🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: M6 Chassis Code: E24 Model Year: 1980 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: High-performance luxury grand tourer Target Audience: BMW M6 (E24) owners, classic car enthusiasts, independent mechanics specializing in BMW Competitive Analysis Competitors Era: Porsche 911, Ferrari 365 GT4 BB (and successors), Lamborghini Countach Key Features Manual Advantage: Vehicle-specific, factory-level detail for all repairs, no generic information Convenience: Single PDF for ease of use, printable pages, digital storage avoids wear and tear 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service and Repair Model Coverage: All E24 M6 Models Repair Scope: A-Z (All Repairs) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (Detailed, as it's a factory service manual equivalent) Manual Type Type: Factory-Specific Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (M88/3), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Engine Control System Drivetrain: Clutch, Manual Transmission (Getrag 265), Transfer Case (if applicable, though unlikely for E24 M6), Drive Shaft, Differential, Axles Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering (including Power Steering), Brakes (including Parking Brake), Wheels & Tires Electrical: Starting & Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instruments, Meters, Audio/Visual, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Horn, Multiplex/CAN Communication (likely early forms or pre-CAN) Body Interior: Body Panels, Doors, Locks, Windows/Glass/Mirrors, Interior Trim, Seats, Seatbelts, Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (if applicable, unlikely for 1980), Engine Hood Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Component Testing Repair: Component Removal & Installation, Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension & Brake Repairs, Electrical System Repairs Specifications: Torque Values, Clearances, Fluid Types & Capacities, Electrical Specifications, Emission Control Specifications Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from routine maintenance to complete overhaul and diagnostics, identical to dealer technician manuals 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely OCR searchable if scanned professionally Print Quality Printability: Yes, all pages printable Image Resolution: High-resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations, allows for enlargement Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format, but implies high-quality original source) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M88/3 Engine Type: Inline-6, Naturally Aspirated Displacement: 3453 cc (3.5 Liters) Performance Horsepower: 286 PS (282 hp / 210 kW) at 6500 rpm Torque: 333 Nm (245 lb-ft) at 5000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection Ignition System: Distributorless Electronic Ignition (BMW Ignition System) Cooling Cooling System Type: Water-cooled, pressurized 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Model: Getrag 265 (Close-ratio) Optional Optional Transmission: None (M6 E24 was exclusively manual) Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4700 mm (185.0 in) Width: 1720 mm (67.7 in) Height: 1380 mm (54.3 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1650 kg (3638 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 2050 kg (4519 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: No standardized crash test ratings available for this era in the modern sense. Active Features Brakes: Power-assisted disc brakes (front and rear), ABS (optional or standard on later models, likely not 1980) Suspension: Independent front suspension (MacPherson struts), Semi-trailing arm rear suspension Passive Features Seatbelts: 3-point seatbelts Steering: Recirculating ball steering, potentially power steering 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Original BMW branded radio/cassette player, likely with limited features by modern standards. Driver Assistance ABS: Optional on some models, not standard across the board for 1980. Cruise Control: Mechanical cruise control system Connectivity Connectivity Features: N/A by modern definition; focused on mechanical and basic electrical systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Spark Plug Replacement: Refer to manual, typically every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km). Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or per manual recommendation. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: Refer to manual; typically a high-quality synthetic or semi-synthetic oil like SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 for older engines, or 10W-40/10W-50 depending on climate. Transmission Fluid: Refer to manual; likely a GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil for the Getrag 265. Specific BMW part number would be in the manual. Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on original specification. Known Issues Rust Prone Areas: Wheel arches, rocker panels, door bottoms, around windows, sunroof area (if equipped). Engine M88 Specifics: Timing chain tensioner wear, valve adjustments, potential head gasket issues with age. Fuel System E24 M6: Injector issues, fuel pump reliability, fuel pressure regulator Electrical Gremlins: Aging wiring harnesses, deteriorating connectors, fuse box issues. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Bmw Motorsport Division: Developed by BMW M GmbH, a direct lineage from racing technology. Model Evolution E24 Platform: Based on the BMW 6 Series (E24) coupe platform, renowned for its elegant styling and driving dynamics. M6 Introduction: The M635CSi (European market) and M6 (North American market) versions brought motorsport-derived performance to the E24 chassis....
No standardized crash test ratings available for this era in the modern sense.
Active Features
Brakes:
Power-assisted disc brakes (front and rear), ABS (optional or standard on later models, likely not 1980)
Suspension:
Independent front suspension (MacPherson struts), Semi-trailing arm rear suspension
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering, potentially power steering
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Original BMW branded radio/cassette player, likely with limited features by modern standards.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Optional on some models, not standard across the board for 1980.
Cruise Control:
Mechanical cruise control system
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
N/A by modern definition; focused on mechanical and basic electrical systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or per manual recommendation.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual; typically a high-quality synthetic or semi-synthetic oil like SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 for older engines, or 10W-40/10W-50 depending on climate.
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual; likely a GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil for the Getrag 265. Specific BMW part number would be in the manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on original specification.
Known Issues
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, door bottoms, around windows, sunroof area (if equipped).
Engine M88 Specifics:
Timing chain tensioner wear, valve adjustments, potential head gasket issues with age.