1987 BMW M6: A Blend of Power and Luxury
The 1987 BMW M6 stands as a prime example of BMW’s ability to marry performance with luxury, creating a grand touring experience that was unmatched in its era. Part of the legendary E24 generation, the M6—known as the M635CSi in Europe—captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts with its sleek, aggressive styling and Motorsport-derived engineering. Built for those who sought both comfort and driving thrills, the M6 was a car that could devour miles of highway in luxury while still offering the kind of agility and performance expected from a high-performance coupe.
At the core of the M6’s appeal is its balance. While its design exudes class and elegance, the underpinnings reveal the DNA of a race-bred machine, sharing its engine with BMW’s first supercar, the M1. With just over 1,700 units delivered to North America, the 1987 BMW M6 remains a rare and iconic representation of BMW’s Motorsport division’s capability to produce not just track-ready cars, but refined machines that excelled in everyday driving. For those seeking an engaging driving experience wrapped in luxury, the M6 continues to stand as a benchmark for grand tourers.
BMW engineered the M6 to be both fast and comfortable, appealing to drivers who demanded high performance without sacrificing the quality and features of a luxury car. This seamless blend of attributes makes the 1987 M6 a timeless classic, highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts for its rarity, beauty, and driving dynamics.
Powertrain and Driving Dynamics
At the core of the 1987 BMW M6 lies the remarkable 3.5-liter S38 inline-six engine, a high-performance unit that shares its lineage with the BMW M1 supercar. This engine is naturally aspirated and features a twin-cam, 24-valve configuration, producing 256 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 243 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM. While those numbers may seem modest by today’s standards, they were extraordinary for a luxury coupe in the late 1980s. The M6’s power delivery is smooth and linear, allowing drivers to explore the engine’s high-revving capabilities, especially as the engine approaches its 7,000 RPM redline.
Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the M6 offers a driving experience that is both engaging and refined. The gearbox provides crisp, precise shifts, further enhancing the connection between the driver and the car. The M6’s ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.4 seconds was remarkable for its era, positioning it as one of the fastest luxury coupes available. Its top speed of 158 mph made it a grand tourer that could easily hold its own on the autobahn or any open road. With a limited-slip differential enhancing traction and stability, the M6 handles both tight corners and high-speed straights with poise.
The M6 is also notable for its refined balance of performance and everyday drivability. Despite its high-performance credentials, the S38 engine is well-suited for relaxed cruising, delivering torque smoothly across the rev range. This dual character—offering both spirited driving dynamics and comfortable touring capabilities—makes the 1987 BMW M6 a standout among luxury performance cars of its time. It embodies the ethos of a grand tourer that could conquer both the track and the highway.
Agility and Comfort
The suspension system in the 1987 BMW M6 was engineered to deliver both sharp handling and comfort, making it ideal for long-distance touring without compromising performance. Up front, the M6 features a MacPherson strut suspension, while the rear benefits from an independent setup, providing excellent balance and control. The M6 also comes equipped with BMW’s Motorsport-tuned springs, shocks, and anti-roll bars, which were designed to reduce body roll and sharpen the car’s responsiveness during aggressive driving.
One of the standout features of the M6’s suspension is its self-leveling system in the rear, which automatically adjusts the ride height based on the car’s load. This not only improves handling when the car is fully loaded but also ensures that the M6 maintains its poised stance and balance under varying conditions. The combination of this system with the tuned suspension setup makes the M6 remarkably agile for a car of its size and weight, allowing it to navigate tight corners with precision while maintaining stability at higher speeds.
Complementing the M6’s suspension are its ventilated disc brakes on all four corners, which offer excellent stopping power. The braking system is more than capable of handling the M6’s performance demands, ensuring the car remains composed even after extended high-speed driving. With these handling capabilities, the 1987 BMW M6 provides drivers with confidence and control, delivering a driving experience that is both thrilling and luxurious.
Form and Funktion
The 1987 BMW M6 is an undeniable beauty, with a design that balances aggression and elegance. Its most striking feature is the shark-nose front end, which gives the car an aggressive, forward-leaning appearance. Wide fender flares and subtle side skirts enhance its muscular stance, while the long, sweeping lines of the coupe body exude class and refinement. The 15-inch BBS wheels, which became an iconic feature of BMW’s performance models, not only add to the car’s visual appeal but also contribute to improved performance with their lightweight construction.
The rear of the M6 is equally distinct, with its aerodynamic trunk lid and subtle rear spoiler that add downforce without detracting from the car’s clean lines. Attention to detail is evident throughout the M6’s exterior, from its slim chrome accents to its perfectly proportioned silhouette. This is a car designed not just to perform but to turn heads, and it has aged gracefully over the decades, remaining a classic example of BMW’s design philosophy.
Inside, the M6 continues its focus on luxury with a driver-centric cabin that offers both comfort and precision. The seats are upholstered in high-quality leather and provide excellent support for long-distance touring, while the dashboard is functional and elegant, featuring classic BMW analog gauges. While many luxury features were included, such as power windows, air conditioning, and a premium sound system, the interior remains focused on the driving experience. Every control is within easy reach, and the layout emphasizes simplicity and functionality, ensuring that the driver can focus on enjoying the road.
Limited Production and Legacy
The 1987 BMW M6 was produced in limited numbers, with fewer than 1,800 units sold in North America, making it a rare and sought-after model among collectors today. This exclusivity, combined with its Motorsport heritage, has cemented the M6’s status as a highly collectible classic. Each car represents BMW’s commitment to creating a grand tourer that excels both in performance and luxury, and its limited production ensures that every M6 is a treasured piece of automotive history.
Beyond its rarity, the M6’s legacy lies in its ability to balance high-performance engineering with everyday usability. While it shared its engine with the BMW M1, a true supercar, the M6 was designed to be a grand tourer capable of high-speed cruising in comfort. This unique combination of traits—raw power coupled with refined design—has made the M6 one of the most respected models in BMW’s storied history.
Today, the 1987 BMW M6 is celebrated as a classic that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of BMW’s Motorsport division while offering the luxury and comfort expected of a grand tourer. Its timeless design, impressive performance, and limited production have ensured its place in the pantheon of iconic BMW models, with a legacy that continues to inspire both collectors and driving enthusiasts.
Fazit (Conclusion)
The 1987 BMW M6 remains a masterclass in blending power, luxury, and timeless design. With its M1-derived engine, finely tuned suspension, and luxurious interior, the M6 offers a driving experience that is both thrilling and refined. Whether cruising at high speeds or navigating tight corners, the M6 delivers a performance that few cars of its era could match. Its limited production and lasting legacy have solidified its place as one of BMW’s most iconic models, a car that continues to captivate the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike.
A little backstory with the owner…
About a year ago, I reached out to local automotive enthusiast pages, offering to create a free feature of someone’s car. Jan (pronounced “Yohn”) responded, asking if I’d be interested in photographing his imported R32 GTR. We set up the shoot, and during our conversations, he mentioned that his German friend, Alex, owned a 1987 BMW M6. I was thrilled at the opportunity and told him I’d be honored to photograph it.
Fast forward about a year, Jan contacted me again to see if I was still interested in photographing Alex’s M6. Alex reached out shortly after, and we finally nailed down a time and location. After wrapping up the shoot at both locations, I asked Alex to share a bit of his passion for the E24 generation. This is his story:
“The BMW 6 Series (E24) has always been special to me, representing the perfect blend of exclusive style and sports car performance. While I’m not a mechanic, my fascination with cars has driven me to learn the technical specs of every model I encountered.
As a child, I admired the E24 from afar, as it was driven by successful people and felt unattainable to my family. However, when I relocated from Germany to the US in 2014 for what was initially a 2-year contract, my career took off, and I began to settle down more permanently. Now, ten years later, I live here with my family.
My friend Jan, who owns a Nissan R32 (https://roadblitzmag.com/features/jans-german-imported-1992-r32-gtr/), is also German, and we used to work for the same company. He’s an amazing mechanic with a passion for buying, repairing, and selling cars as a hobby. Spending time with Jan and seeing his collection over the years reignited my childhood dream of owning the once-unattainable E24.
During my research, I quickly realized that the cost of owning an older vehicle in the US is significantly lower than in Germany, making the dream of owning an E24 more realistic. I found several models online, including some 635 CSI variants. However, participating in auctions was often frustrating, as bids would exceed my budget, or I wasn’t entirely convinced the car was right for me. I rarely felt regret after losing an auction.
But then, through Jan, I came across a stunning 1987 BMW M6 on eBay. Though it was more expensive than the typical 6 Series, it captured my serious attention. Despite my reluctance to bid, I was filled with regret when the auction ended. When I shared my frustration with Jan, he suggested that the auction might have ended without any bids. Acting on this hunch, I called the dealer in St. Louis, MO, who confirmed Jan’s suspicion.
In just a few minutes, we agreed on a price below the auction listing. A couple of weeks later, Jan and I flew up to St. Louis. While Jan conducted a thorough vehicle inspection, I handled the documentation and final negotiations—a perfect distribution of responsibilities. Everything went smoothly, and we embarked on an 8-hour durability test, driving the E24 from St. Louis to Birmingham. The car was in excellent technical condition, and I enjoyed every moment behind the wheel.
Over the next few weeks, we carried out preventive maintenance and replaced the exhaust system. The only thing left to fix is the dashboard, which has some cracks and a worn surface.
My son Eric, who I affectionately call “ERICANE” due to his boundless energy, fell in love with the car the moment he saw it as a 3-year-old. Naturally, I had to choose “ERICANE” as the license plate, as you can see in the pictures.”
This car was an absolute dream to shoot. There are no bad angles no matter how you look at it. One of the greatest pleasures of automotive photography is putting the camera down and talking with the owners about their cars. Hearing their stories, learning about their passion, and understanding what makes their vehicle special to them adds a whole new dimension to the shoot. It’s in these conversations that you truly appreciate the bond between the owner and their car, making the photos even more meaningful and personal.
