conceptcarz.com

1988 BMW M6

While the 1980s are not regarded for its styling, there was a bright spot imported from Germany. BMW released its new 6 Series design in 1976 and was the brainchild of BMW exec Bob Lutz, who put an end to business as usual at the German automaker, sketching out the basic framework for the new modern design. Starting in 1984, the 6 Series would be offered with the BMW Motorsports division upgrades, that is if you did not reside in the United States. The U.S. market had to wait until 1987 for the M6 to arrive.

The shark-nosed M6 (Model 5514) was derived from the 2800/3.0/635CS and CSI series and was largely identical to the 635CSI but assigned the 'M' prefix by the company's Motorsport Department for marketing purposes in North America. The styling was courtesy of Paul Bracq, and the E-series M6 coupe bodyshells were built on a special line at the Karmann factory in Osnabruck, with final assembly at BMW's Dingolfing works. The E24 chassis was given the M88 engine from BMW's Pro Car, the M1, albeit slightly detuned, to power the M-badged car. Additional upgrades included the M-Tech fully independent suspension with specially-developed McPherson-type Bilstein gas-charged struts and lower control arms up front, supplemented by shorter and stiffer coil springs all around that lowered the car by about half an inch. There were larger-diameter, model-specific anti-roll bars at both ends.

The double-overhead-cam, water-cooled, 24-valve inline-six (Type S38B35) displaced 3,453cc and in catalyzed form to meet US emissions standards, it developed 256hp at 6500 rpm, slightly less than the version sold in Europe, but still capable of a top speed of 158 mph. This made the M6 BMW's the second-fastest street-legal automobile, behind the exotic M1. Power was transferred to the road via a Getrag-sourced five-speed, fully-synchronized manual transmission with an enlarged clutch and a limited-slip differential. Large disc brakes with anti-lock were concealed behind 16-inch diameter BBS three-piece honeycomb alloy wheels fitted with high-performance rubber. A narrow rear spoiler was fitted to the rear deck to help keep the car planted to the road at extra-legal speeds, and there was a deep front air dam with integral fog lamps.

Although a highly refined performance machine, the four-seat M6 coupe retained a high level of civility, with electric Nappa leather seats as standard, along with electric windows, an automatic climate-control system, rear A/C and an A/C cooled chiller between the seats. The two front Recaro-style sports seats were both heated and adjustable in eight directions. They had deep bolsters to keep the occupants firmly in place during spirited driving. The two outside rear-view mirrors were both heated and electrically adjustable, and the multi-speed windshield wipers were aided by a system that fed heated cleaning solution to the blades. All that luxury and power came with a stiff price tag, reaching nearly sixty thousand dollars. Although factory production numbers tend to vary, it is believed that only 1,767 M6 models were built for the North American market, and of those, about 135 were sent to Canada. Model 5514 production spanned November 1986 through September 1988.


by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021

Related Reading : BMW M6 History

The BMW M6 was produced from 1983 through 1989. A second generation was introduced in 2004. The first generation sat atop an E24 chassis of the 6-Series and powered by a modified version of the BMW M1 engine. It was quick, aggressive, and well equipped. The US version of the engine produced nearly 260 horsepower and over 240 foot-pounds of torque. The European spec-engine did not have a catalyst and....
Continue Reading >>

Related Reading : BMW M6 History

This is a vehicle that one can quickly get addicted to. The fastest, quickest production vehicle that BMW has ever produced, the 2007 M6 features a 507 bhp normally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 7-speed sequential manual gearbox. Designed by the motorsport division of BMW, the M6 was the epitome of exceptional German styling that exudes all that this company stands for. A high-performance version of the....
Continue Reading >>

1988 BMW M6 Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$8,120-$55,945
1988 M6
$55,945-$300,000
1988 BMW M6 Base Price : $55,945

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1988 BMW Models
$23,750 - $34,000
$31,500 - $46,500

E24 M6

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
103.50 in.
6 cyl., 210.72 CID., 286.00hp
$41,315 - $41,315
103.50 in.
6 cyl., 210.72 CID., 282.00hp
$41,315 - $41,315
103.50 in.
6 cyl., 210.72 CID., 256.00hp
$55,950 - $55,950
103.50 in.
6 cyl., 210.72 CID., 256.00hp
$55,945 - $55,945

Related Automotive News

BMW At The IAA Cars 2019 In Frankfurt

BMW At The IAA Cars 2019 In Frankfurt

Franfurt am Main. The BMW stand at the IAA Cars 2019 international motor show in Frankfurt am Main focuses on the theme of future driving pleasure. Alongside the latest new additions across a broad range of segments revealed by BMW as part of...
FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO SELL NEW SHELBY GT350 MUSTANG AT BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE AUCTION TO BENEFIT JDRF

FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO SELL NEW SHELBY GT350 MUSTANG AT BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE AUCTION TO BENEFIT JDRF

First publicly available production unit of the all-new Shelby GT350® Mustang to be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, with all proceeds benefiting JDRF Winning bidder will be able to choose from available colors and packages for Shel...
Toyota Releases Pricing for All-New TRD Pro Series Tundra

Toyota Releases Pricing for All-New TRD Pro Series Tundra

TORRANCE, Calif. (Aug.28, 2014) – Lets Get Dirty! The highly anticipated launch of the all-new Tundra TRD Pro is nearly here. Already favorites among off-roaders, the 2015 Toyota Tundra will get even more capable with this new, aggressive off-road...
Let's Get Dirty!

Let's Get Dirty!

Toyota Kicks Up Some Dust with the All-New TRD Pro Series of Off-Road Vehicles CHICAGO (Feb. 6, 2014) – Get ready to go where even roads fear to tread with the adrenaline-pumping TRD Pro Series from Toyota. Already favorites among ser...
NISSAN SENTRA NISMO CONCEPT TEASES FURTHER EXPANSION OF PERFORMANCE LINE

NISSAN SENTRA NISMO CONCEPT TEASES FURTHER EXPANSION OF PERFORMANCE LINE

– 240 Horsepower Performance Study Takes Sentra to the Next Level – DETROIT - As Nissan expands its NISMO line of factory performance models, it is revisiting the small car performance genre and teasing the future with the dramatic Nissan...