BMW M6

BMW M6
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	1983-1989 2005-2010 2012-present
Assembly	Dingolfing, Germany
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car
Layout	FR layout

The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the 6 Series coupe/convertible, designed by the motorsport division of BMW. The BMW M6 was produced from 1983-1989, 2005-2010 and 2012-present.

E24 M6/M635CSi (1983–1989)

First generation (E24)
Overview
Production	1983–1989
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé
Powertrain
Engine	3.5 L 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) BMW M88 I6
Transmission	5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,620 mm (103 in)
Length	4,755 mm (187.2 in) USA: 193.8 in (4,923 mm)
Width	1,725 mm (67.9 in)
Height	1,354 mm (53.3 in)

See also: BMW M88

In 1983 BMW took the M88/3 six-cylinder engine, a modified version of the M88/1 from the BMW M1 and put it in the E24 chassis of the BMW 6-Series, creating the M635CSi (called the M6 in North America).

The M6 was critically acclaimed throughout its lifespan for its elegant, aggressive "shark-nose" styling, its luxury equipment, and its performance. A top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph) makes the European version the second fastest BMW ever built next to the M1. This is due to all other BMW models being electronically restricted to 250 km/h (155 mph). However, Rug Cunninham BMW ran a bone stock 1987 BMW M6 in the La Carrera Classic Race in Mexico in 1989, and reportedly recorded a top speed of 283 km/h (176 mph) indicated. An M6 can be distinguished from other E24 models by a larger front air dam, a rear spoiler, BBS wheels, colour matching side view mirrors, M badges on the grille and back, and slightly larger front brakes.

In North America (United States and Canada), the E24 M6 was fitted with the catalyzed S38B35 motor, producing 191 kW (256 bhp) and 329 N⋅m (243 lbf⋅ft) of torque. The non-catalyzed version produced 213 kW (286 bhp) and 340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft) of torque. The non-catalyzed versions were only available in Europe, though there were 538 catalyzed M635csi models sold in Europe in 1988 and 1989. The 1988 and 1989 the M6 was a "world car" with the same bumpers and aerodynamic treatments in all markets.

The M6 achieved 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time of 6.0 and 6.8 seconds for the European and American versions, respectively.

Quarter mile times for the European version have been recorded at 14.5 seconds while 161 km/h (100 mph) is achieved in 15 seconds. However, Car and Driver Magazine tested the U.S. M6 in July 1987 and achieved a 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time of 6.1 seconds. Also in 1987 Road and Track featured the U.S. M6 as one of the 10 fastest cars in America. Production of the M6 ended in 1989, with 5,859 cars sold, 1,767 of which were North American (U.S. & Canada) models.

E63/64 M6 (2005–2010)

Second generation (E63/E64)
Overview
Production	2005–July 2010
Model years	2006-2010
Assembly	Germany
Designer	Karl John Elmitt
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door coupé
Powertrain
Engine	5.0 L 507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp) BMW S85 Odd firing V10
Transmission	7-speed single-clutch SMG 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,781 mm (109.5 in)
Length	4,872 mm (191.8 in)
Width	1,854 mm (73 in)
Height	Coupe: 1,372 mm (54 in) 1,377 mm (54.2 in)
Curb weight	Coupe: 3,770 lb (1,710 kg) Convertible: 4,420 lb (2,000 kg)

The new BMW M6 concept made its debut at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is based on the BMW E63/E64 6-Series, introduced in 2004. It shares the same uneven firing 5.0 L V10 S85 engine and SMG III gearbox with the E60 M5, and produces 373 kW (500 hp) and 520 N⋅m (380 lb⋅ft).

BMW claims it accelerates from 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds. Road & Track (Feb 2006) measured the 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time as 4.1 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

The M6 has the same 'power button' as the M5 which toggles the choice of a "P400"or "P500" mode of engine power. From ignition, the car delivers 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp), but engaging the Steering wheel's M button allows the full 373 kW (507 PS; 500 hp) (P500) if it is configured so via the iDrive settings. It weighs 1,710 kg (3,770 lb) Road & Track (Feb 2006) compared to the 1,660 kg (3,650 lb) E92 BMW M3 Road & Track (Dec 2007) thanks to a carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof panel as well as thermoplastic front wings, aluminum doors and bonnet and compound boot lid.

The carbon fibre and other light materials are used in places like the bumpers and roof that are far from the center of gravity and/or high up, so that they not only reduce the overall weight but improve the handling by reducing the moment of inertia and lowering the center of mass height.

It was offered as both a coupé and a cabriolet. Both the M6 coupé and convertible can be visually distinguished from the 630i, 645Ci and 650i by their deeper front valance with air intakes, more contoured side sills, aerodynamic side view mirrors, an additional rear valance with diffuser and the absence of front fog lights. Only 701 examples were produced with a true 6-speed manual gearbox. (323 Coupes + 378 Convertibles).

In the 2010 model year, the M6 was the second-most expensive BMW sold in the U.S. after the $137,000 760Li, with an MSRP of $108,150 for the convertible and $102,350 for the coupe.

Production of the M6 ended in mid-2010, with sales over the five-year run totalling 9,087 for the coupe and 5,056 for the convertible.

F12/13 M6 (2012–present)

Third generation (F12/F13)
Overview
Production	2012-present
Assembly	Dingolfing, Germany
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door coupé 4-door gran coupé
Powertrain
Engine	4.4 L 568 PS (418 kW; 560 hp) BMW S63 V8
Transmission	7-speed M-DCT 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length	4,897 mm (192.8 in)
Width	1,919 mm (75.56 in)
Height	1,369 mm (53.9 in)
Curb weight	Coupé: 1,925 kg (4,244 lb) Convertible: 2,055 kg (4,531 lb) Gran Coupé: 1,950 kg (4,299 lb)

Details for the new generation M6 were announced in February 2012, with it being shown at the Geneva Motor Show the following month.

2014 MY BMW M6 gran coupe

The new model is based on the BMW F12/F13 and shares its 7-speed M-DCT gearbox, BMW S63 V8 engine and other technology with the BMW M5 (F10). The M6 coupé has a carbon-fiber roof and other weight saving measures, making it 20 kg (44 lb) lighter than the M5, however it is 140 kg (309 lb) heavier than the previous M6. The M6 convertible is 50 kg (110 lb) heavier than the previous M6 Convertible.

The official performance figures claim acceleration from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) without the M Driver's Package (allows it to run up to 305 km/h) . The design style is similar to all recent M series cars. The front of the car has a newly designed M kidney grille with an “M6” badge – an homage to the first generation M6.

References

Bibliography

• Kable, G (December 14, 2004). BMW unleashes M6 supercoupe. Autocar pp. 8–11.

External links

• BMW M6 Corporate website