Market Niche:
High-performance luxury grand tourer, appealing to enthusiasts and collectors.
Competitors:
Ferrari 400i, Jaguar XJS, Porsche 928.
Distinctive Features:
Iconic 'Shark Nose' design, powerful inline-six engine, excellent handling for its class, luxurious interior.
Manual Benefit:
Enables DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics to perform accurate and efficient repairs, maximizing vehicle longevity and performance.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage including engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling, and emissions control.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmission service, removal, installation, and overhaul.
Drivetrain:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, drive axles, differential.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, mirrors, and HVAC controls.
Body:
Exterior and interior body panels, doors, windows, bumpers, seats, trim, and associated hardware.
Chassis:
Frame and chassis components, mounting points, and structural elements.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, and lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting, and fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all vehicle components.
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete disassembly and reassembly procedures for all major systems and components.
Adjustments:
Specific adjustment procedures for engine idle, timing, brakes, clutch, and other systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for all required special service tools.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostics and specifications.
Transmission Type Standard:
Getrag 5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
ZF 4-speed automatic transmission
Differential:
Limited-slip differential (LSD) often standard or optional.
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Modern safety ratings were not applied to vehicles from this era in the same way).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on later models.
Traction Control:
Traction control was not typically available on E24 M6 models.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag was an option on later models, not standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts.
Infotainment System:
Basic analog gauges, cassette player, optional air conditioning. No modern infotainment features.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited driver assistance features; ABS was the primary advanced system available.
Connectivity Options:
None by modern standards; basic power accessories.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for precise interval.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies, but generally around 30,000-60,000 miles. Refer to manual for specific plug type and interval.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 20W-50 or 10W-40 synthetic). Use API SG or higher specification.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Long Life Coolant or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil specification (e.g., GL-4).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent.
Common Problems:
Cracked dashboard, window regulator failure, fuel pump issues, cooling system leaks, rust on rocker panels and wheel arches.
Engine Specific Issues:
Throttle body linkage issues, valve cover gasket leaks.
Bmw Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles, particularly with its M division.
E24 Lineage:
The E24 was BMW's first large luxury coupe, based on the E12 5 Series chassis, evolving into the more advanced E24 chassis based on the E28 5 Series.
Production Period:
1976-1989 (E24 generation), with the M6 variant produced from 1983-1989.
M6 Production Numbers:
Limited production, with approximately 1,767 M635CSi (European spec) and 1,767 M6 (North American spec) produced.
