01 · Überblick
Eleven years as the flagship model
Throughout its entire production run, the 635 CSi was the model line’s flagship coupé for the everyday driver — in three stages: from 1978 with the M90 (218 PS), from the May 1982 facelift with the M30B34 (3,430 cc, still 218 PS, now on an E28 basis with improved suspension), and from May 1987 with the higher-compression M30B35 — the catalytic converter version gained around 25 PS.
We cover all stages on this page; the model years are cleanly separated by their technology. In terms of driving character: the later, the more mature.
02 · Historie
Einordnung
- 1978 The 635 CSi replaces the 633 CSi as the top model — M90 engine with 218 PS.
- 1982 Major facelift in May: E28 basis, M30B34, improved electronics.
- 1987 Final stage with M30B35; Highline and L6 editions are introduced in parallel.
- 1989 End after more than a decade — the 8 Series takes over.
03 · Karosserievarianten
Karosserievarianten
Coupé
The shark-nose front shaped by Paul Bracq — modernised only gently over eleven years.
04 · Motoren
M90 / M30B34 / M30B35 geprüft
Three development stages of the large inline six — all known to be robust, catalytic converter versions from 1987.
Technische Daten anzeigen
| Leistung | 218 PS (160 kW); catalytic converter versions from 1987 around +25 PS on M30B35 basis |
| Hubraum | 3.453 / 3.430 cm³ |
Wikipedia EN, BMW 6 Series (E24)
05 · Kaufberatung
Buying Advice in Brief
Rust is decisive: wheel arches, A-pillars, jacking points. Mechanicals (M30) are nearly indestructible; facelift cars from 1982 are the more everyday-usable ones.
06 · Die Konkurrenz
Die Konkurrenz
Mercedes SEC (C126)
The comfort-oriented counterpart to the driver-focused 6 Series.
07 · Quellen