Vehicle Details
- Year: 1985
- Make: BMW
- Model: M635 CSi
- VIN: WBAEE310901051060
- Mileage: 57,461
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Cosmosblau Metallic
- Seller: Bill_Noon
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: San Diego, CA 92116
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0006967
We are pleased to present this ultra-rare, German Market, 1985 BMW E24 M635CSi finished in a special order “Cosmosblau” metallic paint over a Pacific Blue Houndstooth interior. Signifying the early beginnings of the M6 lineage, this M635CSi was offered as the ultimate high-horsepower E24 model with a 3.5L “M1” derived engine. Likely the finest surviving example left in the world, this rare and highly original M635CSi is now being listed for auction by its seller in California accompanied by original delivery items as well as all period sales brochures, color charts, option booklets, and tourist delivery package material.
The specially ordered "Cosmosblau" metallic paint was only offered on European Market cars for 2 years, from 1984 to 1986. It is considered by many enthusiasts to be one of the most sought after and beautiful colors offered by BMW. The seller has indicated this example to be in absolutely impeccable original condition (detailed images are provided in the photo gallery). Some noteworthy highlights include yellow Enduro fog lamps and 16” 2-piece BBS wheels that come dressed in new Pirelli tires installed within the last 250 miles.
Inside, this M635 is configured in Pacific Blue with Houndstooth upholstery. The interior is reported to be in outstanding condition with all of the original specifications retained. Factory options selected for this example include a headlight washing and cleaning system, heat-insulated glass, a power-operated multi-position roof, rear headrest system, air conditioning, and velour floor mats.
One of only 3,283 LHD non-catalyst "Euro" M635CSI models produced between December of 1983 and December 1988, this E24 is equipped with an M1-derived type M88/3 3.5L I6 engine. 286 HP is delivered to the rear wheels through a 5-speed Getrag type 280/5 manual transmission. A BMW Authenticity Heritage Certificate indicates the vehicle to be matching numbers and a major service has been recently performed at a cost of approximately $6k to maintain excellent running order.
The original owner of this BMW wanted an original, pure “German” market version of the E24 and specially ordered the car under BMW’s “Tourist Delivery” program. All of the original records and documents for this remain with the vehicle. The order and configuration details were submitted in September of 1984 and approved later that month. BMW internal records state the car was completed on November 2nd and delivered to Kohl Automobile GmbH, their official distributor in Aachen, Germany. (Even today, the original "Kohl Automobiles” dealership decal remains affixed to the glass of the car.)
The original owner took delivery of the car at Kohl Automobile and enjoyed it on a personal holiday. His purchase included temporary road-registration and insurance for six months. Upon completion of his holiday, the car was returned to Kohl Automobile where it was serviced and detailed prior to shipping to the port of Baltimore where it cleared customs and most importantly was exempted from EPA and DOT requirements under the now obsolete “Personal Goods Exemption” rule for a used vehicle owned outside “CONUS” (Continental United States.) By using this “loophole” rule, this very fortunate BMW escaped being Federalized with modifications to the body and drivetrain. It is believed to be one of just a handful that came new to the United States in this manner. To date, no others have been actually identified and the seller indicates that this may be the only surviving example.
This sale will include a set of 2 keys, period sales brochures, color charts, option booklets and tourist delivery package material as well as BMW COA. For any collector of the BMW marque, this indelibly well preserved M635CSi represents a very special opportunity.
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $55,000
- Auction End: Nov 20, 2020 09:10:22PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 29
Comments (75)
Impressive bidding Ladies and Gentleman! I am very pleased to see such effort. I am afraid however we are a bit too light for such a spectacular machine.
I said it before, you could spend twice this price and the rest of your life and never encounter a finer machine anywhere.
All are welcome to try and make a post auction sale through the deal tank. The car remains available for inspections, test drives and any manner of evaluation as potential owners see fit.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Bill Noon
Bid in the amount of $55,000
Bid in the amount of $50,000
Bid in the amount of $49,000
Bid in the amount of $48,500
Bid in the amount of $48,000
Bid in the amount of $47,500
Bid in the amount of $46,750
Bid in the amount of $46,500
Bid in the amount of $46,000
Bid in the amount of $45,500
Bid in the amount of $45,000
Bid in the amount of $44,500
Bid in the amount of $44,250
Bid in the amount of $44,000
Good afternoon @aperkins,
This BMW is on a current Florida title, free and clear. It was previously registered in California but without pointing out names or crimes, it was not legally registered with a proper smog as it will not legitimately pass a smog here being a pure German Market model.
It could be configured legally with modern emissions equipment by a specialist company to pass California Air Resource Board requirements. This would cost approximately $7,000 and take about four to six months. I do however not recommend this as it would destroy the pure nature of the car.
It remains 50 state legal to own but if you are a California resident you need to be either a dealer or legally able to register out of State.
How else can I assist you?
Best of luck,
Bill Noon
Bid in the amount of $43,500
Bid in the amount of $42,500
Bid in the amount of $42,000
Bid in the amount of $41,500
@Bill_Noon Even though I see these 635 is located in San Diego, CA is it registered/licensed in California? I think being 'Federalized' means nothing in the Kingdom of California. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Good afternoon @BarryLe,
Sorry I let you down. Everyone that contacted me directly, I assisted with any and all requests. Anyone who asked for my notes and history on the car was given all we had and told we bought the car from the previous owner that bought it on BAT. Nothing was held back or hidden from any and all who inquired or asked to inspect or drive the car. All of the massive records and documents were made available and reviewed by several.
I would never knowingly not share full history and details on any vehicle. This is why I have repeatedly asked any and all interested in this vehicle to use the "CONTACT SELLER" button.
I fully appreciate your bids as well as that you no longer have an interest in the car. I wish you only the best in all your searches.
Having said that, you could spend twice the current bid and the rest of your life searching for one of these and will never find a better example anywhere.
Kind regards,
Bill Noon
@Bill_Noon: Since its inception, Symbolic Motorcars has been a first rate vintage car dealer. I also felt that you were a very honest and sincere vintage car salesman and true vintage car enthusiast. It is simply inexcusable that you did not choose to reveal the previous 2018 BaT auction and it is NOT credible that you didn't take time to read the description of the car from that auction. I think your reputation takes a small hit today in representing a car with original paint that you had to know was repainted in the 90's. I was prepared to bid to win this great M635CSi today but I have lost my appetite to continue given today's disappointments.
Good afternoon @993ist,
On the contrary, I was very well aware the car was previously on BAT... ...I bought it from the man who bought it on BAT. I just did not read through the auction and instead relied on an independent inspection prior to purchasing the car.
Kind regards,
Bill Noon
The BaT listing of course has the VIN, which is the first thing anyone selling a car will do, google it. You don't offer up a vehicle like this and in this amount of detail without doing your homework; I simply cannot accept that the seller was unaware of that listing and that the car has been repainted. Caveat emptor
Many kind thanks @Kessferis for your bid!
Did you have this vehicle inspected and test driven? I believe I met with your mechanic but don't believe we have actually been introduced directly.
You can use the "CONTACT SELLER" button and I will provide you my full contact details if that helps.
Kind regards and best of luck with this auction,
Bill Noon
Bid in the amount of $40,635
Good morning @BarryLe,
I was not aware of the repaint but believe this must be the case. That owner must of gone to extreme lengths to do an incredible job as all of the original VIN number panel stickers are completely in tact and there is no visible sign of a repaint. See the photo gallery for all of these fragile decals. The photo gallery above also shows the touch up and small micro paint issues on the front valence from stones and general road use.
All who have seen the car made no mention to me of thinking it had been repainted but seeing how nice the paint is and given the age of the car, this makes since.
I know all of the previous owners spent massive time and money caring for the car as we have all of the records going back to new.
How else can I assist?
Bill
Pretty fundamental issue here around the repaint or not. Seller wouldn't you have questioned this when you bought given the repaint was called out so clearly in the 2018 listing ?
Otherwise looks like a very beautiful and special car. These are among the most elegant cars BMW ever built.
Bill_Noon: I just watched the video that dmx215 just posted. It is the same car. In the previous BaT auction, the description said that the car was completely refinished in the 90’s. You have represented that the paint is completely original. Can you explain this discrepancy? There are a few other issues in the BaT auction description that conflict with what you are saying about the car now. I was set to bid to buy the car this afternoon. Now I am a bit concerned after being made aware of the 2018 BaT auction by
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-bmw-m635csi-13/
Good morning @BarryLe,
I wish some of those who inspected the car and checked the paint would chime in here, but I suspect, they are keeping the information to themselves to gain an edge in potential bidding.
We bought the car after being advised during a PPI that all of the paint was original. I have found no evidence otherwise and no signs of touch up or correction anywhere.
Is there anyone else who has seen the car able to share their thoughts here.
Many kind thanks,
Bill
Bill_Noon: Bill: We are getting near the auction's end. Is the paint color on the front of the car and maybe the hood just very slightly off shade? It is hard to tell from the pictures. Please advise.
Good morning PCARMARKET BMW fans,
The YouTube video we made yesterday is now posted to this auction above.
Enjoy,
Bill
Good morning and congratulations @BarryLe on the new Porsche. We are really not even half way there and I respect completely if you drop out on the bidding. Sounds like you got a great machine and I am happy for you and your family.
Thanks for letting me know the video link worked.
Best of luck,
Bill Noon
Bill_Noon: The link to the video works and I just watched it. Well done. I bought a heavily optioned 5,000 mile 2018 Carmine Red Porsche Targa 4 GTS with a manual transmission today. If the bidding on this car goes much higher, I may have to drop out.
I sure hope the video worked... I just got a very nice email form a former worker at BMW. He shared this:
Good day Mr. Bill. I am Jürgen Schnaer and I daughter see your BMW on the internet. I am not German but from Austria but I worked some years at BWM from 1972 to 2002 in a many different places. I am now not working but and an somemtimes go to see the car shows and gatherings and always like to see BMW vehicles that I saw being built. I always look for the small things that were done when the vehicles were new at completion. I have not seen all of the small applied plastic attachment labels that were affixed to all of the parts of these vehicles when they were new in many years. One of my positions was to check to see that all of the proper ? coorect I think is better, decals were in the positions of assignment. I have not seen since many years a vehicle with all of these coorect components on a vehicle until this one. I am very happy to see such an exxample and expect this is something you are very proud of. My only question is how after you have found it, you decide to sell it. I make no judgment just question the decision to let it go as I see you said you are just a new owner. Can you send here to my daughter all of the phots please. You know these words i think mit freundlichen Grüßen
Can anyone let me know if the video link works?
Bill
Good evening BMW "Shark" fans,
Here is a link to a quick video we made on this lovely machine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne4VZSG1DK0&feature=youtu.be
Can someone let me know if the link works and they can see the video?
Have a great night,
Bill Noon
Good afternoon PCARMARKET BMW fans,
Just a quick update. We had a really nice set of test drives earlier today and we also had some time this afternoon to get the requested videos of the car. I am going to try and download them now and upload them to YouTube for those interested in seeing them.
Also now posted in the photo gallery are some of the most recent service records. I will have additional service records posted tomorrow.
Please let me know if I can assist further with anything else at anytime.
Bill
Good morning and again my many thanks @BarryLe for all your bids. I am at your convenience if I can assist further in anyway with this auction.
Best wishes and best of luck,
Bill Noon
Bid in the amount of $32,000
Good morning @atlrvr,
Many kind thanks for your bid. Let me know if I can assist with inspections, test drives and shipping quotes.
While very rare in the States, cloth interiors were quite popular in Europe. Many cars are parked on the street and the leather interiors get extremely hot.
Best of luck with this auction,
Bill Noon
Bid in the amount of $31,500
@Bill_Noon thank you very much! the Houndstooth cloth looks great, just surprised anyone have thought to do that vs standard leather, but there it is!
Let's keep this moving in the right direction.
Specifically, here is the translation of the original configuration details from Kohl Automobile GmbH Aachen:
1985 BMW M635CSi
Exterior Color Cosmo Blue Metalic
Interior Color Pacific Blue Houndstooth / Tartan Cloth
Original Owner Raymond Earl Holland Jr., Fallstou, Maryland
Options:
-German Market M635CSi full standard option package and appearance group
-Special Order “Cosmo Metallic Blue Exterior Paint
-Special Order “Pacific Blue" Houndstooth / Tartan Cloth Interior
-BMW Cross-Spoke Alloy Wheels with Low Section High Speed Tires
-Headlight Washing and Cleaning System
-Heat Insulated Glass
-Electric Sliding, Multi-Postion Roof
-Rear Head Rest System
-Air Conditioning
-Velour Floor Mats
-Dealer Preparation for “Tourist Delivery” including Temporary Registration and Insurance
Good morning @atlrvr
Good question! According to Kohl Automobile, the original ordering and selling dealer, the owner specifically requested many very specific details including the Pacific Blue tartan cloth interior.
None of the interior has been restored or repaired. It is completely original and from many who have seen the car, likely no one has ever even sat in the rear seats.
The car is very well known with the BMW M635CSI register folks and a copy of all of the club records and letters accompanies the car.
How else can I assist?
Bill
Morning Bill,
Can you please provide clarification about the interior? The cloth appears to be in excellent condition, which makes me think it was likely reupholstered, which is no big deal if it was, assuming the OEM cloth was used which is widely available. However, I was under the impression that the M635CSI was standard in leather. Pacific was offered as both a cloth and leather, and the COA doesn't specify, but unless it was requested to by the owner to be "downgraded" to cloth, I would assume this was originally a leather interior, and the previous owner replaced with cloth when it was time to reupholster. Any clarity would be appreciated.
Sorry... my fat-thumb typo... it opened immediately after going live not at $1,984 but $19,840!
Bill
Looks like "Shark Week" for the on-line auctions. This one just went live on BAT and bidding opened at $1984 within minutes of going live:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1984-bmw-m635csi-14/
I suspect it will be interesting to see where this one will end up as well.
Cheers,
Bill
Many kind thanks @Miles.S, for your kind comment and bid. Please let me know if I can assist further in anyway. Did you sell your M6? This would be the perfect replacement and then some!
Good afternoon @BarryLe, my thanks again for your multiple bids and I could not agree more. I have heard from several that were watching the BAT auction and one who bid on it and is now very glad he is not the new owner.
The best private comment I have heard came from a client that drove our BMW on Friday afternoon. He said something to the effect:
“When I got in your car, it was like stepping into a time machine. The smells, the sight, the touch and feel were like being back at BMW of Los Angeles 35 years ago. It was almost overwhelming.
On the other hand, I could smell today's Bring-A-Trailer M6 through my computer screen and it was not a good smell.”
I know there are always buyers for cheap cars with the mentality that buy it cheap and attend to the issues a little bit at a time and end up with a great car. It rarely works out that way with the biggest problem on these BMWs being internal corrosion. These cars rust from the inside out. The double skin panels have excellent outer corrosion protection but nothing on the inside. By the time you can actually see rust bubble on exterior panels, the interior corrosion is catastrophic and no amount of repair will keep it from coming through again and again and again.
Rust never sleeps!
Bill
Bid in the amount of $30,000
Great seller here! The Euro M6 is a bit of a unicorn. I have had both euro and domestic M6's..and the euro cars are like taking a US example and making a hotrod. You will not find better representation of anEuro MCSI635 here. Good colors and excellent representation.
Bid in the amount of $28,000
Bill_Noon: I too saw the end of that auction. I felt that car was worth 10K on its best day. I guess auction frenzy took over. This auction should set the true value of your very special car.
Good afternoon PCARMARKET BMW fans!
I just watched the end of a very interesting, actually kind of shocking sale over at BringATrailer of a Euro BMW M635CSi. It was a very challenged, high-mileage example with all the usual issues of rust, accident damage, non-original features and modifications, and just an all-around rough looking example yet the bidding was feverish with eight different bidders hammering at each other over a thirty-five minute extended auction.
The final hammer price was $29,500 and the comments are very complementary to the new owner.
Here is a link to the auction:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-bmw-m6-4/
Cheers,
Bill
My many thanks @BarryLe,
My pleasure of course to try and assist. I am really happy about the auction of this particular BMW. I know the lucky new owner is going to feel they won the lottery with this one.
Your multiple bids as such a greatly appreciated!
Bill
Many kind thanks @gary_samsonmd for your bid. Please let me know if I can assist further in anyway with inspections, test-drives, shipping quotes or anything else that might assist you with further bids.
Cheers,
Bill Noon
Good morning @TangerineT,
Many kind thanks for your comment and questions. Yes, 100% of all aspects of this BMW are in perfect original working order. Nothing is in need of any repairs or work. The AC system blows ice-cold at 39 degrees F at the outlet in the maximum setting. It has also been converted to R134. The car was ordered new as a pure “German Market” model under BMW’s Tourist Delivery program. All of the original records for this remain with the car including full history from new. The order specified a USA / North American market speedometer calibrated in miles per hour. It has never been removed or replaced and the total milage indicated is original to the car.
How else can I assist?
Bill Noon
Bid in the amount of $22,000
@Bill_Noon : Thanks for your thoughtful and informative reply. It is really a great car.
Good morning @BarryLe,
Sorry for the delay in responding to your questions. I was away all of yesterday. I will be very happy to see this BMW go your way if fortune prevails. It will look splendid in Osterville. I had a high school friend who had a summer home there. We both went to Xaverian in Westwood. I get very competitive rates from volume business with Intercity Lines and Reliable. West to East Coast has been running anywhere from $1850 to $2200 depending on fuel charges and available space. If you contact me using the seller contact button, I will copy you on an email and get actual quotes from both shippers.
Regarding your other questions, the paint as well as interior and all cosmetics are one of these vehicles most enduring features. Except for the very center lower portion of the front spoiler there is nearly zero defects of any kind. The front spoiler at its lowest point under the front plate as shown in photo number 26 shows a very small set of stone chips otherwise the few micro specs are so small they are near impossible to photograph.
All of the car’s glass is original and scratch free and all original dealer applied graphics and decals are still present, perfect and have no delimitation or discoloration. The dash this car is original and the very best indication of how carefully the car was cared for and clearly always indoor stored to protect from UV damage. The Dash and rear parcel trays are especially fragile and prone to warping and cracking if not very carefully cared for.
The car has absolutely zero faults or issues of any kind. Ever stitch, light, gauge functions as new. It is ready for any manner of immediate road use or concourse showing where it will absolutely kill in the originality class and likely take top honors overall.
(Not enough room in the comment section for full answers… see the next comment box.)
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Test
(Continued from above)
I serviced these cars when they were new at Foreign Motors of Boston in Natick, Massachusetts. My job was to perform pre-delivery inspections and preparations removing the paper and plastic shipping wraps. Occasionally we would be asked by a client to remove the bottom-side cosmoline and some clients actually special ordered their cars having it deleted. Big mistake in New England as while not the prettiest of material, it was fantastic at rust prevention. The bottom side of this car still caries nearly all of its original cosmoline as applied new when the car was built. The few high point areas that have lost it from abrasion over time have light surface rust. This could be removed and the iron and steal areas painted but you would want to be careful not to go overboard as it could easily look like someone was trying to hide something.
I can get an actual quote but figure about four to five hours of work so probably a maximum of $1,000 plus flat-bed charges to a local shop we use for detail work.
The car comes full records from new including all of the BMW bulletins and club registry records as well. I will post in the gallery the most recent service late today.
Let me me know how else I can assist at your convenience, Bill
@Bill_Noon Couple of questions:
Are ALL systems functioning properly, including the AC system holding a charge and blowing cold?
If the car is German/Euro market and was not modified for import, why is the speedo/odo in MPH/miles, rather than the correct-for-Germany KPH/km?
Was this changed out at some point? If so, still have original, and what would be the correct mileage?
Bill Noon: Bill, I do have several questions. First, what is the condition of the paint? Are there a bunch of stone chips on the nose? Second, does the car have any needs? Third, what would it cost to get the underside of the car looking as good as the rest of the car? And finally, where are the service records, especially the most recent $6,000.00 service?
@Bill_Noon @Bill_Noon: Hi Bill. Thanks for your comments. I am well aware of your reputation and I believe we have spoken on the phone a few times over the years. I winter in Boca Raton, FL, so I will need to rely on your superb reputation and your accurate description of the car. If I win the auction, the car will be headed to my summer home on Cape Cod, Osterville, MA. I assume enclosed shipping would be about $2,000.00. I love the car. I hope I win.
Good morning @BarryLe & @msoelter,
Many kind thanks for you bids Gentleman. Can I assist with inspections, test drives or shipping quotes? How else can I assist?
Please keep in mind, you could spend twice the price of the wining bid in this auction and the rest of your life looking and you will never encounter a finer example anywhere.
My very best wishes to you all,
Bill Noon
Bid in the amount of $18,000
Bid in the amount of $16,000
Bid in the amount of $15,000
@Bill_Noon Thanks for the warm welcome. Let's see where this goes. Make sure your kids don't grab you adult beverage!
Good morning @jwcar,
Many kind thanks for your bid. Please let me know if I can assist further in anyway with inspections, test drives and worldwide shipping quotes as needed.
Remember bid early, bid often, bid until it hurts... ...then come back and bid again.
My children are hungry and need new shoes for their feet!
Bill
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Welcome PCARMARKET fans everywhere!
For you, the non-Porsche fans who love this site and a bit of variety, you are in for a real treat. This rare BMW “SHARK” is the real deal, a pure, original, German-Market model and likely the only one brought new to the State legally, exempt from Federalization or EPA modification.
The colors and specification as well as “Time-Warp” original condition will surely please even the most demanding of enthusiasts.
I highly encourage all interested bidders to contact me for additional assistance with inspections, test drive and world-wide shipping quotes.
This car can return to Europe for as little as 5% VAT and no additional duty charges. Contact me for specific air and ocean quotes depending on which nation we ship it to.
So sit back, grab the popcorn and your favorite adult beverage and enjoy the show!
Bill Noon