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1978 BMW 635 CSi
The BMW 635 CSi, year of manufacture 1981 - Exterior (007/2011).

1978 BMW 635 CSi

1978 BMW 635 CSi

For the first time in 1976, the number 6 became the symbol of a unique combination of dynamism and stylish elegance. The BMW 6 Series, created by the French BMW Head Designer Paul Bracq was longer and wider and thus provided more space and comfort in the interior. The roof construction demonstrated an elegant lightness yet again, the front section running to a point highlighted outstanding sporting capabilities. Six-cylinder in-line engines of 3.0 litres and 3.2 litres developed 185 hp and 200 hp under the bonnets of the BMW 630CS and the BMW 633CSi.

Starting in 1978, a 3.5-litre engine powered the BMW 635CSi with an astounding 218 hp, delivered by an engine bred directly on the race track. The first-generation BMW 6 Series cars were made dazzlingly conspicuous not only by their excellent driving dynamics but also by their leading-edge technology, which ensured comfort and safety. During a production period of 13 years, 86,216 vehicles were sold, making it the longest running BMW model at that time.

In Detail

type Series Production Car
built at Munich, Germany
engine Inline 6
valvetrain DOHC 4 Valves / Cyl
displacement 3453 cc / 210.7 in³
bore 93.4 mm / 3.68 in
stroke 84.0 mm / 3.31 in
compression 10.5:1
power 213.3 kw / 286.0 bhp @ 6500 rpm
specific output 82.83 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 190.03 bhp per tonne
torque 334.0 nm / 246.3 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
body / frame Unit Steel
driven wheels Front Engine / RWD
curb weight 1505 kg / 3318 lbs
wheelbase 2625 mm / 103.3 in
front track 1430 mm / 56.3 in
rear track 1464 mm / 57.6 in
length 4755 mm / 187.2 in
width 1725 mm / 67.9 in
height 1353 mm / 53.3 in
transmission 5-Speed Manual
final drive 3.73:1
top speed ~254.3 kph / 158.0 mph
0 – 60 mph ~6.6 seconds
0 – 100 mph ~15.7 seconds