Overview & Reviews

BMW is famous for building dynamic "driver's cars" that are designed to thrill. In particular, the company's M-badged high-performance variants rank among the most capable and rewarding cars in the world. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that the BMW M6 -- the company's flagship two-door performance car -- is something truly special.

Though not genuine sports cars, the two latest generations of the M6 can challenge the world's best on just about any road, thanks to their muscle-bound engines, powerful brakes and athletic suspensions. At the same time, they offer all the comfort and luxury one would expect from BMW's premier coupe and convertible. Their inspiration comes from the original M6 coupe of the late '80s; now a bona fide collector's car, it helped prepare the stage for BMW's modern M performance line.

Current BMW M6
The current M6 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 rated at an astonishing 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual with shift paddles is standard, but a conventional six-speed manual can be specified. During Edmunds testing, a convertible M6 sprinted to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds; the lighter coupe is even quicker. This engine feels invincible on the road, thrusting the car forward with breathtaking force at virtually any speed.

Predictably, the M6 comes loaded with all the latest high-tech performance and comfort features. These include xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a rearview camera, the iDrive electronics interface with navigation and a powerful audio system. Also included are driver-adjustable settings for the suspension, transmission, steering and engine. Option highlights include a head-up display and massaging front seats.

Like all BMW M models, the M6 is no mere straight-line superstar. The finely balanced chassis and precise, communicative steering make it a similar standout during enthusiastic cornering. However, the M6's hefty size and suboptimal outward visibility can make it feel a bit awkward on narrow, winding roads. There's still more handling capability here than any big coupe has a right to have, but the M6 is ultimately less of a sports car than a stunningly quick, endlessly comfortable grand touring machine. For some driving enthusiasts, that's a just-right combination.

Used BMW M6 Models
Following a two-year hiatus, the third-generation M6 debuted for the 2013 model year. Like the current 6 Series on which it's based, the latest M6 sports more traditional styling, roomier front-seat accommodations, a more useful trunk and torque-rich turbocharged performance. The new twin-turbo V8 provides a lot more shove off the line compared to the previous M6's high-revving V10, though it lacks the old motor's thrilling rush to redline. Initially, the dual-clutch automated manual was the only available transmission; the regular manual was introduced for 2014.

The previous, second-generation BMW M6 was produced from 2006-'10. The coupe was available throughout that run, while the convertible arrived for '07. Both versions employed a 5.0-liter V10 engine that produced 500 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) was standard, while a traditional six-speed manual was available for all but the 2006 model year. Owners could choose from three different electronic drive programs, with the demonic "M" button unlocking the car's full potential.

This M6 took the low-slung style of the mainstream 6 Series coupe and convertible and added unique front and rear fascias. These not only contributed to a more sporting look, but also served to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. The exterior was further differentiated by unique trim, mirrors, wheels, colors and a quad-outlet exhaust.

Inside, the second-gen M6 displayed a handsome if staid design aesthetic. Buttons and switches were kept to a minimum thanks to BMW's iDrive electronics interface; however, aside from the vastly improved version introduced for 2010, we considered this iDrive iteration difficult to use and a serious drawback to an otherwise very appealing car. Passenger space was great for two people but quite cramped for four. Trunk space was average-plus for this segment, augmented by a pass-through panel to accommodate longer items.

Edmunds editors found the performance of this BMW M6 to be simply intoxicating. The sounds emanating from the V10 power plant were like nothing else available to consumers, unless you count the contemporaneous M5 -- and the M6 actually provided superior performance due to its slightly reduced curb weight and lower center of gravity. The M6 convertible only added to the aural pleasure. Repair bills for this generation are not for the faint of heart, but with the song of an F1-inspired V10 in your ear and 500 horses underfoot, life still doesn't get much better for an automotive enthusiast.

The first generation of the M6 turns back the clock to model years 1988-'89. Based on the 6 Series coupe of the time, the original M6 was powered by a free-revving, 3.5-liter inline-6 engine that produced 256 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Exceptionally rare today, this M6 is a fascinating time-warp back to the early days of BMW's Motorsport division. Its effective successor was the V12-powered 850 CSi coupe of the 1990s.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 38.00

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  THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE M6 - 2007 BMW M6
  By Philip - January 12 - 1:13 am

  My M6 developed a thirst for oil at just 1,800 kilometres and used an average of 1 litre of oil per 1,000 kilometres until BMW agreed to replace the engine. A combination of having to stop every 1,000 kilometres to top up the oil and a faulty tyre pressure indicator made BMWs fastest convertible actually slower on trips than my daughters Smart ForTwo. Add to this the fact that BMW Australia apparently dont stock parts and the fact that you cant buy tyres for them and youve got a car that reminds me of the old Jaguar joke that you need to buy 2 of them so youll always have 1 to drive while the other one is in being fixed.

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  Great car ruined by transmission flaws - 2010 BMW M6
  By Scott - November 11 - 10:35 pm

  I wanted to love this car but the SMG transmission needs a re-work to fix the flaws in the engineering design. It has serious issues like others have said in terms of shifting and power in automatic mode. Also gas mileage is terrible- BMW needs to find a way to tweak 26-30 mpg from the V10 or make a turbo charged six cylinder engine with 500HP. Porsche did it, why not BMW? I think BMW needs to get help from Porsche and Nissan on how to make a decent transmission and improve gas mileage. Sad because I wanted to love the car as it excels in all other areas over the competition. Even the 650i has a better transmission and gas mileage.

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  They are right, the transmission is bad! - 2009 BMW M6
  By rc - October 16 - 1:36 pm

  I love this car as it is very fast and its a real head turner however, the tranny is like what others say, it is really herky jerky. In m mode at a stop light, it has a tendency to jump gears and jerk the car, first time I thought I got rear ended. At times, there is also a lag when you gas it, it takes a while to get moving... might be dangerous when you are cutting lanes real quick. 120k for this????

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  Great car, HORRIBLE TRANSMISSION - 2009 BMW M6
  By Bob - October 2 - 8:20 am

  I should have test driven my M-6 before laying out well over 100 grand. The "automatic transmission" on this car is horrendous. Buyers remorse? Definitely. I am looking into trading it for one with a full manual transmission-or just taking my lumps and getting rid of it completely. My Chrysler 300 SRT 8 is a better driving much more user friendly vehicle. At some point more is too much. BMW definitely surpassed that point with this "F1 inspired" drive train.

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  Just got one - 2009 BMW M6
  By stv - August 2 - 1:55 am

  Just bought one and the reviews are right, the transmission is herky jerky. Other than that, is it a real head turner

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  A civil 996 turbo - 2008 BMW M6
  By Canadian M6 - February 27 - 8:08 pm

  A high tech car that fits the needs of a serious well healed car enthusiast. If you are not comfortable with computers and spirited driving this car is not for you. Surprisingly refined - I enjoy driving it more than my more visceral, in your face 2003 996 turbo. Great daily driver if you use the paddles otherwise difficult to drive smoothly in automatic mode.

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  BMW M6 - 2008 BMW M6
  By nlh - January 23 - 10:03 pm

  Got this 08 M6 (wht on dark red, CF trim, manual) as a corporate trade in. Wow 08 leases tanked and I lucked out. Had an 06 M3. This thing blows it away in luxury terms and is god awful fast off the line and at speed. In my M3 I always felt like I was driving a hyper jet fighter, always charged up, and pushing it. In the 6, I cruise in luxury, steel fist in velvet glove. When I want power I hit the M button and zoom. The 3 was an smg and the 6 is a 6 speed manual. I loved the smg and sometimes wish the 6 had one. Man you could just hammer the 3 all the time. In th 6 it takes some work. Yeah its capable but you have to wake up and push it. Doesnt seem as tossable, but when you get it right

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  Exotic Ride for Mid Range Expense - 2008 BMW M6
  By ultradog - November 26 - 6:21 pm

  My M6 Coupe is my fifth new BMW. I’ve had a 96 2.8 Z3, 99 540, 03 M3 convertible, 06 750 Li. All of these vehicles have been outstanding. The M6 is a pure breed race car in a stealth body. This car is great fun when the unknowing pull up beside you at a light and on the back roads of WV. This is by far my favorite car ever.

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  Two great cars in one! - 2008 BMW M6
  By Wayne - July 12 - 11:44 am

  This is a great car for the money! I traded a 911 Porsche Cab and a 2005 Aston Martin DB9 coupe - the M6 Convertible delivers the best of both of these cars. The V10 engine has plenty of power matched by electronics and a finely tuned suspension to create a great driving experience on any road. It has the toss-around feel and open sky fun of the Porsche with the size, comfort and presence of the DB9 - but it accommodates 4 riders. This is my first BMW, and Ive found the professional reviewers concerns with iDrive to be somewhat exaggerated. The SMG transmission, also scorned, is easy and engaging to drive. The cock pit ergonomics, including seat comfort are unmatched by any car.

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  2007 BMW M6 - 2007 BMW M6
  By Marc - March 11 - 7:57 pm

  This car incredibly fun to drive and the handling is second to none.