1977-89 BMW 6 Series Coupe

630 (1977), 633 (1978-84), 635 (1985-89)

by Jim Schrager

As the logical extension of the exquisite 2800/3.0 CS coupes, the 6 Series brought the new look of the 7 Series to BMW’s large two-door grand touring machine. Even more than the earlier coupes, the 6 Series traded tossability for comfort, sophistication and interior room. The 3.3- and 3.5-liter straight sixes brought a worthwhile improvement in torque over the 3-liter. As you would expect from a BMW, the single overhead-cam design is as smooth as a turbine. The five-speed manual (an unusual option in a luxury tourer of this size) makes the car noticeably sportier and more responsive than the four-speed automatic. The interior is full of straight lines, angles and grilles. It also incorporates a “check control” panel that allows a push-button test of the lights and fluid levels. Nice when new, this device often succumbs to electrical gremlins as the car ages. Before buying, be sure to systematically check every electric gizmo on the car; repairs can be...