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BMW E24 buyers guide

BMW E24 buyers guide

Added on: July 17, 2023
Author: OctoClub

1. What series is the BMW E24?

2. How many BMW E24 were made?

3. BMW E24 body and interior

4. BMW E24 engines

5. BMW E24 suspension

What series is the BMW E24?

This is a BMW E24 buyers guide. The BMW E24 is a part of the 6 Series, which is a line of luxury grand tourer coupés produced by BMW. The 6 Series, including the E24, is known for its stylish design, premium features, and performance-oriented characteristics. The E24 specifically refers to the first-generation 6 Series that was produced from 1976 to 1989. It was a significant model for BMW and set the tone for the subsequent generations of the 6 Series lineup.

Here is a list of all the models of the BMW E24 6 Series:

BMW 628CSi

BMW 630CS

BMW 630CSi

BMW 633CSi

BMW 635CSi

BMW M635CSi (also known as the M6 in North America)

BMW E24

How many BMW E24 were made?

During its production run from 1976 to 1989, BMW manufactured a total of approximately 86,216 units of the E24 6 Series. This figure includes all variants and models produced worldwide during that period. The E24 6 Series was available in various markets, and its production numbers made it a relatively exclusive and sought-after luxury coupe of its time.

BMW E24 body and interior

The BMW E24 features a stylish and distinctive body design that was crafted by renowned automotive designer Paul Bracq. It is a two-door luxury grand tourer coupe with a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette, and it exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication.
The E24’s front end is characterized by its iconic kidney grille, flanked by rectangular headlights, giving it a distinctive appearance. The rear end of the coupe is notable for its horizontally elongated taillights, which became a signature feature of the 6 Series models.

As for the interior, the BMW E24 offers a luxurious and comfortable cabin that reflects the premium nature of the car. The materials used in the interior are of high quality, featuring fine leather, wood trim, and soft-touch surfaces. The dashboard is thoughtfully designed and houses the instrument cluster, controls, and infotainment system.

The BMW E24 provides ample space and comfort for the driver and front passenger, making it suitable for long journeys. The rear seats, though not as spacious as the front, still offer reasonable seating for two additional passengers.

BMW equipped the E24 with various amenities and features, such as power-adjustable seats, air conditioning, power windows, and a sound system, making it a well-appointed luxury coupe of its time.

BMW E24

BMW E24 engines

The BMW E24 was available with a range of engine options throughout its production period. The engines offered varied depending on the model year, regional markets, and specific variants. Here are some of the notable engine options available for the BMW E24 6 Series:

  • 2.8-liter M30 inline-6: This engine was one of the early options available in the E24, and it produced around 182 horsepower. It was fitted to the 628CSi model.
  • 3.0-liter M30 inline-6: As the E24 lineup expanded, a more powerful version of the inline-6 engine was introduced. It produced approximately 200 to 218 horsepower and was used in models like the 630CS, 633CSi, and later versions of the 628CSi.
  • 3.2-liter M30 inline-6: This engine was utilized in the high-performance variant known as the 635CSi. It produced around 218 to 235 horsepower, offering improved acceleration and top speeds compared to the smaller engine options.
  • 3.4-liter M88 inline-6 (M635CSi/M6): The M635CSi, known as the M6 in North America, featured the legendary M88 engine. It was a high-performance engine producing approximately 256 to 286 horsepower, depending on the model year and market.
  • 3.5-liter S38 inline-6 (M635CSi/M6): In later model years of the M635CSi/M6, the engine was upgraded to the S38, which continued to produce around 256 to 286 horsepower.

These engines were paired with either a manual or automatic transmission, providing drivers with the flexibility to choose their preferred driving experience. The E24 6 Series, especially the high-performance M635CSi/M6 variants, became known for their potent engines, which contributed to their reputation as capable grand tourers with strong performance characteristics.

BMW E24

BMW E24 suspension

The BMW E24 6 Series featured a sophisticated suspension system that played a crucial role in providing a balance of comfort and sporty handling, characteristic of grand tourer coupes.

  • Front Suspension: The front suspension of the E24 utilized a MacPherson strut design, which is a common suspension arrangement in many vehicles. It consists of a coil spring and a shock absorber mounted inside a single strut assembly. This design helped maintain a relatively compact layout while providing adequate support and control for the front wheels.
  • Rear Suspension: At the rear, the E24 used a semi-trailing arm suspension system. This type of suspension allows for better control of wheel movement during cornering and provides good stability during braking and acceleration. It also contributes to the overall ride comfort.
  • Suspension Tuning: The E24’s suspension was tuned to offer a balance between sportiness and comfort, aligning with its grand touring nature. The suspension settings were designed to provide precise handling characteristics, responsive steering, and good road feel while maintaining a relatively smooth and comfortable ride for long-distance cruising.
  • High-Performance Variants: Some high-performance variants, such as the M635CSi/M6, might have featured enhanced or sport-tuned suspensions to further improve handling and driving dynamics. These upgrades could include stiffer springs, sportier shock absorbers, and additional chassis reinforcement to cope with the increased power output of the performance engines.

Overall, the BMW E24’s suspension system was well-regarded for its balanced approach, making it a capable grand tourer that could handle spirited driving while ensuring a comfortable ride for extended journeys.

 

Are you already a proud owner of a BMW E24? If so, check out our selection of parts for this car at the following link:

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/bmw/e24

 

Photos sources: tradeuniquecars.com.au

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