BMW M635 CSi review. With its M-Power engine, was this 158mph Coupe peak BMW in the eighties?

The BMW M635 CSi was powered by the same M-Power straight six used in the BMW M1 and M5, giving it a top speed of 158mph. It was also a highly successful race car, winning several 24hr endurance races between 1983 and 1986 but what's it like to drive today…

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[NEILB]

It’s not a Harry’s Garage video until you see that marvellous shot of him flicking it into that junction then pinning it down the road. Brilliant

[XXXXXXXXXX]

A timeless beauty. Exactly what is missing in modern car design, BMW or otherwise.

[gordonsimpson]

I love this car Harry.
I used to work at a BMW dealership in the 80's and sold this actual car when new to the original owner....I was very tempted to bid on it at the auction as I don't think you will find a cleaner example...in (imo) the best colour for the shape. The personal connection made it even more tempting.
I was very surprised that it didn't sell at Silverstone Auctions as it is a super example AND an earlier chrome bumper car which is purer in shape than the later (though plusher) big bumper cars.
These days it is popular for everyone to criticise the TRX tyres for poor grip....I can tell you that the grip from these tyres was faultless...I have covered thousands of miles across Europe in E24's with TRX tyres and they were never found wanting.
The bigger (non metric) wheels fitted to many now are easier to source, and probably cheaper, but they don't look correct and can spoil the ride if too low profile. This is a grand tourer...not a car for hustling around country lanes ( a E30 325i of the era is more suited for that task)
I am racking my memory bank about the close ratio box...I am not sure it was very 'close ratio'. The C/R gearboxes on BMW's of that era were dogleg boxes and high revving at speed.

[simonhodgetts]

Had a neighbour with one of these - it was utterly beautiful and felt hewn from granite, as classic BMWs often did. The interior is still, in my eyes an object lesson in ergonomics, clarity and classy design. It’s peak BMW full-stop as far as I’m concerned.

[rotaxnut]

Back in the day I remember pulling up beside one of those at traffic lights, I was on a BSA 650cc motorcycle which in it's day was quite a fast bike, anyway when the light went green I gave the BSA the beans only for the Beemer to give a fruity roar, squat down at the back and totally fuck off! I was truly shocked at how fast it went away from me and I've never forgotten it..

[danielmcnamara]

Major kudos to whomever kept it in that condition. Such an icon.

[felixjones]

One of the most perfectly proportioned and attractive cars of all time IMHO.

[Kelveron]

What an absolutely gorgeous car, with the classic BMW shark nose look. One of my all time favourites. Even more amazing that the design of the first 6 series E24 dates back to the1970s, with (I think) the 633i being the first model.

[Das_Ginger]

Exposed throttle linkage opening the individual bodies is pure mechanical bliss. Awesome that Harry got a chance to share this beauty with all of us. Huge kudos to the owner who kept it so cherry over all these years!

[derekedgley]

I had an M5 which succeeded an M535i with the close ratio dog leg first box. The M5 was a marvellous car and had great traction compared to its lesser brother. I eventually sold it and bought a 928. Now nearly 80 but distant memories

[Ponykotze]

Besides the E9 and E30 M3, this is one of the most beautiful BMWs ever build. Absolutely iconic design. Thanks for the review, Harry!

[kissofthelabrador]

I was BMW mechanic in the 80’s. I loved working on these cars. So many fantastic memories. Thank you

[fidgetpants]

Being 45 years old this and the e34 m5 we're my dream cars when I was 10-11 years old... Reading dad's autocar and seeing how the reporters waxed lyrical about them. Its obvious they were a great car back in the day... And still are! Thanks for reviewing this Harry and keep them coming👍

[robertlevasseur]

Wonderful review, as usual. This car is from the era when BMW could do no wrong. Every model they introduced was spectacular.

[Matteo_Licata]

BMW at its absolute best, at least in my view. A colleague of mine owned one of these, and it's just such a wondrous machine. BMW hasn't built anything with such panache in a generation, and likely never will again. This is one of the few cars that I'd happily pay through the nose to get in tip-top condition. It may be a wildly overused word, but to me an M635CSi truly is something special.

[colinbremner]

One of my all time favorite BMW, one of the best looking cars of it's time.
Stunning, thanks for this one Mr Metcalf.

[tcat]

When the "Ultimate driving machine" moniker actually fit the bill. Thank you for the trip down memory lane. Living stateside at the time the M6 was among my favorite vehicle of its time.

[phillm]

Growing up, I saw a few of theses. This was always been the most iconic signature BMW original design (even more than the M1). It’s styling was absolutely unique to this day. Nothing remotely like it says BMW than that silhouette and front end design. Beautifully elegant design in 2022.

[Carrera-gpod]

I’ve always lusted after one of these, one of my favourite ever BMWs

[TheLRider]

Personally I don't think that BMW have ever beaten this car. Beautiful in road going trim but absolutely stunning in the works racing version. I saw them race at Zandvort back in the day against the Unipart XJ coupe, and the RS3000 Capris. What great memories. And yet a comfortable road going car. Why have we ever forgotten that cars should be thus.