Positioning:
Premium Grand Tourer (GT) coupe, positioned as a high-performance, luxury vehicle in the late 1980s.
Competitors:
Competed with other high-performance European coupes like the Porsche 911, Ferrari 412, and Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
Distinguishing Features:
Hand-built craftsmanship, powerful inline-six engine, sophisticated suspension, luxurious interior, and distinctive motorsport-derived styling.
Engine Performance Focus:
The L6/M6 variant focused on providing a higher-performance version of the E24 chassis, with the M6 (or L6 in some markets) featuring a motorsport-derived engine.
Primary Coverage:
Electrical Systems and Troubleshooting
Secondary Coverage:
Engine Control, Powertrain Electronics, Comfort and Convenience Systems
Estimated Page Count:
200-300 (Estimate based on typical BMW E24 electrical manuals of the era and listed contents)
Type:
Specialized Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
Format:
Printed Manual (Implied, common for workshops)
Engine Management:
Engine Control System, Charging System, Start System
Powertrain Electronics:
Electronic Transmission Control (where applicable, for automatic variants)
Safety Systems:
Supplement Restraint System (SRS - Airbag, if equipped), Slip Control ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Comfort Convenience:
Power Mirrors, Central Locking Module, Power Windows, Power Seats, Heated Seats, Power Sunroof, Horn, Wiper/Washer Module, Headlight Washer, Windshield Washer Jet Heaters
Lighting:
Instrument Cluster, Light Switch Details, Headlights/Fog Lights, Turn/Hazard Lights, Park/Tail/Underhood Lights, License Plate/Luggage Compartment Lights, Back-up Lights, Brake Lights, Interior Lights, Glove Box Light/Cassette Box Ashtray Lights/Charging Socket
Climate Control:
Park Ventilation with HKR (Heated Seats/Defrost), Rear Window Defogger, Integrated Climate Regulation
Infotainment Electronics:
Radio/CD Player, Radio/Hi-Fi, Cellular Telephone, Cruise Control (Tempomat), Anti-Theft System, On-Board Computer
Crash Control Module:
Coverage of the crash control module, likely related to airbag deployment or safety system monitoring.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive step-by-step diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (if applicable to the era's diagnostics).
Wiring Analysis:
Power Distribution Charts, Fuse Charts, Ground Distribution, Data Link information for identifying circuit functions and connections.
Component Diagnostics:
Specific tests for electrical components, sensors, actuators, and control modules.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed color-coded wiring diagrams for all electrical systems.
Component Location:
Component Location Charts and Views to identify the physical position of electrical parts.
Connector Identification:
Connector views to aid in identifying and troubleshooting harness connections.
Ground Points:
Detailed diagrams illustrating all ground distribution points for chassis and component grounding.
Depth:
Comprehensive, targeting professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed diagrams and schematics.
Diagnostics Tools:
Information on diagnostic connectors and potential use of early diagnostic tools or multimeters for voltage, resistance, and continuity testing.
Format:
Likely bound paperback or spiral-bound for workshop use. Digital formats were less common for this type of document at the time.
Quality:
Professional quality printing, designed for durability in a workshop environment. Includes high-resolution illustrations and diagrams.
Binding:
Likely perfect bound or saddle-stitched for smaller sections, potentially spiral-bound for ease of use on a workbench.
Paper:
Durable paper stock, often coated or heavier weight, to withstand handling and potential shop contamination.
Organization:
Highly organized by system, with an index for quick reference, and typically includes an introduction to symbols and basic electrical theory relevant to the vehicle.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Engine Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3430 cc)
Horsepower:
256 hp @ 6300 rpm (for M635CSi, L6 likely similar or slightly detuned)
Torque:
330 Nm (243 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (for M635CSi)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Induction Type:
Individual Throttle Bodies (ITBs) for the M635CSi/M6, contributing to its distinctive sound and responsiveness.
Crash Test Data:
No official NHTSA or Euro NCAP ratings for this specific vintage, but E24 platform known for robust construction.
Braking System:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Suspension:
Independent front and rear suspension, often with self-leveling rear suspension.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag (often standard on later models/facelifts, but may be optional on early 1987 models - needs verification within manual).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts
Audio System:
Optional premium Hi-Fi systems, often with separate amplifiers and component speakers. Radio/Cassette or Radio/CD player units.
Cruise Control:
Standard on L6/M6 variants, often referred to as 'Tempomat'.
Traction Control:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, and some very late models might have had early forms of traction control, though less common for this specific model year.
Telephone:
Optional integrated cellular telephone system.
Features:
Onboard computer providing basic diagnostics, trip computer functions, and system checks.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions. (Specific interval may be detailed in manual).
Spark Plugs:
Approximately every 30,000 miles. (Specific type and gap will be in the manual).
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50, API SG or higher (Check manual for exact BMW specification like 'BMW Special Oil'). Capacity ~5.5-6.0 liters.
Coolant:
BMW coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (50/50 mix with distilled water). Capacity ~10-12 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Check manual for exact specification). Annual flush recommended.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: BMW recommended gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-4). Automatic: ZF TE-ML 11A/B or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III). Check manual for exact spec and capacity.
Electrical:
Degradation of wiring insulation, faulty relays (especially for central locking, wipers), deteriorating headlight seals, fuse box corrosion, and intermittent issues with power accessories.
Engine Ancillary:
Cooling system components (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel pump reliability, and idle control valve issues.
