Bit of a steer needed in preparation of an E63 M6

[Frances The Mute]

How do

I may looking at changing to the aforementioned this year and I just need to pin down my search criteria, along with clarifying some points with regards to warranty.

I’ve sifted through a lot of info but one point is still unclear which is when the SMG3 system was introduced. Can anyone confirm when this was and if there are any identifiable points within the car to distinguish it from the previous system?
Currently, I’m looking from MY56 (2007) onwards and up to about £23k - although this is flexible.

With regards to the warranty, my understanding is that’s it is tiered based on current mileage and increases in proportion. Ideally, I’m looking for a lower mileage example anyway but by virtue of their age, the middle ground seems to be around 70k. What are you guys paying based on your current mileage and are there any caveats that I should be aware of?
I’ve never been big on warranty on previous cars so I’m blissfully ignorant but it’s clearly something that needs to be in place for this car so I need to be aware of all factors.

Cheers.

[SebringMan]

You asked about the SMG gubbins:
In a Nutshell:

Gearbox Type	Car
SMG I	E36 M3
SMG II	E46 M3
SMG III	E60/63 M5/6

What was different at least on the E46 M3 were software updates, which does confuse people. Many people think the E46 M3 was released with SMGI, when it was the updates that made all of the difference. I know my car was recalled to have the update done. When the updates were released (if any) for the M6 I cannot tell you. If tinkering is your thing there may be an aftermarket update available, like the CSL update for the E46s.

On a car like that I'd want to know who has owned it but there are a few knowledgable owners on here who will know what to do.

Edited by SebringMan on Friday 23 March 08:24

Edited by SebringMan on Friday 23 March 08:24

[Frances The Mute]

SebringMan said:

You asked about the SMG gubbins:
In a Nutshell:

Gearbox Type	Car
SMG I	E36 M3
SMG II	E46 M3
SMG III	E60/63 M5/6

Ah, ok. I’d read that they were originally fitted with SMGII systems which were changed around 2007 to SMGIII. I didn’t realise it was a software fix.

[MarcelM6]

Good choice of car. I bought mine with 25K on the clock a few years ago and have just kept on extending the warranty, on 65K now.

Conventional wisdom on here seems to be that you need to get the warranty before 60k and renew on a debit order as that keeps the warranty current once you go through the 60K barrier.

There are a few on autotrader with fewer than 60k miles so have a look around.

It is very important with these to know who/what type of owner had them before. They need proper looking after and sympathetic driving when cold. Missing service history or too many owners is a no-no.

[Stever]

My old car is on Autotrader (but it's not me selling it) very comprehensive BMW history and loads changed under the official BMW warranty (def get this in my opinion) I was paying £105 per month to include emergency service and £100 XS and as has been said paying monthly although more expensive locks it in to the under 60K miles rate. Epic cars when you wind them up a fantastic engine but so so gearbox.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[James B]

Another thumbs up on the choice! I've just swapped out of my W205 C63 to the M6 and am loving it. Of course there are a few issues to running a car with a few years on it but it's an enjoyable and rewarding car to own and drive.

I had a broadly similar requirement as you. As late a car with low, bit not garage queen, miles and well looked after. I ended up buying a late 2005 car that had recent clutch and the CIC infotainment upgrade and 20k miles on the clock. It's black on black which isn't my first choice but an unmolested one of these is hard to find.

All the best with the search. I have a project thread running here so feel free to have a look and i'm very happy to see if I can help with any queries you may have.

[Shaoxter]

Frances The Mute said:

Ah, ok. I’d read that they were originally fitted with SMGII systems which were changed around 2007 to SMGIII. I didn’t realise it was a software fix.

They're all SMG3, but you're probably better off getting on 07 or newer one anyway as they will be the facelift versions. You should be easily able to get one for your budget under 60k miles for warranty purposes as others have suggested.

Get one with the full leather option (leather on dash) as it makes a huge difference IMO, and walk away from anything that doesn't have a complete history as you risk your warranty claims being rejected.

[Frances The Mute]

Cheers all.

[Slippydiff]

MarcelM6 said:

Good choice of car. I bought mine with 25K on the clock a few years ago and have just kept on extending the warranty, on 65K now.

Conventional wisdom on here seems to be that you need to get the warranty before 60k and renew on a debit order as that keeps the warranty current once you go through the 60K barrier.

There are a few on autotrader with fewer than 60k miles so have a look around.

It is very important with these to know who/what type of owner had them before. They need proper looking after and sympathetic driving when cold. Missing service history or too many owners is a no-no.

Additionally, if you're relying on the BMW warranty, you need to establish if the engine has EVER been run/driven when low on oil. BMW used this as a get out to avoid paying out for an engine claim with an owner on here,

[AW10]

Slippydiff said:

Additionally, if you're relying on the BMW warranty, you need to establish if the engine has EVER been run/driven when low on oil. BMW used this as a get out to avoid paying out for an engine claim with an owner on here,

Must have missed that thread - any chance of a link?

[Frances The Mute]

How can you ascertain if it has ever been run low on oil? Does the ECU log values somewhere a la Porsche when it comes to over revving?