BMW E24 M6 / M635CSi
The original M6: the M1's engine in the shark-nose coupe, with a long hood, a beautiful interior and the presence of a proper grand tourer.
Known as the M635CSi in Europe and the M6 in North America, this is the shark-nose 6 Series with the M88 straight-six from the M1 under its long hood. It is a grand tourer first and a sports car second, and it is all the better for knowing what it is.
The interior — particularly with the optional sport seats and the buttoned-down dash — is one of the nicest environments BMW has built. The driving position, the visibility and the low cowl are from a different era of car design.
Values have risen substantially as the E24 has moved from used-car to classic status. Rust and the cost of restoring M-specific trim are the two things that decide whether a given car is a bargain or a trap.
Year by year
- 1983–1987 (Europe)
M635CSi with the 286 hp M88/3. Available in most European markets; specification varies widely.
- 1987–1989 (North America)
M6 with the 256 hp S38B35, standard leather interior and US-spec bumpers. 1,767 built for the US market.
- Late cars
Best accumulated running changes and the most refined interiors. Highline leather dash options are highly prized.
The good and the bad
Positives
- +M1-derived engine in one of BMW's most beautiful bodies
- +Superb grand touring ability with a genuinely special interior
- +Rarity — particularly European M88 cars
- +Values on a firm upward trajectory
- +Mechanically shared with the E28 M5, so knowledge exists
Negatives
- −Rust in the shell, arches, sills and around the rear screen
- −M-specific trim, glass and interior parts are extremely scarce
- −Heavy for its power by modern standards
- −Restoration costs routinely exceed finished-car values
- −Complex early electronics fail in awkward ways
Known faults and what they cost
- Structural rust$5,000–$30,000
Sills, arches, floors, rear screen surround and the spare wheel well. The main buying risk.
- Timing chain and guides$2,500–$4,500
Age-related on the M88/S38; treat as a preventive service.
- Interior trim degradation$1,000–$8,000
Highline dashboards crack, leather shrinks and replacement parts are scarce.
- Fuel and cooling systems$1,500–$3,000
Age-hardened lines, failing pumps and tired radiators are near-universal.
Pre-purchase inspection checklist
- 01Inspect the shell thoroughly — sills, arches, floors, rear screen surround, spare wheel well
- 02Confirm the engine number and specification (M88 vs S38)
- 03Compression and leak-down test on the straight-six
- 04Check the interior for dash cracking and correct M-specific trim
- 05Test all electrics — check control, climate, windows, seats
- 06Verify service history for timing chain and valve adjustment work
Modifications for longevity
- Rust prevention
Cavity wax, clear all drains, keep the car dry. The single most important task.
- Timing chain service
Chain, guides and tensioner as a set on any unknown-history engine.
- Cooling overhaul
Radiator, water pump, fan clutch, hoses and thermostat together.
- Interior preservation
Dash cover or careful UV protection prevents an unfixable problem.
- Fuel system refresh
Replace hardened lines and ageing pumps proactively.
Modifications for performance
- 01Preserve the car
Originality carries most of the value; store any parts you replace.
- 02Suspension and tires
Fresh bushings, Bilstein dampers and modern 16-inch rubber.
- 03Exhaust and throttle sync
Restores the M88's edge without changing the character.
- 043.8 S38 conversion
The driver's upgrade, at the cost of originality.
What they are worth
Euro M88 cars generally lead US S38 cars, but a rust-free documented US M6 with the right interior is a strong car in any market.
This is a shell-condition market. Restoration economics rarely work, so paying for a good car is almost always cheaper than fixing a poor one.
Owner discussion
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