The BMW 630CS, produced between 1976 and 1979, represents the entry point into the iconic E24 6 Series lineup. Positioned below the 633CSi and later the 635CSi, the 630CS offered a blend of BMW’s renowned sporting character with a more accessible price point. It was a crucial model for establishing the 6 Series as a grand tourer, appealing to buyers seeking a sophisticated and capable coupe. The 630CS was primarily sold in Europe and select international markets, serving as a more affordable alternative to its higher-performance siblings. It utilized the M30 straight-six engine, albeit in a slightly detuned form, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 6 Series |
| Generation | 6 Series (E24) |
| Type (Engine) | 630CS (185 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1976 |
| End of production | 1979 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 202 km/h (125.52 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp, 125.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm, 173.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 185 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 62 Hp/l |
| Torque | 255 Nm @ 3500 rpm (188.08 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M30B30 |
| Engine displacement | 2986 cm3 (182.22 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1470 kg (3240.8 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1830 kg (4034.46 lbs.) |
| Max load | 360 kg (793.66 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 415 l (14.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4755 mm (187.2 in.) |
| Width | 1725 mm (67.91 in.) |
| Height | 1365 mm (53.74 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2626 mm (103.39 in.) |
| Front track | 1422 mm (55.98 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1487 mm (58.54 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.41 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 3 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Tires size | 195/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 630CS is the M30B30 engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine, a cornerstone of BMW’s engineering prowess during the 1970s and 80s, featured a cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head. Unlike the later 633CSi and 635CSi models which employed Bosch fuel injection, the 630CS utilized a twin-barrel Solex carburetor. This carburetor setup, while simpler and less expensive, resulted in slightly lower peak power and increased emissions compared to the fuel-injected variants. The engine produced 185 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque at 3,500 rpm. The three-speed automatic transmission, a ZF 3HP22 unit, was standard. This transmission, while providing smooth shifts, was geared more towards comfort and fuel economy than outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 630CS Automatic offered a comfortable and refined grand touring experience. Acceleration was adequate, with a 0-60 mph time of around 10.6 seconds and a top speed of 125.52 mph. However, it was noticeably slower than the manual transmission versions and the higher-powered 633CSi and 635CSi. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for cruising, resulting in a relaxed driving experience on the highway. The carburetor, while reliable, sometimes resulted in a slight hesitation during quick acceleration. The car’s weight, approximately 3240 lbs, contributed to a less agile feel compared to its lighter siblings. Despite these limitations, the 630CS still provided the characteristic BMW handling balance, with responsive steering and a well-controlled chassis.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 630CS came reasonably well-equipped for its time, though it lacked some of the luxury features found in the higher-end models. Standard features included power-assisted steering, power-assisted brakes, and cloth upholstery. Air conditioning was a popular option. Interior trim was relatively simple, with a focus on functionality and durability. The dashboard layout was typical of BMWs from the era, with clearly marked gauges and easy-to-use controls. Optional extras included leather upholstery, a sunroof, and upgraded sound systems. The 630CS was often seen as a more “driver-focused” model, appealing to those who prioritized driving enjoyment over lavish luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The E24 6 Series chassis was a sophisticated design for its time, featuring independent suspension all around. The front suspension utilized McPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension employed a semi-trailing arm design with coil springs. The 630CS was equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. The braking system provided adequate stopping power, but it lacked the advanced features found in later BMW models. The car’s suspension tuning was geared towards a balance of comfort and handling, providing a relatively smooth ride over uneven surfaces while still maintaining good body control during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 630CS was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its stylish design, comfortable ride, and balanced handling. However, some critics noted its relatively modest performance compared to the 633CSi and 635CSi. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the carburetor-equipped engine consuming around 19 US mpg in combined driving. Compared to the 633CSi, the 630CS offered a more affordable entry point into the 6 Series range, but it sacrificed some performance and refinement. The 635CSi, with its fuel injection and higher output engine, was the clear performance leader, but it also came with a significantly higher price tag. The 630CS found a niche among buyers who wanted a stylish and capable grand tourer without breaking the bank.
Legacy
The BMW 630CS, while often overshadowed by its more powerful siblings, remains a desirable classic car today. The M30 engine is known for its durability and relatively simple maintenance requirements. However, carburetor rebuilds may be necessary over time. The automatic transmission is also generally reliable, but regular fluid changes are essential. The E24 6 Series as a whole has gained a strong following among enthusiasts, and well-maintained 630CS models are increasingly sought after. Its status as the entry-level model in the lineup has, ironically, contributed to its collectibility, as fewer examples were produced compared to the 633CSi and 635CSi. Today, the 630CS represents a unique and affordable way to experience the classic BMW grand touring experience.
