Are we tired of seeing these big two-door BMWs yet? This is the ninth post on this model, so perhaps we’re hitting CC bedrock here, contents-wise. Fortunately, this one is a bit special, being an Alpina version. Will that be enough to keep the reader interested? Or the writer, for that matter?
As far as the writer is concerned, shorter would be better. There aren’t that many ways to skin this kind of cat, and I’ve already had a bash at it last year. So let us be brief and to the point. Ahem.
The BMW E24 was designed by Paul Bracq and launched in 1976 as the 630 CS and 633CSi. This was back when BMW’s alphanumerics actually had meaning to them, so when the 628CSi and the 635CSi joined the range in 1978-79, folks understood that these were the 2.8 litre and 3.5 litre variants, respectively, of the 6-Series coupé.
The 635CSi was the main export model – certainly for places like North America and Japan. But for folks who still thought that was too “normal,” there were a couple of options available.
One was the M, which arrived in the range in 1984 and provided a 3.5 litre 286hp DOHC straight-6 that was actually different from the 3.5 litre SOHC 6-cyl. found in standard E24s. But starting in early 1982, Alpina put their B9 engine in the E28 saloon and the E24 coupé.
The B9 was based on the M30 straight-6 that powered the standard-issue 635CSi, but thanks to Alpina’s wizardry, the power went up to 245hp. They also tweaked the suspension, added a rear spoiler and larger front air dam, as well as a special set of alloy wheels to complete the look.
Most Alpinas also received the well-known external decoration package still used on their current productions, but this one seems to be missing them – perhaps a delete option, or perhaps it was re-sprayed at some point in its life.
Either way, the presence of an automatic gearbox does raise additional questions, such as “Why” and “But seriously, why?” – adding all that cavalry at the front only to have it pass through a lot of slush doesn’t seem like a very competent combination. So perhaps this is a regular 635CSi posing as an Alpina?
Who knows. This is Tokyo, so anything is possible – literally. Someone could have ordered this car as is for delivery here 40 years ago. Or it’s a normal 635CSi that’s had a few Alpina bits added along the way. If it is a genuine B9, it’s a rare bird: they made 75 of these until the end of 1985, when the B10 took over.
These are beautiful and impressive machines, but the Alpina pedigree makes this one a bit more special, if that’s your thing. Personally, the fewer add-ons the better, so I’d rather get an early model E24, without all those bits tacked on and make do with a more modest 200hp motor. Less is more – except perhaps when it comes to CC posts about these BMWs.
Related posts:
Curbside Classic: 1983 BMW 635 CSi – Love Or Lust?, by PN
Curbside Classic: 1989 BMW 635 CSi – Hand-Me-Downs, by Joseph Dennis
Curbside Classic: 1985 BMW 635 CSi (E24) – If It Is Bracq, Don’t Fix It, by T87
Curbside Classic: 1986 BMW 635 CSi (E24) – She’s A Little Bit Dangerous, She’s Got What It Takes To Make Ends Meet, by Brendan Saur
CC For Sale: 1987 BMW M6 – The Ultimate Driving Machine For The Decade Of Excess, by Brendan Saur
Automotive History: Paul Bracq – Neither A Knife Nor A Potato; Part Two, by Don Andreina
COAL: 1983 BMW 633csi, Beginner’s Luck, by Matt Spencer
CC Driveway Outtake: Three Old Cars, One Very Nice One, by PN
Count the responses. Some cars can’t stop generating interest. This isn’t one of them, but that’s just me.
Doesn’t help when our responses inexplicably go straight to trash lol
Personally I say keep ‘em coming, this was the first piece I read on here today, I don’t have much to say about these from lack of firsthand experience but I sure like them!
I might not have much to say about it, but I can never get tired of looking at E24s.
I love those tweed fabric seats, so much better than the cookie cutter leather I see in most E24s! Damn fine looking car, I don’t get the appeal of any other BMW except for these.
I really, really like this generation of BMW styling, especially the 6 series. But then I see the side profile in the third picture and wonder why? It almost looks like a short wheelbase version of the 6 series.
And that “wood” topped gear shifter is hideous IMHO.
I vote this a 633 with some trim and badges. Not sure why and happy to be proved wrong.
Every B9 photo I can find shows smaller inboard headlamps and the grille badge set horizontally, not at an angle, and on the other side of the kidney.
I vote knock-off (but still a sweet car).
Yes, I agree it’s weird.
However, there are two mitigating circumstances: 1. If you were to add badges to a BMW grille, why would you do it wrong, and 2. This is a pre-facelift B9, ie a very early car, which would be very rare indeed (like a dozen at most?), so perhaps there aren’t many to compare with out there.
But yeah, it’s a little fishy… Maybe…
I’d guess knockoff. But it does have Recaros and looks from here to be in excellent condition. But that could be regardless of formal heritage. But this is an early E24, prior to the facelift/chassis change in ’83. But… the author suggested that most exports, to places like North America got the 3.5, but we didn’t get it until ’85, the 9th year of production for US sales. Engine power did build with time here in the US, but on a world basis, short of the M6, it peaked no later than 1980.
But, while even to my eyes, not in that class, they’re almost getting into Jag E type territory, meaning the difference in a 3.8 and 4.2 engine is probably less significant than in the 60s, as is exactly what engine, or Alpina origin the BMW 6’r has. I see them and they’re a treat to my eyes.