1988 BMW M6: Grand tourer with a “shark nose”

1988 BMW M6: Grand tourer with a “shark nose”

Engine Inline 6Horsepower 256 BHP (188.416 KW) @ 6500 RPMTorque 243 Ft-Lbs (329 NM) @ 4500 RPM Engine Location Front Drive Type RWD Weight 3665 lbs | 1662.416 kg Transmission 5-step manual, 4-step automatic

The E24 “Sharknose” or M6, as it was known in the United States, was unlike any existing sports models of the time. It was launched in 1983 to replace the outdated New Six (E9) family coupe. This stylish sports vehicle became the second-fastest BMW built.

Source: Mecum Auctions

The legendary German automaker had always been distinguished by taste, cutting-edge technology, and now-classic automotive design. Created in 1983, the M635 CSI or M6 was intended for the European and North American markets. The new model combined luxurious features and sporty character like no other. It was developed by the sports division of the German BMW, taking as a base the E24 platform. M6 was equipped with a 3.5-liter BMW M1 inline-six engine, but with improved power to 282 hp. The automobile differed from its counterparts from the E24 series (more precisely, the 630CS and 633CSi) with a redesigned bumper and a new set of wheels. The company modernized it continually, but the most striking update was the design changes in 1988: the 1988 model received a completely unique bumper and redesigned headlights.

The origins

Source: Barrett-Jackson

Almost 30 years have passed since the release of the first series of BMW sports vehicles. Revolutionary for its time, the 6-series was developed by the Sports Division of the German company and was distinguished by high manufacturability. As expected, the automobile combined a unique, catchy style, exceptional comfort, and sportiness. A two-door luxury sports coupe was based on the E24 and released in 1983 for the European market and in 1986 for the North American market. The American M6 and the European BMW M635 CSI had an inline six-cylinder engine under the hood, initially developed for the legendary M1 supercar. The transmission was the same for both: a five-speed Getrag transmission, which was a surprise considering the Americans’ preference for automatic transmissions. Both versions also had a differential lock and ABS. The vehicle was incredibly handsome and stood apart from the entire model range. Because of its aggressive design, it received the nickname “Shark,” attracting the attention of fast and stylish driving fans. After restyling in 1988, the creation of the headlights was changed in the model, and the front bumper was updated. After the release of the eighth series in 1989, production was discontinued.

The 1988 model year

Source: Pat Hart

As mentioned above, in 1988, the vehicle was restyled: the changes included headlights and the front bumper. It ​​was the fastest BMW, with a top speed of 254 km/h, second only to the M1 supercar. From zero to hundreds, coupe models of 1988 accelerated in 6.4 seconds. Fuel consumption in the city was 16.5 liters per 100 kilometers. The overall length of the automobile was 4754 mm, width – 1724, height – 1353, and the wheelbase was 2623 mm. The 1632 M6 series appeared in the US market and was wildly popular there. It even appeared in the TV series “Moonlighting,” a detective story starring Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis. It was pretty expensive, costing $58,720. To compare, the 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible cost $5,000 less. Today, this vehicle can be purchased from 25 to 95 thousand dollars! This version was produced until 1989 and was discontinued along with the standard modification. During this period, 5855 automobiles were sold.

Did you know?

Source: The Classic Car Trust

“Luxury meets motorsport” was the slogan used by BMW to advertise its new M6 luxury coupe in 1988. The car was trendy in the USA, where the clientele appreciated the vehicle, which proved to be an exquisite travel companion on the one hand and a sports car on the other.

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1988 BMW M6: Grand tourer with a “shark nose”

Engine Inline 6Horsepower 256 BHP (188.416 KW) @ 6500 RPMTorque 243 Ft-Lbs (329 NM) @ 4500 RPM Engine Location Front Drive Type RWD Weight 3665 lbs | 1662.416 kg Transmission 5-step manual, 4-step automatic

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