BMW M6 (E24): Overview, Photos & Characteristics

BMW M6 (E24)

Grey BMW M6 at Arkhangelskoye Estate (Moscow Region, Russia)

The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the 6 Series marketed under the BMW M sub-brand from 1983 to 2019.

I Generation

The M6 lineage began in 1983 with the M635CSi model of the E24 6 Series range, which was powered by the M88/3 DOHC straight-six engine. In most countries, the model was badged the M635CSi, however the equivalent model in North America and Japan was simply badged as “M6”. A top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph) made the European M635CSi the second fastest BMW automobile ever built at the time, next to the BMW M1.

The European-specification M635CSi used the M88/3 engine (without a catalytic converter), which produced 210 kW (282 HP) at 6,500 rpm and 340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm. The M6 version used the S38B35 engine (with catalytic converter), which produced 191 kW (256 HP) and 330 N⋅m (243 lb⋅ft) at the same engine speeds. The catalyzed engine was also used in European and other market cars beginning in the summer of 1987, with identical specifications to the federalized engine. The sole transmission for all models was a 5-speed Getrag 280 manual transmission.

Other changes included BBS RS wheels, a rear lip spoiler, a larger front air dam, larger front brakes and revised suspension with a 10 mm (0.4 in) lower ride height.

A total of 5,855 cars were produced. Of these, 1,677 cars were imported to North America. Due to the elongated front and rear bumpers, the length of the U.S. models is 4,923 mm (193.8 in).

Production of the E24 M635CSi/M6 ended in 1989.