The 1987 BMW M6: A Legend of Performance and Style
The 1987 BMW M6, known internally as the E24 M635CSi in many markets, represents a pinnacle of automotive engineering from the era, blending BMW's renowned luxury with outright performance. It's a car that embodies the spirit of a grand tourer with a potent sporting edge, offering a sophisticated and exhilarating driving experience that continues to captivate enthusiasts today.
Highlights
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The Heart of the Beast: The S38B35 Engine: At the core of the M6 lies the legendary S38B35, a hand-built, naturally aspirated 3.5-liter inline-six engine. This masterpiece of engineering features individual throttle bodies, dual overhead camshafts, and a robust block designed for sustained high performance. It produced an impressive 256 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque in U.S. specification, propelling the M6 with authority and a distinctive, mechanical howl. Its responsiveness and linear power delivery are hallmarks of its performance.
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Advanced Safety for its Time: While modern safety standards are a different benchmark, the 1987 M6 was equipped with notable safety features for its era:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): This revolutionary system prevented wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control and reduce stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
- Four-Wheel Disc Brakes: Providing significant stopping power and better heat dissipation than drum brakes, these were crucial for managing the M6's high-speed capabilities.
- Impact-Absorbing Bumpers: Designed to absorb low-speed impacts and minimize damage, contributing to occupant protection.
- Seatbelts: Standard front seatbelts, and often available rear seatbelts, were crucial for occupant restraint.
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The Apex of E24 Design: The M635CSi (Euro-Spec) and M6 (U.S.-Spec): While the core mechanicals are shared, the distinction between markets is important. The M635CSi designation, primarily for European markets, offered a slightly higher output engine and often a more performance-oriented suspension setup. In the United States, the car was marketed as the M6. Both versions featured an aerodynamic body kit, including a front air dam and rear spoiler, contributing to both aesthetic appeal and high-speed stability. The iconic "shark nose" styling of the E24 chassis is a timeless design that exudes sophistication.
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Luxurious Grand Touring Ambiance: Beyond its performance, the M6 is a refined grand tourer. The interior is appointed with high-quality leather, wood trim, and a driver-focused cockpit. Features like power-adjustable seats, automatic climate control, and a premium sound system (for the time) ensured comfort on long journeys. Its spacious interior for a coupe, coupled with its sophisticated ride, made it ideal for crossing continents in style.
What to Expect
Owning a 1987 BMW M6 is an experience that requires commitment and a genuine appreciation for classic German engineering.
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The Ownership Experience: Expect a car that rewards attentive driving. The steering is precise and communicative, the chassis is well-balanced, and the engine offers a thrilling surge of power. It’s a car that encourages you to engage with the road and savor the driving process. However, it’s also a car that demands regular attention. Routine maintenance is not optional; it's essential to keep this complex machine running optimally.
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Maintenance: As a high-performance, technologically advanced vehicle for its time, maintenance can be specialized. Finding a mechanic experienced with vintage BMWs, particularly the M-division engines, is crucial. Expect to invest in preventative maintenance, including regular oil changes with high-quality oil, fluid flushes, and checking for common E24 issues like rust, wiring harness degradation, and aging rubber components. Parts can be more expensive and harder to source than for more common vehicles, but a dedicated community of enthusiasts often offers solutions and support.
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Insurance: Insuring a classic performance car like the M6 typically requires specialized classic car insurance policies. These are often agreed-value policies, meaning you and the insurer agree on the car's worth. Premiums will vary based on your driving record, the car's condition, and the agreed-upon value.
Potential Considerations
While the M6 is a fantastic machine, potential buyers should be aware of certain aspects:
- Rust: Like many cars of this era, rust is a significant concern. Areas to inspect thoroughly include the wheel arches, rocker panels, battery tray area, and the sunroof drainage channels.
- Electrical Gremlins: Older cars can develop electrical issues. Faded paint on circuit boards, aging wiring insulation, and malfunctioning sensors can lead to intermittent problems.
- Hydraulic System Complexity: The hydraulic system for the clutch and brakes, while robust, requires regular fluid changes and careful inspection for leaks.
- Maintenance Intensity: As mentioned, this is not a "turn the key and forget" car. It requires ongoing attention to maintain its peak performance and condition.
Overall Summary
The 1987 BMW M6 is more than just a car; it's an automotive icon. It represents a period when BMW prioritized driver engagement and mechanical purity, delivering a truly exhilarating and sophisticated driving experience. With its potent inline-six engine, timeless design, and luxurious interior, it remains a highly desirable classic for those seeking the thrill of a powerful, analog driving machine. While it demands careful ownership and dedicated maintenance, the rewards of piloting this legendary grand tourer are immense.