BMW 6 Series 635csi Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW 6 Series 635csi engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used M30 engines for your E24 635csi - all with verified compatibility and warranty-backed supply.
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From £2,500 to £5,500
Used from £1,200 · Reconditioned from £2,500 · Common codes: M30B34, M30B35, M30B34 (346EC/346KA/346KB)
From £1,200
Tested, bare/short engine
From £2,500
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain

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3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best BMW 6 Series 635csi Replacement Engineto Finding the Best BMW 6 Series 635csi Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
BMW 6 Series 635csi - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The BMW 635csi was the flagship model of the first-generation E24 6 Series, launched in 1978 as the most powerful and best-equipped variant in the range. Powered exclusively by the legendary M30 inline-six engine family, the 635csi represented the pinnacle of BMW's grand touring engineering for over a decade - until the arrival of the M635csi in 1984. The E24 635csi was produced from 1978 to 1989.

BMW 6 Series 635csi - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The BMW 635csi was the flagship model of the first-generation E24 6 Series, launched in 1978 as the most powerful and best-equipped variant in the range. Powered exclusively by the legendary M30 inline-six engine family, the 635csi represented the pinnacle of BMW's grand touring engineering for over a decade - until the arrival of the M635csi in 1984. The E24 635csi was produced from 1978 to 1989.
BMW 6 Series 635csi
Engine History Timeline
M30B35 (3.5L / 3,453cc) 218hp - E24 635csi launched as the flagship 6 Series model, featuring Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection
M30B35 (3.5L / 3,430cc) 218hp - Displacement reduced slightly; technical updates to engine management
M30B34 (3.4L / 3,430cc) 218hp - Updated with Bosch Motronic 1.0 fuel injection; catalytic converter optional (185hp with cat)
M30B34 (3.4L / 3,430cc) 211hp - Catalytic converter fitted as standard; power output 211hp
1989 - M30B35 (3.4L / 3,430cc) 208hp - Final two model years; improved engine management with Bosch Motronic 1.3
Key Specs Snapshot
Every engine fitted to the BMW 6 Series 635csi is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
BMW 6 Series 635csi Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostBMW 6 Series 635csi Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
3.5L Petrol (1978-1982)
Compatible Trim Levels
- 635csi
- 635csi [Euro-spec]

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,200-£2,500
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£2,500-£4,500
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£4,000-£6,000
Common Failure
Early M30 engines with Bosch L-Jetronic injection can suffer from fuel delivery issues. The cold start injector is a known weak point - if leaking, it causes difficult hot starting. The early EGR system (1977-1980) created excessive heat and could warp cylinder heads.


The BMW 635csi's M30 engine is legendary for its robust, "bulletproof" design - a cast-iron block, aluminium cylinder head, single overhead cam and two valves per cylinder. However, age and mileage have exposed several well-documented weak points. The M30 is famously durable, with many examples exceeding 200,000 miles on original internals, but cooling system neglect, fuel injection issues, and timing chain wear are the primary drivers of replacement demand. Rebuilt engines through EnginesMarket include upgraded components addressing the original failure point, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

The High-Mileage Risk
Affected Vehicles
BMW 6 Series 635csi (all M30 variants, 1978-1989)
Typical Failure Mileage
120k-150k+ miles
Root Cause
The M30's timing chain is generally robust and chain jump is rare unless the tensioner fails. However, the spring in the tensioner weakens over time, and piston or chain rail wear can cause a loose or slack chain. A rattling noise on cold start that partially goes away as the engine warms up is the classic warning sign.
Why It Happens
The M30's timing chain is generally robust and chain jump is rare unless the tensioner fails. However, the spring in the tensioner weakens over time, and piston or chain rail wear can cause a loose or slack chain. A rattling noise on cold start that partially goes away as the engine warms up is the classic warning sign.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£400-£800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£250-£500
What it involves
Replace tensioner piston and spring; inspect chain rail
Suitability
Viable if caught early; rattle on start-up only
Dealer (parts + labour)
£2,000-£3,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,500-£2,500
What it involves
Full timing chain kit, guides, tensioners; cam timing
Suitability
Recommended if chain has stretched or guides are worn
Dealer (parts + labour)
£7,000-£12,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£4,500-£7,000
What it involves
Supply & fit, 12-month warranty
Suitability
Only if chain has jumped or caused catastrophic damage
| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Timing chain tensioner replacement Minor | £400-£800 | £250-£500 | Replace tensioner piston and spring; inspect chain rail | Viable if caught early; rattle on start-up only | |
Full timing chain replacement Best Value | £2,000-£3,500 | £1,500-£2,500 | Full timing chain kit, guides, tensioners; cam timing | Recommended if chain has stretched or guides are worn | |
Full engine replacement Best Value | £7,000-£12,000 | £4,500-£7,000 | Supply & fit, 12-month warranty | Only if chain has jumped or caused catastrophic damage |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
An E24 635csi typically holds £8,000-£30,000+ value depending on condition, mileage and specification. Timing chain replacement at specialist rates (£1,500-£2,500) is a justifiable investment on most examples. Full engine replacement is viable on higher-value cars but should be carefully evaluated against the vehicle's overall condition.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
Address timing chain rattle promptly - it's far cheaper to replace the tensioner or chain than to rebuild an engine after a jumped chain. If you hear a rattling noise on cold start, have the tensioner inspected immediately.

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your BMW 6 Series 635csi
Whether your 635csi is an early L-Jetronic car or a later Motronic example, our network of UK BMW specialists can supply a replacement M30 engine with a minimum 12-month warranty - often at a fraction of main dealer cost. Enter your registration above and compare quotes from vetted suppliers today.
Compare rebuilt M30B34 BMW 6 Series 635csi engine prices
Important Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific BMW 6 Series 635csi. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
BMW 6 Series 635csi Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a BMW 6 Series 635csi engine replacement cost in the UK-
A used BMW 635csi M30 engine typically costs £1,200-£3,500 depending on mileage, condition and specification (early L-Jetronic vs later Motronic). A reconditioned unit ranges from £2,500-£5,200, while a fully rebuilt engine with warranty sits at £4,000-£7,000. Specialist fitting adds approximately £1,000-£1,600 in labour (14-20 hours at £65-£85/hr). Main dealer fitting costs 40-60% more.
- Used engine: £1,200-£3,500 supply-only
- Reconditioned: £2,500-£5,200 supply-only
- Rebuilt: £4,000-£7,000 supply-only with 12-month warranty
- Specialist fitting: £1,000-£1,600
Question 2What are the signs of timing chain wear in a BMW 635csi-
The M30's timing chain is generally robust, but the tensioner can wear over time. The classic symptom is a rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start that partially disappears as the engine warms up. In more advanced cases, the chain can become slack, affecting valve timing and causing power loss or rough running.
- Rattling noise on cold start is the most common early symptom
- Chain jump is rare unless the tensioner has failed completely
- Address promptly - tensioner replacement is far cheaper than a full chain job
Question 3Is it worth replacing the engine in a BMW 6 Series 635csi-
This depends entirely on the car's condition and value. An E24 635csi typically holds £8,000-£30,000+ value depending on condition, mileage and specification. A rebuilt M30 engine at £4,000-£7,000 is typically justifiable if the car is otherwise sound and rust-free. However, if the car has significant body rot or other major issues, evaluate the total repair cost against the vehicle's value.
- £8k-£15k 635csi: reconditioned engine is viable if keeping the car long-term
- £15k+ 635csi: rebuilt engine with warranty usually makes financial sense
- Consider rust and overall condition before committing
Question 4What's the difference between the M30B34 and M30B35 engines in the BMW 635csi-
The M30B34 was fitted from 1984-1987 and used Bosch Motronic 1.0 fuel injection, producing 218hp (non-cat) or 185hp (with catalyst). The M30B35 was fitted from 1987-1989 and used the more advanced Bosch Motronic 1.3, producing 211hp. The B35 has larger intake valves, a more breathable intake and a different cam profile.
- M30B34: Motronic 1.0, 218hp (non-cat) / 185hp (cat)
- M30B35: Motronic 1.3, 211hp (all with cat from 1987)
- B35 has improved engine management and better breathing
Question 5How long does a BMW 6 Series 635csi engine replacement take-
A typical BMW 635csi engine replacement takes 4-8 days from booking to collection, depending on parts availability and workshop workload. The M30 is an older engine, so sourcing a quality rebuilt or reconditioned unit may take 3-5 days. Supply and fit through our network typically completes within 5-8 working days.
- Supply-only: 3-5 days delivery
- Supply and fit: 5-8 days workshop time
- Specialist M30 work may add 1-2 days
Question 6What warranty comes with a BMW 635csi replacement engine-
Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty. Rebuilt and reconditioned M30 engines typically include full parts and labour cover; used engines usually carry a 3-6 month warranty depending on the supplier. Always confirm that the timing chain components are covered under the warranty terms.
- Rebuilt/reconditioned: 12 months unlimited mileage
- Used: 3-6 months (check supplier terms)
- Verify timing chain and tensioner coverage
Compare BMW 6 Series 635csiEngine PricesToday
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Comparing quotes for your BMW 6 Series 635csi is completely free and carries no obligation. Whether you need a used M30B34 for a 1985 example, a reconditioned M30B35 for a Highline car, or a full engine rebuild with warranty - enter your registration above and let our vetted UK specialists provide transparent, itemised pricing for your exact engine code.

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