As Fast As A Ferrari, Cheaper Than M5 - Why You Need A BMW M635CSI

[@Number27]

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[@adrianbennett3761]

32 valve!!!

[@davidfountain4229]

I bought an ‘88 M6 in the same color last year and drove it from San Francisco to South Carolina. It took me over 35 years to get one of my dream cars but now it is at home.

[@detonator2112]

BMW used to make BEAUTIFUL cars. That is hard to believe if you think what kind of horrendous designs they put out now.

[@veridico84]

The i8 and the new 8 series are beautiful.

[@Blackopme]

Their ceo is a woman now, maybe that’s why it’s shite now

[@mexdrago3009]

​@@veridico84Just looked. Yuck.

[@wades6425]

And mechanical pieces of junk.

[@detonator2112]

@@wades6425 The old ones weren't that bad. Quite simple cars with robust engines. Post 2000 BMW:s are pretty horrible though. I've owned 2. Engine is full of cheap plastic.

[@gringostarr69]

M635CSI has always been on of my favorite cars. As an 80's child that was and still is the most beautiful bmw ever made.

[@Nellie-H]

I owned some older bimmers. Another beautiful one is the 1970's 3.0 CL/CSL.

[@shahnawazvlog6266]

Have a 1987 635CSi it was the best car I ever own, put on it 280,000 miles ! I donate the car few years back and it still running strong at the time. I sure do miss it.

[@k9killer221]

For me, the best aspect of 1980s-90s BMWs are the cockpit. You jump into a BMW and you feel like you're in a jet fighter. And the handling just reinforces that feeling.

[@encinobalboa]

Yup, the pale red instrument lighting was 100 percent aircraft inspired. It is ideal for night viewing and unlike today's garish LED's, does not fatigue the eyes.

[@e28forever30]

Brilliant, E28 has the same instrument lighting.

[@David_Crayford]

Were they copying the SAAB 900 with this idea?

[@pellepp9628]

I.v had over 40 bmws over the years, and the thing I fell for was the cockpit

[@unggrabb]

Dashboard 10,000 times more attractive than the arcade game look crap they stick in new cars.

[@troyclayton1775]

Peak BMW right there. My Dad had one in the eighties and it was nothing short of exquisite. The looks, the smell of the leather, the sound. When I first saw one at aged 8 I actually went weak at the knees. The definition of magnificent.

[@danielmaxhoffmann1917]

Yeah, the smell... my old Bimmer waits for the spring, sitting in the garage. But when I am back home (currently working on a project in a different place) and I am opening the car - the smell of the interior is so special for BMWs ✌

[@gvybin]

It was the best looking BMW of its era ( appart from the gorgeous Giugiaro styled M1 , my absolute favorite). I remember as a child, a friend of our family had a white BMW 628CSI and I always found it an amazing looking car and happy to be taken for a drive in it. I don't find the back unactractive. infact the M1 uses the same talelights . But the front sharknose and long bonnet is just spot on. Never ever BMW produced a better looking nose before and after. Thanks for this review and a trip down memory lane

[@AnthonyRosbottom]

The 850CSI is my favorite BMW shape but I don't think we would have got to that shape in the 90's without the 635CSI in the 80's.

[@1521joe]

wafle wafle wafle!

[@jesterokjones4954]

The M1 racecar is probably one of my favorites with those crazy splitters on the front and rear,

[@torbenalstrup3902]

The 635 is arguably one of the best cars BMW have ever made, and the nicest. Its not a race car, its a touring car with spirit. Right up there with Mercedes 300 AMG and Porsche 928´s of the time. Also, the detuned M1 engine actually lasted for a decent amount of miles

[@sweeteyereen]

Idk why YT pushed this video to me. It's 4 am and I'm watching a British dude driving an 80s BMW. And I find it very soothing.

[@scottjohnson4319]

One of the best looking cars ever made! Always a treat to see it, thanks Jack.

[@rhanemann9100]

I own a 1973 E9 and love the 635CSi as it is a natural, upgraded version of the 3.0CSi. Still love my E9...

[@PsychoDogBeast]

The best looking bmw ever, I had a 89 635csi highline back in the day. Built like a tank, swapped it for a E34 M5 20 years ago, the 2nd best looking bmw ever..... Still got it

[@MariuszCzerniewicz]

would you swap m5 e34 for any other bmw from 70-90s? (not m1)

[@adrianbennett3761]

E34 had presence and style

[@gregorcameron8638]

One of the prettiest cars of all time - rear end even better with solid rubber spoiler pre ‘81 models. Thanks really appreciate your reviews

[@Number27]

Couldn't agree more! And thank you Gregor, glad you’re enjoying them!

[@plymouth491]

I just don't see it. To me, it looks like a bowl of oatmeal; bland, boring, unexciting.

[@rafaelmartinmeuldijk6030]

@@plymouth491 should take a closer look in real .

[@lakefield2112]

These cars are timeless beauties. Thanks for another great video.

[@bmuns6445]

I drove this slightly used at 16 years old working at a BMW dealership near Chicago, IL. Ours was ORANGE with gold bbs wheels. It was a cool car memory from my youth and back when BMW parts were metal and more reliable. I'm a fan of the sharknose. It's not the fastest today, but its classic and beautiful. If I win the lottery one is going in my garage for sure.

[@johnnymula2305]

These are by far my most favorite of all BMW’s. They are so classy, yet aggressive looking. The rear seats with the armrest is so cool!

[@klowen7778]

Yep, have been fortunate to own 3 E-24's over the years, and there's something about the curve of that molded leather rear seat that was almost 'sculptural'... plus the incredible handling like it was on the proverbial 'rails', that I used to describe as more akin to a 'luxury go-kart'!

[@VK9]

I have one of these cars, 85 M635csi. Never understood the prices you could get them for, highly undervalued iconic cars.

[@moviebod]

I loved your review. I always wanted one of those but finished up buying the '3.6' (3,535cc as I recall) E34 M5 which by 1991 had 315 BHP. I bought it for £4,500 in August 2008 and sold it 9½ years later for £10,000. Maintenance and rolling restoration cost me about £1.000 per annum and it was nice to hand it over in better shape than when I bought it.

[@patrickhostler5939]

Still an iconic, beautiful looking car… and as you point out, exquisitely made.❤

[@skelejp9982]

As EPIC as E21 and E28! The Best Era of BMW! Green Alpina M635 CSi was my Ultimate Dream BMW.

[@gerdbeutler3728]

I been to young and to poor to buy that car in the 70ies. My boss had this model and I was able to ride it a few times. However, I bought one of the first Golf GTI in 76 and later had company cars like BMW 320i in 79, a 528i in 82. Also had later a 840CE in the mid 90ies. The best BMW ever!

[@rdenir]

Had one when I was 20, lost my licence 3 months after buying it,, Loved that car but it was a real cop magnet

[@rosebuddesign635]

I still remember the first time I saw it when I was 12. Made me fall in love with BMW and still one of my favorite car. What a beauty.

[@ricoolivier]

Only in South Africa a four door with the M88 was available in very limited numbers... Beautiful machines

[@francispowell1811]

745i

[@ngonzalez919]

That was my dream car back in the 80's! Still as beautiful as ever. And what an exquisite example that one is. The interior especially looks like it's in perfect condition.

[@robertarthur3711]

In 1989 I bought a new motorsport 635csi highline, royal blue with lotus full hide, beautiful car.

[@stefanxt350]

I use to have a regular 635 and I regret soooo hard that I sold it .... and tanks for this great episod

[@quantumphaser]

In her BMW 635 going smooth at 90 feeling good to be alive

[@db111]

Cars were far more exciting in yesteryear, weren't they? thank you again for the consistent quality of your videos

[@Lukec4ge]

Had the 635csi back in the days, and lusted after one of these, but it never quite happened. Moved on to E34 M5...all glorious cars...

[@jonnyvt6602]

In 88 my boss had a grey shadlowline car, wow it was beautiful

[@NigelMarston]

I did a nightshift in a local petrol station in 1986 when a chap pulled onto the forecourt with a bright red CSI. He had a car-phone too - the coolest gadget I'd ever seen at that point. A couple of years later, a local garage owner built a higher-powered copy out of something that started out more mundane. He bolted chrome wheel arches onto it which I thought was a bit weird. I'd love one today. It'd be a great car to pop down to the Le Mans Classic in. Disagree with your assessment of the rear end. I think it's perfect.

[@cristiancristi9384]

One of the best looking BMW-s of all time in my opinion.... That could inspire dreams and passion... Too bad that today's BMW's are more about marchandise than passion

[@philboyce1582]

I have to have a little chuckle every time I see one of these beauties, my neighbour had one in the 80’s and loved and polished it so much he ruined the paint and had to have it re-sprayed 🥴

[@albertperks3476]

I remember I met someone who'd taken a recent delivery of an M635CSI a brand new one (I think it was a couple of weeks old) and he took me out in it. Funnily enough it was also on an E-plate and same colour.

[@hpmetabolics7558]

One of my friends dad's had this exact one in red. Much more impressive in person and to me still the most beautiful coupe ever made!!!!

[@arthurdardalis]

Along with E28 M5, the most gorgeous and beautiful BMW’s. Note to BMW AG… guys, fire all those idiots in marketing, get the engineers involved again and finally fire the stylists. Bring back the classic shark nose look, it can be done whilst still complying with pedestrian safety specs which are required

[@jamesjefferson6670]

I remember first time seeing this in red with the white interior sitting on bbs rs wheels in 86’ love at first site 🤩

[@finleypdoherty]

These really are becoming rare. Beautiful

[@sageoz9886]

I had a 79’ 733il and it was great but a really wanted the 6 series. Tried unsuccessfully the whole time I had it trying to find someone that wanted to trade

[@hakukuze7947]

When I saw it the first time in the 80s, I was surprised by the separated back seats most. Had never seen that before and actually don’t know of any still unless some really high end luxury cars now.

[@es330td]

I worked at an auto shop in 1987 that had a dark blue M1 in the showroom. I didn't realize that engine had been sold in a street car.

[@karloanttila]

In 1985 I bought a dealer demo in Germany for $27000. The best car i've ever owned!

[@motorv8N]

Another great review, Jack. You’re knowledgeable, well spoken, and down to earth, all while hustling along in some truly tasty automotive icons. Bravo

[@bobmcl2406]

Peak BMW, in my eyes. Elegant yet clearly muscular, well built, and driver focused. You say it's not a hooligan, and I say that's a damn good thing, if you want to use a car regularly. Hooliganism gets old pretty quickly....

[@markmcgrath9098]

IIRC, there was about 27 square metres of leather used in the full leather option for these cars.

[@institutmorningkiss]

I had an M635CSi. Wonderful car and engine. Clearly a sports GT, and definitely NOT a sports car. Too big, soft and heavy for that ! Much better GT than the 850i 6-speed that I had later !

[@aone7528]

This and the 8 series shows how grand tourers from bmw should be

[@3000FAst]

Hoffmeister kink is 'satisfying to the eye' as designers would say.

[@beatglauser9444]

This is my favourite and most beautiful BMW since the the 3.o CSI.

[@cutter4914]

The 6’s have always stood out in the crowd of BMW’s. ❤

[@HoosierRooster]

The 3.0 CSL....633 CSI...635 are the most beautiful BMW'S ever built

[@michaelbyrnee9584]

Every time I climbed behind the wheel of my 1988 M6, I became a very happy boy. It was not the fastest car on the road, but rather, one of the most distinctive and beautiful. In addition, the engine was gorgeous to look at, and to listen to. I sold it to a collector when the car was 25-years old - a mistake on my part that I have always regretted. Nothing since (except for my Honda VTR1000 F) has given me the same pride of ownership nor the thrill of operation.

[@FFM0594]

A beautiful car. One of the most beautiful BMW's, that prize goes to the 3.0 csi, but these days a decent one costs an arm and a leg.

[@ralfstahlmann5331]

The LHD version of the E23 had the normal 3.5L engine with a turbo and called a 745. You could easily get 500hp out of it. But because of the position of the turbo clashing with the RHD steering column, there was no UK version of it. In South Africa, the BMW plant wasn’t having any of it and the fitted instead of the normal 3.5L Turbo, the 3.5L M- series engine as used in the E28 and E24. But the did not badge the car as M735. It was badged as 745 as in Europe the Turbo version was. And it came as Highline version only with leather everywhere.

[@martykey1574]

My old man had one brand new here in Sydney Australia in Diamond Black in JPS John Player Special Spec was a nice car firm suspension on some B roads.

[@warrenmintz5227]

My favorite BMW model.

[@marklawton5753]

Hi Jack. I'm not a fan of BMWs but the 6 Series has always been a favourite of mine. I agree the back end styling was always a little weak in my view and I dont think it's a test of time thing! In my opinion it always was too soft when compared to the aggressive front styling . But it has to be remembered that is was styled in the 1970s and launched in 1976 so by the time of its heyday in the 1980s it was already getting on in age. Great to see one of these wonderful machines being tested again.

[@stevenhoman2253]

M The BMW M635CSI is the' it' car for me. I always had a shy passion for it, and dared not look directly at it for my shyness. One day I glanced at it far longer than I had ever dared before, and I became aware of the lines of the C pillar. From then on, I was smitten, and I would wish one so very much. The current range, which still exists. They are either restored and carry an enormous price, or are relics of former great cars, Had these vehicles all the modern safety bells and whistles, they would present the absolute in perfection, in a sedan body for me. The M1 which Andy Warhol painted was my very favourite Beamer of all at the time.(your hero cars are always beyond reach) However, in street guise the 635CSI was the normal man's car with more flair than a pair of 70s trousers.

[@davidbell5525]

We had a 535i back in the late 80's. Smooth as silk straight 6. Now I have a 340i with a super smooth straight 6 putting out more power than I need really. The BMW straight 6 engines are beautiful. I only had a back seat ride in a 635CSI back in the day but it was still loads of fun. Very posh car back then a nd a true classic now. Great review, as always.

[@judih.8754]

I had a '89 535i 5 speed. I put 188k miles on it. It was a great touring car with a superb engine. I miss it even today.

[@ct1762]

@@judih.8754 those were great! had a e34 530i with that bizzare 3 liter v8. always thought it was cool... and smooth too! i think yours was faster though.

[@cafferacer]

Ya my Dads 84 533i still going strong 39 years later heh.. black with red interior. Great all time engineered car, fast, handling and insane reliability for decades.. the 635CSI M n all that cool but I preferred the M3 and sedans from 80s big time. The 635 was a older gents ride. Any of the straight 6s from BMW or MB always the best

[@leegilbert5804]

I like the tall greenhouse reminiscent of the 3.0 CS.

[@paulnewton737]

Thanks Jack, one of the best looking BMWs ever made, barely dated styling and supremely elegant. My favourite combo was Zinnobar Red paint and black interior. Loved the racing Group A versions too, really evocative. Couldn't afford one when I was younger, but I am currently on my second modern 6-series (640). Keep up the good work, you have been getting some lovely cars lately!

[@byhsu6140]

Beautiful car, my favorite BMW design is the E9 3.0CSi, this one is a 2nd favorite.

[@Fractal379]

Great vid, thanks 🍺 and no... I'm NOT jealous at all - I've always been green 🧟‍♂

[@jackahorey2354]

God, I wish BMW would make the next 6 a modern retro design of this, like the Peugeot E-Legend. the M635 is still the meanest and coolest looking car ever. Mass produced anyway.

[@vinylrulesok8470]

My dad had one of these. What i loved about it was the visibility. Look at the size of the windows!!!

[@yesterdaystech86]

This is beautiful, big fan of the six. Currently have the e63 630i

[@grndiesel]

The only complaint I have with my 635csi (Not M-sport) is the lack of a tilt steering column. Everything else is just about perfect.

[@josephclark2563]

Owned one of these when they were a new car - the big rival was the Porsche 928 with a manual gearbox - that was the primary choice at the time. Absolutely brilliant fun in the wet - drove like a big Escort RS2000. I had a 928GT afterwards - a bit quicker, harsher than the M635, but less practical and a bit more showy. I saw the test M635 was still on the original Michelin TRX specific rims - my bet is that the tyre technology is probably a bit of a limiting factor, as it’s a Michelin only wheel size, and I’m not sure that new TRX tyres would compare too favourably to a Pilot Sport. I agree with Jack, in that the M635 has aged incredibly well.

[@Miller80]

got me one a few months back, amazing engine, i got the 218hp version with some mods.

[@alanwayte432]

I was a day border at a public school in late 70s, every other car seemed to be a 635 on parents day ...

[@leenevin8451]

633

[@psircos]

Its such a dramatic looking thing! BMWs from then were good looking cars. They stood out, something a little different and the 635, dare i say has some Italian flair to it. Its not conventionally pretty, its like Uma Thurman. Still really hot, but in a different way!

[@chriskappert1365]

The days BMW made " richtige auto's " . Still a stunning beauty , AND .....analoge .

[@Steven-p4j]

The most beautiful BMW ever produced, and a car I have always wanted to have and to hold and to drive. The achingly magnificent lines of the C pillar are enough to make me swoon. Inside, the seating position and instrument layout are meant squarely for the driver.

[@pyoung168]

You are absolutely spot on, that is a great car! My brother had a friend in the early 80’s that had a ‘77 or ‘78 M635 he had imported from Germany (I.e. US “grey” market car). I was lucky enough to be able to drive it from Los Angeles to Phoenix and then around Phoenix for a week or so. I was 25 at the time and in heaven! Thanks for the great reminder!

[@slacko1971]

He did well to get an M635 6 years before they were built.

[@Mike-rk8px]

One the most perfect cars I’ve ever owned was a 1985 BMW M635csi with a 5 speed. The only downside was the cost of repairs and parts, which was outrageous, but otherwise I can’t think of anything bad about it. And it was REALLY gorgeous in the Cirrus Blue Metallic” paint. I bought the car when I was living in West Germany and it was absolutely incredible to drive it on the autobahn at speeds that would land me in jail in most countries. You could drive at high speeds for hours, and get out of the car without being tired or sore, it was just made for high speed cruising.

[@julesviolin]

That era was the best. All down hill from there. I will never ever buy a new car 😎 Current car is SL55 AMG 2003 500bhp. Awesome car in every respect. It was used as the F1 pace car back in the day ✅

[@TheOffertonhatter]

Possibly my favourite BMW of all. Timeless, Classy, Elegant, Effortless and that engine!

[@dusandestanovic5884]

Now, that's a proper BMW to own and maintain.

[@mattd8097]

My dad had the 635csi not the m version but what a stunning car. Was such a joy being driven around in it. Would love to own one.

[@johnthelwell3244]

Had an ordinary 635i in 1984. Loved it. Epic cruiser.

[@harrypalmer6228]

I love my M635Csi - the only thing is the long throw on the gear shifter from standard is a bit long.

[@hema4448]

That when cars were built by creative engineers not boring accountants like nowadays.

[@SLAmey-mu9hd]

Another great video.... Your delivery of information is very compelling 👍🏼. The front ¾ aspect of that Motor is staggeringly handsome and, I can't believe how much glass area there is in comparison to modern vehicles. The view out from inside is marvelous.

[@grahamt33]

I love the laugh in your voice, your presentation, and your honesty. Talking of that, perhaps you might consider a piece dealing with the undoubted decline in quality and reliability of BMW over recent years - it is well known in the trade, yet nobody wants to talk about it openly. I, for 1, would not touch one with the proverbial long pole...

[@billwebster4760]

Always loved this body style. They should offer this shell on top of a new bmw coupe.

[@briansukhu4392]

A classic..as a young kid I admired this car I still admire it

[@ryanmccormick2150]

I really enjoyed watching that Jack and what a fantastic car that is buddy!

[@workinprogress1098]

Great era for BMW. Perfect colour combo too.

[@C90C60C30]

I like the back end 😃.

[@markdoyle6414]

One of BMW's best efforts and one of the best looking cars ever.

[@marcusnicola1221]

I have loved this car since a kid when my neighbour came home with it. Much preferred to the 5, great vid, happy new year Jack.

[@gerrywatson261]

All ways thought this was one of the most beautiful coupes ever!

[@alialawnehalawneh4067]

When I was child ,,,there's a dream was always with me,,,to have a sport car,,,,now I'm 38 years old nd still dreaming ,,,,nd I will never give up,,in sha allah

[@NealyLL]

I had an M535i back in the day and tbh it’s probably still the best car I’ve ever owned. It was outshone by the later M5 but this was no slouch and the noise it made and the way it delivered power was delightful . Loved that car . Great videos and love the content 👌👏👏

[@mikatamminen2786]

smoked a M535i several times all the way to top speed years ao with a 5.7. GTA Trans Am...after 200 the aerodynamics might taken over.

[@travkatz]

This was peak bimmer design. The design language never better expressed.

[@nikolarumenov1335]

Favorite BMW. E34 and e38 are second and third. Probably 2002 also.

[@aussiebloke609]

I can't believe it took youtube this many years to recommend this channel - but I'm having fun going through your back catalogue now. Awesome, mate - lots of old videos to watch while I wait for the new ones to drop. Cheers! 👍

[@theaylesburycyclist8756]

I’ll always rember going for a spin in one of these back in 1989. It blew me away !! Talk about head in the parcel shelf… 😊

[@Tuberuser187]

Always loved the styling of these, its a more brutal and aggressive take on the Jaguar XJS in its lines. More efficient in its use of space too, spicy performance but very practical.