Market Position:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT), sporty coupe, positioned as a premium performance vehicle in its era.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz SEC Coupe, Jaguar XJ-S, and Porsche 928. Known for its sophisticated engineering, powerful inline-six engines, and driver-focused cockpit.
Key Features:
Sleek Bertone-designed body, rear-wheel drive, independent suspension, powerful M30 and S38 engines, luxurious interior appointments, advanced (for its time) electronics.
Coverage Areas:
All diagnostic and repair procedures, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishing, restoration
Page Count:
N/A (Digital Download, printable pages)
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant download via email link.
Usage Rights:
Unlimited usage, printable for personal use.
Systems Covered:
Engine (M30, S38), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (optional), Driveshaft, Differential, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear Discs), Electrical System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Bodywork, Interior Trim, Climate Control
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, repair, overhaul, rebuilding, component replacement, electrical system tracing, wiring diagrams, torque specifications, alignment procedures, brake bleeding, engine tuning, clutch adjustment
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive A-Z coverage, suitable for professional technicians and DIY enthusiasts, detailed diagnostic flowcharts
Specific Repair Examples:
Engine rebuild procedures, fuel injection system diagnostics and repair, transmission overhaul, brake system overhaul (including ABS system), suspension component replacement (control arms, ball joints, struts), steering rack repair, electrical troubleshooting using wiring diagrams, body panel alignment and repair.
Primary Engine 633Csi:
3.2L (3210cc) M30B32 Inline-6
Primary Engine 635Csi:
3.5L (3430cc) M30B34 Inline-6
Primary Engine M6:
3.5L (3453cc) S38B35 Inline-6 (Slightly different specification to 635CSi)
Horsepower 633Csi:
Approx. 197 hp @ 5500 rpm (Euro spec)
Horsepower 635Csi:
Approx. 218 hp @ 5200 rpm (Euro spec, 1982-1987); Approx. 208 hp (US spec, 1984-1989)
Horsepower M6:
Approx. 256 hp @ 6500 rpm (US spec, 1987-1989)
Torque 635Csi:
Approx. 224 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (Euro spec, 1982-1987)
Torque M6:
Approx. 243 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (US spec, 1987-1989)
Fuel System:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)
Engine Codes:
M30B32, M30B34, S38B35
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Getrag 265 Manual Transmission (later models offered 5-speed)
Optional Transmission:
ZF 4HP22 Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch
Manual Transmission Gear Ratios Example:
1st: 4.01, 2nd: 2.32, 3rd: 1.40, 4th: 1.00, Rev: 3.53 (Getrag 265, specific ratios may vary by year/model)
Length:
Approx. 191.3 in (4859 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.5 in (1791 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.1 in (1350 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg), varies by model and options
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.4 in (2650 mm)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120mm
Wheel Offset Example:
ET15 to ET22 (varies by wheel size and model)
Tire Sizes Example:
205/70VR14, 225/60VR15, 245/45VR16 (depending on model and year)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (No standardized crash testing protocols for this era in the same way as modern vehicles)
Active Features:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated front rotors, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available on later models.
Passive Features:
Safety cage construction, energy-absorbing steering column, padded interior surfaces, seat belts.
Infotainment Features:
AM/FM Radio with cassette player, optional equalizer and amplifier. Analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, temperature, and oil pressure.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on later models, cruise control.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (Pre-digital era)
Comfort Features:
Optional electric seats, power windows, power sunroof, automatic climate control, leather upholstery.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil quality).
Major Tune Up Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (includes spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, ignition system inspection).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (API SG or higher quality, check manual for specific recommendations)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) or equivalent, 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, check specific manual)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent.
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Known Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially M30 engines), fuel distributor issues (L-Jetronic), seized fuel pumps, worn suspension bushings, aging electrical components and wiring harness, rust in common areas (wheel arches, rocker panels, battery tray), cooling system component failure (radiator, water pump, hoses), window regulator failures.
Torque Specs Example:
Cylinder head bolts, wheel lug nuts, spark plug torque (specific values provided in manual).
Brand Heritage:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long-standing reputation for producing sporting sedans and coupes, emphasizing driving dynamics and performance.
Model Evolution:
The E24 generation of the 6 Series debuted in 1976 as the successor to the E9 coupes. It featured a distinctive long hood, short deck, and iconic "shark nose" styling penned by Paul Bracq. It was updated over its production run with larger engines and revised styling cues.
Production Years:
1976-1989
Production Location:
Dingolfing, Germany