BMW S38B35 Engine & Getrag 5-Speed Manual Gearbox | 1987 BMW M6 | Inline-Six Performance Powertrain

Offered for sale is a BMW S38B35 3.5-liter inline-six engine paired with a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox, removed from a 1987 BMW M6 (E24) after the car was deemed a total loss in 2011. The engine and gearbox were acquired by a previous owner in 2012 for a planned E9 swap that was never completed and were transferred to the current owner in 2019.

This 3.5-liter BMW S38B35 inline-six and Getrag five-speed manual gearbox were removed from a 1987 BMW M6 after it was deemed a total loss in 2011, and the pair was acquired in 2012 by the previous owner, who planned to swap them into a BMW E9. The project was not completed, and the engine and gearbox were given to the current owner in 2019. The engine features a cast-iron block, an aluminum cylinder head, dual overhead camshafts, individual throttle bodies, pulleys, and a distributor with ignition wires. The Getrag gearbox has an aluminum case.

The S38B35 is BMW M’s legendary high-performance naturally aspirated inline-six, known for its dual overhead camshafts, individual throttle bodies, and motorsport engineering. This engine is ideal for E24 M6 restorations, E9 swaps, or other M-powered performance builds.

Technical Specifications

Included Components

BMW S38B35 Engine

• Cast-iron block with aluminum cylinder head

• Dual overhead camshafts with 6 individual throttle bodies

• Six fuel injectors, pulleys, and distributor with ignition wires

• Black crinkle-finished valve cover with “BMW M Power” lettering

Getrag 5-Speed Manual Gearbox

• Aluminum case

• Shifter assembly with leather boot and knob

Ancillary & Cooling Components

• Bosch ECU (tuning chip installed)

• Air conditioning compressor, condenser with fan and lines

• Cooling fan, shroud, oil cooler, and lines

• Alternator and starter

• Power steering pump, coolant overflow tank with hoses

• Airbox with airflow meter

Drivetrain & Brake Components

• Driveshaft

• Front and rear calipers and rotors (from other BMW models)

• Assorted brackets, mounts, and hardware

• BMW roundel badge

Note: Intake plenum and exhaust headers are not included.

Condition Notes

• Engine and gearbox were functioning prior to removal from the 1987 M6

• Stored in a climate-controlled environment since acquisition in 2012

• Bosch ECU reportedly modified, ready for tuning

• Individual throttle bodies and linkage intact, fully serviceable

• Gearbox in excellent condition; aluminum case shows minor storage wear

• Ideal for restoration projects, period-correct performance builds, or classic M swaps

Compatibility & Applications

 BMW E24 M6 (1987) – replacement or restoration
 BMW E9 chassis swaps (classic BMW performance projects)
 Other BMW E23/E28 chassis suitable for S38 swaps
 Vintage BMW track builds or high-performance street restorations

BMW S38B35 3.5L Engine & Getrag 5-Speed Manual Gearbox, removed from a 1987 M6, complete with throttle bodies, Bosch ECU, cooling components, driveshaft, and ancillary hardware.

A rare, authentic M Power package ready for restoration, E9/E24 swap projects, or collector-grade M builds — a true classic BMW performance engine.