The 1981 BMW 633CSi is not a muscle car but an excellent grand tourer that effortlessly devours enormous distances. The company staked its reputation on excellent build quality and longevity, helping to explain why our feature car continues to present well after more than forty years. It has recently emerged from over two decades in isolation, and after reviving it, the owner feels the time is right for it to find a new home. They have listed the Bimmer for sale here on eBay in Dallas, Texas. The bidding has raced beyond the reserve and sits at $10,100.

BMW released its E24 Series in 1976, proving a resilient platform that remained in production until 1989. Many believe the 635CSi represented the platform’s pinnacle, tasting considerable success on the world motorsport stage. The 633CSi shared its more potent sibling’s body but featured a more conservative drivetrain combination in keeping with a grand tourer. The seller indicates that this 633 was last registered in 1995, but they recently worked through returning it to active duty. Cosmetically, the process wasn’t complex. The Henna Red paint was already in good condition, but it was enhanced when the seller had it polished and ceramic coated in March. It shines deeply, and any defects are too minor to show in the supplied photos. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with gaps as tight and consistent as you should rightly expect from a German prestige manufacturer. There is no evidence of rust or previous repairs. A former owner added the Zender skirts and valance, and when combined with the recently restored German Alutech wheels, they give the car a purposeful appearance. The “M” badges are purely aspirational, but they fit the car’s exterior character. The trim and glass look excellent, and there’s no evidence of leaking seals on the factory sunroof.

This BMW’s interior presents well for its age, but there are a couple of items that may benefit from specialist attention. The leather upholstery is generally good, although there is wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat that an upholsterer should address before it deteriorates further. The remaining upholstered surfaces look good, and there are no signs of crumbling plastic. The car features air conditioning, but this doesn’t blow cold. That is an item begging for a specialist, while the inoperative stereo, turning signals, and sluggish motors for the power windows in both doors might require the attention of an auto electrician. Otherwise, this interior has no immediate needs.

The seller supplies no engine photos, but this shot tells us something important about this Bimmer’s drivetrain combination. It reveals that the car’s 3,210cc six-cylinder engine sends its 174hp to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The company offered a three-speed automatic, but the self-shifter took away much from the vehicle’s driving pleasure. The power figure isn’t huge, but its delivery is one of the most linear of any production car from the era. That means it won’t slap you in the back when you floor the gas pedal, but it will accelerate smoothly and consistently from 2,000rpm to 5,500rpm. The ¼ mile ET of 16.7 seconds is resectable, and it should run out of breath with the needle nudging 124mph. After decades of inactivity, the seller worked through a meticulous revival process, replacing many parts to ensure the car is mechanically sound. It runs and drives well, but they suggest the brakes would benefit from attention for the car to drive better. Otherwise, the new clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder, Bilstein shocks, suspension bushes, tie rod ends, and other components should ensure a comfortable driving experience.

I have long been a fan of BMW’s E24 Series. They look low and sleek, and they have a sense of purpose when fitted with the right aerodynamic additions. This 633CSi isn’t perfect, but the company’s reputation for build quality and longevity means it should offer its new owner years of reliable service if appropriately maintained. Apart from its tidy presentation, the manual transmission helps increase its desirability. The bidding has been intense, and I won’t be surprised if it nudges $20,000 before the auction closes. If it sells for a lower figure, it could represent an intelligent buy for someone with the available funds. If a comfortable German classic is on your radar, monitoring this auction could be worth the effort.