BMW E24
Encyclopedia
The BMW E24 series was the first BMW 6 Series
coupé
, produced by the German automaker BMW
between the 1976 and 1989 model years. The 6 Series name reappeared with the BMW E63 chassis beginning in the 2004 model year. The E24 borrowed heavily from contemporary 5-series cars (E12, later E28).
coupés first produced in 1965. The CS 3.0 was almost changed by adding a few centimeters in height to make it easier for customers to get into the car. However, Bob Lutz rebelled against the decision and rough drafted an alternative version that soon became the 6 series. Production started in March 1976 with two models: the 630CS and 633CSi. Originally the bodies were manufactured by Karmann
, but production was later taken in-house to BMW.
In July 1978 a more powerful variant, the 635CSi, was introduced (for the time being not available in North America and Japan) that featured as standard a special close-ratio 5-speed gearbox and a single piece black rear spoiler. The bigger bore and shorter stroke facilitated max 218 hp at 5200rpm and a better torque curve. For the first year, the 635CSi was offered in three colors (Polaris, Henna Red, Graphite), and could also be spotted by the front air dam that did not have attached fog lights. These simple cosmetic changes reportedly worked to reduce uplift on the car at high speeds by almost 15% over the non-spoiler body shape. This early model shared suspension components with the inaugural BMW 5-series, the E12.
In 1979 the carburetted 630CS was replaced with the 628CSi; this car had a fuel injected 2.8L engine taken from the BMW 528i.
In 1980 the 635CSi gained the central locking system that is also controlled from the trunk. Also, the E24 body style converted from L-jetronic injection to a Bosch Motronic DME.
In 1982 (Europe) and 1983 (US), the E24 changed slightly, with an improved interior and slightly modified exterior. At the same time, the 635CSi received a new engine, a slightly smaller-bored and longer-stroked 3430 cc six to replace the former 3453 cc engine and became available with a wide-ratio 5-speed manual
or an automatic
.
E24s produced after June 1987 came with new, ellipsoid headlamp
s which projects beam more directly onto road surface (newly introduced E32
series also sporting them). The sleeker European bumpers were also discontinued. Previous cars had either a European-standard bumper or a larger, reinforced bumper to meet the US standard
requiring bumpers to withstand impact at 5 mi/h without damage to safety-related components.
1989 was the last year for the E24 with production stopping in April. The E24 was supplanted by the considerably heavier, more complex, and more exclusive E31
.
introduced M 635 CSi in Europe
at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1983. It is essentially an E24 powered by the powerplant of the BMW M1
- the M88
(286 PS). Most of the cars were equipped with special metric 415 mm diameter wheels requiring Michelin TRX tires. A catalyzed, lower compression ratio version of the car with the S38 engine (260 PS) was introduced in the U.S. in 1987. All M6 cars came standard with a 25% rear limited slip differential
. U.S. models included additional comforts that were usually optional on models sold in Europe such as Nappa leather
power seats and a dedicated rear A/C
unit with a center beverage chiller. Car and Driver
tested a U.S.
M6 in July 1987 and achieved a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds, better than the BMW published 6.4 and 6.8 second times for the European and U.S. versions respectively. 4,088 M 635CSi cars were built between 1983 and 1988 with 1,767 U.S. M6 built.
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Fuel tank capacity: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| 70 l (18.5 US gal; 15.4 imp gal)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Valvetrain: || colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"| 12 valves, SOHC, duplex chain || style="text-align:center;"| 24 valves, DOHC, duplex chain
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Cooling: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|Water
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Gearbox: || colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"| 4-speed manual, from 1979 5-speed manual (wide- or close-ratio)
on request 3-speed automatic
, from 1983 4-speed automatic
rear wheel drive || style="text-align:center;"| 5-speed manual
rear wheel drive
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Electrical system: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| 12 volt
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Front suspension: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| McPherson axle, coil springs, stabilising bar
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Rear suspension:: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| Trailing arms, struts, coil springs, stabilising bar
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Brakes: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| disc brakes (Ø front 280 mm, rear 272 mm), power assisted, from MY 1984: ABS
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Steering: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| ZF
recirculating ball steering, power assisted
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Body structure: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| Sheet steel, unibody construction
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Dry weight:
| style="text-align:center;"|1450 kg (3,196.7 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1475 kg (3,251.8 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1495 kg (3,295.9 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1520 kg (3,351 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1470 kg (3,240.8 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1510 kg (3,329 lb)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Loaded weight:
| style="text-align:center;"|1830 kg (4,034.5 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1830 kg (4,034.5 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1830 kg (4,034.5 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1860 kg (4,100.6 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1850 kg (4,078.6 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1850 kg (4,078.6 lb)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Track front/
rear:
| style="text-align:center;"|1422 mm (56 in) 1487 mm (58.5 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1422 mm (56 in) 1487 mm (58.5 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1422 mm (56 in) 1487 mm (58.5 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1430 mm (56.3 in) 1460 mm (57.5 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1430 mm (56.3 in) 1460 mm (57.5 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1430 mm (56.3 in) 1464 mm (57.6 in)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Wheelbase:
| style="text-align:center;"|2626 mm (103.4 in) || style="text-align:center;"|2626 mm (103.4 in) || style="text-align:center;"|2626 mm (103.4 in) || style="text-align:center;"|2626 mm (103.4 in) || style="text-align:center;"|2626 mm (103.4 in) || style="text-align:center;"| 2626 mm (103.4 in)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Length: || style="text-align:center;"| 4755 mm (187.2 in) || style="text-align:center;"|4755 mm (187.2 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|4755 mm (187.2 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|4755 mm (187.2 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|4755 mm (187.2 in)|| style="text-align:center;"| 4755 mm (187.2 in)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Width: || style="text-align:center;"| 1725 mm (67.9 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1725 mm (67.9 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|1725 mm (67.9 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|1725 mm (67.9 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|1725 mm (67.9 in)|| style="text-align:center;"| 1725 mm (67.9 in)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Height: || style="text-align:center;"| 1365 mm (53.7 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1365 mm (53.7 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|1365 mm (53.7 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|1365 mm (53.7 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|1365 mm (53.7 in)|| style="text-align:center;"| 1354 mm (53.3 in)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Tyre/Tire sizes: || style="text-align:center;"| 195/70VR14 || style="text-align:center;"|195/70VR14|| style="text-align:center;"|195/70VR14|| style="text-align:center;"|195/70VR14|| style="text-align:center;"|205/70VR14|| style="text-align:center;"| 220/55VR390
or 240/45VR415
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Top speed:
| style="text-align:center;"|215 km/h (133.6 mph)
| style="text-align:center;"|210 km/h (130.5 mph)
| style="text-align:center;"|215 km/h (133.6 mph)
| style="text-align:center;"|222 km/h (137.9 mph)
| style="text-align:center;"|225 km/h (139.8 mph)
| style="text-align:center;"|255 km/h (158.4 mph)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Fuel Consumption (estimates):
| style="text-align:center;"|15.5 l/100 km
| style="text-align:center;"|16.5 l/100 km
| style="text-align:center;"|16.5 l/100 km
| style="text-align:center;"|17 l/100 km
| style="text-align:center;"|15 l/100 km
| style="text-align:center;"|18 l/100 km
|}
BMW 6 Series
BMW 6 Series refers to several generations of executive coupés produced by BMW.The first was the E24, being derived from the E12 & E28 5 Series 4-door sedans. The E24 launched in 1976 to replace the 3.0CS & 3.0CSi . 14 years later, in 2003, BMW released the all new E63/E64 which was available as a...
coupé
Coupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
, produced by the German automaker BMW
BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. It also owns and produces the Mini marque, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna brands...
between the 1976 and 1989 model years. The 6 Series name reappeared with the BMW E63 chassis beginning in the 2004 model year. The E24 borrowed heavily from contemporary 5-series cars (E12, later E28).
Model history
The E24 was a replacement for the CS and CSLBMW E9
-BMW 2.5CS:The last version of the E9 to be introduced was the 2.5CS in 1974. This was a response to the 1973 oil crisis, such that the buyer could choose the smaller, more economical engine. The engine, from the 2500 sedan, displaced and produced at 6000 revolutions per minute...
coupés first produced in 1965. The CS 3.0 was almost changed by adding a few centimeters in height to make it easier for customers to get into the car. However, Bob Lutz rebelled against the decision and rough drafted an alternative version that soon became the 6 series. Production started in March 1976 with two models: the 630CS and 633CSi. Originally the bodies were manufactured by Karmann
Karmann
Wilhelm Karmann GmbH, commonly known simply as Karmann, in Osnabrück, Germany was until 2009 the largest independent motor vehicle manufacturing company in Germany...
, but production was later taken in-house to BMW.
In July 1978 a more powerful variant, the 635CSi, was introduced (for the time being not available in North America and Japan) that featured as standard a special close-ratio 5-speed gearbox and a single piece black rear spoiler. The bigger bore and shorter stroke facilitated max 218 hp at 5200rpm and a better torque curve. For the first year, the 635CSi was offered in three colors (Polaris, Henna Red, Graphite), and could also be spotted by the front air dam that did not have attached fog lights. These simple cosmetic changes reportedly worked to reduce uplift on the car at high speeds by almost 15% over the non-spoiler body shape. This early model shared suspension components with the inaugural BMW 5-series, the E12.
In 1979 the carburetted 630CS was replaced with the 628CSi; this car had a fuel injected 2.8L engine taken from the BMW 528i.
In 1980 the 635CSi gained the central locking system that is also controlled from the trunk. Also, the E24 body style converted from L-jetronic injection to a Bosch Motronic DME.
In 1982 (Europe) and 1983 (US), the E24 changed slightly, with an improved interior and slightly modified exterior. At the same time, the 635CSi received a new engine, a slightly smaller-bored and longer-stroked 3430 cc six to replace the former 3453 cc engine and became available with a wide-ratio 5-speed manual
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
or an automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
.
E24s produced after June 1987 came with new, ellipsoid headlamp
Headlamp
A headlamp is a lamp, usually attached to the front of a vehicle such as a car or a motorcycle, with the purpose of illuminating the road ahead during periods of low visibility, such as darkness or precipitation. Headlamp performance has steadily improved throughout the automobile age, spurred by...
s which projects beam more directly onto road surface (newly introduced E32
BMW E32
After almost 7 years in development since September 1979, in July 1986, BMW introduced the second generation of the 7 series, known internally as the E32. Aimed at the high end of the luxury market, the car offered some of the latest innovations in automotive technology, and a new, top-of-the-line...
series also sporting them). The sleeker European bumpers were also discontinued. Previous cars had either a European-standard bumper or a larger, reinforced bumper to meet the US standard
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation...
requiring bumpers to withstand impact at 5 mi/h without damage to safety-related components.
1989 was the last year for the E24 with production stopping in April. The E24 was supplanted by the considerably heavier, more complex, and more exclusive E31
BMW 8 Series
The BMW 8 Series is a V8- or V12-engined 2-door 2+2 coupe built by BMW from 1989 to 1999. While it did supplant the original E24 based 6 Series in 1991, a common misconception is that the 8 Series was developed as a successor...
.
M version
BMW MotorsportBMW Motorsport
BMW Motorsport is the division of BMW responsible for motorsport-related activities, including works-run competition programmes in touring car racing, sportscar racing and Formula One.-See also:* BMW M* BMW in motorsport* BMW Sauber* Schnitzer Motorsport...
introduced M 635 CSi in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1983. It is essentially an E24 powered by the powerplant of the BMW M1
BMW M1
The BMW M1 is a sports car that was produced by German automaker BMW from 1978 to 1981.In the late 1970s, Italian manufacturer Lamborghini entered into an agreement with BMW to build a production racing car in sufficient quantity for homologation. The result was sold to the public, from 1978 to...
- the M88
BMW M88
The BMW M88/3 is an in line 6 cylinder piston engine. It was based on the M88/1 that was used in the BMW M1's street version, with double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder. The M88/1 was in turn based on the M49 engine which was used in the BMW 3.0CSi...
(286 PS). Most of the cars were equipped with special metric 415 mm diameter wheels requiring Michelin TRX tires. A catalyzed, lower compression ratio version of the car with the S38 engine (260 PS) was introduced in the U.S. in 1987. All M6 cars came standard with a 25% rear limited slip differential
Limited slip differential
A limited slip differential is a type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in angular velocity of the output shafts, but imposes a mechanical bound on the disparity...
. U.S. models included additional comforts that were usually optional on models sold in Europe such as Nappa leather
Nappa leather
Nappa leather or Napa leather is a full-grain leather, typically dyed, made from unsplit kid-, lamb- or sheep-skin by tanning with salts of chromium or aluminium sulfate, and noted for softness and durability...
power seats and a dedicated rear A/C
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
unit with a center beverage chiller. Car and Driver
Car and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
tested a U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
M6 in July 1987 and achieved a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds, better than the BMW published 6.4 and 6.8 second times for the European and U.S. versions respectively. 4,088 M 635CSi cars were built between 1983 and 1988 with 1,767 U.S. M6 built.
Technical data
Bosch Motronic|- style="background:#eee;"
| Fuel tank capacity: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| 70 l (18.5 US gal; 15.4 imp gal)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Valvetrain: || colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"| 12 valves, SOHC, duplex chain || style="text-align:center;"| 24 valves, DOHC, duplex chain
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Cooling: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|Water
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Gearbox: || colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"| 4-speed manual, from 1979 5-speed manual (wide- or close-ratio)
on request 3-speed automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
, from 1983 4-speed automatic
rear wheel drive || style="text-align:center;"| 5-speed manual
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
rear wheel drive
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Electrical system: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| 12 volt
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Front suspension: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| McPherson axle, coil springs, stabilising bar
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Rear suspension:: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| Trailing arms, struts, coil springs, stabilising bar
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Brakes: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| disc brakes (Ø front 280 mm, rear 272 mm), power assisted, from MY 1984: ABS
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Steering: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| ZF
ZF Friedrichshafen
ZF Friedrichshafen AG, also known as ZF Group, and commonly abbreviated to ZF, is a German public company headquartered in Friedrichshafen, in the south-west German region of Baden-Württemberg....
recirculating ball steering, power assisted
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Body structure: || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| Sheet steel, unibody construction
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Dry weight:
| style="text-align:center;"|1450 kg (3,196.7 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1475 kg (3,251.8 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1495 kg (3,295.9 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1520 kg (3,351 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1470 kg (3,240.8 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1510 kg (3,329 lb)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Loaded weight:
| style="text-align:center;"|1830 kg (4,034.5 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1830 kg (4,034.5 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1830 kg (4,034.5 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1860 kg (4,100.6 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1850 kg (4,078.6 lb)
| style="text-align:center;"|1850 kg (4,078.6 lb)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Track front/
rear:
| style="text-align:center;"|1422 mm (56 in) 1487 mm (58.5 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1422 mm (56 in) 1487 mm (58.5 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1422 mm (56 in) 1487 mm (58.5 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1430 mm (56.3 in) 1460 mm (57.5 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1430 mm (56.3 in) 1460 mm (57.5 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1430 mm (56.3 in) 1464 mm (57.6 in)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Wheelbase:
| style="text-align:center;"|2626 mm (103.4 in) || style="text-align:center;"|2626 mm (103.4 in) || style="text-align:center;"|2626 mm (103.4 in) || style="text-align:center;"|2626 mm (103.4 in) || style="text-align:center;"|2626 mm (103.4 in) || style="text-align:center;"| 2626 mm (103.4 in)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Length: || style="text-align:center;"| 4755 mm (187.2 in) || style="text-align:center;"|4755 mm (187.2 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|4755 mm (187.2 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|4755 mm (187.2 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|4755 mm (187.2 in)|| style="text-align:center;"| 4755 mm (187.2 in)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Width: || style="text-align:center;"| 1725 mm (67.9 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1725 mm (67.9 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|1725 mm (67.9 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|1725 mm (67.9 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|1725 mm (67.9 in)|| style="text-align:center;"| 1725 mm (67.9 in)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Height: || style="text-align:center;"| 1365 mm (53.7 in) || style="text-align:center;"|1365 mm (53.7 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|1365 mm (53.7 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|1365 mm (53.7 in)|| style="text-align:center;"|1365 mm (53.7 in)|| style="text-align:center;"| 1354 mm (53.3 in)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Tyre/Tire sizes: || style="text-align:center;"| 195/70VR14 || style="text-align:center;"|195/70VR14|| style="text-align:center;"|195/70VR14|| style="text-align:center;"|195/70VR14|| style="text-align:center;"|205/70VR14|| style="text-align:center;"| 220/55VR390
or 240/45VR415
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"|
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Top speed:
| style="text-align:center;"|215 km/h (133.6 mph)
| style="text-align:center;"|210 km/h (130.5 mph)
| style="text-align:center;"|215 km/h (133.6 mph)
| style="text-align:center;"|222 km/h (137.9 mph)
| style="text-align:center;"|225 km/h (139.8 mph)
| style="text-align:center;"|255 km/h (158.4 mph)
|- style="background:#eee;"
| Fuel Consumption (estimates):
| style="text-align:center;"|15.5 l/100 km
| style="text-align:center;"|16.5 l/100 km
| style="text-align:center;"|16.5 l/100 km
| style="text-align:center;"|17 l/100 km
| style="text-align:center;"|15 l/100 km
| style="text-align:center;"|18 l/100 km
|}
Models for North America and Japan
While in most markets several E24 versions were usually available, markets with strict emission controlAutomobile emissions control
Vehicle emissions control is the study and practice of reducing the motor vehicle emissions -- emissions produced by motor vehicles, especially internal combustion engines....
regulations received only a single model (except for the M6 that was later offered additionally). This meant that in North America and Japan, BMW offered the following models:
- 630CSi (MY 1977 through 1978½)
- 633CSi (MY 1978½ through 1984)
- 635CSi (MY 1985 through 1989)
- L6 (MY 1987 - Luxury Edition 635CSi NA-only)
- M6 (MY 1987 through 1989)
In 1977, the 6er was released in the US as the 630CSi. This was a fuel-injected
Fuel injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
version of the carburetted
Carburetor
A carburetor , carburettor, or carburetter is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It is sometimes shortened to carb in North America and the United Kingdom....
630CS available elsewhere. Its 3-litre engine developed 176 hp and 185 ft.lbf of torque.
In mid-model year 1978 the 630CSi was replaced by the 633CSi. US/Japan specification 633CSi cars had the M30 3.2 litre 181 hp engine until 1984. In 1985 the car was renamed 635CSi, displacement was increased to 3.4 litres and horsepower increased slightly to 182 hp. The big difference, however, was torque. Whereas the 3.2 litre had 195 ft.lbf at 4,000 rpm, the 3.4 litre powerplant managed 214 ft.lbf at 4,000 rpm.
From model year 1983, North American and Japanese versions benefitted from the technical revisions and changes to the interior introduced elsewhere in spring or summer 1982. Its chassis was now based on the E28 and no longer on the E12. The front and rear suspension was also revised. Later a self-levelling rear suspension was added to the 635 CSi and M6 features list in 1988.
The US received its 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), Bosch X5DC copper spark plugs (instead of Bosch Silver plugs on the M88) and 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. The US model also included a variety of options usually of which were optional 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.
In 1988, the US E24 was now available with the newest version of the M30, the 3.4L (first used in the E32 735i). Even though the intake manifold states 3.5 it's technically a 3.4 (3430cc) like the previous 3.4. This engine had an increased compression ratio, and updated Motronics/DME. The result was 208 hp and 225 ft.lbf torque. In effect, this engine was identical to the catalyzed version newly available in Germany and other markets.
External links
- http://www.bigcoupe.com - E24 based site and forum
- http://www.e-24.ru/eng/ - Useful information about BMW E24