30B32/B34), and/or a white L stamped on the oil filter side of the block. It used both L-jetronic and Motronic injection systems, depending on the year.

 

[Markos]

I much prefer the interior styling of the e12 based models. I haven't driven an M90 machine, but the engine received glowing reviews on this site. The torque curve is pretty impressive so I have read. I would go with a very early 635 with the M90 or a very late one with the M30B35.

Other than that, many people seem to grow tired of the shirt gears in the dogleg box, so keep that in mind.

 

[3nsahalee]

Having had both an Americanized, ('84 633csi auto), and my current semi-daily driver full Euro, ('79 635csi with the M90 and dogleg 5 speed), i'll chime in and say that the early euro e24s are, IMO, vastly superior to the later models.

This is an entirely different animal compared to the later versions, and especially when compared to the federalized and softened usa models.
It is an enthusiast car, versus a consumer car.

The m90 snarls easily past 5k rpm, and the dogleg 5-speed is a willing participant in all gears. The optional lim-slip diff on my car only adds to the enjoyment factor. The svelte body, enhanced by those slender chrome bumpers. Bracq got it right the 1st time. The interior of the early models has a certain charm that is missing from the later models, a sportier feel.

I would most certainly recommend an early e24 5-speed euro as an addition to the stable, and dissuade anyone thinking of buying any later 6'er with an automatic trans... unless you've got the cash for a 5-speed swap, as you're not going to truly enjoy the car as is was meant to be.

Steve-o

 

[Nicad]

I think buying the best 6 with the least bumpers, weight and complexity is a very good investment when judged by other possible Euro cars one could purchase.

 

[peterkaczynski]

i've owned 2 e24's both US spec one a normal 635csi and the other a 635csi L6, these cars are smooth and fun to drive and still fairly priced.
this morning i went to see a 635csi euro spec but it was sideswipped and the mechanic drilled 28347 holes on the side to try to pull it.. the owner pulled it from the shop and DUCT TAPED the entire rear quarter, 5 speed 132k on the clock but the body was too much work without having my own shop. I didnt even feel comfortable offering 2k even tho the motor and bumpers are prob with that much. this was a 82' e12 based e24.