1987 BMW 635 CSi (E24) |

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1987 BMW 635 CSi (E24)

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Mileage~150,841 on clock
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine3.4-litre
LocationAbingdon

AUCTION CLOSED

1987 BMW 635 CSi (E24)

I’M INTERESTED

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

The BMW 635 CSi is a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and sophistication.

Created to effortlessly cruise the Autobahns, the BMW 6-Series was perched at the top of the BMW pecking order, carrying over the lineage of the stylish E9 Coupé. Recognisable by its Paul Bracq-penned ’ Shark's nose’ styling, the 6 Series's power, comfort, ergonomics, and interior space placed the car as one of the 1970s’ best grand tourers. The range was overhauled in 1982 to include new suspension, interior design, revised engines and subtle exterior upgrades, to become a symbol of the new upwardly mobile scene.

The 635 CSi produced 215bhp from its M30 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine, and maintained BMW's reputation for driving dynamics and handling balance: its smart, muscular lines also gave the car an impressive road presence. Tremendously advanced for its time, the innovative digital trip computer forms part of the wrap-around centre console: still a design feature in modern BMWs.

We are delighted to present you with this 1987 automatic BMW 635 CSi, finished in 'Zinnober Red' with black leather seats and a factory sunroof, coming from ~23 years with our vendor. It has had just 4 owners and has 22 service stamps since new. It has only covered around 800 miles since a body restoration in 2017. It is sold with two keys, its owner's & service booklet, and a fresh MOT valid until September 2026. The car will be road tax and MOT exempt in two years' time.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Vernon the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

When I first spotted the car in 2003, I knew I had to make an offer!

Vernon chose the BMW to enjoy and drive, having spotted it in a tyre shop in 2003. After leaving his details with the garage, he was delighted to discover that the owner was keen to sell the car to him. It came with a comprehensive folder of invoices, but unfortunately, all of the pre-2003 invoices and paperwork were lost in a fire. Vernon's work took him across the world, and it was placed in storage for periods of time until he decided to go all in and restore the car in 2017.

The car is being sold due to a lack of use and increasing mobility issues. Whilst he will be sad to see the car go, Vernon would love it to go to a good home where it will be enjoyed.

Vernon would be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Vernon

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Restored in 2017, since which it has only travelled ~800 miles.

Wheels and Tyres

The 17” aftermarket alloys are cleanly presented with a few minor surface marks but no scuffs on the rims.

The front of the car is fitted with 2016 Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres in 225/45 size and the rear 2015 Michelin Pilot Sport 3 (245/40). All are in good shape with even wear.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the BMW and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your own assessment of their condition.

Bodywork

The exterior presents well: we didn’t notice any discernible corrosion or dents. The panel flow is flush to the body, with decent shut lines. All doors open and close with ease.

The underside is cleanly presented, with a coat of inhibitor. The engine bay, floor pan, wheel wells (and front trumpets), boot floor and sills are solid. The sills and suspension mounts look positive, with some minor signs of age.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The 'Zinnober Red' paint has even coverage, with a consistent hue. The finish has a decent lustre, catches the sunlight positively and we didn't spot any road chips.

The body has a few paint imperfections, with a few minor blisters and runs. We spotted these on the offside front wing, roof, nearside rear wing, and bonnet. There was minor orange peeling on the rear valance, and there is a chip on the boot lid edge, but most of these issues could be treated and resolved by a detailer.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good shape with decent seals. The headlamps are in good shape, but both rear lenses have minor fractures.

The trim is complete and correct for the model, but there are instances of poor masking on the plastic and rubber trim - these could be cleaned off with some effort and patience. The chrome work is in good shape, with some signs of age on the guttering trim. The bumpers are well-mounted, with a few light marks on the rubber trim and light surface pitting.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The interior has been well looked after and presents very positively for its age.

Seats and Carpets

The black leather seats are smartly presented and very comfortable, with a little wear on the driver's side bolster beading and light creases elsewhere.

The carpets and mats are in good condition and free of damp. The boot trim suggests careful use with age-related wear on some of the furnishings.

Dashboard

The dashboard, binnacle, and facia are in good shape with no significant damage; aside from a mark on the glovebox and drill holes in front of the centre vents.

The dials, switches, and controls are in good condition, and all are said to work as they should.

The headlining, interior trim, and door cards are all decent.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are tidy.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Smooth, refined, and durable: BMW engines are amongst the best straight sixes in the world.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up after only a couple of turns, and once it catches, the engine idles smoothly with no undulations. The usual cold engine condensation was noted from the exhaust, but there were no excessive fumes at any point. The engine also starts up readily when warm.

All of the dashboard warning lights remained off. Vernon pointed out that the cooling light warning occasionally flags up on the computer warning module, which can be attributed to a loose sensor wire, but while we were in the car, nothing came up.

The 3.4-litre engine is cleanly displayed, showing evidence of good maintenance with decent hoses and ancillaries. The car remained leak-free during our visit. It had a new starter motor and a new battery in 2022.

The automatic gearbox operates without any faults: it selects drives with smoothness and is free of unusual noises. In the 'On The Road' Vernon left the car in 1st but Darren move the car around during the photoshoot and the gearbox was working as expected.

Suspension and Brakes

The car rides without any negative feedback, and we didn’t hear any untoward noises from the wheels. At low speeds, the suspension absorbed the road without problems and felt tight. The suspension bushes were all replaced in 2017.

The braking is effective, with no squeaks or grinding. It felt reassuring to slow the car down from 40 mph, with no unwanted noises heard. The discs, pads, calipers, master cylinder and lines were renewed in 2017.

The Drive

'The Ultimate Driving Machine': the 635 CSi perfectly embodies BMW’s marketing description. The potent 3.4-litre straight six engine is eager, and is made all the more pleasurable by the confident grip and sharp steering.

We were offered a low-speed drive of the 635 CSi, with a few 40 mph stretches, which offered a positive experience of the car's driving manners. While we were deprived of the full performance potential by the roads, the car's balanced handling and smoothness are remarkably advanced for its age.

It pulls smoothly from rest, with no hesitancy from the engine. The steering remained composed and free of wobbles or pulling when braking. The stainless steel exhaust adds a pleasing resonating tone upon acceleration, but never intrudes into the cabin. There were a few minor interior trim rattles, but nothing too distracting.

The engine has plenty of torque, making it easy to drive at all speeds. It performed perfectly as we hunted around looking for photographic locations, and it is as manageable and controllable as any modern car.

The engine temperature and oil pressure all remained stable during our visit, and Vernon has not reported any issues with the car's reliability.

Electrics and Other

A CD/USB Kenwood head unit has been installed.

The sunroof and all electric windows operate without fault.

Vernon told us that everything is working, to his knowledge.

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History and Paperwork

It comes with 22 service stamps and has a year left on its fresh MOT.

It was first registered by BMW main dealer Stokesley Motors of Middlesbrough in April 1987. It has seen an impressive routine of servicing since then, with 22 stamps in the service book.

Over the years, it has had 4 long-term keepers, with Vernon taking over the ownership of the car in 2003. Aside from a spell in storage from 2009 to 2016 and a year in 2020, the car has been used, including several trips across the continent.

In 2017, the car underwent a major bodywork refurbishment, which included metal fabrication to the front and rear bottom ends of the wings. Sections of the inner front firewall and the structural stiffeners were replaced, and all secondary body rust holes and blemishes were cut out and replaced. A full body paint respray was completed soon afterwards. Since its renovation, the car has covered around 800 miles and has only been used in fair weather.

Invoices for maintenance go back to 2004, and most recently it had a full engine and transmission fluid service in 2024. It comes with its owner's and service booklets and two keys. The car's body stripes and badges will be supplied with it. It has an MOT to September 2026.

Vernon sent over some more details of the car's history:

1987 – 150,830 miles- 2 previous owners, currant owner since 2004.
MOT till September 2026, MOT’s from 2003, pre 2003 MOT’s and service records destroyed in house fire.

BMW 635 csi auto–small block 3430 cc220 bhp, Zinnober red, black leather seats, sun roof.
Split differentials- Aftermarket wheels 225/145x17 front 245/40 x17rear. New tyres 2018 – s/s sports exhaust.
Major refurbishment to bodywork carried out in 2017- front and rear bottom ends of wings replaced-Sections of Inner front fire wall replaced - structural stiffeners of fire wall replaced - all secondary body rust items cut out and replaced. Full body paint respray.
All suspension bushes - brake disc pads and callipers renewed-all brake lines replaced in 2017, new brake master cylinder, new starter motor, new battery in 2022, all fluids, engine oil, gear box oil, differentials oils, and brake fluids replaced in 2024
Only 800 miles covered since refurbishment works carried out.
Car of road from 2009 to 2016, and 2020 year, vehicle has been garaged for full time period of present ownership, car only used in summer months since refurbishment.
Vehicle original badges and body stripe have not been replaced after respray, they have been saved in good condition.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

He also sent over some photos from before and after the body refurbishment you can see in the history gallery.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
11-09-2025	MOT	150,830
31-07-2024	MOT	150,818
19-07-2024	MOT	150,705
20-07-2023	Indepedent Service	150,705
13-06-2022	MOT	150,469
18-06-2021	MOT	150,380
01-08-2018	MOT	150,182
07-08-2017	MOT	150,131
07-07-2016	MOT	148,987
04-09-2009	Indepedent Service	148,853
19-12-2008	MOT	146,849
01-12-2007	Indepedent Service	141,704
01-12-2007	MOT	141,704
03-04-2007	Indepedent Service	135,434
22-04-2006	MOT	130,038
06-03-2006	Indepedent Service	128,685
07-05-2005	MOT	124,433
12-08-2004	Inspection II	122,185
29-11-2003	MOT	120,739
03-10-2002	Indepedent Service	114,381
01-10-2002	MOT	114,357
13-06-2001	Indepedent Service	106,177
11-04-2000	Indepedent Service	99,482
15-06-1999	independent Inspection	96,328
18-08-1998	Indepedent Oil Service	80,952
08-10-1996	BMW Oil Service	76,309
20-04-1996	Ford Main Dealer Inspection II	69,134
03-10-1994	BMW Oil Service	62,427
26-05-1993	BMW Inspection II	54,158
20-07-1992	BMW Oil Service	47,132
16-10-1991	BMW Inspection I	40,987
03-01-1994 (Wrong Date Noted)	BMW Oil Service	34,648
27-04-1990	BMW Inspection II	27,635
29-08-1989	BMW Oil Service	20,897
22-02-1989	BMW Inspection I	14,023
04-03-1988	BMW Oil Service	6,898
14-06-1987	BMW Running-in Inspection	850

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Key Details

Year1987
ModelBMW 635 CSi
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date02-04-1987
CC3430
Mileage~150,841
HistorySince 2004
ColourZinnober Red
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #WBAEC820208187376
Engine #41503971
Last Service18-07-2023
RestoredYes in 2017
MOT10-09-2026
MOT Exemptin 2027
Road Tax Exemptin 2027
HPi ClearYes - all clear
Former Keepers4
Tyre BrandDunlop Sport Maxx tyres/Michelin Pilot Sport 3
Tyre Age2016/2015
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~22 years, 11 months
Key FeatureOriginality and recent restoration
Vehicle RegistrationD210 FEF
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2 door Coupe
Auction ID3197

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All Images

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Vehicle Location

Abingdon

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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Ask Questions

Seller : vernon

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

18 Comments

ColinB

Admin

12 days ago

*** Auction Update ***

Vernon has send over to about the history along with some photos from before and after the body restoration, you can find these starting here:

https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/bmw/1987-bmw-635-csi-e24-2/#gallery4-59

Thanks,
Colin

bakerassociates

6 days ago

Why is the ‘inspection’ warning light on?
Also why were you not in ‘drive’ during on the road video?

vernon

Seller

bakerassociates

6 days ago

Hi,

It is James here, answering for Vernon, he is my father in law.

Ref the question about not being in DRIVE on the video: Vern lives in a rural Oxfordshire village with horrible roads, speed humps and a 20mph limit, it is his habit to hold the car in 1st until he gets out on the open road to hold the speed back, not get a ticket and go gentle on the suspension. You can hear the car going through the gears later in the video, the gearbox is in perfect condition.

Ref the inspection light, the car was serviced 100 miles ago, and this is invoiced so can be verified, the garage forgot to reset the inspection lamp post the service, we can get this done as the garage is just up the road and is the same chap we always use

Bisheboy

11 days ago

Hi Vernon

Just looking at the driver’s door lock and it doesn’t look original, does it have a different key or does one key open all locks

Thanks

vernon

Seller

Bisheboy

9 days ago

The locks have never been changed in the last 25 years and I pretty sure they were original when I bought the car all that time ago

SIVCO

12 days ago

Hi Vernon would you allow AA to inspect the car please. Thanks Siva

ColinB

Admin

SIVCO

12 days ago

Hi Siva,

If you could send an email to [email protected] first we just need to do some checks.

Thanks,
Colin.

vernon

Seller

12 days ago

Hi Siva, as long as you are a serious buyer and are prepared to go to the reserve price should the inspection meet with your approval, then of course yes

SIVCO

12 days ago

Hi Vernon would you allow AA to inspect the cat please. Thanks Siva

vernon

Seller

13 days ago

Hi Bisheboy
Refurb was carried out by myself, Vernon, and my son, Mark, who did the welding he has extensive work experience of working on his own classic vehicles, most recently a VW Campervan, and agricultural vehicles, a record of images of the refurbishment have been made and are available to view / copy.
The respray was carried by car repair paint shop Dragontek Automotive Ltd now located in Steventon. Again, before, during and after images are available.
Note: My son and I have made a hobby of restoring classic cars we have 5 refurbished vehicles at present.

Bisheboy

vernon

13 days ago

Hi Vernon, thanks for coming back to confirm the details, I have seen the images on the listing and would definitely be interested in seeing more images of the welding & respray if these are available. I am not sure if you can add them or email them over.
Thanks
Ed

vernon

Seller

13 days ago

Hi Ed, give me an hour and I will get the answer for you, it is my father in law selling so I will talk to him, Apologies for the delay

Bisheboy

15 days ago

Hi Vernon, who did the restoration, welding and respray in 2017 and do you have any invoices to show what work was done.

Thanks

iane

20 days ago

Hi Vernon, are the original wheels available?

vernon

Seller

iane

20 days ago

No, it came on these wheels when I purchased the car 24 years ago, I think they set the car off really nicely, but no they are not the original ones and I don’t have them Sorry

vernon

Seller

21 days ago

Does it start first rime

vernon

Seller

vernon

21 days ago

vernon

Seller

vernon

21 days ago

Sorry wrong answer, my mistake, “yes”

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Abingdon

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