The BMW E24 was the first of the BMW 6 Series coupes. Introduced in 1976 with styling that continued through 1989, they served as a replacement for the CS and CSL, and set a new standard in performance, handling, and styling. Just like the prior 3.0 CSL, the 6-Series was very expensive.

The 630CSi and 633csi were introduced to the United States in 1976, although they did not arrive until September of 1977. The 1979 633CSi 2-door, 4-passenger coupe had a base price of $26,770 which made it the most expensive in BMW's lineup. Power was from an overhead-cam six-cylinder engine which displaced 195.8 cubic-inches and offered 177 horsepower. Standard equipment included air conditioning, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and center door locking. An anti-lock braking system was now optional equipment. The 628CSi replaced the previous carbureted 630CS and was powered by a 2.8-liter engine with a fuel injection system sourced from the 528i.

The E24 was built solely as a two-door coupe and its platform was initially built on the E12 5 Series, switching in 1982 to the newly-released E28 5 Series platform.

The first of the BMW M6 line was the M635CSi which came equipped with the M88/3 straight-six engine. The versions destined for the North American market were badged as 'M6' and equipped with the less potent BMW S38 engine.

by Dan Vaughan