Market Position:
The BMW M6 E24 was a high-performance grand tourer, positioned at the pinnacle of BMW's coupe offerings in its era, competing with other luxury sports coupes.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles such as the Porsche 928, Ferrari 400i, and Mercedes-Benz SEC models.
Key Features:
Iconic styling, powerful straight-six engine, luxurious interior, and engaging driving dynamics.
Manual Value:
Provides technicians and enthusiasts with the exact factory specifications and procedures to maintain, diagnose, and repair the E24 M6.
Engine Service:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for the M88/3 or S38 engine.
Fuel System Service:
Fuel injection system diagnostics, component testing, and adjustment (Bosch Motronic).
Ignition System Service:
Ignition system testing, component replacement, and timing specifications.
Transmission Service:
Manual transmission (Getrag 265) repair, clutch service, and driveline components.
Brake System Service:
Front and rear brake system diagnostics, caliper, rotor, and fluid service.
Suspension Steering Service:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, power steering system.
Electrical System Service:
Complete wiring schematics, component testing, fuse box layout, lighting, and accessories.
Climate Control Service:
Air conditioning system service, component replacement, and refrigerant handling.
Body Interior Service:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window operation, interior trim, and seat adjustments.
Emission Control Service:
Emission control systems, diagnosis, and component specifications.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common and specific fault conditions across all systems.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid checks, filter replacements, and lubrication.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Rebuild Procedures:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul instructions with torque specifications and clearances.
Wiring Schematics Interpretation:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits, enabling accurate fault finding.
Technical Depth:
Factory-level detail covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
đ Manual Specifications
Printability:
All pages printable, with ability to enlarge images and diagrams.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Software Compatibility:
Windows (Vista, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible.
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader and WinZip (free online).
âïž Engine Specifications
Engine Code And Type:
M88/3 or S38 3.5L (3453cc) DOHC Inline-6 cylinder
Horsepower:
286 PS (282 hp; 210 kW) at 6500 rpm (European spec)
Torque:
333 Nm (246 lb-ft) at 5000 rpm (European spec)
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection and ignition system
Engine Management System:
Bosch Motronic ML-3.1
Transmission Type:
Getrag 265 5-speed manual transmission
Optional Transmission:
None offered for M6 model
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios for Getrag 265 listed in manual (e.g., 1st: 4.215, 2nd: 2.474, 3rd: 1.722, 4th: 1.259, 5th: 1.000, Reverse: 3.753).
Safety Ratings:
No specific crash test ratings readily available from modern agencies for this era vehicle; focus on factory safety features.
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard.
Passive Safety Features:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts, reinforced passenger compartment, energy-absorbing steering column.
Infotainment System:
Basic analog radio, cassette player, and amplifier system common for the era. Advanced features were limited.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was the primary electronic driver assistance system.
Connectivity Options:
None in the modern sense; vehicle systems were self-contained.
Engine Control Technology:
Early Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection and ignition control system.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual for specific interval, typically around 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually. Manual will specify with mileage/time condition.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific interval, often at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 30,000 miles) for performance engines.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW recommends specific viscosity grades (e.g., 20W-50 or 15W-50 for higher mileage/performance) and API service ratings. Manual will confirm.
Coolant Specification:
Typically a 50/50 mix of distilled water and BMW-approved antifreeze (e.g., ethylene glycol-based) with corrosion inhibitors. Manual will specify.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on specific BMW recommendation for the system. Manual will confirm.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Manual transmission fluid (MTF) of specified API GL-4 or GL-5 rating. Manual will list specific BMW part number or equivalent.
Common Issues:
Fuel distributor issues, engine wiring harness degradation, differential seals, cooling system components, fuel pump reliability, rust on body panels, and aging rubber components.
Brand Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, high-performance vehicles with exceptional engineering and build quality.
Model Evolution:
The E24 6 Series was BMW's flagship coupe, and the M6 variant was the ultimate expression of its performance capabilities during this generation, utilizing BMW Motorsport's M88/S38 engine.
Production Years:
1976-1989 (E24 chassis); M6 variant produced from 1983-1989.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
đ Awards & Recognition
Automotive Press Recognition:
While specific 'awards' are less common for individual model years of this era, the E24 chassis and M6 variant were widely praised by automotive journalists for their performance, styling, and luxury.
