🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M6

Chassis Code:

E24

Year:

1988

Engine Code:

S38B35 (M88-based, but with Bosch Motronic, 3.5L)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

High-performance luxury grand tourer, targeting enthusiasts and discerning buyers

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with other top-tier performance coupes of its era, such as the Porsche 928 and Jaguar XJS, offering a blend of luxury, power, and refined handling.

Key Features:

Iconic Sharknose styling, potent naturally aspirated inline-six engine, rear-wheel drive, sophisticated suspension tuning, luxurious interior appointments, hand-built exclusivity.

Model Purpose:

A homologation special designed to meet racing regulations, but also served as the pinnacle of BMW's luxury GT offerings, blending a potent race-derived engine with a comfortable and stylish chassis.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All models and all repairs A-Z for the 1988 BMW M6 E24

Page Count:

Not specified, but described as comprehensive

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

Compatibility:

Windows Vista (32/64), XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, and Mac compatible

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader and Winzip (free online)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (including M88-based S38B35), Control System, Mechanical, Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake, Exhaust, Cooling, Lube, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Auto Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle, Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering, Air Condition, Supplemental Restraint System, Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter, Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/ Door, Exterior & Interior, Electrical, Multiplex/CAN Communication

Engine Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan clutch, expansion tank service and repair.

Fuel System Service:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel injectors, and fuel pressure regulator maintenance and repair.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (if applicable for market), muffler, and piping inspection and replacement.

Steering And Suspension:

Power steering system, steering rack, ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, shock absorbers, springs, sway bars.

Body And Interior:

Door mechanisms, window regulators, locks, seat adjustments, interior trim panel removal and installation, body panel alignment.

Air Conditioning System:

Compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant service, and system diagnosis.

Procedures Included:

Maintenance, Service, Diagnosis, Repair, Step-by-step instructions, Troubleshooting

Engine Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of the S38B35 engine.

Suspension Adjustment:

Instructions for suspension component replacement, alignment specifications, and adjustments.

Brake System Repair:

Comprehensive guides for brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, ABS system troubleshooting.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Detailed wiring schematics for all electrical systems, troubleshooting charts, and component testing procedures.

Technical Depth:

Vehicle specific, dealership technician level, complete repair instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, specifications

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Covers advanced diagnostic procedures for engine management, fuel injection, and electrical systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

Printable on demand, ability to enlarge images

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital - Print as needed)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital - User choice for printing)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.5L S38B35 Inline-6, DOHC, 24 Valves

Horsepower:

282 hp @ 6500 rpm (approximate, European spec)

Torque:

330 Nm (243 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (approximate, European spec)

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection

Engine Management:

Bosch Motronic M1.1 or M1.3

Engine Layout:

Inline 6-cylinder, front-mounted, longitudinal

Bore Stroke:

93.4 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Getrag 265 5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4920 mm (193.7 in)

Width:

1780 mm (70.1 in)

Height:

1380 mm (54.3 in)

Curb Weight:

1600-1700 kg (3527-3748 lbs), depending on options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly stated, but typical for its class

Wheelbase:

2794 mm (110.0 in)

Front Track:

1440 mm (56.7 in)

Rear Track:

1472 mm (57.9 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

NHTSA and Euro NCAP ratings were not as standardized or publicly reported as modern vehicles. Focus was on active safety features for the era.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), advanced chassis dynamics, limited-slip differential (on some models)

Passive Features:

Reinforced chassis, impact-absorbing crumple zones, three-point seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Period-appropriate BMW Bavaria C or similar premium stereo system, often with cassette player and optional CD changer.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS, limited-slip differential (optional/standard depending on market), cruise control.

Connectivity Options:

None by modern standards. Focus was on mechanical and electrical integration.

Instrumentation Features:

Full analog gauges including tachometer, speedometer, fuel, oil temperature, coolant temperature, and fuel economy meter. Check control panel for system monitoring.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12-15,000 km, or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise intervals).

Timing Belt Chain:

Chain-driven camshafts, no regular replacement interval, but tensioners and guides should be inspected.

Engine Oil Specification:

Refer to manual, typically a high-quality synthetic SAE 15W-50 or 10W-40 depending on climate. BMW long-life oils recommended.

Coolant Specification:

BMW coolant/antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. BMW part number 83 19 2 211 220 (or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 high-temperature brake fluid. BMW part number 83 12 9 405 708 (or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Refer to manual for specific manual gearbox oil specification (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF fluid. BMW part number 83 22 0 026 922 (or equivalent).

Differential Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil grade (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5).

Known Issues:

Cooling system leaks (hoses, radiator), fuel distributor and injector issues, fuel pump reliability, window regulator failures, headlight wiper motor issues, rust in common areas (wheel arches, rockers, sunroof panel).

Spark Plugs:

Refer to manual for exact type and gap. Bosch Super Plus or equivalent recommended.

Air Filter Part Number:

Mann-Filter C 33 177 or equivalent.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Mann-Filter W 920/23 or equivalent.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW's reputation for building driver-focused, high-performance luxury vehicles with advanced engineering.

Model Evolution:

The E24 M6 (also known as the M635CSi in some markets) was a high-performance variant of the 6 Series Coupe, produced from 1976 to 1989. The 1988 model features the upgraded S38 engine, differentiating it from earlier M88-powered versions.

Production Years E24 M6:

1978-1989 (S38B35 from 1983 onwards in some variants)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The E24 6 Series was widely acclaimed by automotive journalists for its blend of performance, luxury, and design. The M6 variant specifically was lauded as a true supercar for its era.