Is The BMW 635 CSi (E24) The Best They Ever Made? Review & Buying Guide of A German Classic Car Icon

To mark my final classic car review of 2023, I've decided to go in style!
The iconic BMW 635 CSi is the perfect example of when BMW simply got it right. It is the epitome of the 'ultimate driving machine' combining great styling, impeccable build quality and a great driving experience.
The E24, as it's also known, with its shark-nosed front, silky-smooth six cylinder engine and luxurious interior make it a truly fantastic package but it's so important to buy a good one.
Join me as I take it out for a drive on some of my favourite roads and talk you through what t's really like to drive one of Munich's finest and give some advice on what to look out for if you're tempted to buy one. I'll also chat about pricing, as these cars are becoming increasingly more popular, their price tag is also creeping up too.

[@goodfest007]

Showing my age but I nearly bought a 1986 635i manual, same colour as this one with cream buckets seats, at the age of 24, but ended up buying my first house instead. Always loved the sound of the 635i, the one in the video sounded different, from my memory of the one I nearly bought, which sounded deeper more ‘barrel sounding’. I also remember the owner saying they were very tail happy, especially in the wet…. I am 61 today, so unbelievably 37 years have passed, but the memory feels like yesterday, good cars do this to us petrol heads….

[@kovach8392]

Everyone who really likes E24 has one at home. I have it ❤

[@fuelupclassic]

An E24 certainly makes a lovely addition to any collection.

[@remibalogun9155]

Same

[@cschnauz]

Have an 85 manual in gunmetal. Love it

[@2philly7venz]

Yes Sir!

[@LanceVance305]

@@cschnauzHighline sharknose owner myself G reg

[@LuGer212]

My dad had a 635 csi in Royal Blue Metallic ... sold it two years before I was born, to a guy just a few villages away. No, we never did buy it back - because the gentleman did and is continuing to take outstanding care of it and drives it on the regular. I have had my few rounds with it, but I will always treat it as something special. Yes, 'cause it's not mine / ours - but also just because it has to be preserved, yet driven appropriately.

[@daniel635biturbo]

Rust, paint, mechanical issues are easy to fix, interior and outer trim parts were difficult even 20 years ago. Now these parts are almost unobtainable, an e28 is way easier to restore, and they share the same underpinnings. Best choice of course is to have them both, I had my 635 and 528 since 20 years now, I really can't believe it.

[@onlinebizjp]

I really like the front design of BMW from this period. I’m looking forward to 2024. Thank you.

[@monk3yboy69]

I learned to drive on a E23 728i so I know this era of cars well. Loved BMW back in those days. But the 6 was just a stunning machine. So out of reach for most people back then . I think the 6 series was overlooked as a collectors piece for quite a while. It’s content creators like yourself that bring these cars to people’s attention that seems to suddenly drive demand. I’m 50 now and can recall these things going out of favour in a big way. Thanks to the internet , that’s all changed.

[@fuelupclassic]

An E23 must have been a very interesting car to learn to drive in. I nearly bought one a few years ago, but they seem to have all but disappeared here in the UK now. Let's hope prices for a good E24 don't get too high, as I really would love to own one in the near future.

[@Bubblun1]

Long term E24 owner here - this is a great example! Those actually aren't the TRX wheels either - there's really no reason to keep them as tire technology has come a long way and there's plenty of attractive wheels from E34 and E39 5-Series that are easy to fit with cheap tire options. Biggest thing you missed in your buyer's guide is the interior - I must stress that you have to buy the nicest interior you can afford. E24-specific parts for interiors/seats/trim (especially in any of the interesting colors you could buy originally) are complete unobtanium now. The engine is the easy part: the M30 was shared with so many models parts are available, plentiful, and usually cheap.

[@fuelupclassic]

An excellent point regarding the lack of availability of interior parts! It's something I have struggled with in the past on quite a few of the older BMWs I have owned.

[@graemegaw5536]

Great video. These are amazing looking cars, from a time when BMW were at the top of their game with design, driving and quality. I’d love one but I think I’ve missed the boat, how about a review of an 840 or 850 to see how they match up as an alternative?

[@fuelupclassic]

Glad you enjoyed the video. An 840 or 850 on the channel is an excellent idea. I will see what I can do.

[@petergaltry4529]

Got one. Love it

[@petertilsley3015]

What a great video. Many Thanks

[@fuelupclassic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@James-ld2jc]

One of my favourite cars. I have always liked the looks of them.

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

BMW and Mercedes of this era were leagues ahead of the pack

[@mrm.486]

Watched a couple of your videos. One of the best reviewers on KZbin atm.

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank you! That's very kind of you to say and i'm so pleased to hear you're enjoying the channel. Matt

[@williamclark2730]

I brought one at 20 years old, I'm now 60, I've had 10 BMW's total. I like my old Alpina preped M635 CSI the best. The ride was a softer ride. Maybe it was the European roads.

[@MrRicardo11]

Lovely machine ❤

[@fuelupclassic]

It really is!

[@neilhurt1992]

Just found this today and love it! I've lusted after a 635CSi ever since my mate's dad bought a new Macao blue 'highline' back in 1988. Finally got around to getting one in March last year. 1986 635 in the same colour as the one featured with light beige interior, sports seats and sunroof - but no aircon thankfully (keep it simple...). It's a 1 owner, 72000 mile car and came with all the books and a full service history from the original BMW main dealer in Wakefield. Not bad for a 36 year old car! I had new discs and pads fitted all round along with refurbished calipers and replaced all the fluids and a couple of dodgy relays. It's lovely to drive and the best thing is....my wife actually likes it (phew). So much more elegant than the current crop of pig-nosed BMWs. Cheers from a very windy Otford, Kent.

[@fuelupclassic]

Sounds like you have managed to get a great example! I hope you and your wife continue to enjoy it for many years and miles to come. Thank you for watching. Matt

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Please make a follow up BMW 635 Csi vs Jaguar XJS V12 5.3 pre HE (hand shifted) the early XJS pre HE with hand shifted gearbox was at least as good as the BMW 633/635 Csi the later H.E.- were sluggish

[@cristianseres1353]

Such a beautiful car! My favourite is the first 750i though.

[@fuelupclassic]

Definitely an era of when BMW made some great looking machines! An E32 750i is a wonderful thing :)

[@Vince_uk]

Magnificent machines.

[@fuelupclassic]

Absolutely!

[@brianiswrong]

I think the tyres (the original metric ones) are made in batches aswell, so even if you have the money you ' might ' struggle to find a new set. I think a nice solid example of a chimney, sitting on a set of non standard (BBS Cross spokes) is by no means a bad thing if the original alloys are also with it.

[@fuelupclassic]

A very good point! I believe some specialist companies keep stock of them now but nonetheless it's a big outlay and I do understand why people swap them for an alternative.

[@robinfoster7597]

I had a '79 CSi for 6 years, chrome bumper model, in Henna Red. It had the close-ratio, dog leg box and was a total weapon! You could throw it around like a mk2 escort, it was mega! I've got to say, everytime I drove that car, without exception, I was inspired to say, out loud, "god, I love this car"! The steering was perfectly weighted and was just a joy to use. The throttle response, in any gear, with that close ratio gearbox, was instant, real shove you back-in to the seat stuff. If you floored it the nose would rise high and the back-end would just squat down and launch you. The close ratio box, had 5th at 1:1 so was low geared - 100 mph came up at about 4,800 rpm. I used to regulary see 8mpg! - Yeah, I drove it like I stole it for all of those 6 years! It wasn't that I set out to be a hooligan, the car just begged to be driven! The brakes were amazing, I mean they would lock-up just like that at low speed, pre abs model, but at high speed, they were always great. I used to use Castrol DOT 5.1 brake fluid - don't skrimp on your brake fluid, it can make all the difference. It would do 38mph in 1st, 60 in 2nd, 80 in 3rd and 112mph in 4th gear. 138 Came up at 6,400 rpm in top gear (red line), but I did see 7,200 in top gear once. - you'll have to work it out! Mine came from new (it was on the options list receipt) with 14" BBS cross alloys, not metric, running 195/70VR14 - I used the Goodyear NCT/2 tyre, which worked really well with it. It's achilles heal was the rubber doughnut between the gearbox and the propshaft, and they would last about 9 months! It was so comfortable too, long journeys just made you feel great and you got to the other end, still ready for more! I nearly forgot, the sound the car made was just ace, Low growl at tick-over to 6-cylinder scream at high revs. It was really torque'e too - you could roll along in top, at low speed, with the burble of the exhaust setting off car alarms! I'm not writing this, not to brag, but instead to share with others what it was like. The car was well out of my league (clerical assistant in a local authority aged 23!) and I came upon it by chance. £700 in 1994! I rebuilt the suspension which brought it back up, to where it should be, at least mechanically. I think it was on 157,000 miles when I bought it (3rd owner) and I think it was on about 224,000 miles when I let it go? It was a money pit but even so, I know I am so lucky to have had one of these for six years and to have been able to enjoy hard driving in it - if I broke, I fixed it. It kept me poor, but boy, what an experience. I wouldn't change it for anything.

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank you for watching and sharing your E24 story.

[@carsactioncam1043]

Nice video. I currently own two of these, so I can confirm much of your observations and facts. Important thing you forgot to mention is the rear end of the car. That’s a serious weak spot on all older BMWs. All future buyers should know about that. Everything is expensive there too, for ex. rear wing/spoilers, lights, etc. If rusted, you will have to fabricate a pair of new wheel houses (not in stock anymore). I’m doing this on one of my sixes.💸

[@fuelupclassic]

Excellent point! Thank you for watching.

[@user-jx8ho3mw8k]

I have one also but mine is 1984 633csi and I’ve owned since 2003.

[@TheCardio7]

Nice ! What color is it ? Color code ?

[@kaspervedstedandersen4064]

Great Video! I am in the process of buying an 1988 635 csi, bordeaux with tan leather and this video was a great help to use as a check list. The one I am looking at is an automatic. Anything to be concerned about?

[@fuelupclassic]

Glad it was helpful and best of luck with your search. Most out there are automatics and generally they are very strong.

[@sexshit1107]

beautiful car

[@fuelupclassic]

Still such a good looking car!

[@jessekuchinski1172]

Omg that car is just superb

[@fuelupclassic]

Lovely isn't it!

[@jessekuchinski1172]

@@fuelupclassic unreal

[@julian4548]

Even better. A M635 like mine :)

[@stevey-nwas1230]

Best looking bmw model with racing pedigree for me is the E9 model aka batmobile csl. Stunning looking road csl and track car 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@fuelupclassic]

Ohh yes! The E9 is a beautiful machine.

[@stevey-nwas1230]

@@fuelupclassic e24 was born from the E9 Both beautiful cars 💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@paballomos9651]

Hello I'm from south africa 🇿🇦 and I'm in the need of getting a 1980 model may I ask where can I find one and purchase it pls 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@indrekveevo8714]

Would've been nice to have some interior shots

[@fuelupclassic]

6:20 - 6:40 shows a good look around the interior.

[@motroman1]

I own an 89 E24. I love it and over 7 years of ownership have spent close to $20k on repairs and maintenance. Here’s my advice to prospective buyers. In addition to the “ loo out for sale”mentioned in the video, stay away from cars that still have the hydraulic load leveling rear suspension. Very expensive to repair. Also the hydraulic booster brake system can be a nightmare. The pressure holding “brake bomb “ is a thousand dollar part so make sure repairs have been done before buying. There are switches and connectors that may also be difficult to find. So, as mentioned here buy the best model you can find and always have an expert look at the car before buying. Remember the old saying, “!if you can’t afford a good one then you certainly can’t afford a bad one “.

[@fuelupclassic]

I love that - 'if you can't afford a good one then you certainly can't afford a bad one' - pretty much sums it up :). Thank you for watching.

[@Treviscoe]

It's also not a complicated as an XJ-S (which is more of a motorway cruiser).

[@monk3yboy69]

You say big tyres… What is this car running? 15”? Compare to today’s monsters and it seems crazy. And that massive steering wheel . Wow . 😀

[@fuelupclassic]

From memory, early cars had 14 inch wheels and later ones 15. Very different to modern wheel sizes but the wide nature of these tyres, huge sidewall and lovely steering make it a delight in the corners.

[@dietrichgroenemeyertv]

It was a geman car before, am i right? It has been transfered to a right hand steerer later on. The left seat is more worn out than the right one. And the doors are not adjusted correctly to the chassis. Whatever the reason ...

[@fuelupclassic]

Nope! Factory, RHD car.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Please Alfa GTV-6 2.5!

[@fuelupclassic]

Let me see what I can do :)

[@gendaminoru3195]

E24 until 1999? I had E31's from 95 & 98.

[@fuelupclassic]

e24 production ceased in 1989.

[@dystopia2386]

Legend says that the boot was designed to carry dead bodies...

[@fuelupclassic]

HAHA! I can neither confirm nor deny

[@DrRock2009]

Sounds like it is running rough? 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@fuelupclassic]

I find that it's really hard to pick up the 'true' sound of a car when filming outside shots. This one had recently had a brand new exhaust which was just 'bedding in', which doesn't help too much either.

[@DrRock2009]

@@fuelupclassic yeah, I know. They never sound on film as good as in reality. Hey ho 🤷‍♂️