BMW E24

From BMW Tech

BMW 6-series (E24)

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	1976 - 1989 86,216 built[1]
Predecessor	BMW E9
Successor	BMW E31
Body style(s)	2 door coupé
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	2.8L−3.5L I-6
Transmission(s)	4 or 5 speed manual, 3 or 4 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2626 mm (103.4 in)
Length	4755 mm (187.2 in)
Width	1725 mm (67.9 in)
Height	1365 mm (53.7 in)
Curb weight	1450 kg (3197 lb)−1520 kg (3351 lb)
Designer	Paul Bracq

The BMW E24 automobile platform was the basis for the first production of BMW 6 Series coupé, produced by the German automaker BMW between the 1976 and 1989 model years. Replaced by the E31 chassis 8 Series coupés, 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).

Contents 1 Model history 2 North America and Japan 3 Sources and further reading 4 External links

Model history

The E24 was a replacement for the CS and CSL coupés first produced in 1965. The CS 3.0 was almost changed by adding a few inches in height to make it easier for wealthier 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^[2]. 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 black rear spoiler.

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 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 or an automatic.

In Europe, 1984 saw the introduction of the M635CSi, essentially an E24 powered by the powerplant of the BMW M1 (the M88, now putting out 286 PS (282 hp/210 kW)). 16" BBS 3 piece wheels and a deeper air dam completed the package. Most M635csi's were equipped with special metric 415 mm wheels requiring Michelin TRX tires.

The 1988 E24s came with ellipsoid headlamps, and were equipped with a single type of bumper. 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 mph (8 km/h) without damage to safety-related components. 1989 was the last year for the E24 with production stopping in April. The replacement for the E24 was the considerably heavier and more complex BMW 8 Series.

North America and Japan

While in most markets several E24 versions were usually available, markets with strict emission control 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 ^[3]:

• 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 version of the carburetted 630CS available elsewhere. Its 3-litre engine developed 176 horsepower (131 kW) and Template:Convert/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 (135 kW) engine until 1984. In 1985 the car was renamed 635CSi, displacement was increased to 3.4 litres and horsepower increased slightly to 182 hp (136 kW). The big difference, however, was torque. Whereas the 3.2 litre had Template:Convert/ft.lbf at 4,000 rpm, the 3.4 litre powerplant managed Template:Convert/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 emmission regulations reduced the output to 256 hp (191 kW). The US model also included a variety of options not found on the earlier 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 (155 kW) and Template:Convert/ft.lbf torque. In effect, this engine was identical to the catalyzed version newly available in Germany and other markets.

Sources and further reading

External links

• Sharknose

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Type	Series	1950s										1960s										1970s										1980s
		0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Microcar							Isetta 250 / 300
Small family car									600			LS/700
Compact exec	3 Series	340/340-2																1602/2002											E21							E30
Executive	5 Series	327												1500,1800,2000											E12									E28							E34
Luxury	7 Series			501/502																E3										E23										E32
Coupé																			1600GT
	6 Series							503						3200 CS			2000CS				E9							E24
Roadster	Z Series							507																																Z1
Sports car/GT	M1, 8 Series																										E26														E31