Luxury Grand Tourer (GT), sporty coupe, positioned as a premium performance vehicle in its era.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz SEC Coupe, Jaguar XJ-S, and Porsche 928. Known for its sophisticated engineering, powerful inline-six engines, and driver-focused cockpit.
Key Features
Key Features:
Sleek Bertone-designed body, rear-wheel drive, independent suspension, powerful M30 and S38 engines, luxurious interior appointments, advanced (for its time) electronics.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Areas:
All diagnostic and repair procedures, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishing, restoration
AM/FM Radio with cassette player, optional equalizer and amplifier. Analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, temperature, and oil pressure.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on later models, cruise control.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
N/A (Pre-digital era)
Comfort Features
Comfort Features:
Optional electric seats, power windows, power sunroof, automatic climate control, leather upholstery.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil quality).
Major Tune Up Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (includes spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, ignition system inspection).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (API SG or higher quality, check manual for specific recommendations)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) or equivalent, 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, check specific manual)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent.
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Known Issues
Known Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially M30 engines), fuel distributor issues (L-Jetronic), seized fuel pumps, worn suspension bushings, aging electrical components and wiring harness, rust in common areas (wheel arches, rocker panels, battery tray), cooling system component failure (radiator, water pump, hoses), window regulator failures.
Torque Specs Example
Torque Specs Example:
Cylinder head bolts, wheel lug nuts, spark plug torque (specific values provided in manual).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long-standing reputation for producing sporting sedans and coupes, emphasizing driving dynamics and performance.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The E24 generation of the 6 Series debuted in 1976 as the successor to the E9 coupes. It featured a distinctive long hood, short deck, and iconic "shark nose" styling penned by Paul Bracq. It was updated over its production run with larger engines and revised styling cues.
Production
Production Years:
1976-1989
Production Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
Often cited in automotive press as a benchmark for German GTs of its era, praised for performance and luxury. The M6 version is a highly sought-after performance icon.