Market Position:
The BMW M6 E24 was a high-performance grand tourer, positioned at the pinnacle of BMW's coupe offerings in its era, competing with other luxury sports coupes.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles such as the Porsche 928, Ferrari 400i, and Mercedes-Benz SEC models.
Key Features:
Iconic styling, powerful straight-six engine, luxurious interior, and engaging driving dynamics.
Manual Value:
Provides technicians and enthusiasts with the exact factory specifications and procedures to maintain, diagnose, and repair the E24 M6.
Engine Service:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for the M88/3 or S38 engine.
Fuel System Service:
Fuel injection system diagnostics, component testing, and adjustment (Bosch Motronic).
Ignition System Service:
Ignition system testing, component replacement, and timing specifications.
Transmission Service:
Manual transmission (Getrag 265) repair, clutch service, and driveline components.
Brake System Service:
Front and rear brake system diagnostics, caliper, rotor, and fluid service.
Suspension Steering Service:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, power steering system.
Electrical System Service:
Complete wiring schematics, component testing, fuse box layout, lighting, and accessories.
Climate Control Service:
Air conditioning system service, component replacement, and refrigerant handling.
Body Interior Service:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window operation, interior trim, and seat adjustments.
Emission Control Service:
Emission control systems, diagnosis, and component specifications.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common and specific fault conditions across all systems.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid checks, filter replacements, and lubrication.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Rebuild Procedures:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul instructions with torque specifications and clearances.
Wiring Schematics Interpretation:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits, enabling accurate fault finding.
Technical Depth:
Factory-level detail covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Printability:
All pages printable, with ability to enlarge images and diagrams.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Software Compatibility:
Windows (Vista, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible.
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader and WinZip (free online).
Engine Code And Type:
M88/3 or S38 3.5L (3453cc) DOHC Inline-6 cylinder
Horsepower:
286 PS (282 hp; 210 kW) at 6500 rpm (European spec)
Torque:
333 Nm (246 lb-ft) at 5000 rpm (European spec)
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection and ignition system
Engine Management System:
Bosch Motronic ML-3.1
Transmission Type:
Getrag 265 5-speed manual transmission
Optional Transmission:
None offered for M6 model
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios for Getrag 265 listed in manual (e.g., 1st: 4.215, 2nd: 2.474, 3rd: 1.722, 4th: 1.259, 5th: 1.000, Reverse: 3.753).
Safety Ratings:
No specific crash test ratings readily available from modern agencies for this era vehicle; focus on factory safety features.
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard.
Passive Safety Features:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts, reinforced passenger compartment, energy-absorbing steering column.
Infotainment System:
Basic analog radio, cassette player, and amplifier system common for the era. Advanced features were limited.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was the primary electronic driver assistance system.
Connectivity Options:
None in the modern sense; vehicle systems were self-contained.
Engine Control Technology:
Early Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection and ignition control system.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual for specific interval, typically around 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually. Manual will specify with mileage/time condition.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific interval, often at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 30,000 miles) for performance engines.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW recommends specific viscosity grades (e.g., 20W-50 or 15W-50 for higher mileage/performance) and API service ratings. Manual will confirm.
Coolant Specification:
Typically a 50/50 mix of distilled water and BMW-approved antifreeze (e.g., ethylene glycol-based) with corrosion inhibitors. Manual will specify.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on specific BMW recommendation for the system. Manual will confirm.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Manual transmission fluid (MTF) of specified API GL-4 or GL-5 rating. Manual will list specific BMW part number or equivalent.
Common Issues:
Fuel distributor issues, engine wiring harness degradation, differential seals, cooling system components, fuel pump reliability, rust on body panels, and aging rubber components.
Brand Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, high-performance vehicles with exceptional engineering and build quality.
Model Evolution:
The E24 6 Series was BMW's flagship coupe, and the M6 variant was the ultimate expression of its performance capabilities during this generation, utilizing BMW Motorsport's M88/S38 engine.
Production Years:
1976-1989 (E24 chassis); M6 variant produced from 1983-1989.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
