In 1983 BMW took the M88/3 engine, a modified version of the M88/1 from the BMW M1 and put it in the E24 chassis of the BMW 6-Series, creating the The M6 was critically acclaimed throughout its lifespan for its elegant, aggressive "shark-nose" styling, its well-appointed luxury features, and its quick performance. M6's can be distinguished from other E24 models by a larger air dam, M6 badges on the grille and back, and a subtle spoiler.
In the U.S., the E24 M6 was fitted with the catalysed S38 motor, producing 256 hp (191 kW) and 243 ft·lbf (329 N·m) of torque. The European version did not need catalysts, and produced 286 hp (213 kW) and 251 ft·lbf (340 N·m) of torque. The M6 was good for a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.4 and 6.8 seconds for the European and American versions, respectively. However, Car and Driver Magazine tested the U.S. M6 in July of 1987 and achieved a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.1 seconds. Also in 1987 Road and Track featured the U.S. M6 as one of the 10 fastest cars in America.
Production of the M6 ended in 1989, with 5,855 cars sold 1,767 of which were North American (U.S. & Canada) models.
