E24

The BMW E24 6 Series was the second generation of luxury coupés. Replacing the original E9 CS and CSL Coupés in 1976, it continued the concept of performance two-door models derived from saloon platforms.

The E24 borrowed extensive amounts of parts from the 5 Series models E12 and later the E28. Originally the bodies were manufactured by Karmann but this was later taken in-house by BMW. Upon launch the two available models were there 630CS and 633CSi, followed by the launch of the 635CSi in 1978.

The 635CSi was the flagship model of the range, until the launch of the M635CSi in 1983. The 635CSi was fitted with a special close ratio gearbox, rear spoiler and a front air dam without foglights to aid in the reduction of uplift at speed. The M635CSi was first displayed in 1983 at the Frankfurt Motorshow, whereas the rest of the E24 model range had all been fitted with the M30 engine the M635CSi received the M88 engine that was first used in the M1 Supercar which provided an extra 67HP over the 635CSi. The M6 was only available in the USA and was fitted with the S38 engine.

Slight alterations were made to the interior and exterior styling in 1982, to coincide with the change of chassis. From launch the E24 had been based on the E12 chassis, but once the E28 was launched the E24 was moved over to the new 5 series platform. It continued in this guise until production finished in 1989. Despite its thirteen-year production run, it would be another thirteen years before a replacement was made, in the form of the E63.