E63/64 era M6 experiences
Discussion
Hi guys,
First time posting here and would love to hear of any experiences anybody has had with ownership of the e63/4 M6.
I know there are plenty of older posts on this topic, but I can't find any from recent months/ years.
I'm toying with the idea of picking one up, around the 40k mile mark-
So, it's 2017... who still has or had an M6 from this era, and what can you tell me in terms of common faults, reliability. I know SMG/ dreaded "red cog"/ vanos are far from unheard of, but what can anyone tell me about ownership, now these cars are getting on for their teenage years.
Nightmare and avoid? Or worth a punt?
Thanks guys.
First time posting here and would love to hear of any experiences anybody has had with ownership of the e63/4 M6.
I know there are plenty of older posts on this topic, but I can't find any from recent months/ years.
I'm toying with the idea of picking one up, around the 40k mile mark-
So, it's 2017... who still has or had an M6 from this era, and what can you tell me in terms of common faults, reliability. I know SMG/ dreaded "red cog"/ vanos are far from unheard of, but what can anyone tell me about ownership, now these cars are getting on for their teenage years.
Nightmare and avoid? Or worth a punt?
Thanks guys.
I've had one for just over 2 years - E64, black on black.
Pros: The engine, reasonably comfy, can fit 4 adults at a squeeze (try that in a DB9), servicing not expensive, easy speed, have I mentioned the engine?
Cons: SMG clunky, fuel consumption, worry of a big bill
They are serious value for money cars now, and I doubt they will depreciate a lot more than they already have. Mine has had one warranty repair (DSC/ABS pump) and I've covered 40K miles in it. Bought with 28K on it.
I use a local independent for services/repairs and pay a fraction of BMW prices.
My experience is shaped by doing mainly motorway miles, I've driven it into London a few times but in stop/start traffic it is quite unpleasant. The gearbox needs concentration to get smooth shift, its a robotised manual, not an automatic. My description, not the official one.
The lack of torque is noticeable when comparing to more modern turbo cars. Fast hatches and turbodiesels will pull away unless you use the gearbox. But once you get over 6K rpm its just brilliant. And very little will stay with you then.
I suppose its a bit like being addicted to drugs - despite all the downsides the highs are so high you just put up with the downsides.
Love mine and no plans to change.
Pros: The engine, reasonably comfy, can fit 4 adults at a squeeze (try that in a DB9), servicing not expensive, easy speed, have I mentioned the engine?
Cons: SMG clunky, fuel consumption, worry of a big bill
They are serious value for money cars now, and I doubt they will depreciate a lot more than they already have. Mine has had one warranty repair (DSC/ABS pump) and I've covered 40K miles in it. Bought with 28K on it.
I use a local independent for services/repairs and pay a fraction of BMW prices.
My experience is shaped by doing mainly motorway miles, I've driven it into London a few times but in stop/start traffic it is quite unpleasant. The gearbox needs concentration to get smooth shift, its a robotised manual, not an automatic. My description, not the official one.
The lack of torque is noticeable when comparing to more modern turbo cars. Fast hatches and turbodiesels will pull away unless you use the gearbox. But once you get over 6K rpm its just brilliant. And very little will stay with you then.
I suppose its a bit like being addicted to drugs - despite all the downsides the highs are so high you just put up with the downsides.
Love mine and no plans to change.
I purchased one last December. Please check the following, my bills have added up to about £5k, including tyres, brakes and servicing.
1- Carbon roof laquer peel
2- Throttle Actuators
3- Clutch position sensor (died an killed the clutch).
Echo the comments on here, I was coming from an SL55 and an E46 M3 (both of which I've hung onto). The SL is just a better car to do large miles in and city driving, it's well thought out. The E46 M3 seems bullet proof in comparison.
Everything about the M6 seems to be an afterthought from the V10, but the engine is glorious and puts a massive grin on your face time and time again when taken to the redline and that's why you should get one. The SMG is agricultural compared to modern dual clutch offerings but does the job (just!).
1- Carbon roof laquer peel
2- Throttle Actuators
3- Clutch position sensor (died an killed the clutch).
Echo the comments on here, I was coming from an SL55 and an E46 M3 (both of which I've hung onto). The SL is just a better car to do large miles in and city driving, it's well thought out. The E46 M3 seems bullet proof in comparison.
Everything about the M6 seems to be an afterthought from the V10, but the engine is glorious and puts a massive grin on your face time and time again when taken to the redline and that's why you should get one. The SMG is agricultural compared to modern dual clutch offerings but does the job (just!).
I've had mine for about 2 years now and its a 2006 and just done 70K.
At 40K check to see if the clutch has been replaced as from what I've read they tend to go around that many miles. Mine was replaced at about 40K before I bought it.
The carbon roof lacquer peels away and will need redoing. BMW won't do it though as they don't consider it as corrosion.
Throttle actuators were replaced at 60K
Oil cooler was also replaced at 55K as it started leaking.
I've had a few airbag sensors replaced.
Fuel consumption is terrible but you have to expect that.
Oil consumption is high too. I have to top mine up every 1500 miles.
Besides that its been fine.
They're a blast to drive and the noise of the V10 never fails to put a smile on your face. They're quite rare too I think I've seen 2 others since I've had mine.
At 40K check to see if the clutch has been replaced as from what I've read they tend to go around that many miles. Mine was replaced at about 40K before I bought it.
The carbon roof lacquer peels away and will need redoing. BMW won't do it though as they don't consider it as corrosion.
Throttle actuators were replaced at 60K
Oil cooler was also replaced at 55K as it started leaking.
I've had a few airbag sensors replaced.
Fuel consumption is terrible but you have to expect that.
Oil consumption is high too. I have to top mine up every 1500 miles.
Besides that its been fine.
They're a blast to drive and the noise of the V10 never fails to put a smile on your face. They're quite rare too I think I've seen 2 others since I've had mine.
Had mine also 2 years a 55 plate E63 had 40K on the clock when bought (private) really just one owner , the first only did 5000 miles. Full BMWSH, now on 58K. Original clutch and still fine.
As has been said the engine is the main reason many buy these and it truly is magnificent but I really love the looks and it is very comfortable on longer journeys. Have never managed to average more than 23 mpg even with lots of M25 runs where you generally average 50 mph and the fuel tank is pathetically small - typical range about 280 only!!
SMG takes some getting used to and the only time I can say it's brilliant is on full warp but then you're at the legal limit by the time you select 3rd.
I've got Continental Sport Contact 6 on the rear now and they are really good.
Definitely definitely definitely take the Mondial Warranty, they are very good and bills on mine are probably £10K+ now with the biggest a broken valve spring necessitating an engine out as it was the very back one. This happened 2 months after I bought it oddly on the M25 at a steady 75 mph (it must have been a good day [for speed I mean] ) but the rebuild included new Vanos, fans and other bits.(?)
The oil cooler leaked and was replaced
New battery (i paid)
new light up M Power door sills ( was pleased they agreed these as cosmetic stuff shouldn't be covered)
The Sat Nav /radio unit was replaced.
To drive it is always an occasion especially with the windows down and handling is good for such a large car. I always drive it on max power (M Sport +) because it's better, HUD display is nicer and apparently makes the clutch last longer (coupled with a lift on gear changes) with no effect on MPG again apparently.
It's a rare car and one that will never be repeated and you'll not regret it if you buy one
As has been said the engine is the main reason many buy these and it truly is magnificent but I really love the looks and it is very comfortable on longer journeys. Have never managed to average more than 23 mpg even with lots of M25 runs where you generally average 50 mph and the fuel tank is pathetically small - typical range about 280 only!!
SMG takes some getting used to and the only time I can say it's brilliant is on full warp but then you're at the legal limit by the time you select 3rd.
I've got Continental Sport Contact 6 on the rear now and they are really good.
Definitely definitely definitely take the Mondial Warranty, they are very good and bills on mine are probably £10K+ now with the biggest a broken valve spring necessitating an engine out as it was the very back one. This happened 2 months after I bought it oddly on the M25 at a steady 75 mph (it must have been a good day [for speed I mean] ) but the rebuild included new Vanos, fans and other bits.(?)
The oil cooler leaked and was replaced
New battery (i paid)
new light up M Power door sills ( was pleased they agreed these as cosmetic stuff shouldn't be covered)
The Sat Nav /radio unit was replaced.
To drive it is always an occasion especially with the windows down and handling is good for such a large car. I always drive it on max power (M Sport +) because it's better, HUD display is nicer and apparently makes the clutch last longer (coupled with a lift on gear changes) with no effect on MPG again apparently.
It's a rare car and one that will never be repeated and you'll not regret it if you buy one
Edited by Stever on Thursday 17th August 15:19
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