🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M6

Model Variant:

L6

Model Year:

1987

Chassis Code:

E24

Engine Code:

S38B35

👋 Introduction

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.

📋 Manual Details

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

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Manual (Implied, common for workshops)

📖 Manual Coverage

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.

📊 Manual Specifications

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 Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder

Engine Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3430 cc)

Engine Code:

S38B35

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.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 280/5 or similar)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4750 mm (187.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1730 mm (68.1 in)

Height:

Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1500-1600 kg (3300-3520 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

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

💡 Technology Features

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.

🔧 Maintenance

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.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Performance Legacy:

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

E24 Development:

The E24 was the first 6 Series BMW, launched in 1976. The L6 and M6 variants represent the pinnacle of performance and luxury for this generation.

Production Years:

E24 generation: 1976-1989. M635CSi/L6 specific: 1983-1989.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany