Re: What Yr. 635csai to Buy: '87, '88 or '89 (archive)

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Will try to answer a few of your questions below. Also, they this page for a breakdown of features by year:

: I am searching to purchase a 635csi (5 spd.) and so far have been focusing my search on '87 - '89. I have a few questions that might help me differentiate the features by year:

: > '87=3430cc @ 182 bhp / '88-89 =3430cc @ 208 bhp
: > L6-automatic only? only offerred in '87? Search the archives on this site for more info; lot of controversey on this topic. Build dates appear to be 1987, but they were sold in 1988 and 1989. I think they were auto only, and were definately only a US model. As I am in Canada, can't really help you more. Not sure what you guys got in '88 and '89.....
: > Did all years '87-'89 come standard with TRX wheels Yes.
: > Was there a factory option for US 15" or 16" wheels Don't think so, not in Canada at any rate. However, a lot of used cars will be converted to 15", 16" or 17" wheels. Check the archives for this topic re what to fit. Personally use 225/50/VR16 with 7.5" wheel width with no rubbing problems.
: > ABS brakes on '87 and later only? Became standard in 1982 according to site noted above. Certainly 1987 and later have ABS.
: > Driver's airbag -'88-89 only?? I think this is the case in the US. 1987 in Canada did not have airbag; I understand 1988's in the States did. Site mentions airbag introduced in 1985 though.
: > What years and model packages included rear spoiler? M6 for sure. Not sure on L6. 1987 635 was without spoiler; not sure for '88 and '89.
: > Self-leveling rear suspension ('88-89 only) Yes Was installed on L6 and M6. Was not installed on 1987 635 in Canada.
: > What was the "Highline" package...offered what yrs? I think this is a British and/or European model term that refers to a lot of the optional equipment that comes standard on the NA models. Perhaps someone else will have a better idea of the details.
: > 7 series power steering '88-89 Not sure on this one.
: > Did all '88-89 use painted bumper trim to match body? Yes. I assume you are referring to the "bumper bellows"; the plastic piece at the ends of the bumper at the sides of the car. The black rubber plastic one's were discontinued in 1987, presumably due to corrosion problems.
: >Did all 635csi come standard with "comfort" seats? Don't think so, as some guys have reported having the sport seats over the year range you are interested in.
: >What year/model variants of 635 use "sport" seats M6 for sure all years. Not sure on the other models over your age range. My 1987 635 had the comfort seats.

: Based on these differences, is one year considered "better" than others?
The '88's are nice because of the revised bumper bellows, but the self leveling suspension is considered a pain. Rest of the 635 model is essentially identical, except for the engine output. I understand that in the States you only got the L6, which has some problems with warpage on the leather dash. Didn't get L6 up here, and not sure if the '88 cars had the higher engine output or not. Many of the L6's will have the dash replaced in any case, but I think they were all auto. Really liked my '87 635 though.
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: Is the hp difference between '87 and '88-'89 noticably different in terms of drivability?
Don't know, haven't tried the higher output engine; just the M6 which is a whole different thing.

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