🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

6 Series (E24)

Sub Models Covered:

633CSi, 635CSi, M6

Production Years Covered:

1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989

Chassis Code:

E24

Engine Code 633Csi:

M30B32 (3.2L)

Engine Code 635Csi:

M30B34 (3.4L)

Engine Code M6:

S38B35 (3.5L)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Luxury Grand Tourer, known for its elegant design, powerful straight-six engines, and driver-focused experience. Competed with models like Mercedes-Benz SEC coupe.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz SEC Coupe, Jaguar XJ-S, Maserati Ghibli II, Porsche 928

Design Philosophy:

Bangle-designed 'shark nose' aesthetic, focus on driver engagement, high-quality interior appointments

Performance Variants:

The M6 variant, powered by the S38 engine derived from the M1 supercar, represented the pinnacle of performance for the E24 generation.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive workshop service and repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, wiring diagrams

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific BMW official manual source, typically 1000+ pages for full workshop coverage

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals (M30/S38), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection (L-Jetronic/Motronic), ignition, exhaust, manual transmission, automatic transmission

Chassis:

Suspension (front/rear), steering, brakes (including ABS), driveline, wheels, tires

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, charging system, starting system, accessories, airbag system

Body:

Body construction, interior trim, exterior components, climate control (heating and air conditioning)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections

Engine Repairs:

Cylinder head removal/installation, valvetrain service, camshaft timing, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft service, engine rebuild procedures

Transmission Service:

Manual transmission overhaul, automatic transmission service and repair, clutch replacement, driveshaft and differential service

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, ABS system diagnostics and repair

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, diagnostic procedures for electrical faults

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers detailed specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, torque values, and step-by-step repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (OCR'd content)

Quality:

High-resolution, printable pages

Binding:

Digital Download (N/A)

Paper:

Digital Download (N/A)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

BMW M30 Straight-Six

Engine Code 633Csi Details:

3.2 Liters (3210 cc), M30B32, 197 hp @ 5500 rpm, 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 635Csi Details:

3.4 Liters (3430 cc), M30B34, 218 hp @ 5800 rpm, 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (European spec); 182 hp @ 5400 rpm, 289 Nm (213 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (US spec)

Engine Code M6 Details:

3.5 Liters (3453 cc), S38B35, 256 hp @ 6300 rpm, 333 Nm (246 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (European spec); 215 hp @ 5700 rpm, 305 Nm (225 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (US spec)

Compression Ratio 635Csi:

8.0:1 (Euro), 9.0:1 (US)

Compression Ratio M6:

10.5:1

Injection System:

Bosch L-Jetronic (early models), Bosch Motronic (later models), Bosch D-Jetronic (M6)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline

Valvetrain:

Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 2 valves per cylinder

Cooling System:

Water-cooled, thermostatically controlled fan

🔧 Transmission

633Csi Standard:

4-speed manual (Getrag 265)

635Csi Standard:

5-speed manual (Getrag 265/5, dogleg first gear in some markets)

Optional Transmission:

ZF 3HP22 3-speed automatic (available on most models)

M6 Transmission:

5-speed manual (Getrag 280/5, dogleg first gear)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin G50)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,735 mm (186.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,775 mm (69.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,380 mm (54.3 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,790 mm (110.0 in)

Curb Weight 635Csi Manual:

Approx. 1,500 - 1,600 kg (3,300 - 3,500 lbs)

Curb Weight M6:

Approx. 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Varies by model and options

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

No specific official crash test ratings publicly available from modern standards bodies for this era, but designed with BMW's established safety principles.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on later/higher trims

Suspension:

Independent suspension front and rear for improved handling and stability

Airbags:

Driver airbag became available in later model years (1987+), not standard across all configurations.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts, front and rear

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium sound systems (e.g., Blaupunkt, Becker) with cassette players, often with optional CD changers in later models.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control)

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; typically no integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Auxiliary input for audio may be present on later units.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first (recommendation based on typical use)

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Manual: Inspect every 30,000 miles, change as needed. Automatic: Change every 50,000 - 60,000 miles (100,000 km)

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3 rated, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-50 depending on climate. Check manual for specific viscosity recommendations.

Coolant Specification:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or a high-quality ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4

Common Problems:

Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), aging rubber components (bushings, fuel lines), electrical connector corrosion, early fuel injection system tuning issues, head gasket leaks (especially on high-mileage engines), rust in common E24 areas (wheel wells, rockers, sunroof drain areas)

M6 Specific Issues:

Increased wear on performance-oriented S38 engine components if not maintained meticulously; occasional specific electrical faults related to its higher-performance systems.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW's reputation for building driver-oriented luxury vehicles with potent straight-six engines and advanced engineering.

E24 Development:

Introduced in 1976 as the successor to the E9 coupe, the E24 was designed by Paul Bracq and based on the 5 Series platform (E12, then E28). It received a significant facelift in 1982, adopting the E28 chassis and updated styling. The M6 (E24 M) was introduced as a high-performance homologation special.

Production Period:

1976 - 1989

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

Consistently praised by automotive press for its driving dynamics, timeless styling, and powerful engine performance, especially the M6.

Classic Car Value:

Highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts, with values often appreciating for well-maintained examples, particularly the M6.