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BMW 6-Series (E24)
BMW 633 CSi
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	1976–1989 86,216 built
Assembly	Dingolfing, West Germany Rheine, West Germany
Designer	Paul Bracq
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	2.8−3.5 L M30 I6 3.5 L M90 I6 3.5 L M88 I6 3.5 L S38 I6
Transmission	4-speed manual 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,626 mm (103.4 in)
Length	EU: 4,755 mm (187.2 in) US: 4,923 mm (193.8 in)
Width	1,725 mm (67.9 in)
Height	1,354–1,365 mm (53.3–53.7 in)
Curb weight	1,450–1,619 kg (3,197–3,569 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	BMW New Six Coupe (E9)
Successor	BMW 6 Series (E63)

The BMW E24 is the first generation of BMW 6 Series grand tourer coupes and was produced by from 1976 to 1988.

It replaced the E9 coupes and was replaced, after a 16-year hiatus, in 2004 by the E63 6 Series Aside from the M635csi/M6 models, the E24 was powered by a range of M30 straight-6 engines

The E24 M635csi (called the M6 in the USA and Japan) is considered the start of the M6 model line. In most markets, the M635csi is powered by the M88 straight-6. In the USA and Japan, the M6 is powered by the less powerful S38 straight-6 engine.

Although the E31 8 Series was released as production of the E24 was ending, the 8 Series is considered a separate model line and therefore not a successor to the E24.

Development and production

The initial proposal for the E24 was a based on a BMW E9 3.0 CS with an increased height, in order to make it easier for customers to get into the car. However, Bob Lutz rejected the proposal, eventually leading to the shape of the E24 in its production form. Unlike its E9 predecessor, the body of the E24 has a B pillar.

Production started in March 1976 with two models: the 630 CS and 633 CSi. Originally the bodies were manufactured by Karmann, but production was later taken in-house to BMW. Initially, the E24 was based on the E12 5 Series platform.

Suspension and steering

Front suspension consists of MacPherson struts and the rear suspension is independent semi-trailing arms. In 1982, the front suspension was upgraded to include twin-pivot lower control arms and the geometry of the rear suspension was revised.

The steering uses a recirculating ball system with power assistance.

Transmissions

Initially, the E24 was available with a 4-speed manual transmission (Getrag 262), a 5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 265), or a 3-speed automatic transmission (ZF 3HP22).

In 1983 the automatic transmission was upgraded to a 4-speed ZF 4HP22.

Engines

Figures are for European specification models, unless otherwise stated.

Model	Year(s)	Engine	Power	Torque	Top speed	Notes
628CSi	1979-1987	M30B28	135 kW (181 hp) @ 5800 rpm	235 N·m (173 lb·ft) @ 4200 rpm	215 km/h (134 mph)
630CS	1976-1979	M30B30	136 kW (182 hp) @ 5800 rpm	255 N·m (188 lb·ft) @ 3500 rpm	210 km/h (130 mph)
630CSi	1977-1977	M30 3.0CSi	131 kW (176 hp) @ 5500 rpm	251 N·m (185 lb·ft) @ 4500 rpm	210 km/h (130 mph)	USA only
633CSi	1976-1983	M30B32	145 kW (194 hp) @ 5500 rpm	285 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 4000 rpm	215 km/h (134 mph)
635CSi	1978-1982	M90	160 kW (215 hp) @ 5200 rpm	304 N·m (224 lb·ft) @ 4000 rpm	222 km/h (138 mph)
	1982-1989	M30B34	160 kW (215 hp) @ 5200 rpm	310 N·m (229 lb·ft) @ 3500 rpm	222 km/h (138 mph)
	1988-1979	M30B35	155 kW (208 hp) @ 5700 rpm	305 N·m (225 lb·ft) @ 4000 rpm	225 km/h (140 mph)
M635CSi	1983-1989	M88/3	210 kW (282 hp) @ 6500 rpm	340 N·m (251 lb·ft) @ 4500 rpm	255 km/h (158 mph)

M version

The E24 M635CSi, introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1983, is considered the first in the line of M6 models. In 1987, the equivalent model for the USA and Japan was introduced and badged as an M6.

The M635CSi is powered by a 210 kW (282 hp) version of the M88 engine. USA and Japan models were powered by a 188 kW (252 hp) version of the S38 engine, which has a lower compression ratio and uses a catalytic converter.

Over its production life of 1983-1988, 4,088 M 635 CSi cars were built, and 1,767 M6 cars were built for the USA.

Model year changes

1978

In July 1978, the more powerful 635 CSi variant was introduced. The 635 CSi featured a close-ratio 5-speed gearbox and a single piece black rear spoiler. The M90 engine's bigger bore and shorter stroke resulted in 160 kW (215 hp) and increased torque in models without a catalytic converter. The aerodynamic changes reduced uplift at high speeds by almost 15% over the other E24 models.

1979

In 1979 the carburetted 630 CS was replaced with the 628 CSi; this car had a fuel-injected 2.8L engine taken from the E12 528i. An anti-lock braking system became available as an option.

1980

In 1980, the fuel-injection systems changed from Bosch L-jetronic to Bosch Motronic. The 635 CSi central locking system could now be operated from the passenger door and trunk.

1982 facelift

In 1982 (model year 1983 in the USA), the E24 platform changed from the E12 5 Series to the E28 5 Series, resulting changes to exterior styling, engines, chassis, suspension, electronics and the interior.

The 635 CSi engine was updated to the 3,430 cc (209 cu in) M30B34, which used a smaller bore and longer stroke than the previous 3,453 cc (211 cu in) M90 engine. The 635 CSi became available with a wide-ratio 5-speed manual or an automatic.

1987

E24s produced after June 1987 were fitted with ellipsoid headlamps, as per the recently introduced E32 7 Series. The front and rear spoilers were redesigned, with a single design used worldwide (prior to this, models sold in the USA used a different design to the rest of the world).

The 635 CSi engine was updated to the higher compression M30B35, which resulted in a power increase of 19 kW (25 hp) for engines with catalytic converters.

North America and Japan model range

Although other markets offered multiple E24 models, in North America only one model was available at any given time (aside from the M6).

630 CSi

In 1977, the 6 series was released in the US as the 630 CSi. The 630 CSi is powered by a fuel-injected version of the carburetted 630 CS available elsewhere. This 3.0 litre engine produces 176 hp (131 kW) and 185 lbf·ft (251 N·m).

633 CSi

The 630 CSi was replaced in September 1977 by the 633 CSi. In USA/Japan specification, the 633 CSi was powered by a 181 hp (135 kW) version of the M30 engine. Output later dropped to 174 hp (130 kW).

In September 1980 (1981 model year), the manual transmission for USA cars was upgraded from a 4-speed to a 5-speed. A 3-speed automatic transmission was optional.

In September 1982, the major facelift (for all markets worldwide) resulted in the North American and Japanese models being based on the E28 5 Series platform.

635 CSi

In 1985, the 633 CSi was replaced by the 635 CSi. This model used the M30B34 engine, which produced 182 hp (136 kW) and 214 lbf·ft (290 N·m) at 4,000 rpm. An L6 "luxury edition" version of the 635 CSi was available in North America for the 1987 model year.

In 1988, the engine was upgraded to the M30B35. This engine has a capacity of 3.4 Litres (despite the model code and the "3.5" inscribed on the intake manifold) and produces 208 hp (155 kW) and 225 lbf·ft (305 N·m) torque. This upgraded engine resulted in USA models (with catalytic converters) offering similar performance to European models.Self-levelling rear suspension was added to the 635 CSi and M6 features list.

M6

In 1987, the USA and Japan received their own M series E24 in 1987 called the M6. The S38 powerplant found in the US model had several modifications from the M88 powerplant in the European model, most notably: a double row timing chain, modified cam tray, different valve lengths, a slightly different cam profile, less elaborate exhaust manifold (rather than full headers), the introduction of an oxygen sensor for the EFI. These changes coupled with the introduction of a catalytic converter for emission regulations reduced the output to 256 hp (191 kW). The US model also included a variety of options usually available on European models, to include: heated power seats, sport tuned self-levelling rear suspension, A/C cooled ice box between the rear seats, A/C vents for rear seat occupants, sunshade for rear occupants and an 8 speaker "premium" sound system.

Significant victories in auto racing

Championships & Series

• European Touring Car Championship; 3 titles (1981, 1983 and 1986)
• Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft; 1 title (1984)
• Belgian Touring Car Championship (Group N); 1 title (1984)
• Australian Touring Car Championship; 1 title (1985)
• Australian Endurance Championship; 2 titles (1985 and 1986)
• Australian Manufacturers' Championship; 1 title (1985)
• AMSCAR Series; 1 title (1985)
• European Hill Climb Championship; 1 title (1985)
• New Zealand Touring Car Championship; 2 titles (1985 and 1987)
• New Zealand Benson & Hedges Saloon Car Series; 1 title (1985)
• Nissan-Mobil 500 Series (New Zealand); 1 title (1985)
• Japanese Touring Car Championship; 1 titles (1985)

Races

• RAC Tourist Trophy; 2 wins (1980 and 1984)
• 4h/500km of Monza; 3 wins (1980, 1981 and 1983)
• Guia Race; 1 win (1983)
• Spa 24 Hours; 3 wins (1983, 1985 and 1986)
• 24 Hours Nürburgring; 2 wins (1984 and 1985)
• Sandown 500; 1 win (1985)