The E24-series from BMW is one of the most handsome coupe designs the company has created, aside from the venerable E9. However, in recent years, the brand has lost its way (in my opinion) when it comes to building a desirable two-door grand touring model like this classic 6-Series. This example shows impressively low mileage but is sadly saddled with an automatic; however, great colors and handsome wheels can make a difference. Find this 1977 630CSI here on eBay with an opening bid of $7,500 and no action.
The seller claims there’s a mere 17,000 miles on the clock. The color looks to me like Reseda Green, but I’m not positive; either way, it’s one of those 70s-era colors that most of us couldn’t stand for years that has suddenly come back into style. The body wears the standard U.S. “park-bench” bumpers, but they at least seemed less obtuse on the E24 cars than on vehicles like my E30. The BBS or Mahle basketweave wheels look so, so good.
The dreadful automatic sits right where a 5-speed manual should be, but some would argue the slushbox is what helped keep this 630CSI in such exceptional shape. Now, mind you, these were not entirely different from a Porsche 928 in terms of intent: they were backroads cruisers, or high-speed highway commuters. A manual transmission means far less here, than, say, an E30 M3. Which, I know wasn’t available with an automatic, but the point remains the same. The interior shows the basic, flat bucket seats that were standard fare at the time.
Later models came with the desirable E24 sport bucket seats, but gray market cars often had tasty Recaros that would quickly be sold off to fund other projects if a beater Euro car came into the possession of a cash-strapped owner. I’d love to pull down on that tool box door to see how many tools are left (BMW aficionados know the red-handle screwdrivers alone can make or break an otherwise sound deal.) Show me the screwdrivers, find a better set of buckets and I could live with the automatic, especially if the low-mileage claims can be proven.
I am Not BMW fan and Never owned one but as classic car collector I must admit this is a very clean and original example of a 70s BMW
Hey I have one of these except mine is an ’85 635 CSI. One of BMW’s best designs.
Wonder how hard it is to swap out the automatic for a 5 speed?
It is no more difficult than swapping transmissions in any other modern car. The trick is, to have a donor car, because it just makes the job easier. i have a 5 speed in an 83, 633csi that would be a good candidate if you are thinking of doing it.
Bob
Agree on lost BMW losing their way.
Just looking at the number of models now is mind blowing. 2 series, 4 series, GT versions of several.
All of them are being punted out on crazy cheap leasing deals too.
It’s so confusing their own sales people can’t get their heads around it. Had a very odd call from BMW trying to sell me a 4 series when they came out one day. He told me the 4 series would replace any 2 door 3 series. There would only be 2 door 4 series, and 4 door 3 series. That’s just not right i soon discovered, having seen 4 door 4 series on the road. The 2 series is just odd .. so are the GT variants. It’s so confusing I have lost interest. Back in the day it was a 3,5 or 7 (6 and 8 aside which slotted in nicely) .. easy.
A month ago I bought a 2000 Z3. Fun car! I still cannot understand all the number stuff.
What a shame. No bids and hours to go. Is it the 0 feedback seller? That is a very collectible low mileage BMW.
Mmmm, yes, Reseda Green…delicious!
I think its a 4K car at best.
Ended: Aug 20, 2018 , 8:22AM
Starting bid:US $7,501.00
[ 0 bids ]
I like it but suspect the lack of underside photos kept any real interest away, especially given the rust showing on the back edge of the trunk. The only car I ever bought from Kansas – where this one was originally sold – was and MBZ wagon that had rust throughout it.
Looks good, but the ad has been pulled!
This would be a great car for someone with a mint 88 or 89 e24. Interesting comparisons 12 years apart. I bet this one feels alot lighter, which it is.
I saw it, but didn’t drive it.
It’s definitely Reseda Green, and it’s been floating around for about a year with steady price drops:
http://germancarsforsaleblog.com/1977-bmw-630csi-17000-miles/
I had an interesting comp at that point in the mid-teens. This one is nice but wears the wrong wheels from a collector standpoint, even though the Mahles are prettier. The post-E28 refresh cars are really much better drivers. No mention still if this car wears the original thermal reactors still.
I recall that it had thermal reactors and red-handled screwdrivers.
I recently saw this again in my area.