Euro‑Spec 1981 BMW 635CSi with M90, Dogleg Gearbox, Recaros & Records

This 1981 BMW 635CSi is a European‑spec example finished in Henna Red over a black interior and shows approximately 97k miles. Imported to the U.S. in 1986, the car remained in the Southeast until 2016 and has been titled in New Jersey under my ownership since 2019. Power comes from the desirable M90 3.5‑liter inline‑six paired with a Getrag 265 dogleg five‑speed manual transmission. Modifications include a Schrick 290 camshaft, Stahl exhaust headers, 17" Rondell wheels, Zender side skirts, and an aftermarket rear spoiler. All four seats were reupholstered, and a Pioneer head unit was installed. Factory equipment includes fog lights, a power sunroof, and factory Recaro front seats.
Service under my ownership has included a tune‑up with new fuel injectors, sunroof carriage replacement, driver‑side floor pan repairs, new tires, a wheel alignment, and oil changes at 93k and 96k miles. Additional maintenance performed includes replacement of the battery, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, exterior lenses, and window switches. The air‑conditioning system has been recharged, and all power windows function properly. The car was repainted in its original Henna Red in 2007.
This E24 is offered with service records dating back to 1991, two sets of keys, the original steering wheel, factory wheels, the factory cassette stereo, and a clean New Jersey title in my name.
Exterior
The car was refinished in its factory Henna Red in 2007, and the paintwork has held up very well. Zender side skirts and an aftermarket rear spoiler are installed, and 17" Rondell wheels are fitted with recently installed tires. Known cosmetic flaws include a small chip on the driver‑side fender and a buckle in the passenger‑side side skirt. Exterior lenses have been replaced, and the hood insulation is new.
Interior
The cabin features reupholstered black leather seats, including factory Recaro fronts, along with matching door panels and carpets. Equipment includes power windows, power mirrors, a power sunroof, and a Pioneer head unit. The dashboard was previously repaired but has begun to separate, so a dash cover is installed. Window switches have been replaced, all windows operate correctly, and yes — the clock and cigarette lighter work.
Powertrain
The European‑spec M90 3.5‑liter inline‑six is equipped with a Schrick 290 camshaft and Stahl exhaust headers. A recent tune‑up included new fuel injectors. The engine does not burn oil and runs strong..
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Getrag 265 dogleg five‑speed manual transmission. The gearbox shifts smoothly through all gears with no grinding, and the clutch operates properly.
Maintenance & Repairs
Recent and notable service includes:
Oil and filter changes at ~93k and ~96k miles
New fuel injectors
New tires and wheel alignment
Sunroof carriage replacement
Driver‑side floor pan repair by AMS Autowerks in Linden, NJ
Replacement of battery, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, exterior lenses, and window switches
Hood insulation replacement
A/C system recharge
The floor pan corrosion was attributed to a blocked sunroof drain, a known issue on E24s.
Ownership History
I purchased the car in February 2019 and have added approximately 5,300 miles. The car was imported to the U.S. in 1986 and remained in the Southeast until 2016 before moving to New Jersey.
Included in the Sale
Original steering wheel
Factory wheels
Factory cassette stereo
Service records
Two sets of keys

I have several videow, ie sunroof, A/C and car in motion along with 80 plus pictures.