Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Coupe
Competitors 1988:
Porsche 944, Mercedes-Benz SEC, Jaguar XJ-S
Brand Philosophy:
'The Ultimate Driving Machine', blending performance, luxury, and sophisticated engineering.
Target Audience:
BMW owners, DIY mechanics, independent workshops
Cost Saving:
Enables significant cost savings by empowering owners and technicians to perform repairs themselves.
Skill Level:
Accessible with basic mechanical knowledge, due to step-by-step explanations and illustrations.
Primary Coverage:
Electrical Systems and Troubleshooting
Secondary Coverage:
Power Distribution, Component Locations, Wiring Diagrams
Estimated Page Count:
300+
Type:
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual / Service Manual
Format:
PDF (assumed digital delivery)
Power Management:
Power Distribution Charts, Fuse Charts, Fuse Details, Ground Distribution
Engine Management:
Engine Control System (L-Jetronic/Motronic for 635CSi, S38 ECU for M6), Data Link (OBD I)
Starting And Charging:
Start System, Charging System
Transmission Control:
Electronic Transmission Control (if applicable to specific models covered)
Restraint System:
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag (if equipped)
Traction Control:
Slip Control ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Locking System:
Central Locking Module
Seats:
Power Seats, Heated Seats
Wiper Washer:
Wiper/Washer Module, Headlight Washer, Windshield Washer Jet Heaters
Cluster:
Instrument Cluster
Clock:
Multi-Function Clock
Controls:
Light Switch Details
Exterior Front:
Headlights, Fog Lights, Turn/Hazard Lights
Exterior Rear Side:
Park/Tail/Underhood Lights, License Plate/Luggage Compartment Lights, Back-Up Lights, Brake Lights
Interior:
Interior Lights, Glove Box Light, Cassette Box Ashtray Lights, Charging Socket
Crash System:
Crash Control Module
Climate Control:
Park/Ventilation with HKR (Heated Control Relay?), Rear Window Defogger, Integrated Climate Regulation
Audio:
Radio/CD Player, Radio/HiFi System
Telephone:
Cellular Telephone System
Cruise Control:
Cruise Control (Tempomat)
Anti Theft:
Anti-Theft System
Onboard Computer:
On-Board Computer
Component Identification:
Component Location Chart, Component Location Views
Splice Locations:
Splice Location Views
Connector Identification:
Connector Views
Troubleshooting Methodology:
Step-by-step explanations, diagnostic flowcharts (implied by electrical troubleshooting)
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced Electrical Diagnostics, Fault Finding
Repair Procedures:
Detailed repair instructions for electrical components and systems
Information Types:
Illustrations, Diagrams, Technical Specifications, Depth Illustrations
Displacement:
3.4 Liters (3430 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 6-Cylinder, SOHC
Horsepower 635Csi:
218 hp @ 5,500 rpm (Euro Spec), approx. 182-190 hp (US Spec)
Torque 635Csi:
224 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (Euro Spec), approx. 214 lb-ft (US Spec)
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3453 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 6-Cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts)
Horsepower M6:
256 hp @ 6,500 rpm (Euro Spec), 210 hp (US Spec - ECE emissions) / 205 hp (US Spec - EPA)
Torque M6:
243 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm (Euro Spec), 220 lb-ft (US Spec - ECE) / 215 lb-ft (US Spec - EPA)
Fuel Injection 635Csi:
Bosch L-Jetronic (later Motronic)
Fuel Injection M6:
Bosch Motronic DME (Digital Engine Electronics)
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Type 635Csi:
Getrag 4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Type 635Csi:
Getrag 5-Speed Manual (G265)
Type M6:
Getrag 5-Speed Manual (G280)
Clutch Type:
Single Dry Plate (Manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II (or equivalent, consult specific BMW specs)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (or equivalent, consult specific BMW specs)
Length:
191.1 in (4854 mm)
Height:
53.2 in (1351 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.5 in (2629 mm)
Curb Weight 635Csi:
3,450 - 3,600 lbs (1565 - 1633 kg)
Curb Weight M6:
3,600 - 3,750 lbs (1633 - 1701 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,400 lbs (2000 kg)
Crash Test Data:
NHTSA/IIHS data from this era is limited, but the E24 chassis was known for robust construction.
Braking:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Steering:
Power-assisted recirculating ball steering
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag (optional, depending on market and build date)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pretensioners
Chassis Construction:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Audio System Options:
BMW Bavaria C/C II, C III, or premium HiFi systems with cassette player, optional CD changer.
ABS System:
Bosch ABS II system, providing anti-lock braking capability.
Cellular Phone Integration:
Factory or dealer-installed cellular telephone systems with external antennas and integrated microphone/speaker.
Obc Functionality:
Features like trip computer, average speed, average fuel consumption, range, and basic diagnostics.
HVAC System Type:
Manual or optional 'Integrated Automatic Climate Control' (ACC) for temperature and fan speed regulation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 (for M30) / 10W-40 or 15W-40 (for S38), API SG or higher. Consult owner's manual for exact viscosity based on climate.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 - 7.0 quarts (6.2 - 6.6 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, BMW blue coolant or equivalent
Electrical Quirks:
Age-related failure of vacuum lines, faulty OBC display pixels, intermittent window/lock motors, degraded wiring insulation in engine bay.
Engine Common Problems:
Oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, coolant leaks from hoses and metal pipes, potential head gasket issues if overheated.
Transmission Common Problems:
Slipping automatic transmissions, worn clutch components in manuals.
Tasks Covered By Manual:
Fuse replacement, relay testing, diagnosing power windows, power seats, central locking, lighting circuits, engine control sensor testing.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, sporty driving dynamics, and luxury motoring.
E24 Generation:
The E24 generation, introduced in 1976, was BMW's sole large luxury coupe. The 635CSi was the high-performance variant of the 6 Series for most of its production. The M635CSi (later M6 in North America) was the ultimate expression of performance in this chassis.
Production Period:
1976-1989
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Dingolfing Plant)
Key Updates 1988:
By 1988, the E24 had received its 'highline' update, featuring revised aerodynamics, updated interior styling, and improved electronics. The M6 was a distinct performance variant with the more powerful S38 engine.
Performance Accolades:
The M6 variant, in particular, was widely praised for its track-inspired performance and handling, earning accolades as one of the fastest production sedans/coupes of its time.
Contemporary Reviews:
Consistently reviewed as a benchmark in the grand touring segment for its blend of luxury, comfort, and dynamic capability.
Automotive Industry Standards:
Manufactured to meet all relevant German and international automotive safety and emissions standards of the era.