BMW · Chassis code E24
The E24
The shark-nosed grand tourer, often called the most beautiful BMW of the 1980s, and with an M6 at the top.
Produced
1976–1989
Body style
2+2 coupe
Engines
M30 I6 · S38 I6
Designer
Paul Bracq
Market range
$8k–$70k
The story
A grand tourer with a shark’s nose.
The E24 replaced the E9 coupe, and while it wasn’t as delicate, its shark-nose design aged unusually well. It ran for thirteen years with remarkably few changes.
In 1983 it switched to the E28’s chassis parts, which improved the suspension and brakes. The 635CSi became the US mainstay, and in 1987 BMW sent over the M6, using the same S38 twin-cam six as the M5.
The E24 is a car for long, fast drives rather than tight corners. It’s heavy but comfortable, with a sense of occasion its sedan cousins don’t have. Good ones are rising in value, but non-M cars are still within reach.
Models & specs · US market
Pick your E24
| Model | Years (US) | Engine | Power | Why you'd want it | Typical price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 633CSi | 1977–84 | 3.2L M30 I6 | 181 hp | The early chrome-bumper look, often for less money | ~$12–20k |
| 635CSi | 1985–89 | 3.4L M30 I6 | 182 hp | The usable classic; the manual is the one to find | ~$19.7–21.5k |
| M6 | 1987–88 | 3.5L S38 DOHC I6 | 256 hp | The M5's engine in the prettiest body | ~$46,100 |
*The 633CSi range is an estimate from recent sales. Europe also got the 628CSi, 630CS and M635CSi (286 PS, ~$46k). As of November 2026.
Why buy one
Pros
- Gorgeous, low, pillarless design that still turns heads.
- The M30 six is durable and shares parts with the E28.
- A true grand tourer, comfortable for long drives.
- Non-M cars are still affordable for what they are.
Think twice
Cons
- Rust is a serious problem, and repairs are expensive.
- Many cars are automatics, and manuals carry a premium.
- Heavier and softer than the sedans it's based on.
- The M6's S38 engine needs specialist care.
Buyer's guide
What to check before you buy
Body
Front fenders behind the wheels, sills, the trunk floor, the windshield frame and around the rear window. The shark nose hides rust in the front valance.
Engine
Check the cooling system and look for signs of overheating. The M30 head can crack. On an M6, ask for valve adjustment and timing chain records.
Electrics
Check Control, power windows, central locking and the onboard computer. Electrical gremlins are common.
Interior
Dash cracks, leather condition and working climate controls. Interior trim is getting harder to source.
Market · November 2026
Where values sit
Driver-quality 635CSis sit around $20k, and good manuals bring more. The M6 trades in the mid-$40s, with exceptional low-mileage cars well above that.
Sources: Classic.com. Updated quarterly.
The verdict
Buy the best manual 635CSi you can find with a clean body. It's the most beautiful BMW you can afford to drive every week.
Sources