Auto Z

The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the 6-Series automobile, designed by the motorsport division of BMW. The BMW M6 was produced from 1983 to 1989, and then 2005 to 2010. 

Via internet press release, the new generation M6 was announced on February 12, 2012. This car is quite a legend. In its current form, it makes 560 ps pf power. And that much of power is what you would expect in track focused cars like the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo and the McLaren MP4-12C. Its got a souped-up like appeal with the Dodge Charger SRT. It competes with the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe.

In 1983 BMW took the M88/3 six-cylinder engine, a modified version of the M88/1 from the BMW M1and put it in the E24 chassis of the BMW 6-Series, creating the M635CSi (called the M6 in North America). It was the only M6 generation having just a manual transmission as its only transmission offering at the time.

The M6 was critically acclaimed throughout its lifespan for its elegant, aggressive "shark-nose" styling, its luxury equipment, and its performance. A top speed of 158 mph (254 km/h) makes the European version the second fastest BMW ever built next to the M1. This is due to all other BMW models being electronically restricted to 249 km/h (155 mph). However, Rug Cunninham BMW ran a bone stock 1987 BMW M6 in the La Carrera Classic Race in Mexico in 1989, and reportedly recorded a top speed of 176 mph indicated. An M6 can be distinguished from other E24 models by a larger front air dam, a rear spoiler, BBS wheels, colour matching side view mirrors, M badges on the grille and back, and slightly larger front brakes.

In North America (United States and Canada), the E24 M6 was fitted with the catalyzed S38B35 motor, producing 191 kW (256 bhp) and 329 N·m (243 lbf·ft) of torque. The non-catalyzed version produced 213 kW (286 bhp) and 340 N·m (251 lb·ft) of torque. The non-catalyzed versions were only available in Europe, though there were 538 catalyzed M635csi models sold in Europe in 1988 and 1989. The 1988 and 1989 the M6 was a "world car" with the same bumpers and aerodynamic treatments in all markets.

The M6 achieved 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time of 6.0 and 6.8 seconds for the European and American versions, respectively.

Quarter mile times for the European version have been recorded at 14.5 seconds while 161 km/h (100 mph) is achieved in 15 seconds. However, Car and Driver Magazine tested the U.S. M6 in July 1987 and achieved a 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time of 6.1 seconds. Also in 1987 Road and Track featured the U.S. M6 as one of the 10 fastest cars in America. Production of the M6 ended in 1989, with 5,859 cars sold, 1,767 of which were North American (U.S. & Canada) models.

The new BMW M6 concept made its debut at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is based on the BMW E63/E64 6-Series, introduced in 2004. It shares the same 5.0 L V10 S85 engine and SMG III gearbox with the E60 M5, and produces 373 kW (500 hp) / 520 N·m (380 lb·ft).

BMW claims it accelerates from 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds. Road & Track (Feb 2006) measured the 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time as 4.1 seconds. The top speed is 333 kilometres per hour (207 mph) but it is limited to 249 km/h (155 mph).

The M6 has the same power button as the M5 which modifies the throttle response. From ignition, the car delivers 399 bhp (298 kW; 405 PS), but engaging the M button allows the full 373 kW (507 PS; 500 hp). It weighs 1,710 kg (3,770 lb) Road & Track (Feb 2006) compared to the 1,660 kg (3,650 lb) E92 BMW M3 Road & Track (Dec 2007) thanks to a carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof panel as well as thermoplastic front wings, aluminum doors and bonnet and compound boot lid.

The carbon fibre and other light materials are used in places like the bumpers and roof that are far from the center of gravity and/or high up, so that they not only reduce the overall weight but improve the handling by reducing the moment of inertia and lowering the center of mass height.

It was offered as both a coupe and a cabriolet. A lightweight CSL version of the M6 was expected to be released in the near future, however, BMW has since officially stated that no such version of the M6 will be built, as there is currently no market for such a model. The 2007 M6 is expected to have a 0-60 mph time of about 4.1 seconds (Road and Track, March 2006). Both the M6 coupe and convertible can be visually distinguished from the 630i, 645Ci and 650i by their deeper front valance with air intakes, more contoured side sills, aerodynamic side view mirrors, an additional rear valance with diffuser and the absence of front fog lights.

In the 2010 model year, the M6 was the second-most expensive BMW sold in the U.S. after the 760Li ($137,000), with an MSRP of $108,150 for the convertible and $102,350 for the coupe. In the U.S. the M6 had one of the largest residual value drops at 19%, as it had little if any changes since its 2006 introduction.

Production of the M6 ended in mid 2010, with sales over the five year run totalling 9,087 for the coupe and 5,056 for the convertible.

Details for the new generation M6 were announced in February 2012, with it being shown at the Geneva Motor Show the following month.

The new model is based on the BMW 6 Series and shares its 7-speed M-DCT gearbox, BMW N63#S63 TwinTurbo V8 engine and other technology with the BMW M5. The M6 coupéhas a carbon-fiber roof and other weight saving measures, making it 20 kg (44 lb) lighter than the M5, however it is 140 kg (309 lb) heavier than the previous M6. The M6 convertible is 50 kg (110 lb) heavier than the previous M6 Convertible.

The official performance figures claim acceleration from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) without the M Sport package (allows it to run up to 315 km/h) . The design style is similar to all recent M cars. The front of the car has a newly designed M kidney grille with an “M6” badge – a homage to the first generation M6.