1988 BMW (E24) 635CSi Salmon Silver / Silver Leather / 1-Owner

Make: BMW
Model: 6-Series
Type: Coupe
Year: 1988
Mileage: 154300
VIN: WBAEC8417J3266787
Color: Salmon Silver Metallic
Engine size: M30B35 Inline 6-Cylinder
Number of cylinders: 6
Power options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission: 4-Speed Electro-Hydraulic Automatic w/ Sport Mode
Drive type: RWD
Interior color: Silver Leather
Drive side: Left-hand drive
Safety options: Anti-Lock Brakes
Options: CD Player, Leather Seats, Sunroof
Vehicle Title: Clean
Location: Erie, Colorado, United States

Description

1988 BMW 635CSi
Salmon Silver Metallic Exterior (203)
Silver Leather Interior (0201)
154,300 Miles
M30B35 Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
4-Speed Automatic Electro-Hydraulic Transmission w/ Sport Mode
Extended “Full” Leather Interior
Leather Steering Wheel w/ Airbag
Leather Power Comfort Seats w/ Memory
13-Button On-Board Computer
Cruise Control
Front and Rear Air Conditioning
Alpine Stereo w/ Bluetooth
Premium Sound
Rear Beverage Cooler
Paint-Matched Bumper Trim
Front and Rear Spoilers
Projector Headlights
Intensive Windshield Cleaning System
Car Cover
Carpeted Floor Mats
16-Inch Style 134 Alloy Wheels
Yokohama Avid V4S Tires
Original Owner Example
California / Colorado Car
Clean Carfax
Background
The first generation BMW 6 Series was codenamed the E24 internally, but the rest of the world knew it by a more formidable name: The Shark! The name fit not only the 6er’s form, but also its function. Unleashed on the autobahn, the Shark was an exceptional grand tourer that would devour miles at terrific speed while treating its occupants to fine sporting luxury. Its sleek and graceful lines were the product of BMW Director of Design Paul Bracq, who ensured that it was a classic in the making. The two-door 635CSi coupe (CS stands for Coupe Sport) was the sporting driver’s alternative to the big four-door German sedans and cheap American luxo-barges—and unlike the latter, the shark could go around corners. Legendary automotive executive Bob Lutz influenced BMW’s decision to start with a fresh canvas for the E24, rather than a face-lifted version of the E9 3.0 coupe. Still, the E24’s design language is classic BMW. The 635CSi was the last of the E24 6 Series. It was powered by a fuel injected 3.5-liter version of the venerable M30 inline six-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower. It featured the most standard options of the non-M 6 Series, like extended leather, power memory seats, an airbag steering wheel, rear air conditioning, the electro-hydraulic sport-mode automatic gearbox, and the much more reliable Bosch Motronic engine management. Time has been kind to the E24, earning it the status of a classic and as one of BMW’s most elegant designs.
Summary
I am selling this Salmon Silver 1988 635CSi on consignment for the original owner, a BMW enthusiast. He purchased it for his wife from Rusnak BMW in Thousand Oaks, California. It remained in California for the next twenty-two years, always being serviced by Rusnak BMW. In 2010 they moved to Colorado, where it became their third vehicle. Since coming to Colorado it has only been driven in fair weather conditions, and never in the winter. In Colorado it has only been serviced at Parker Imports and Schomp BMW. At present it has 154,300 miles and is completely original, with the exception of chrome Style 134 (E60 5 Series) sixteen-inch wheels in place of the metric TRX wheels (also included) and an aftermarket stereo. The 635CSi was the last of the E24s, and they received updated exterior trim, the same front and rear valance as “rest of the world” examples, and a much more refined interior with more standard options. Notable options include extended “full” leather (27 square meters of hide compared to 11 square meters on early models), front and rear air conditioning, a rear beverage cooler, and the electro-hydraulic automatic transmission with sport mode. The M30B35 had larger displacement and better Motronic engine management over the earlier E24 M30 engines. The electro-hydraulic gearbox is significantly better than the regular 4-speed automatic; it’ll downshift proactively and hold the RPMs higher in the power band in sport mode. It’s a perfect fit for the grand touring nature of the 635CSi. As it sits, this is a fantastic original example. In preparation for sale, we couldn’t find much to gripe about. We reset the CO for Colorado altitude, replaced the shift mode switch and rear air conditioning controls, noted a few small oil seeps that do not require immediate attention, and gave it a fresh oil change. This is a very nice driver-quality example of an original owner 635CSi. We would like to find a new home for it where it will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
Exterior
The exterior of this 635CSi is in excellent condition. The Salmon Silver (Lachssilber) paint is good shape and original with exception of the passenger door and rear deck. The passenger door was repainted due to a large parking lot ding and then it was rear ended at low speed when the owner was literally pulling into the paint shop. The car received a full high quality re-spray in the 2000s due to clear coat failure and the owner’s desire to keep it perfect. There are small nicks, scratches and dings commensurate with age and use, but none are glaring. There is no rust thanks to spending the majority of its life in California and fair-weather use since being in Colorado. The door VIN stickers are present and all VIN tags are in place. All trim work is present and intact; there is a small crack in the rear bumper metal. The windshield is crack-free, but does have minor pitting. The projector headlights are in good shape with the exception of a crack in the driver’s low beam lens. The markers, indicators, and taillights are functional with good lenses. The original TRX wheels were replaced with chrome style 134 wheels from Rusnak BMW in the late 1990s when metric tire sizes became unavailable. They are available with the 635CSi if so desired. The Yokohama Avid V4S tires have over 50% tread remaining.
Interior
The interior is also in very good shape. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. The carpets have some minor staining, but no glaring deficiencies. Carpeted floor mats are also included. The dashboard has several cracks, typical of dry climate E24s, but other than that it is presentable. The 4-spoke leather airbag steering wheel is in good shape. The instrument cluster functions work, including the odometer. The factory stereo has been replaced with a modern Alpine CD stereo with Bluetooth. The seat leather is soft to the touch and all seams are intact. All seat adjustments work. The rear seats are in very good condition, despite mild deformation of the plastic headrest compartments and a scuff on the center armrest. The door cards are in great shape. All power functions work with the exception of the passenger side rear window. The heat blows warm and the air conditioning blows cold—including the rear air conditioning and beverage cooler. There is some slight staining on the trunk floor carpet, but the trunk carpet is complete. The spare tire, jack, and tow hook are present. The tool kit is mostly complete. Two keys, the owner’s manual, and the original service booklet are present. An all-weather car cover is also included.
Mechanical
This 635CSi is in good mechanical condition. The owner followed regular service intervals and repairs, but did not keep comprehensive documentation, as he did not plan on ever selling it. Later E24s with the Motronic engine management are much more reliable than the earlier engine management systems. The M30B35 was also one of the most evolved and best of the M30 engines. This is a notable reason to opt for a later model E24. The engine starts without hesitation, idles smoothly, pulls hard to redline, and brakes just as strong. The steering is tight and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly. All three electro-hydraulic modes work correctly. The suspension is typical of the E24 big sixes, offering a smooth ride, but surprising agility when needed with tolerable body roll. There are several small oil weeps, typical of M30 engines, but nothing that needs immediate attention. It does not overheat and runs cool even with the air conditioning blasting on a hot summer day. The result is a turn-key E24 ready to be driven and enjoyed by its new owner. It will inevitably need continued care and maintenance like all classic BMWs do, but this is a well cared-for example that deserves it.
VIN Decode
VIN: WBAEC8417J3266787
Type: 635CSi
Market: USA
Development Code: E24
Chassis: Coupe
Steering: Left
Doors: 2
Engine: M30
Displacement: 3.50 L
Power: 208 Horsepower
Drivetrain: RWD
Transmission: Automatic
Color: Lachssilber Metallic (203)
Upholstery: Silver Leather (0201)
Production Date: 10/01/1987
Options:
240 Leather Steering Wheel
290 Lt/Aly Wheels Star Spoke 44
441 Smokers Package
459 Power Memory Seats
533 Air Conditioning
551 On-Board Computer
Glen Shelly is a low-volume auto brokerage focused only on the highest quality vehicles. We are airline pilots, mechanics, and auto enthusiasts who bring a high level of professionalism and attention to detail to the automobile business. Our philosophy is to keep our inventory small so that we can focus on thorough mechanical and cosmetic preparation of the vehicles we select. We have more than 20 years of experience restoring and repairing automobiles and are intimately familiar with our cars. We do the inspections, service, detailing, and corrective maintenance using only OEM parts and service manuals. We offer an informed and low-pressure sales environment, resulting in a premium buying experience. Find out more about us at www.Glenshelly.com.

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