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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 🥴

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

When you are a quality German car maker and the best car you ever made was 30+ years ago...

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

The CSi in "Henna Red" i think it was called (the orangey red) was one of my dream cars as a teenager and young man. Absolutely glorious design, especially the front end. Beautiful.

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

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.

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

Lest we forget this is one of the few sport sedans with bucket REAR seats. Outstanding masterpiece.

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.

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.

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

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.

I like the oddball models that go against the corporate norm - this 6 Series, the 8 Series (especially the V12) the late 70s and early 80s 5 Series and of course the legendary M1. But as an overall package, this M6 is my favorite BMW!

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...

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!!!!

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

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.

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

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.

One of my favorite cars, possibly M6 spec as well. Look at this and it really shows modern BMW has lost its way.

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.

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!

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.

I worked at a shop in nj as a kid for about 10yrs and one of these cars kicked off a series of events that would change my life and eventually destroyed EVERYTHING.... Here i am almost 2 decades later and i see this.... it was a MINT CONDITION RED CSI WITH COVERS OVER THE SEATS. ill never forget it

Wonderful car. Back in a time when that little M badge really meant something. These days that M badge is splattered on every model, on every panel and corner. Inside and out.

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

I bought a 635CSi (no M and even with the slightly less powerful catalyst) back in 2014 for less than 10k Euros and adored the style and those fine lines and shark nose front end until the moment I sold it - with a bit pain as I needed to invest into my company, but the beauty of this car in the flesh is almost not achievable with modern cars anymore. Do love the amazing surround view from the seating position with slightly driver angled dash, also those grab handles for the rear passengers are a piece of art, never seen anything like it before or after. Boot is huge, perfectly works for bigger weekend trips with one or even 3 people (once or twice went out for a picnic). It was a nice car for occasional driving, bit too special for everyday, eventhough its not too thirsty either - but getting so much attention in this car and thumbs up can get a bit exhausting after a while. That’s why you need a reliable normal daily beside it tbh. But overall I can only recommend a test drive, they are design icons in every respect. Cost wise, be prepared to pay into rust prevention if not happened, part prices are still not too bad as you have shared parts with E28, but they became rare as well. Some elements as tail lamp frames in chrome are not available anymore, so consider paying some premium for them. For long distance the best possible car - drive in style. Not sure if it needs the big M engine, as you’re dealing with 4 times higher maintenance costs. Character wise it will stay a bruiser, never a sports car. Would try a E28 M5 as well, they are a bit more nimble and therefore easier to handle. Never liked driving around curvy b-roads, as the car doesn’t feel light on its big wheels/tyres. No way the gonna lose money, so well worth the investment. Market did stop slowly for the prices to come up, but they will carry on in the future, as most of them rust away…

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

I had a E28 M535 in the early 2000s and today i have a -88 635 csi. I can absolute tell that the E28 is a better handling car. But the E24 is way more beautiful and gets likes from everybody. I think the goldilocks here is the 635 csi. You pay way less then the M635 but you get the looks and the sound is pretty nice to.

Great vid Jack... and you managed to get a manual as well. I adore these machines, among BMW's best. However you missed a huge part of the BMW 635's history and that was it's racing record. This was the quintessential BMW touring car racer from the 1980s. It was campaigned by the works team - Schnitzer in the European Touring Car Championship along with a whole host of privateers. BMW GB had several in the BTCC, they were in the DTM, Italian Championship... Australian Championship [in JPS black/gold livery] and were driven by some very illustrious pilots, many of whom were also driving in F1 at the same time e.g. Gerhard Berger. Possibly the greatest hour was victory in the Spa 24 Hours of 1986 where they finished a stunning 1-2-3-4 ! Reliability was metronomic - here's the Spa race ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qW2c2-hZsso.html

Peak BMW. Would LOVE to own a well-sorted one…

The E46's used the 6 with individual throttle bodies as well... and they sound incredible too!

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

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!

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… 😊

That 6 series is gorgeous back then and more still today.

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.

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

Hands down this is my icon "GOT TO HAVE" car it is beautiful, I thank you for making my day.

oh yes! i used to service one of these bad boys for a lad who used to work on the rigs off aberdeen, known as the "flying scotsman" due to his rather short journey times due to the mileage he did up to aberdeen, he was a regular customer at our garage you didn't mind working saturdays when this [rocketship of the time] was booked in.... so yes, i drove one when it was virtually brand new, great car... keep it up young man...

I have a mint, white M635. Modern tires on 17in rims and front strut brace improve handling (and braking) making a superb GT even better. As for the engine, it really is the business. It is a keeper :)

Whats Utterly Crazy is that in the mid 90's you could pick these up for between 2-4 grand and exceptional ones for between 5-6. They always looked incredible and the bucket seats in the back always oozed class and race car appeal in equal measure. Beautiful cars.

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! 👍

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.

Those roads look A LOT like the roads around Harry's Garage!

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.

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

Thank you for bringing this one to the channel. I absolutely love these and have done since a back seat ride in a friend's dad's one around 1987. It just seemed so effortless and was like a rocketship compared with my own dad's Rover 216 Vanden Plas 😆

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.

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 👌👏👏

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....

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

Looks perfectly balanced around the bends not a huge amount body roll .

E28 bodyshell is indeed much stiffer. I've owned a few E24s (and E28s), and you will definitely be able to feel the difference when compared. In the E24 you can really feel the front strut towers/inner fenders flexing when pushed hard, as well as the torsional twist of the rear body due to the hardtop body structure. You can feel some of the same squirm in an E28, but to much less a degree both front and rear.

One of my favourite cars of all time jack, thanks for bringing us all these wonderful cars 😁👍

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!

Breathtaking looks, wonderful straight-6 (pity there are so few around these days) - a very desirable car.

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

You could buy these with under 100k on them for 5k usd 20 years ago. Now nice examples are 20+k. Gorgeous straight six. Sounds like a F1 car at high RPM and competition exhaust. Here in upstate NY they rusted. This was a fairly common M car for its time. Most who ordered 635CSI would just get the M version. I had a Champaign one in college. It would crouch back and just go like a rocket under hard throttle. Sleeper Rocket

Those cars are so timeless and badass. In the day, someone in my hood had a red one and drove it like he stole it. So many teen days spent fantasizing about having one. Just automotive deliciousness.

Really nice review - enjoyed ❤👌🏾👍🏾

One of the best looking coupés there is! You sit upright in a airy, light cabin with a usable rear seat. Lovely.

Lovely looking cars BMW in their stride. I do like the engine sound too. Thanks Jack and a Happy New Year to you. 👍👍

These really are becoming rare. Beautiful

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

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

One of the best memories of working in the used car business as a teenager was coming across a chance to drive cars like these when they were considered "old". GOD I wish I would've bought one for the $3,500 we were asking....And we only had $1,600 in it as a trade in. 5 speed and everything. Unbelievable the cars we pass up in our youth!

Thank very much Jack for a superb video which is very informative.

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.

The design of the rear windows is called the Hoffman kink after the designer and was carried forward to all future models, as it is distinctive as the double kidney front grill.

Just gorgeous. One of my dream cars. I'm sure I would find it goes and handles just fine!!! Loving your channel mate.

Great era for BMW. Perfect colour combo too.

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.

Timeless design, lovely car.

I had one in SA and loved it , it was an awesome drive , was faster than most cars of its time and was quite comfortable at high speed . defiantly one of my favored Beemers and I am on my 16th one now

That really is a beautiful car Jack, thanks for sharing

I agree, I don't care how much better the M5 may be, just looking at the M6 is worth what ever edge you may give up. If outright performance is the ultimate goal, just buy a modern car and call it a day,.. memories are the true reward of vintage.

One of my favourite BMWs of all time. Gorgeous.