Pristine E24: 1986 BMW 635CSI – SOLD!

May 13, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

One of the better values in the emerging classics world right now is the E24-chassis BMW 6-Series coupe. That’s certainly the case with this nicely preserved 1986 635CSI we first spotted in April 2021 on Craiglist in Raleigh, North Carolina with just 109,000 miles and an asking price of $16,900.  Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has priced the 6-Series quite favorably, as an “Excellent” condition example is valued at $22,600 and a “Good”-rated example at $12,300. If you are serious about buying this E24 coupe, you can start the conversation by emailing the seller here.  When you do, please remember to mention you saw his coupe featured here on GuysWithRides.com.

The E24 lineup has seemingly remained in some sort of limbo among collectors, as it is readily acknowledged as a deserving collector car with excellent lines and reliable drivetrains. BMW’s M30 inline-six isn’t exactly sexy, but it’s among the more dependable engines you can find in a vintage car and far from costly to maintain. The styling may not be overly daring but it’s handsome no matter how you look at it, and it’s seemingly one of the few 1980s BMW designs that was able to pull off the grotesque American-spec safety bumpers with help from a front air dam with integrated fog lamps. The M6 may be the most desirable iteration of the E24, but it’s also the most costly to maintain – and honestly, the performance gap isn’t dramatic enough to write off the standard car.

The MotorWeek YouTube Channel provides a Retro Review from 1986 of both the BMW 635CSi and a 325e:

This 1986 model comes with one of the lesser-seen interior colors known as Llama, and what a great look it is. Llama exists somewhere between tan and butterscotch, and for whatever reason, relatively few 1980s BMW shoppers opted for it. It’s one of my personal favorites, and I wish my E30 featured this cockpit color over the far more prevalent Pearl Beige. The seller reports that “…everything works as new,” and that the 6-Series comes with the full service history and supporting documentation. The paintwork is said to look as nice as it does in photos, and the only obvious deviation from stock condition is a good one: replacing the funky TRX wheels and tires with rolling stock from a later model BMW. But purists, don’t be alarmed: the original 16.5 inch wheels are included. Good luck with the purchase if you decide to take this bone-stock E24 home.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Excellent condition 1986 BMW 635csi. All original, only 109k miles. No cracks, no tears, no dings, no scratches, NO RUST,…no accidents. Everything works as new. Most solid and stable driving car I’ve ever driven. All service and repair records included. $45000 car when new 35 years ago (I still have the original window sticker). This was the equivalent of a $90k BMW today. Sunroof, AC, Cruise, on-board computer, power seats. Includes the original 16.5 inch BMW TRX wheels. Awesome paint condition. Some road-rash and touch-up on front spoiler only, otherwise, the finish is amazing. The value of the car has been on a steady climb. Hagarty appraisal is included. Good condition 635csi’s market value are $12500. Excellent condition value is $22500. I’ve priced this car at $16900. Come take a look. You be the judge. If you ever yearned for this car in your youth, this is it. Really fun car to drive. Take it for a test drive and be amazed.“

Do you have a BMW 635CSI story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!