BMW 6 Series E24 (1976–1989) Price Guide

The E24 6 Series, produced from 1976 to 1989, is one of the most beautiful cars BMW has ever made. A long-bonneted, Karmann-built coupe that aged with extraordinary grace and combined genuine grand touring ability with the handling balance the marque was building its reputation on.

The Car

The E24 used M30 straight-sixes from 628CSi through 635CSi, with the 635CSi’s 3.5-litre producing 218bhp. The 633CSi and 635CSi were the sales mainstays. A V12-engined prototype was tested but never produced. The aerodynamic Motorsport-tuned CSi models with their subtle bodykit remain the most visually balanced E24s.

What Goes Wrong

Rust attacks the sills, rear wheelarches, and boot floor. The M30 straight-six is robust but the timing chain requires attention. The big-bump absorbers in the rear suspension can collapse and are best replaced with conventional dampers. Electrical gremlins are common on older cars.

Buying

The 635CSi is the definitive E24 for most buyers, providing the sweet spot of performance and running costs. An unrestored, rust-free E24 in original specification is increasingly rare. The BMW E24 community is well-organised through the BMW Car Club and marque specialists.