1988 BMW 635csi, 102k miles, automatic

I bought this 635 in 2003, the second of three that I have owned. It was a good, completely original car that I drove home nine hundred miles from the Midwest. I have proceeded over the last thirteen years to lavish upon it new old stock and upgraded aftermarket parts. Some of the parts are difficult to obtain, such as the new front spoiler. The more complex work on the suspension and braking systems that is best done with bespoke BMW tools was completed by a well-regarded BMW specialist. Other work I did myself in my lift equipped home shop.

In 2006, I had the car repainted by a capable specialist who also paints disassembled aircraft trucked to his shop. He takes his time to do things correctly. I have always kept it indoors, and treated it to ethanol free gasoline when driven. The car has never had any collision damage to my knowledge. The current mileage is 101,769. I have a clear Georgia title certificate.

The original Michelin TRX wheels on the car when I bought it were replaced with 635 correct BBS wheels from another 635 I purchased. The original TRX wheels are available to go with the car. The current tires have about two thousand miles use and are 215/60-15.

Parts replaced over the years, always genuine BMW or accepted upgrades include:

Front and rear suspensions and steering components have been rebuilt with new parts. The power steering pump has been rebuilt.In the interest of long term reliability, I converted the original hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension to standard steel springs from a 1987 donor car. The removed parts will go with the car if you like. Shock absorbers were replaced with premium made in Germany yellow Bilsteins.

All four brake rotors were replaced, with premium ATE slotted disks on the front. Front brake calipers were replaced along with all brake pads and related hardware and clips. Brake hoses were replaced as well as the brake fluid.

I replaced the fuel tank and both fuel pumps. Cap, rotor and spark plugs replaced. Cruise control is fully operational.

All fluids and filters are recently replaced. The battery is an Optima.

Hood support struts are new.

The trunk lock actuator has been replaced.

I installed a new Sony radio. Power antenna is functional.

The air conditioning has been converted to use R134a and works as designed. The air conditioning and heating fan rheostat has been replaced.

The fog light lens, and tail lamp lens have been replaced. Minor interior pieces were also replaced as they became worn or broken.

The front spoiler was replaced with the genuine BMW item bought from a BMW dealer’s old stock.

The defects are few. There is a paint chip at one of the windscreen washer jets and the occasional very minor chip at other locations. Recently, the cable release which allows the driver’s seat to move forward when folded for rear seat passenger entry broke, but the seat still folds. The driver’s seat bottom has a seam split, and has been resewn in another place. Also recently, a few drops, and only a few drops, have leaked from the steering box. I suspect it might stop with more use of the car. On occasion, the window switches in the rear have to be fiddled with due to infrequent use.

All warning lights illuminate and extinguish at start-up, including SRS (airbag).

As is true with most long term well cared for collector automobiles, I have invested far more in parts and labor over the past thirteen years than the car’s market value, and it represents a very good value and reliable example for its next keeper. Selling as my interests have evolved and I have other projects which require attention.