BMW may bill itself as “The Ultimate Driving Machine”, and while its cars may offer a better than average driving experience, like most competitors, it’s no secret that Bimmers have gotten a bit softer over the years. A plethora of luxury and technology features, more spacious vehicles, tamer ride, and driver aids galore is how BMW can post record sales of over 1.6 million cars globally. Thankfully for enthusiasts, by retaining things like manual transmissions, powerful engines, balanced chassis and the legendary M Series, the Bavarians still make some of the best-handling, fun-to-drive cars in the world.
Flash back two to three decades however, and BMWs were very different cars. Choice of vehicle was much more limited, but in a good way. There were no GTs, Sports Activity Vehicles, or Gran Coupes filling every segment imaginable. Back then, you basically had four logical models. There were the 7- and 5-Series sedans, largely reserved for affluent, mature buyers; the entry-level, yuppie-grabbing 3-Series; and the most exclusive Bimmer, the personal luxury 6-Series coupe.
Introduced in Europe in early 1976, E24 6-Series coupe succeeded the iconic E9 CS, which in turn had replaced 2000C/CS coupes. Trading the E9’s rounder sheet metal for more wedged-shaped lines, the E24 was by all means, a good-looking if not particularly revolutionary design.
As with most European cars exported to North America, engine choices were limited. Arriving one year later, as a 1977 model with larger bumpers, the 630CSi was powered by a 176 horsepower, 185 lb-ft torque inline-6, mated to either a standard 4-speed manual or special order 3-speed automatic. It’s quite interesting to think of a time when most European imports were purchased with manuals. But as I said, it was different, simpler time.
Powertrain upgrades for the 6-Series occurred over the next decade. Mid-way through 1978, the 3.0 liter was replaced with a more powerful 3.2 liter I6. This engine was in turn succeeded by a 3.4 liter I6 in 1985. Despite being 3.2 and 3.4 liters, these models were called 633CSi and 635CSi, respectively. In that time, both transmissions gained a gear each.
But the real Bavarian beast came in the form of the M6. While the Germans first received their 282 horsepower M635CSi in 1983, Americans had to wait until 1987 for the M6 to arrive. Due to stricter emissions standards, U.S.-spec M6s received a number of mechanical modifications and the addition of a catalytic converter, which naturally dropped output compared to homeland models.
With a base price tag of $58,720 in 1987 ($122,970 in 2014 dollars), the M6 was no cheap thrill. If it’s any solace, a 2014 M6 coupe starts at only $111,900 (excluding destination & handling). And if its EPA-estimated 10 city/19 highway miles per gallon wasn’t enough of an additional wallet emptier, a gas guzzler tax of $2,250 was slapped onto the 1987 M6’s price tag. But hey, we all need to make small sacrifices in the name of fun.
All M6s were powered by a modified version of the same DOCH, 24-valve 3.5 liter I6 that powered the BMW M1. Its 256 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 243 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm were enough to propel the M6 from zero to sixty in a quick 6.1 seconds (as tested by Car and Driver). Top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph. As a performance model, the only transmission available was a slick Getrag 5-speed manual.
As a true sports car, the M6 was more than simply your average 6-Series coupe with a more powerful engine. Stiffer, shorter coil springs replaced the standard units for a firmer ride. Gas-pressured shock absorbers, recalibrated anti-roll bars, raised steering feel, and a 0.5-inch lower ride height all owed to the M6’s improved handling. Standard Michelin TRX 240/45VR-415 tires added grip to handle the increased power.
Visual modifications were tastefully subtle. A deck-lid spoiler, 16-inch alloys, and minimal “M” badging were the only ways to externally tell the M6 apart from a standard 635CSi. Our featured example wears non-original BBS-style 16-inch accessory alloys.
Opening either one of its two doors revealed a very driver-oriented interior. While one used to the pillowy leather and faux wood trim of say, a Cadillac Eldorado, may have described the M6’s interior as spartan, in reality it was quite the opposite. Fine hand-stitched Nappa leather covered the seats, steering wheel, dashboard, arm rests, glove box, and door panels. Heated, ten-way power adjustable front sports seats were standard, the driver’s with 3-position memory.
While rear-seat passengers may have been a tad short on leg room, they were compensated with bolstered individual seats, center console with armrest, rear sunshade, and their own climate controls. Highlighting its ultra-luxury features was a standard refrigerated ice cooler, located in the rear center console–perfect for a bottle of Champagne.
This particular Cinnabar Red over Lotus White 1987 M6 is one of only 1,632 exported to the United States for the 1987 through 1989 model years. An additional 135 M6s were exported to Canada for these years, bringing the total North American M6s to 1,767. All North American specification M6s were produced from November 1986 through September 1988. Our featured car is #38 of the 1,632 U.S. models.
As the ad states, it is an unrestored, rust-free California car with 147,000 miles. With no visible rust, including the undercarriage which I took a peek at, it would appear that this car did indeed spend most of its life in a warmer climate than New England. The only cosmetic defects I could detect were some scuffs on the front lip spoiler, and the typical leather wear one would expect from a 27-year old car with almost 150,000 miles on it.
Although I shot these photos back in April, the M6 is still there, now under the carport wearing a car cover. Perhaps the seller has changed his mind? Its advertised price of $20,000 may seem a bit steep for a 27-year old vehicle, but its actually right on par with what these very rare and truly wonderful BMWs are selling for these days.
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20K USD is cheap compared with the prices those command in Europe…
What do standard models of this age generally for?
The 635CSi seems to be more in the $10,000 USD range
Right, € 23,000 ($ 31,000) asking price for this 1986 M 635 CSi. The ad of the owner:
http://www.autowereld.nl/bmw/6-serie/m-635-csi-e24-m6-8392006/foto.html
And 14 other BMWs 6-series, € 3.340 for the cheapest:
http://www.gaspedaal.nl/BMW/6-serie/?bmax=2000&srt=pr-d
One of them has 306,000 km on the odometer. Prices in Germany are about the same level ?
That Dutch car has a very high mileage. I would say a well-kept low mileage M would be at least €30K; exceptional cars would be even more expensive – they have a cult following in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and also the UK. I also think it has to do with the fact that the 6th series BMWs had an illustrious racing career behind them which bumps up values; in the US where they did not have any national racing series equivalent to DTM, ETM and WTC the “halo” did not exist, hence lower values.
That 1986 BMW has 2010 plates (first registration in the Netherlands), that means it was most likely imported into the Netherlands from Germany. 253,000 km in 28 years, that’s 9,000 km a year on average. Pretty realistic for such a car.
Classic BMWs have much less “followers” than Mercedes in my country. Mercedes is, by far, the most popular classic. Visit any classic car show here (that is open for all brands) and you enter Mercedes Walhalla. Especially if you like the models from the seventies and eighties.
Non-M E24s seem to find themselves at the butt-end of auctions and end up going for not much here in oz. Very attractive car and I’ve always been tempted to get one. Never seen an M6 over here, but the price seems reasonable. A road shark if I ever saw one. Nice spotting Brendan.
Spencer and Hawk approve of everything but the color
Yeah, but what does Maddie Hayes think?
(The TV/movie character that comes to mind whenever I see any variety of E24…)
In Moonlighting, they Maddie and Dave had to share the Beemer coupe. Was odd for car happy LA where everyone has their own. 😉
I am fairly sure they did not share one car, they each had matching BMW 6-series (I don’t remember if they were M6s or not). What I do remember as being ironically funny is in the first episode, Maddie tells David they need to cut expenses, and he replies “I have to give back the Porsche?? BOTH of them??” Then they go and replace two paid for Porsches with two new BMWs. IIRC he had a 928 and a 911 first.
Interesting contrast of yesterday’s $11k for a ’86 Honda Civic vs. $20k for this BMW. Given the choice, it’s an easy call.
This was quite the catch. I’ve never been lucky enough to see one, but the sheer performance of these is spectacular.
The E24 is one of those cars where a comparatively cheap one may well become a very expensive bargain. BMWs are not inexpensive to maintain or fix in general and with the more performance-oriented iterations, I would start getting nervous about hard they’ve been thrashed. Admittedly, the E24s I see these days tend to be clean and obviously well-kept, presumably by people who know what they are and put a lot of personal value on them, but the point remains.
I was going to make the same observation. Makes the Bimmer seem like a bargain lol.
Wasn’t the M6 badge a U.S. (or North American) exclusive? I was under the impression that the European cars were badged M635CSi, although admittedly that always puzzled me. (The M535i was basically just a 535i with a body kit and the standard 3.4-liter six.)
Yeah, in Europe it was badged as M635CSi. I should have made that clearer and will now.
Thanks for clearing that up. I photographed an M635 recently and didn’t know whether it was a full blown M or not.
Love it. Want it. Need it. Can’t have it (no more room in the garage) This M6 pushes ALL the buttons. Why, O why do I torture myself by clicking on these links? Arghhhhh!
And it’s close enough for me to take a look-see cuz I’m in CT.
The first BMW I ever drove was a 635, back around ’82. It was a $40,000 car then and I couldn’t imagine what would make it worth that. 10 minutes later, after a few winding foothill roads, I had my answer. I love that car. But maintenance and repair costs mean I’d never even think of owning one.
My favorite car of All-time!!! Just gorgeous with a beautiful straight-6. So mean and sexy, man. SEXY BEAST
One of my top five all time as well. The “sharknose” design of these cars has always enthralled me, and as a child in the 80’s, these were some of the absolute best of the best out there. Still in my fantasy garage, and I’d take it over any BMW before or since. Amazing looks, amazing interiors, amazing performance (for the time and still no slouch today). The epitome of a Grand Tourer.
Another engineering professor at my university acquired one in 2006 or 2007, a grey-market euro M635CSi with the slimmer bumpers. Not sure of the year but it was this same color of red. What a fantastic machine, one that made me stop and stare every time I saw it. (His previous car, which he kept as his usual driver, was an E28 535i in immaculate shape. Definitely an 80’s BMW fan!)
Cracking car, always had a soft spot for these. However, I’d rather go for the the sister E28 M5. Two extra doors and rather plain-Jane exterior appeals more to me.
I agree. Two doors are nice, but I’ve always preferred 4 doors any day.
One of the drivers where I worked recently had one of these cost him a grand I doubt he bought it with the idea it would rise in value as it wont here but it did go ok for a BMW as it seems on these M didnt stand for marketing like it does on the weak 3 series.
This car resided in my fantasy garage in the mid 80s. I had gotten to drive a 7 series and was fully under BMW’s spell. I might have been able to swing a 318 in 1985, but spent about 20 minutes in the showroom and had nary a soul approach me to see if I could be helped.
I have forgotten the price on the window sticker, but there was a silver blue one of these in the showroom that had me enthralled. Completely unattainable, but I could admire it completely for free!
Alas, the car moved out of my fantasy garage quite a few years ago. Too much money to buy, and way too much money to maintain. But they are still beautiful all these years later.
BMWs are not usually my interest, but these are sharp cars. A lot of detail went into those rear seats considering they appear nearly useless due to a lack of legroom.
Nice article and gorgeous car. These 6-series have always seemed under-valued. I can understand on the automatics because they are not very fun to drive and who would want one but the sticks?
Perhaps too many were built and have survived. Or there is a dirty little secret like the E9s have with their rusting issue. I think a factor on the early cars is that they looked big and unathletic. The larger wheels and huge front air dam that came later really helped. Those parts transformed the car for me.
On your red car for $20k I think the high mileage (for a collectible) is hurting it. If my Carfax subscription was still active I’d run the plate to see if anything else is up.
I enlarged the For Sale sign and noticed three lines of performance upgrades including power chip, short throw shifter, springs and other parts. Unless the engine and trans were recently rebuilt by a top-end shop those “racing” upgrades would be a deal breaker for me and many others.
One of my uncles had one of those. Problem was, we always heard about its being in the shop. He thought its reliability was OK. But his prior car was a Jaguar.
Then he got a BMW 7-series and it was worse. Still no Jaguar, though.
Lovely looking BMW, but that front air splitter would be chewed to bits and/or broken off on Central New York roads, but less so if you stuck to the roads in better condition.
That bumper makes the Matador coupe look light-on! An unfortunate byproduct of the sharknose. In Australia these were probably best-known in black/gold JPS race trim with Jim Richards at the wheel. Also in a related-CC effect I saw a new M6 this morning.
It’s worse because of the US-spec bumpers. The Euro M635CSi had somewhat slimmer units:
Jim Richards gave BMWs some cachet in Australia however in his native NZ they have little.
Nice as today’s 6 series BMW is it’s not a patch on this beauty.Long time fan of these cars.
20k is still not too bad considering it looks taken care of.
The upgrades do instill some doubt.
But between spending 20k for this or 20k for a newer I6 M3…I think the M6 takes the cake since it’s still a simpler machine and much much rarer and nicer looking.
Those M cars of the 80s and even 90s were truly special. Just look at the M3 from that time.
I’ve looked at these 6 series a few times as I love them as well as most BMWs from that era.
I always thought the hottest one we got was the 635CSi, since that was also the hottest 8 series available (M8 would have been a beast if made past prototype).
Not sure if I’ve seen a M635CSi. Feel like I have but at the same time I see so many modern 3 series with M3 badges and then you look at the mirrors or exhaust and laugh, so badging is iffy with BMWs.
As a kid in the ’80s I never could get past how the sharknose and round headlights teamed up to scream “OLD!” at the top of their lungs when the car was new, a look even more dated than the square sealed beams and freestanding bumpers of my mom’s Horizon America which at least had the justification of being cheap.
As datedness gave way to vintage status, I can start to appreciate these, but I still think GM did a better job keeping the G-body coupes looking up to date.
Taste is subjective, but I couldn’t disagree more on that one. I think theres a knee jerk reaction that can go one of two ways: “Im resistant to change” or “whatevers newest is best”. Clinging to styling or technology that’s antiquated for lack of imagination or the $$ to invest is a death sentence for sure…see AMC. But I also think that jumping on any old bandwagon just because its the latest fad is a bad move too. That shark nose and 4 round eyes may have came off as crusty in the 80s but try to imagine that nose all boxy and with square lights. Blech! This shape is just beautiful and timeless. Look what happened when Jeep ‘updated’ the classic CJ series into the square light YJ. This was the first time in history that the old school Jeep ever really lost ground in sales, and people hate that look to this day. It looks positively dorky now. Or the Charger going from lean mean muscle machine to a Cordoba clone.
BMW has always had the 4 round lite look in some form, and its come right back into fashion. I always looked that style with the blackout grille.
Of course Alpina had their own line of E24 6-series, like this 330 hp B7 S Turbo Coupe. An overview of them on Alpina’s website:
http://www.alpina-automobiles.com/en/models-alpina/historic-models/bmw-6-series/e24.html
Best looking Bimmer ever.
I have always loved these… I had an uncle who was into Porsches, and his best friend was into these cars, classic go-go 80s yuppies. Back then I figured I would have a 911 and my future wife would be driving the M6. Funny how dreams change.
I think these are very good looking but the “best looking BMW” crown has to go to its predecessor, the 2000C/CS like the white one pictured above. Same basic design, more classic with less 80s excess.
Look at the low belt line and oh so slender C- pillar….great visibility…contrast that with the bunkers we are forced to drive today…
And in addition, the rear quarter windows retract, although not very far (you can see a window switch in the rear seat photo). If I had to buy a German car, this would be the one, although probably a plain 633/635.
Absolutely gorgeous cars! They look like what a mid 70s-mid 80s muscle car MIGHT look like if there was no oil embargo, no dopey govt mandates and no brougham epoch. These truly are an upgrade from the M3 in terms of more aggressive style AND performance.
A few years ago I answered a CL ad for an M6 that had aledgedly been turbocharged with Alpina parts by Hardy & Beck (the West coast Alpina distributor and BMW tuner akin to Dinan today). I thought it intriguing and went to see the car. The car was an M6 indeed and it did have a turbocharger but it had led a rough life. I made an offer which was rejected and put it out of my mind except that I always wondered what was the real story on the car. Since the car had no documentation it was impossible to tell who really installed the turbo and did the other modifications.
BTW the seller was asking $7500.
I must say that I really liked the styling of the BMW 6 series back in the day, and I still do.
Got it, love it.
I keep mine in the garage, it only comes out for a nice long drive, original condition.
Not expensive to keep, although I only use OEM parts.
Restoring a ’74 3.0CSi, choosing between the two is impossible…