How much does a BMW M6 E24 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned E24 M6 engine typically costs £7,000–£14,000 supply only [BMW-QUOTE], depending on engine -the S38 sits at £7,000–£12,000, and the M88/3 at £8,000–£14,000. Fitting adds £1,040–£1,430. Use our calculator for a personalised figure.

Which BMW M6 E24 engine is the most reliable?

The S38 in the North American M6 is slightly more robust than the M88/3 -it has improved timing chain guides and is generally considered more durable. That said, both are high-performance engines that require specialist maintenance. The M88/3 is more characterful but demands more attention.

What are the common problems with the BMW M6 E24?

Common issues include: timing chain tensioner failure on the M88/3 (rattle on cold start, catastrophic if ignored); cam box oil leaks on the M88/3; valve adjustment requirements on both engines (bucket tappets need shimming every 30,000 miles); and timing chain guide wear on both engines, though less severe on the S38.

Is the BMW M6 E24 reliable?

Yes, when properly maintained. The M88 and S38 are among BMW's greatest engines, but they are not forgiving of neglect. Regular valve adjustments, timing chain inspections, and oil changes are essential. These are 35+ year-old high-performance engines -they demand respect and specialist care.

Which E24 M6 engine should I avoid?

We don't recommend outright avoidance -but an M88/3 without documented timing chain and tensioner history is the one purchase we consistently advise against. Chain tensioner failure is common and catastrophic, costing £8,000–£14,000 to fix. A neglected S38 without valve adjustment history is the second. For UK buyers, the European M635CSi is the one to seek, but only with full service history.

How do I know if my E24 M6 engine needs replacing?

Key warning signs: M88/3 -rattling on cold start (timing chain tensioner), oil leaks from the cam box, poor performance or rough running (valve adjustment needed); S38 -rattling on cold start, poor performance. Use our diagnostic guide to identify the specific symptoms.

Is it worth replacing a BMW M6 E24 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Apply our 70% BMW threshold. A £10,000 M88 recon against a £35,000 M635CSi is 29% -viable. Against a £20,000 example, the same recon is 50% -still viable but borderline. These cars are now serious investments: a £10,000+ recon is justifiable on a well-kept car, but value the car first. On a tired example, the repair can quickly exceed the car's value.

How long do BMW M6 E24 engines last?

The M88/3 and S38 can exceed 200,000 miles with proper servicing and regular valve adjustments. The limiting factors are the timing chain system and cam box components -addressed proactively, these engines are remarkably durable. Many high-mileage examples still exist, testament to their engineering quality.

What is the difference between the M635CSi and M6?

The M635CSi was the European and most-world-market name for the E24 M6, powered by the M88/3 producing 286 PS (282 bhp). The M6 was the North American and Japanese-market name, powered by the detuned S38 producing 256 bhp (with catalytic converters). Both are the same car mechanically aside from engine tuning and emissions equipment. The M635CSi is the more desirable and powerful version.

How do I find my BMW M6 E24 engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate and vehicle documentation; block stamping is on the block face near the timing cover. For the M88/3, the code is stamped on the block below the inlet manifold. Tell us your registration and we'll identify it -20+ vetted BMW specialists will confirm it for free.

BMW M6 E24Coupé1983–1989

BMW M6 E24 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Every engine fitted to the first-generation M6 — from the M88/3 in the European M635CSi to the detuned S38 in the North American M6.

Real UK replacement costs, honest failure data, and the timing chain and VANOS issues that define this generation's ownership story.

Backed by real UK enquiry data [PATTERN DATA].

Explore E24 M6 Engines

E24 M6 Enquiries (Pattern Data)
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2Engine Codes
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E24 M6 Enquiries (Pattern Data)
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2Engine CodesCovered
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Engine Database

BMW M6 E24 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the E24 M6 — from the 1983 launch to the 1989 phase-out.

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiries (2025)Avg. Recon Cost

M88/3M88PetrolNaturally aspirated286 PS (282 bhp) at 6,500 rpm1983–1989★★★☆☆PROVISIONALpending dedicated Engine Page—(pattern data)£8,000–£14,000[BMW-QUOTE]

S38B35S38PetrolNaturally aspirated256 bhp at 6,500 rpm1986–1989★★★☆☆PROVISIONALpending dedicated Engine Page—(pattern data)£7,000–£12,000[BMW-QUOTE]

Overview

BMW M6 E24 — Overview

The E24 M6 — badged as the M635CSi in Europe and the M6 in North America — is the first-generation BMW M6, a high-performance grand tourer produced from 1983 to 1989. Powered by the M88/3 straight-six engine — a modified version of the unit used in the BMW M1 supercar — it was the most powerful BMW production car of its era. The European M635CSi produced 286 PS (282 bhp), while North American and Japanese models received the detuned S38 with catalytic converters, producing 256 bhp.

All models featured a 5-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. Designed by Paul Bracq, the E24 M6 remains one of the most collectible BMWs of the 1980s.

Key Facts

PlatformBMW E24 (shared with standard 6 Series)
PredecessorBMW E9 (indirect)
SuccessorBMW M6 E63 (2005)
Sibling Body Styles in this Generationnone — E24 is a 2-door coupé only

Market Intelligence

The E24 M6 remains a highly sought-after modern classic in the UK, with only 524 right-hand-drive examples imported, commanding significant premiums in the collector car market.

04Best & Worst Engines

Best & Worst Engines

Thin-Data Summary

Thin-Data Fallback mode — exactly one paragraph: The M88/3 in the European M635CSi is the jewel of the E24 M6 range — 282 bhp from a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre straight-six with individual throttle bodies and a soundtrack that's pure 1980s Motorsport. It's one of BMW's greatest engines, but it demands respect: timing chain tensioners are a known weakness, the cam box can be problematic, and parts are increasingly rare and expensive. The S38 in the North American M6 is detuned to 256 bhp with catalytic converters — it's slightly more durable (improved timing chain guides) but sacrifices the M88's raw character and top-end rush. For UK buyers, the European M635CSi is the one to seek, but budget £8,000–£14,000 for a reconditioned engine and ensure the timing chain and cam box have been addressed. Both engines are reliable when properly maintained, but neglect is punished severely.

Thin-Data Summary

BMW M6 E24
Ownership Economics

Engine

Typical Mileage

Common Major Failure

Repair Cost (Specialist)

Replacement Cost (Recon)

Ownership Verdict

M88/3 (M635CSi)60k–120kTiming chain tensioner; cam box oil leaks; valve adjustments£1,500–£4,000£8,000–£14,000

Collector's Masterpiece -spectacular but expensive to maintain; budget for chain work.

S38 (M6)60k–120kTiming chain guides; valve adjustments£1,200–£3,000£7,000–£12,000

Collector's Choice -more durable than M88, but still specialist territory.

Engine

Typical Mileage

Common Major Failure

Repair Cost (Specialist)

Replacement Cost (Recon)

Ownership Verdict

M88/3 (M635CSi)60k–120kTiming chain tensioner; cam box oil leaks; valve adjustments£1,500–£4,000£8,000–£14,000

Collector's Masterpiece -spectacular but expensive to maintain; budget for chain work.

S38 (M6)60k–120kTiming chain guides; valve adjustments£1,200–£3,000£7,000–£12,000

Collector's Choice -more durable than M88, but still specialist territory.

The E24 M6 rule

An £8,000–£14,000 M88 recon against a £35,000 M635CSi sits at 23–40% -within our 70% BMW threshold. Against a £20,000 example, the same recon is 40–70% -borderline. These cars are now serious investments: a £10,000+ recon is justifiable on a well-kept car, but value the car first. On a tired example, the repair can quickly exceed the car's value.

Key Takeaways

Which E24 M6 Costs Least To Own?
S38-powered M6 -more durable timing chain guides and slightly cheaper parts availability.
Which E24 M6 Costs Most To Own?
M88/3-powered M635CSi -timing chain tensioner and cam box issues are expensive and specialist-only.
Which E24 M6 Is Best Value?
European M635CSi with documented timing chain and cam box work -the purest M6 experience.

Common Problems

M88/3

Timing Chain Tensioner Failure

Affected models:

E24 M635CSi (M88/3 engine, 1983–1989).

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–120,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M88/3's timing chain tensioner is a known weak point. The tensioner design can fail to maintain adequate pressure, allowing the chain to slacken and potentially skip teeth or snap. The cam box oil feed and chain guides can also wear prematurely. A rattling noise on cold start is the classic early warning. If the chain fails, piston-to-valve contact is catastrophic.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£2,500–£4,500

£1,500–£3,500

Timing chain, tensioner, guides and cam box refurbishment

Yes -essential on high-mileage M88s

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£12,000–£18,000

£8,000–£14,000

Full reconditioned M88/3 engine

Often 30–50% of M635CSi value

Our Recommendation

On any M88/3 M635CSi approaching 60,000 miles without documented timing chain and tensioner history, budget for a preventative chain and tensioner replacement. A £1,500–£3,500 preventative repair is dramatically cheaper than the £8,000–£14,000 replacement that follows a chain failure.

Compare M88 engine prices for your M635CSi

M88/3

Cam Box Oil Leaks and Valve Adjustment

Affected models:

E24 M635CSi (M88/3 engine).

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–120,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M88/3's cam box (cylinder head cover) can develop oil leaks due to age and heat cycling. Valve clearances require regular adjustment -the engine has bucket tappets that need shimming. Neglected valve adjustments can lead to poor performance, rough running, and potential valve damage.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£1,200–£2,500

£800–£1,800

Cam box gasket replacement; valve clearance adjustment

Yes -routine maintenance

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£12,000–£18,000

£8,000–£14,000

Full reconditioned M88/3 engine

Often 30–50% of M635CSi value

Our Recommendation

Have valve clearances checked and adjusted every 30,000 miles or as part of a major service -an £800–£1,800 preventative service is far cheaper than the £8,000–£14,000 replacement that follows a valve failure.

Compare M88 cam box repair prices for your M635CSi

S38

Timing Chain Guide Wear

Affected models:

E24 M6 (S38 engine, North America/Japan).

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–120,000 miles.

Root cause:

The S38 uses an improved timing chain guide design compared to the M88/3, but the guides can still wear with age and mileage. A rattling noise on cold start is the early warning. Unlike the M88, the S38's guides are more durable, but they are not immune to failure.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£2,000–£3,500

£1,200–£2,500

Timing chain guide replacement; chain and tensioner

Yes -essential on high-mileage S38s

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£10,000–£15,000

£7,000–£12,000

Full reconditioned S38 engine

Often 30–50% of M6 value

Our Recommendation

On any S38 M6 approaching 60,000 miles without documented chain guide history, budget for a guide inspection and replacement -a £1,200–£2,500 preventative repair is far cheaper than the £7,000–£12,000 replacement that follows a guide failure.

Compare S38 engine prices for your M6

E24 M6
Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition

Variant

Engine Code

Used (Supply)

Reconditioned (Supply)

Rebuilt (Supply)

Labour Hours

M635CSi (Europe)M88/3£3,500–£6,500£8,000–£14,000£12,000–£20,00016–22 hrs

M6 (North America/Japan)S38B35£3,000–£5,500£7,000–£12,000£10,000–£16,00016–22 hrs

No Generation variance note required -no Engine Page baseline exists for these engines yet. Costs are estimated from UK specialist suppliers [BMW-QUOTE]. M88/3 engines are particularly rare and expensive due to limited production and parts scarcity.

Diesel & Petrol Lineup

Petrol Variants

Scope note: All variants listed are BMW M6 E24 only. The M635CSi was sold in Europe and most other markets; the M6 badge was used in North America and Japan. Both are 2-door coupés -no convertible or saloon variants exist for the E24 generation. Only 524 right-hand-drive M6s were imported to the UK. Total production: 5,855 units.

Market Intelligence

Most Requested Engines (2025)

Most Requested Variants

Average Replacement Cost

Most Common Failures

Most Requested Engines (2025)

Most Requested Variants

Average Replacement Cost

Most Common Failures

Most Requested Engines (2025)

Most Requested Variants

Average Replacement Cost

Most Common Failures

Diesel & Petrol Lineup

Petrol Variants

Market Intelligence

Most Requested Engines (2025)

Most Requested Variants

Average Replacement Cost

Most Common Failures

Most Requested Engines (2025)

Most Requested Variants

Average Replacement Cost

Most Common Failures

Most Requested Engines (2025)

Most Requested Variants

Average Replacement Cost

Most Common Failures

FAQ

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BMW M6 E24 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

BMW M6 E24 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

BMW M6 E24 — Overview

Best & Worst Engines

BMW M6 E24 Ownership Economics

Common Problems

E24 M6Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition

Diesel & Petrol Lineup

Market Intelligence

Diesel & Petrol Lineup

Market Intelligence

FAQ

Why UK BMW M6 E24 OwnersTrust BMWEngines.uk

BMW M6 E24
Ownership Economics

E24 M6
Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition

Why UK BMW M6 E24 Owners
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