E24 6-Series

1976-1989 / Coupe / Germany

All E24 6-Series problems All workshop issues

Minor Structural and Body

2. Rear Trailing Arm Pickup Point Corrosion

Symptoms

The rear trailing arm mounting points weaken from corrosion, causing the rear suspension to shift under load. Symptoms include vague rear-end handling, uneven rear tyre wear, and clunking from the rear when cornering.

Cause

The same moisture-trapping box section issue as the front subframe. The trailing arm mounts also bear significant dynamic loads, so even mild corrosion weakens them beyond safe limits faster than a static panel.

Fix

Reinforcement plates welded over the existing mounts.

If the original metal is too far gone, the entire section needs cutting and fabricating.

Cost: $1,000-3,000.

Inspect from below on a hoist.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $1,000-3,000

Know something we don't?

Owned a BMW E24 6-Series? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update

// More E24 6-Series problems

Other known issues

Minor Structural and Body

1. Front Subframe Mount Corrosion

The front subframe mounting points corrode from road spray and accumulated grime. In advanced cases, the mount tears away from the body under braking or over bumps, causing a complete loss of front suspension geometry.

Critical Structural and Body

3. Windscreen Surround Corrosion

Bubbling paint around the windscreen edges, particularly at the lower corners. By the time paint is bubbling, the underlying metal is often perforated.

Common Structural and Body

4. Door Bottom Corrosion

The lower edges of the doors develop rust bubbles. In advanced cases, the door skin perforates. Paint appears to blister from the inside out.

Critical Engine, M30 (633CSi, 635CSi)

5. Timing Chain and Tensioner Wear

Rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start, lasting 2-10 seconds until oil pressure builds. In severe cases, the rattle persists when warm. If the chain jumps teeth, the engine timing shifts and performance drops dramatically, in worst cases, valve-to-piston contact occurs.

Common Engine, M30 (633CSi, 635CSi)

6. Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection Issues (Early 633CSi)

Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, rich or lean running, poor fuel economy. The engine may start fine cold but run poorly once warm, or vice versa.

Critical Engine, M30 (633CSi, 635CSi)

7. Oil Leaks

Oil residue on the engine and components. Oil smell in the cabin from oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold. Oil spots on the garage floor.

View all 15 E24 6-Series problems