MOre answers to your questions (archive)

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: : 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? The L6 was basically the 635CSi sold with all the options and auto in 1987. there were no normal 635CSis made in 1987. The company wanted to make a luxury version of the car, because they had the sporting version with the ///M.
: : > 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. I am going to go to BBS 17" with 235/45ZR17 Yokohoma AVS Sport tires.
: : > ABS brakes on '87 and later only? Became standard in 1982 according to site noted above. Certainly 1987 and later have ABS. My 86 has ABS.
: : > Driver's airbag -'88-89 only?? Airbag became availible in 88
: : > What years and model packages included rear spoiler? M6 for sure. L6 did not have one. The spoiler was availible on post 87 635s
: : > 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 Yes, this is true.
: : > 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? L6 had standard comfort seats. NOt sure about others.
: : >What year/model variants of 635 use "sport" seats M6 for sure all years. My 86 has sport seats and an ///M steering wheel as optional equip.
: : 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. In 88 89 the 6s were essentially better. they had more hp, more features, and were safer due to the airbag, and also looked nicer w/o the big black rubber. Nonetheless, i still love my "new" 86
: : Is the hp difference between '87 and '88-'89 noticably different in terms of drivability?
: I've only driven mine w/ the 182. with an auto it isn't eyepoopingly fast like my dad's boxter. I'm thinking of getting a bavarian autosport chip to increase power and torqe. Although it had more hp, torque gains were minimal i believe
: Hope this helps. I'm sure someone else can correct some of the stuff above.

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