Test drove an E63 M6 @ the weekend.....
Discussion
Having had a 645 which I loved but wanted 'more' I started looking at M6's about 18 months ago. But I got thoroughly put off by the tales of how terrible the SMG box is. So I didn't drive one (idiot!)and bought a 55K AMG.
Well the AMG is fast, once moving I'd bet faster than the M6 in a straight line. It's has more torque than a lorry and will happily pull hard in top from 1200 rpm. But it's numb to drive, the huge reserves of torque are great but also its curse. It doesn't require any thought to drive, it's boring.
So I'm thinking about M6's again. The internet is still full of the horror stories of its reliability and how rubbish the SMG is. But this time I decide I need to drive one. So off I go on Saturday.
All I can say is - What are they all talking about? Sure the SMG is not smooth like an auto but lifting at change points sorts that. Drive it like the manual it is. If you want/expect auto type gearshifts buy an auto! No it's not as fast as a modern dual clutch box, but it predates them.
Oh and the V10..... wow. No it's not got the torque of the supercharged AMG engine. But well, WOW!
So off M6 hunting I go.
End of RANT at self for being an idiot and not driving one before!
Well the AMG is fast, once moving I'd bet faster than the M6 in a straight line. It's has more torque than a lorry and will happily pull hard in top from 1200 rpm. But it's numb to drive, the huge reserves of torque are great but also its curse. It doesn't require any thought to drive, it's boring.
So I'm thinking about M6's again. The internet is still full of the horror stories of its reliability and how rubbish the SMG is. But this time I decide I need to drive one. So off I go on Saturday.
All I can say is - What are they all talking about? Sure the SMG is not smooth like an auto but lifting at change points sorts that. Drive it like the manual it is. If you want/expect auto type gearshifts buy an auto! No it's not as fast as a modern dual clutch box, but it predates them.
Oh and the V10..... wow. No it's not got the torque of the supercharged AMG engine. But well, WOW!
So off M6 hunting I go.
End of RANT at self for being an idiot and not driving one before!
MarcelM6 said:
Haven't posted here before, just been doing a bit of stalking...I bought a M6 (convertible, don't mock) earlier this year as after 15 years of not commuting by car I changed jobs to a 90 mile round trip every day. Not sensible, but you only live once.
I also ran a Ford Focus diesel, which I thought I'd use when the sun isn't shining, but love the M6 so much the Ford is gone. I've only had routine servicing done, which was more reasonable than expected, the only other costs are fuel (lots of it) and oil.
As a daily driver on motorways it's fantastic, just the right balance between being a barge or too hard. Around town not so good and it certainly doesn't like stop/start traffic. It fits 4 adults in reasonable comfort unlike a Jag XK, Aston DB9 or a 911; I've carried 2 bicycles inside it to the Alps; is blindingly fast, comfortable and discreet. Couldn't want for more.
Just be prepared to be on first name terms with your local petrol station staff
Running a 55K AMG I'm more than on first name terms! I think an M6 might be a slight improvement in MPG!I also ran a Ford Focus diesel, which I thought I'd use when the sun isn't shining, but love the M6 so much the Ford is gone. I've only had routine servicing done, which was more reasonable than expected, the only other costs are fuel (lots of it) and oil.
As a daily driver on motorways it's fantastic, just the right balance between being a barge or too hard. Around town not so good and it certainly doesn't like stop/start traffic. It fits 4 adults in reasonable comfort unlike a Jag XK, Aston DB9 or a 911; I've carried 2 bicycles inside it to the Alps; is blindingly fast, comfortable and discreet. Couldn't want for more.
Just be prepared to be on first name terms with your local petrol station staff
andygtt said:
Ive done the same, took the wife to see an M6, she liked it but put her foot down for 5 seats... perfect I said we can get another M5.
Deposit down and going to collect on Thursday, really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of that V10 again
Excellent. Loving the work on the Capri!Deposit down and going to collect on Thursday, really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of that V10 again
Stever said:
Well done on your choice silver stone really suits the M6
Let me share my recent experience, have always liked the 6 series so when the opportunity arose this year I bought a 55 plate M6 in July 40k miles in interlagos blue silver stone leather interior full main dealer service history.
I was advised to buy low mileage and get a warranty which proved uber good advice. It developed an engine fault after 6 weeks (at a steady motorway cruise ) which turned out to be a broken valve Spring on cylinder 8, an engine out repair.
Final main dealer bill was approaching £7,000 with a few new parts vanos bits, new fan but my contribution was just £100.
I use it everyday for business although I know that's going to be difficult if snow arrives (I haven't got round to selling the KN yet ) but I absolutely love it. The engine the engine it's all about the V10 for me. The SMG takes some getting used to and is pretty awful in grandad mode but pressing on in m mode its splendid fun. I prefer to drive it tapping the gear lever as its a better feel than the flappy paddles.
And even HQ likes it (she hates the KN )
Enjoy but my advice unsurprisingly would be to buy a BMW warranty with it
Thanks Stever. Interlargos would have been my preference with the Silverstone interior. But there's not that many with the light interior, I found the all black too dark, a little oppressive.Let me share my recent experience, have always liked the 6 series so when the opportunity arose this year I bought a 55 plate M6 in July 40k miles in interlagos blue silver stone leather interior full main dealer service history.
I was advised to buy low mileage and get a warranty which proved uber good advice. It developed an engine fault after 6 weeks (at a steady motorway cruise ) which turned out to be a broken valve Spring on cylinder 8, an engine out repair.
Final main dealer bill was approaching £7,000 with a few new parts vanos bits, new fan but my contribution was just £100.
I use it everyday for business although I know that's going to be difficult if snow arrives (I haven't got round to selling the KN yet ) but I absolutely love it. The engine the engine it's all about the V10 for me. The SMG takes some getting used to and is pretty awful in grandad mode but pressing on in m mode its splendid fun. I prefer to drive it tapping the gear lever as its a better feel than the flappy paddles.
And even HQ likes it (she hates the KN )
Enjoy but my advice unsurprisingly would be to buy a BMW warranty with it
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