Discussion
Gents, just wanted to thank the board for all the invaluable help it provided me in picking a new car. I had hummed and hawed for a couple of months over what to go for - with a list as long and varied as your arm. I looked at the 997 C2S; RS4 B7; Noble; Exige; E60 M5; T350; Cayman ... But ultimately, I needed something that I could drive a client in if required, or pack with bags for a weekend away, while I wanted something that was genuinely fast and interesting. It finally came down to two cars, the E92 M3 or the E63 M6. The M6 was a few grand cheaper than the M3 and, eventually, I succumbed to the 6. It's black, which helps to hide some of the less-flattering lines and has a pretty good spec. The boot is surprisingly massive which is a practical plus; the inside is a more luxurious place to be than the M3 or the 911; and it's also a lot rarer around here than the M3 or 911.
I can't say how delighted I am with the car, it is an awesome piece of engineering. The V10 is obviously the highlight, and it really is a masterpiece. I've driven the R8 V10 on a couple of occasions (in manual guise) and, though the R8 is clearly a better steer, the Audi engine is not quite a match for the screaming S85. It's almost humorous how diesel-like the M6 sounds at idle, but as the revs glide past 3k the sonorous reward is intoxicating, beyond 6k RPM and things start to move very quickly indeed. Even the oft-derided SMG is a revelation; I'm not entirely sure why it has such a bad reputation - I think it was a significant mistake by BMW to default the system into "Automatic" mode when the car starts. They should have actually made Automatic a more difficult system to engage because a)it's terrible and b)sequential is fantastic. Turning the shift speed to 4 or 5 and cracking up and down the gearbox makes even the dullest drives entertaining. Is it as smooth as a dual-clutch? No. Does it matter? No. The only real negatives with the car are the iDrive, which seems almost intentionally unintuitive, and the fuel consumption - though I don't think it's a huge issue myself.
All in all a tremendous car and hugely under-rated; just experience the, genuinely scary, acceleration from 70mph+ and you will see exactly what I mean: M Power indeed.
Great choice, I made the same one, albeit the cabrio back in late 2009, pretty much considered the same cars as you as well. Probably went for the 6 for the same reason as you as well, clients, subtlety, practicality and you're right, one of my top 5 engines ever built.
Since moved it on, was in serious danger of losing my licence, it really doesn't truly start showing its true mettle until 3 figure speeds, not a lot to touch it for the money 80-130. oh that and the 14mpg and ridiculous range but small price to pay really.
Enjoy in good health and watch your speed!
Since moved it on, was in serious danger of losing my licence, it really doesn't truly start showing its true mettle until 3 figure speeds, not a lot to touch it for the money 80-130. oh that and the 14mpg and ridiculous range but small price to pay really.
Enjoy in good health and watch your speed!
Sounds lovely great choice 
I will one day own a car with that engine one way or another! Very envious although I would probably loose my license within a few weeks.
Great write up on the SMG couldn't agree more although I have SMGII but I think they are much the same? I think the rawness of the gearbox suits the m car, you can feel the gears going in I love it.
I know the auto is awful but I have started using it recently when cruising up the gym after work. In s3 were actually starting to understand each other and find some common ground. Bit like with the missus you have to be diplomatic and a bit careful with what your doing for a smooth easy life
one dab on the brakes though and along comes the unnecessary comedy downshift lol
Anyway great car be good to see a few photos if you get a chance.
Enjoy
I will one day own a car with that engine one way or another! Very envious although I would probably loose my license within a few weeks.
Great write up on the SMG couldn't agree more although I have SMGII but I think they are much the same? I think the rawness of the gearbox suits the m car, you can feel the gears going in I love it.
I know the auto is awful but I have started using it recently when cruising up the gym after work. In s3 were actually starting to understand each other and find some common ground. Bit like with the missus you have to be diplomatic and a bit careful with what your doing for a smooth easy life
one dab on the brakes though and along comes the unnecessary comedy downshift lolAnyway great car be good to see a few photos if you get a chance.
Enjoy
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