1983 BMW E24 633CSi 64,000 Miles, 5-Speed Manual, Henna Red, Pearl Beige Leather

1983 BMW 633CSi

Henna Red Exterior (052)

Pearl Beige Leather Interior (0158)

64,000 Miles

1 of 1659 1983 USA-spec 633CSi’s

M30B32 Inline 6-Cylinder Engine

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Coco Floor Mats

Car Cover

14-Inch Bottle Cap Wheels

Kumho Power Star 758 Tires

Same Owner Since 1990

Colorado Car

Clean Carfax

Background

The first generation BMW 6 Series was codenamed the E24 internally, but the rest of the world knew it by a more formidable name: The Shark. The name fit not only the 6er’s form, but also its function. Unleashed on the autobahn, the Shark was an exceptional grand tourer that would devour miles at terrific speed while treating its occupants to fine sporting luxury. Its sleek and graceful lines were the product of BMW Director of Design Paul Bracq, who ensured that it was a classic in the making. The two-door 633CSi coupe (CS stands for Coupe Sport) was the sporting driver’s alternative to the big four-door German sedans and cheap American luxo-barges—and unlike the latter, the shark could go around corners. It was powered by a fuel injected 3.2-liter version of the venerable M30 inline six-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower. The 633CSi featured revolutionary technology, like Bosh L-Jetronic engine management and was one of the first BMWs with a check control panel. Post-1981 633CSi’s received significant updates including the new E28-based interior and oxygen sensor based emissions control in lieu of the troublesome thermal reactors. Time has been kind to the E24, earning it the status of a classic and as one of BMW’s most elegant designs.

Summary

I am selling this Henna Red 1983 633CSi on consignment for a BMW enthusiast who has owned it since 1990. At present it has just shy of 64,000 miles. It has always lived in Colorado and is virtually rust-free, having always lived indoors and spared exposure to Colorado winters. The mileage is so low because he lives in Hawaii part time. The owner has always done annual oil changes and maintained it to high standards. In preparation for sale we gave it a tune up including a fresh oil change, air filter, fuel system treatment, transmission fluid flush, hood shocks, driver’s door window regulator, and rear brake pads and rotors. A Henna Red 633CSi with this mileage and condition is a very rare find. We would like to find a new home for it where it will continued to be enjoyed for years to come.

Exterior

Admire the 633CSi at rest and it is clearly The Shark—a grand touring sport coupe. Legendary automotive executive Bob Lutz influenced BMW’s decision to start with a fresh canvas for the E24, rather than a face-lifted version of the E9 3.0 coupe. Still, the E24’s design language is classic BMW. A long hood protrudes over double headlights framing square kidney grills. The roof slopes above a larger than normal Hofmeister Kink into a comparatively short trunk lid; the shallow raked rear window glass is nearly the same size as the front. Fourteen-inch “bottle cap” wheels are original and correct, but I can't help but wonder how good slightly larger weaves or even BBS LM’s would look. The Henna Red is striking on the E24; it is my favorite color of all BMW models of this vintage. The overall condition of the paint is good, although there are small areas of bubbling rust underlying the finish on lower windshield valence and sunroof panel (pictures are on our website if you are reading this elsewhere). They are nothing like the corrosion rustbelt cars see, nor do they warrant immediate attention, but they are worth noting. Common rust prone areas like the floorboards, trunk floor, and front fender seams are corrosion free. All trim work is present and intact, as are the headlight, indicators, and brake light lenses. The metal bumpers have excellent finish. The window glass is in good shape without major pitting. The wheels are straight and true, and the Kumho Power Star 758 tires have over 60% tread remaining.

Interior

Open the door and aluminum inner doorsills are the first subtle detail that this was a halo status luxury grand tourer. Two-tone Pearl Beige leather under a black tiered dashboard that is angled toward the driver making no mistake that is a driver’s car. The interior is intact and in very good shape considering its age. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. The carpets are clean and tear-free. The dashboard has very nice leather with no cracks. The leather M Tech 1 steering wheel and shifter are in excellent shape. The factory stereo works, but requires entering the code on start up. The service interval has several inoperative LEDs and the Oil Service light remains on even after resetting. The seat leather is soft to the touch and all seams are intact. All seat adjustments work. The rear seats are in very good condition, despite mild deformation of the plastic headrest storage compartments. The door cards are in great shape. The sunroof headliner has some discoloration above the driver’s seat (a common E24 issue). The large trunk tool kit is complete. All power functions work. The heat blows warm, the air conditioning blows cold. In preparation for sale we rebuilt the HVAC controls (a common failure), and replaced the driver’s door window regulator. The left rear window switch can be a little finicky when rolling the window up. The parking brake light switch is slightly out of adjustment, requiring some jiggling of the handle to get the light out with the parking brake off.

Mechanical

This 633CSi is in good mechanical condition. The owner followed regular service intervals and repairs. It starts without hesitation, idles smoothly, pulls hard under acceleration, and brakes just as strong. The steering is tight, the shifter is crisp, and the suspension is compliant. The maintenance records are good, but clearly not complete. I suspect living part time Colorado and Hawaii contributed to some missing items in the records. A spreadsheet summary of all maintenance records is available upon request. In preparation for sale we gave it a complete tune up including an oil and filter change, air filter, fuel system treatment, idle adjustment, transmission fluid flush, and rear brake pads and rotors. The result is a turn-key E24 ready to be driven by its new owner. Make no mistake, it will inevitably need continued care and maintenance like all classic BMWs do, but it is a well cared for example that deserves it.

Glen Shelly is a low-volume auto brokerage focused only on the highest quality vehicles. We are two airline pilots, mechanics, and auto enthusiasts who bring a high level of professionalism and attention to detail to the automobile business. Our philosophy is to keep our inventory small so that we can focus on thorough mechanical and cosmetic preparation of the vehicles we select. We have more than 20 years of experience restoring and repairing automobiles and are intimately familiar with our cars. We do the inspections, service, detailing, and corrective maintenance using only OEM parts and service manuals. We offer an informed and low-pressure sales environment, resulting in a premium buying experience. Find this listing on our website at http://glenshelly.com/sales/1983-bmw-633csi.