Description
BMWs 6 series coupes (the E24 models) were announced at the Geneva Show in March 1976. They had a shortened 5 series saloon floorpan with a modified rear suspension, and stylist Paul Bracqs sure touch produced an elegant car with a broad and purposeful stance and a strong family resemblance to the E9 CS coupes it was to replace. With the exception of additional spoilers and a modified rear bumper wraparound (the latter in 1982), that styling remained unchanged during a production run of 16 years – and the 6 series looked just as much the wealthy mans grand tourer in 1989 as it had done on its introduction. The first cars were carburetted 630CS and injected 633CSi models, which used engines seen in the older E9s, but from 1978 there was also the formidable 635CSi, a car designed specifically to out perform the latest 5 litre Mercedes coupes. The carburetted 630CS was replaced in August 1979 by the similarly powerful injected 628 CSi. The 3.5 litre models meanwhile showed up well in European Touring Car championship events, and prompted BMWs Motorsport division to announce the special high-performance M 635CSi derivative in 1983. Final changes then came in May 1987, when the 628CSi disappeared from the range and the remaining cars had a mild front end facelift. In the US, the dollar exchange rate pumped up the already high prices of the 6 series cars. The first cars on sale there were 630CSi models, essentially the European 630CS with extended safety bumpers and with fuel injection to give better control of exhaust emissions. These arrived in 1977 and lasted just one year, being replaced by the more torquey Federalised 633CSi. Sadly, American never did get the 635CSi, however. The last 6 series coupés were built early in 1989, but BMW did not replace these big Autobahn-stormers directly. There was a decent interval before the E31 8-series coupes arrived in 1990 and they were rather different cars in a number of ways. So different, in fact, that the 6 series were slow to lose their market values and very quickly became accepted as enthusiasts cars. The articles in this book help to explain just what was and still is, so special about these big coupes. Included are road, track, race & comparison tests, new model intros plus advice on selecting a good pre owned example. The story of the formidable 6 Series, includes road, track, race & comparison tests, new model intros plus advice on selecting a good pre-owned example. Models covered: 628CSi, 630CSi, 633CSi, 635CSi, M635 CSi & Alpina.
With a total of 216 fully illustrated pages including 21 in full colour. SB.
