Euro 1985 BMW M635CSI – Owned 36 years

History

Fun Fact: Bob Lutz, of Big Three fame, played a part in the final E24 6-series styling. Designed by Paul Bracq, the original proposal for an E9-series replacement involved a slightly taller, gently refreshed version of that iconic coupe. Mr. Lutz, who was a company board member at the time, is said to have nixed the approach in favor of something different. And so, “The Shark” – as it became known – was born.

Produced from 1976 to 1989, the first-generation 6-series was only offered as a 2-door, 4-seat grand tourer. An unmistakable, forward-canted front end flowed into a low beltline and large windows that emulated the previous E9-series but with a bigger, more intimidating presence earning it the apt “Shark” nickname.

Out of the gate, the E24 was equipped with BMW’s famously smooth inline-6 power plant, originally displacing 2.8 liters. However, when the Motorsport model arrived at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show, it was running a 3.5-liter variant evolved from the legendary M1. This M88/3 engine – which was only fitted on European models – made 286 horsepower and 251 lb-of torque run to the rear wheels via a Getrag 5-speed manual.

Sold across The Continent as an M635CSi, it would also be exported to North America as simply the M6 with a different, S38 version of the six-cylinder. European editions, like the one up for auction today, could be identified under the hood by a BMW roundel and “M Power” cast into the valve cover. The 1985 M635CSi is from the golden-era of BMW’s storied M division and is pretty close to perfect for any car enthusiast.