13 Apr 04
628 CSi/CSiA - 2788cc, 184bhp, six cylinders; 633 CSi/CSiA - 3210cc, six cylinders; 635 CSi (1976-82) - 3453cc, six cylinders; 635 CSi (1982-89) - 3430cc, 218bhp (220bhp from October '87), six cylinders; M635 CSi: 3453 cc, 24 valves, 286bhp, six cylinders
£1000-£10,000
Dubious history, cheap bodykits and M lookalikes, excessively lowered suspension, general neglect and accident damage
With the new generation here, BMW 6-Series coupes has crossed the boundary from cheap but flash older cars to proper classics like their predecessors, the sleek 3.0 CS, CSi and CSL ('Batmobile') models. At the moment, if you don't mind looking like a Brixton drug-dealer, they can be had at very reasonable prices - even the 286bhp M versions, which are serious performance cars. Of course, many a 628/633/635 has been tarted up to look like an M, some more successfully than others, so if you're after the real thing, make sure you know your engine and chassis codes.
The earlier 6s came in manual (CSi) or automatic (CSiA) form, the auto gearbox having just three ratios until 1983. From that point, the continuing 628 CSiA and 635 CSi both came with the new four-speed auto box only; the M635 had a close-ratio five-speed manual system. Right from launch in 1976, this range had a sophisticated level of equipment; the first 633 CSi/CSiA had fuel injection, a limited-slip differential, variable-rate power steering and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. On the inside, it had full leather upholstery. The 635 CSi, which followed two years later, added uprated suspension, a higher rear axle ratio and front and rear spoilers, and from 1980, it came with the option of the close-ratio manual gearbox. The 628 CSi and CSiA, launched in 1981, had a similar level of kit, but no spoilers (plenty of owners added them anyway) and all models from June '82 had revised suspension, digital ignition and a new fuel-injection system; the 635 CSi got standard ABS and, from 1984, the auto gearbox came with the option of economy and sport settings. The M635 joined the range in early 1985, boasting M-Technic sports suspension and styling, and all models were revised in October 1987, getting a slightly restyled front end and more equipment (including standard air-conditioning); the 635 CSi gained an extra 2bhp, and a year later, self-levelling suspension. BMW has never really replaced the 6-Series; the V12 8-Series, launched in 1990, was an altogether bigger, more powerful and more expensive machine, and the 3-Series Ci is a small sports coupe rather than a comfortable, elegant grand tourer. However, a new luxury 5-Series-based coupe is said to be on the cards in the next few years. Until then, large numbers of drivers who wouldn't be seen dead in a modern BM saloon (far too common, darling) will continue to buy up the best of the '70s and early '80s 6-Series models. Get one now, before the prices get silly.
