Going to buy an M6 - Info please...
Discussion
Morning all,
after weighing up my options, and mulling over probably twenty different possibilities, I've decided only an M6 will help ease the pain of selling my previous car!
Just got a few questions before I start tracking the right one donwn...
1) when is the current shape due to change/be given a face-lift?
2) what are the must have options?
3) M6 specific issues to look out for/ask about when viewing any potential purchase?
4) coupe v's convertible? Any big differences other than looks wise? (never been a fan of convertibles but could be tempted)
5) is the performance really as amazing as they say?
6) has anybody had an aftermarket exhaust system fitted? (AC Schn, Tubi, etc) Which one, approx how much, and just how good?
7) how, other than the fuel consumption, does it fair as a daily drive?
Sorry so many questions, just want to cover all bases before deciding on a particular car.
Cheers in advance!
(feel free to PM me if more convenient)
after weighing up my options, and mulling over probably twenty different possibilities, I've decided only an M6 will help ease the pain of selling my previous car!
Just got a few questions before I start tracking the right one donwn...
1) when is the current shape due to change/be given a face-lift?
2) what are the must have options?
3) M6 specific issues to look out for/ask about when viewing any potential purchase?
4) coupe v's convertible? Any big differences other than looks wise? (never been a fan of convertibles but could be tempted)
5) is the performance really as amazing as they say?
6) has anybody had an aftermarket exhaust system fitted? (AC Schn, Tubi, etc) Which one, approx how much, and just how good?
7) how, other than the fuel consumption, does it fair as a daily drive?
Sorry so many questions, just want to cover all bases before deciding on a particular car.
Cheers in advance!
(feel free to PM me if more convenient)
Apologies for this slightly useless reply but I've come to the same conclusion as you have and am currently looking for one! I'll share what I've discovered so far:
- If you haven't driven one then you should
The performance is amazing (as is the noise) but the main part of test driving it for me was to use the SMG gearbox, which had given me some concerns. I found it to be absolutely fine, if a little slow in the auto mode (which I won't be using).
- Mileage is important as far as the BMW Extended Warranty is concerned. A dealer confirmed to me that it gets a *lot* more expensive once you go past 60000 miles.
- As for spec, I'm looking for one with a few niceties above the standard spec, which is pretty comprehensive. I would like the TV function and preferrably the high gloss piano black interior but only because I hate the carbon fibre. The spec doesn't seem to affect prices too much though, the price seems to depend more on condition and colour (IMHO).
- The fuel economy is fairly bad and this may knock future values as much as any new model will, given what's happening to petrol prices.
Ummmm, that's about all I have at the moment. Good luck with your search!
- If you haven't driven one then you should
The performance is amazing (as is the noise) but the main part of test driving it for me was to use the SMG gearbox, which had given me some concerns. I found it to be absolutely fine, if a little slow in the auto mode (which I won't be using).- Mileage is important as far as the BMW Extended Warranty is concerned. A dealer confirmed to me that it gets a *lot* more expensive once you go past 60000 miles.
- As for spec, I'm looking for one with a few niceties above the standard spec, which is pretty comprehensive. I would like the TV function and preferrably the high gloss piano black interior but only because I hate the carbon fibre. The spec doesn't seem to affect prices too much though, the price seems to depend more on condition and colour (IMHO).
- The fuel economy is fairly bad and this may knock future values as much as any new model will, given what's happening to petrol prices.
Ummmm, that's about all I have at the moment. Good luck with your search!
1) The next M6 will be a completely new model, the F12. Probably not until 2012
2) It comes pretty much fully loaded. I've swapped the CD multichanger out for an ipod interface.
3) Warranty is a must for most people. Other than that check it has the latest idrive software and consumables like clutch, tyres, brakes, etc, are all ok. Servicing is condition based, check for the 1200-mile (?) running-in service.
4) Much prefer the coupe personally
5) Well it's all relative. The M6 is about as quick as a standard Gallardo, you need to rev it though as the power is all at the top end. There are relatively cheap ways to get more power.
6) RPi GT exhaust is amazing
7) Fuel consumption is bad however you drive really. I was getting about 14 mpg when I first got the car, up to about 18 at best now. Mine is my daily driver (that is what the M6 is for if you ask me) It has a small tank though so that may be an issue depending on how many miles you do, I do less than 10k per year.
Edit - Key thing is SMG. It takes a while to get used to. Auto mode is awful and I always use the paddles in the fastest shift mode. When the car has warmed up and you put it into M mode the shifts are pretty good though, especially when pushing on.
2) It comes pretty much fully loaded. I've swapped the CD multichanger out for an ipod interface.
3) Warranty is a must for most people. Other than that check it has the latest idrive software and consumables like clutch, tyres, brakes, etc, are all ok. Servicing is condition based, check for the 1200-mile (?) running-in service.
4) Much prefer the coupe personally
5) Well it's all relative. The M6 is about as quick as a standard Gallardo, you need to rev it though as the power is all at the top end. There are relatively cheap ways to get more power.
6) RPi GT exhaust is amazing
7) Fuel consumption is bad however you drive really. I was getting about 14 mpg when I first got the car, up to about 18 at best now. Mine is my daily driver (that is what the M6 is for if you ask me) It has a small tank though so that may be an issue depending on how many miles you do, I do less than 10k per year.
Edit - Key thing is SMG. It takes a while to get used to. Auto mode is awful and I always use the paddles in the fastest shift mode. When the car has warmed up and you put it into M mode the shifts are pretty good though, especially when pushing on.
Edited by 130R on Thursday 25th March 12:30
Thanks guys.
Not too sure about the carbon interior either - hopefully it'll look better in the flesh as I've only seen pictures of it.
Will be looking for one with as many extra's as possible, as well as <30,000 miles on the clock, so hopefully extending the warranty wont be too pricey (will BMW extend/offer a warranty on cars of any age, within reason?)
Colour seems to be a sticking point too for me - the silverstone looks lovely but maybe a touch too silver, the grey I already have on an E46 M3, so I'm leaning towards the black (too common?), or Interlagos Blue (too purple?)
...the search begins!!
Not too sure about the carbon interior either - hopefully it'll look better in the flesh as I've only seen pictures of it.
Will be looking for one with as many extra's as possible, as well as <30,000 miles on the clock, so hopefully extending the warranty wont be too pricey (will BMW extend/offer a warranty on cars of any age, within reason?)
Colour seems to be a sticking point too for me - the silverstone looks lovely but maybe a touch too silver, the grey I already have on an E46 M3, so I'm leaning towards the black (too common?), or Interlagos Blue (too purple?)
...the search begins!!
I have one since 2006. Fuel consumption is even worse for city driving in my experience. The car is a great daily driver, (too heavy for track use) , and bloody quick. Apart from delimiting it I kept mine stock. I have bolster wear on the drivers seat; mine was an Individual car so whole interior is leather. In terms of reliability, only issue was a big one...ECU failure which was a week at the dealer, though it was a warranty replacement. If you do not drive it enough you get battery problems ( have multiple cars and that was a problem, and it then causes some random messages to flash up. All the iDrive criticisms are bull..you just spend some time setting the car up the way you want and its like any other car. It takes a little while to shift SMG smoothly but its not difficult. The auto mode is definitely sub standard and jerky if you accelerate briskly.[URL=http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n29/RMcG/IMG_3671.jpg]
[/URL]
Interior not for everyone......[URL=http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n29/RMcG/IMG_3359-1.jpg]
[/URL]
VId I did flat out on the autobahn....(good for engine noise).......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTMKkPxei0I
[/URL]Interior not for everyone
......[URL=http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n29/RMcG/IMG_3359-1.jpg][/URL]VId I did flat out on the autobahn....(good for engine noise).......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTMKkPxei0I
I've got a Black, Black leather & piano black interior.
E46 is quick, E63 is savage.
Fantastic car, only advice is buy one & make sure it's under warranty. Mine's been at dealers with a couple of problems (warning lights) got it back with a receipt for parts alone of £5k (BMW paid in full).
Gearbox takes a bit of getting use to, but it's not as bad as reports. MPG is poor, which is fine, but tank is small compared to thirst.
See www.M6Board.com
E46 is quick, E63 is savage.
Fantastic car, only advice is buy one & make sure it's under warranty. Mine's been at dealers with a couple of problems (warning lights) got it back with a receipt for parts alone of £5k (BMW paid in full).
Gearbox takes a bit of getting use to, but it's not as bad as reports. MPG is poor, which is fine, but tank is small compared to thirst.
See www.M6Board.com
If I buy a car just out of warranty, say 6-12 months, will BMW then allow me to take a warranty out through them, even though there has been a period minus any cover?
Sorry if that's a stupid question, but on my previous car there wasn't an option to extend warranty, so all a little foreign to me!
...and de-restricting ...approx how much? where from? and will it effect warranty? (...will the mechs at BMW ever be able to tell??)
Leaning towards either Silverstone or Interlagos now... tough decision!!
Hopefully get to view one this weekend!
Sorry if that's a stupid question, but on my previous car there wasn't an option to extend warranty, so all a little foreign to me!
...and de-restricting ...approx how much? where from? and will it effect warranty? (...will the mechs at BMW ever be able to tell??)
Leaning towards either Silverstone or Interlagos now... tough decision!!
Hopefully get to view one this weekend!
If you buy one privately (or from a non BMW dealer) and it doesn't already have the BMW warranty cover you won't be able to add it later. (But there are plenty of other non BMW warranty options out there.. some good others less so).
If you buy an AUC (from a BWM dealer) it will have a 1 year warranty and I think you can add the BMW warranty later so long as you make sure the car is continously covered... If you forget and let the policy lapse you're out of luck.
At least thats how it worked for my old M3 and for my Z4M... I'd expect the M6 is the same
If you buy an AUC (from a BWM dealer) it will have a 1 year warranty and I think you can add the BMW warranty later so long as you make sure the car is continously covered... If you forget and let the policy lapse you're out of luck.
At least thats how it worked for my old M3 and for my Z4M... I'd expect the M6 is the same
Dav_s said:
If I buy a car just out of warranty, say 6-12 months, will BMW then allow me to take a warranty out through them, even though there has been a period minus any cover?
Sorry if that's a stupid question, but on my previous car there wasn't an option to extend warranty, so all a little foreign to me!
...and de-restricting ...approx how much? where from? and will it effect warranty? (...will the mechs at BMW ever be able to tell??)
Leaning towards either Silverstone or Interlagos now... tough decision!!
Hopefully get to view one this weekend!
Derestricting is tricky and expensive if you want the whole thing and when you get a service, the reflashing of the ECU for updates wipes it outSorry if that's a stupid question, but on my previous car there wasn't an option to extend warranty, so all a little foreign to me!
...and de-restricting ...approx how much? where from? and will it effect warranty? (...will the mechs at BMW ever be able to tell??)
Leaning towards either Silverstone or Interlagos now... tough decision!!
Hopefully get to view one this weekend!
. there are two limiters.one at 250 km/h (easy to remove) and a second at 305 km/h. This is hidden in the software and hard to find. I had mine done at Hartge in Bekingen and it cost me Eur2000 in 2006. It is not visible to the dealer.Soovy said:
Don't buy the Silverstone Blue one for sale at BMW at the moment.
It's an ex rental.
Cheers - will take your word for it.It's an ex rental.
Which one is it? (Mileage or price should be enough info)
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1566154.htm ...keeps catching my eye. Might need to add a warranty, but other than that it looks good. Any opinions (good or bad!)
Currently on plate "32 MM" if anyone knows it??
Edited by Dav_s on Saturday 27th March 11:54
That is a really nice car. The one that I've had my eye on is this one:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1498063.htm
If you don't want to pay £405 tax then one registered before 23/03/06 will only cost you £210 a year. It's only a small consideration, and arguably it shouldn't be an important one given the general cost of running an M6, but I thought that I'd mention it
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1498063.htm
If you don't want to pay £405 tax then one registered before 23/03/06 will only cost you £210 a year. It's only a small consideration, and arguably it shouldn't be an important one given the general cost of running an M6, but I thought that I'd mention it
mavester said:
That is a really nice car. The one that I've had my eye on is this one:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1498063.htm
If you don't want to pay £405 tax then one registered before 23/03/06 will only cost you £210 a year. It's only a small consideration, and arguably it shouldn't be an important one given the general cost of running an M6, but I thought that I'd mention it
Cheers, didn't know that!http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1498063.htm
If you don't want to pay £405 tax then one registered before 23/03/06 will only cost you £210 a year. It's only a small consideration, and arguably it shouldn't be an important one given the general cost of running an M6, but I thought that I'd mention it
Yeah the one you've got your eye on is also one of my possibilities!! lol Tried calling them earlier for some info but no joy.
Both lovely looking cars. I won't be buying now for two weeks atleast, so hopefully either one of them will still be around then!
FYI spoke to Warranty Direct (they do have mixed reviews though) just now regarding an M6 warranty, and the most comprehensive one is around the £850 mark. Just thought I'd let you know for future reference - many do seem to come with warranty anyway.
Had mine for 2+ years now, absolutely fantastic motor. Cruises like a 7 series, attacks like a true supercar... the ultimate GT. I've used it as a daily; driven (well, raced) around the Alps for 2700 miles; been to a few PH meets; tracked it; and never been 'had' by anything on the roads (including Ferrari's, bikes, etc). The great thing is it's a bit of a Q-car... most don't even look twice, but those that know, know.
On a bright, dry, summer's day... on a long, quiet, sweeping 'A' road... in S6 (full-on angry mode) there's simply nothing better: the acceleration (500hp savage), the sounds (V10 roar), the deceleration (reassuring), the gear changes (lightning fast and brutal), grip (corners like on rails - especially amazing for such a large/heavy car). Conversely, in wet weather, just keep the Traction control fully on, and the right foot in relaxed mode... it is too easy to get messed up quickly with that many ponies at the rear.
So, you can see I'm a fan
Things to watch for:
On a bright, dry, summer's day... on a long, quiet, sweeping 'A' road... in S6 (full-on angry mode) there's simply nothing better: the acceleration (500hp savage), the sounds (V10 roar), the deceleration (reassuring), the gear changes (lightning fast and brutal), grip (corners like on rails - especially amazing for such a large/heavy car). Conversely, in wet weather, just keep the Traction control fully on, and the right foot in relaxed mode... it is too easy to get messed up quickly with that many ponies at the rear.
So, you can see I'm a fan
Things to watch for:
- resprayed front/bonnet/rear... through spirited driving, they tend to suffer from stone-chip-itis
- alloys... the lacquer does not adhere well to the machine-finished faces, so any stone chips quickly allows water in and corrosion to start (characterised by black/white marks and lacquer peeling). Only way to truly rectify is a full wheel strip and either recoat, or paint a solid colour (prevents it happening again, alledgedly).
- brake discs/pads... don't forget the M6 may go like banshee, but stopping that same 1700kg banshee takes it out on the brake system, and BMW parts prices can sting somewhat. Check disc and pad thicknesses, especially if buying from a dealer (get them to fit new if they're borderline). Talking of brakes, the stock setup is extremely good (seatbelt-chest-crushingly-good, try stomping on them at 70mph!!), but only when cold/lukewarm, once heated they suffer from fade/sponginess. Some owners change the full setup, but a cheaper alternative is to replace the lines with braided pipes + swap the fluid for decent race spec + fit performance pads (EBC red or similar) - this can all be done for £400-800. I've done mine and the difference is very noticeable.
- illuminated "M6" door sill strips... these commonly have water ingress and some or all of the lit parts fail. BMW will change these if the car is still under warranty, they have on mine - twice. Bad design basically.
Had mine 12 months now. Performance is very very good if you rev it. I'm getting 13mpg average (some long runs and some town work). The real beauty of this car for me is that it's a comfortable cruiser that I can use day to day, is still a very capable car on twisty roads and unlike my previous 911 I can take it to clients without receiving comment about it during fee discussions. The downsides are the looks, the small range and I find it hard to use the performance unless the road is dry.
RDMcG said:
I have one since 2006. Fuel consumption is even worse for city driving in my experience. The car is a great daily driver, (too heavy for track use) , and bloody quick. Apart from delimiting it I kept mine stock. I have bolster wear on the drivers seat; mine was an Individual car so whole interior is leather. In terms of reliability, only issue was a big one...ECU failure which was a week at the dealer, though it was a warranty replacement. If you do not drive it enough you get battery problems ( have multiple cars and that was a problem, and it then causes some random messages to flash up. All the iDrive criticisms are bull..you just spend some time setting the car up the way you want and its like any other car. It takes a little while to shift SMG smoothly but its not difficult. The auto mode is definitely sub standard and jerky if you accelerate briskly.[URL=http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n29/RMcG/IMG_3671.jpg][/URL]
Interior not for everyone......[URL=http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n29/RMcG/IMG_3359-1.jpg][/URL]
VId I did flat out on the autobahn....(good for engine noise).......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTMKkPxei0I
What was out in front!!!!, that really shifted?.[/URL]Interior not for everyone
......[URL=http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n29/RMcG/IMG_3359-1.jpg][/URL]VId I did flat out on the autobahn....(good for engine noise).......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTMKkPxei0I
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