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
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Code | BMW S38B35 |
| Configuration | Inline-6, Naturally Aspirated |
| Displacement | 3,453 cc (3.5 Liters) |
| Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Cylinder Head | Aluminum Alloy |
| Valvetrain | Dual Overhead Camshafts, 24 Valves |
| Induction | Six Individual Throttle Bodies (Linkage Included) |
| Fuel System | Bosch ECU (reportedly modified with tuning chip) |
| Power Output (Factory) | 286 HP (213 kW) @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque (Factory) | 340 Nm (251 lb-ft) @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | Getrag 5-Speed Manual, Aluminum Case |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Condition | Removed from total loss vehicle, stored indoors, complete with included components |
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.
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