For the first time in 1976, the number 6 became the symbol of a unique combination of dynamism and stylish elegance. The BMW 6 Series(E24), created by the French BMW Head Designer Paul Bracq was longer and wider and thus provided more space and comfort in the interior.
The roof construction demonstrated an elegant lightness yet again, the front section running to a point highlighted outstanding sporting capabilities. Six-cylinder in-line engines of 3.0 litres and 3.2 litres developed 185 hp and 200 hp under the bonnets of the BMW 630CS and the BMW 633CSi. Starting in 1978, a 3.5-litre engine powered the BMW 635CSi with an astounding 218 hp, delivered by an engine bred directly on the race track.
The first-generation BMW 6 Series cars were made dazzlingly conspicuous not only by their excellent driving dynamics but also by their leading-edge technology, which ensured comfort and safety. During a production period of 13 years, 86,216 vehicles were sold, making it the longest running BMW model at that time.
M version
BMW Motorsport 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 (210 kW; 282 hp)). 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 (190 kW; 260 hp)) 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
