1976: BMW 6 Series – A perfect synthesis of elegance, luxury and performance
The first BMW 3 Series (1975) and the BMW 5 Series (1972) were followed by the first BMW 6 Series in 1976. This was in the form of a new large coupé based on the engineering of the BMW 5 Series. This luxurious and sporty coupé remained in the range until 1989 – the longest production run for this series in the history of BMW automobile manufacture.
BMW 628CSi
The 2.8 litre injection version BMW 628CSi followed in 1979 as a replacement for the discontinued BMW 630CS. This model continued in production until 1987 and combined elegance and sportiness with a high level of comfort.
General Data
Model Year 1979 – 1988
No. of Units 5,950
Price DM 46,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm 2788 ccm
Power Output 135 kW/184 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max. Speed (96 mph) 208
BMW 630CS
The BMW 630CS carburettor version remained in production until 1979 as an entry-level model. The coupé generating 185 hp remained the only carburettor version in the 6 Series and was replaced by the BMW 628CSi in 1979.
General Data
Model Year 1976 – 1979
No. of Units 5,766
Price DM 40,600
Technical Data
Type of Engine Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm 2986 ccm
Power Output 136 kW/185 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max. Speed (96 mph) 210 km/h
BMW 633CSi
Coachbuilder Karmann based in Osnabrück built the elegant bodies for the BMW 6 Series coupés. The sportiest model was initially the BMW 633CSi with 200 hp and petrol injection. It remained in the range until 1984.
General Data
Model Year 1976 – 1982
No. of Units 23,432
Price DM 43,100
Technical Data
Type of Engine Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm 3210 ccm
Power Output1 45 kW/197 PS at 5500 rpm
Max. Speed (96 mph) 215 km/h
BMW 635CSi
The most successful model of the BMW 6 Series was launched in 1978 in the form of the BMW 635CSi. The BMW 635CSi was supplied on request with a catalytic converter (185 hp) from model year 1986 and was supplied exclusively with a catalytic converter (211 hp) from 1987.
General Data
Model Year 1978 – 1989
No. of Units 45,213
Price DM 50,400
Technical Data
Type of Engine Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm3453
Power Output 136 kW/182 hp at 5400 rpm
Max. Speed (96 mph)222
Dimensions 4755x1725x1365
Empty Weight (kg) 1500
BMW M 635 CSi
The first BMW 3 Series (1975) and the BMW 5 Series (1972) were followed by the first BMW 6 Series in 1976. This was in the form of a new large coupé based on the engineering of the BMW 5 Series. This luxurious and sporty coupé remained in the range until 1989 – the longest production run for this series in the history of BMW automobile manufacture. In 1984, BMW produced a genuine highlight with the M635CSi. The M635CSi was powered by the 4-valve engine from the legendary BMW M1 generating 286 hp and had a top speed of 250 km/h.
The BMW M 635 CSi model, introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1983, is the first in the line of M6 models. In 1987, the equivalent model for the North American (U.S. and Canada) market was introduced and badged simply ‘M6’. The M 635 CSi is powered by a 210 kW (282 hp) version of the BMW M88/3 straight-six engine. The North American M6 vehicle is powered by the detuned 191 kW (256 hp) version of the BMW S38 straight-six engine, which has a lower compression ratio and uses a catalytic converter. Over its production run from 1983 through 1989, (5,855) M 635 CSi/M6 cars were built, 1,767 of which were for the North American market, and 524 right hand drive cars for the United Kingdom. Standard equipment on the United States market M6 cars included many features which were optional on the European cars, including heated power seats, self-leveling rear suspension, beverage chiller (cooled by an air-conditioning system) between the rear seats, air-conditioning vents for rear seat occupants, sunshade for rear occupants and an 8-speaker premium sound system.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1983 – 1989
No. of Units…………………………..5,855
Price……………………………………DM 89,500
Technical Data
Type of Engine Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………3453
Power Output…………………………210 kW/286 bhp at 6500 rpm (M635CSi cat: 260 bhp)
Power Output United States…….256 hp (191 kW)
Power Output European…………191 kW (256 hp)
Max.Speed…………………………….255 km/h
Dimensions…………………………….4755x1725x1353
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1500 (M635CSi cat: 1515)
BMW M1 six-cylinder also featured in production cars: The M635CSi.
In 1984, Motorsport GmbH hit the headlines once again, especially among all aficionados of high-performance sports cars: The fast-revving four-valve straight-six originally featured in the M1 now made its appearance in the M635CSi Coupé and in the M5. Particularly the M5 hand-built in Preussenstrasse quickly became a legend in the world of motoring: The M5 was a genuine “wolf in sheep’s clothing”, with output of 286 hp exceeding the engine power of the 518i almost three times. While at first sight the M5 could hardly be distinguished from its regular production counterpart, its top speed of 245 km/h or 152 mph caught many drivers of big saloons and sports cars thoroughly by surprise when the M5 simply left them standing no matter how hard they tried. The term “Executive Express” was born.
