BMW 630 CS (1979) – Into the Wild

BMW presented the reborn 3.0 CSL last month, a modern homage to the famous BMW 3.0 CSL from the 1970s. The old CSL was the sporty top model of the BMW E9 series, according to many enthusiasts one of the most beautiful BMWs ever. The first BMW 6 series therefore had the tough task of filling those big shoes, but with the appearance of the E24 in 1976, BMW managed to get their hands together again. With its slender body, sharply overhanging nose and subtle ‘kidneys’, this first 6-series also had a graceful appearance. One that had a bit more ‘body’ and was significantly more modern than its predecessor, the latter couldn’t hurt when you consider that this first 6-series ultimately had to last no less than 13 years.

Thanks to AutoWeek forum member Karmann Ghia, we have a 6-series in front of us here that dates from the time when the E24 was not on the market for very long. This is evident, among other things, from the color, a nice and typical green-brown for that time. In the interior of the 6-series (last photo) we see green leather upholstery that matches it perfectly. The presence of an automatic lever is also striking and that may be a bit of a disappointment for some.

BMW 630 CS

This 630 CS seems to have been purchased in 1979 more for quiet cruising than for sportier work. With its 185 hp 3.0 six-in-line, it is not a slow car even with automatic transmission, only it could of course be a lot more spectacular. A year earlier, the 635 CSi appeared above the somewhat stronger 633 CSi. Incidentally, the 630 CS was not available in the Netherlands, with us it initially started with the 633 CSi (200 hp) and in 1979 the 628 CSi was added as an entry-level model, which, thanks to injection, was almost as strong as this 630 CS.

The fact that we did not have the 630 CS at the time already reveals that we have an import car here. This classic car only came to our country in 2010 and is already with its third Dutch owner. That is a loyal owner, because at the end of last month he / she and the BMW have been together for ten years. Looks like it gets all the care and love and last year’s attention-free MOT inspection is a nice indication that the BMW is just as neat under the skin as it is on the outside. Cheers!