November 4, 200520 Years Long, Still Going Strong: The 1986 BMW 635CSi
When I wrote my article on the 2006 BMW M6 last semester, I was wowed by the German super-coupe. Little did I know that it was actually a reincarnation of a phenomenal vehicle that had been manufactured between 1975 and 1989. While it was the year of the rabbit according to Chinese astrology, by all other accounts 1975 was the year of the shark. ‘Jaws’ was the movie and the BMW 6 series was the newest car design and both featured the ferocious fish as a parcel of new technology. While the 6 series did not come to the United States until 1977, it certainly made its splash when it did, setting a new bar for personal luxury and vehicular technology.
If you pay attention to cars, then you’ve probably noticed a very unique one cruising around our campus. A rare classic but still new enough to avoid being relegated to Sunday driving, DC’s 1986 BMW 635CSi is a veritable “keeper coupe” (as the November 1998 article in European Car that peaked his interest in the car called it). “Red Shark” – the tag given by his license plate – is the result of 365 days of thoughtful research, a moment of adamant persuasion, and six years of tender love and care. According to DC, the research is the most important part in purchasing an older car because you must familiarize yourself with what you’re looking for and what kinds of problems typically rear in whatever vehicle you choose to buy. For DC, the persuasion came when he spotted his dream car in 1999 parked in someone’s driveway and he and his dad – evidently quite the dynamic duo – managed to talk the owner into selling the car to DC. As for tender love and care, DC warns that old cars require careful and consistent preventative maintenance. He jokes that BMW really stands for “break my wallet” but he tells me in earnest that it costs him about $1,500 a year to keep the car in good condition (which is not so different from the upkeep of a newer car). It should also be mentioned that DC is kind to his car and that he retires it after Thanksgiving until the Spring so as to safeguard it from the brutal Hamilton winters.
I had the good fortune of going for a ride in DC’s classic Bimmer. In fire-engine red, the car is a real head-turner. Its pointed nose gives the classic 6 series its shark-like edge and bulky bumpers in the front and rear (on US models) offer a distinct look. The grill is characterized by its BMW badge and classic square nostril-like vents. The lighting scheme is aesthetically noteworthy with four round headlamps and two rectangular illuminators below the bumper. The rear windshield is vast and outlined in chrome; this in conjunction with the flat back gives this 635CSi its vintage flair.
The car’s interior boasts impressive technological advancements which are the norm is luxury cars of today, but were novelties back in 1986. DC’s car has super comfortable leather, 14-way power-adjustable Recarro front bucket seats. One cool feature of these seats is the upper-leg extension which accommodates taller drivers and passengers. Power memory seats, a computerized panel which indicates if a light has gone out, if coolant is needed, if oil is low, etc, and a 9-function on-board computer for date, average MPG, average speed, temperature, etc were among the first of their kind to be featured in a vehicle. Moreover, DC’s model is the first BMW to have the Service Interval System which alerts drivers when a tune-up is needed. This system is calibrated based on miles driven and driving style. It is quite remarkable that this car was so technologically advanced at a time when the predominating home computer was the Apple IIe.
The car’s interior styling is quite pleasant. While we have grown accustomed to incredible interior luxury in the cars of today, the 635CSi harkens back to a time before lavishness had been taken to extremes. Leather seats, a three-spoke ///M sport steering wheel, and an ample dashboard make DC’s “Red Shark” comfortable and engulfing.
And now for the exciting part: the drive. Under the hood of DC’s 635CSi lurks a 3.5L, fuel-injected inline 6-cyllinder engine. What this car lacks in its not-so-amazing 182 horsepower it makes up for in torque. Some improvements to the handling include the replacement of standard factory “metric” sized rims (15.3”) and dated Michelin TRX tires with 17” BBS cross-spoke wheels with wide, low profile (235/45ZR17) performance tires. Additionally DC added Bilstein SPORT gas-pressure shocks and slotted brake rotors. The result is a really responsive ride. The 4-speed automatic transmission offers three modes: Economy, SPORT, and Manual. What an exhilarating feeling when the gas pedal is floored in SPORT mode! The car takes off and the fierce sound of the engine revving is nothing short of thrilling. Aggressive acceleration results directly in a smile stretching across both the driver’s and passenger’s faces.
The old 6 series holds a special place for many car enthusiasts who believe the 6 series to be the perfect amalgam of athleticism and luxury. BMW achieved something great with its 6 series coupes. Sure it takes work to keep a car from the mid 1980s in top condition, but the car’s longevity is a testament to its extraordinary design. DC bought his 1986 635CSi for $8,500 six years ago and has since invested close to $18,000 in his “Red Shark”. The price of the car 20 years ago was $45,000 which is right around par with the new 6 series coupe’s $71,800 price tag. Will the new 6 series be a classic someday? Perhaps. But until the price comes down, you might want to consider going old school.
DC tells me that the fun in having an older car is that it has so much character. Certainly his 1986 BMW has a unique style which draws a great deal of positive and favorable attention. Though it sounded to me like the car is a constant project, DC notes that it is fun to fix and make improvements to his automobile. Talking to DC about his 1986 BMW, one is struck by the deep sense of pride he takes in owning and maintaining a classic car. His abundance of knowledge on the topic of his car is pretty astounding and his dedication and delight are made evident when he opens the hood and animatedly tells me “see this” – he points to the engine – “this engine was designed in the 1960s and was modified and enhanced up until 1995. The basic architecture in the newer models remains intact.” DC’s pride lay in the fact that his car was a pioneer of its time. His 1986 635CSi is something special, so don’t miss the “Red Shark” zipping around Hamilton – catch your glimpse before Thanksgiving.
(as seen in the Maroon News, 11/04/05)
