BMW M6 explained

BMW M6
Manufacturer:BMW M
Layout:Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Assembly:Germany: Dingolfing
Class:Grand tourer (S)
Successor:BMW M8 (F91/F92/F93)

The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the 6 Series marketed under the BMW M sub-brand from 1983 to 2018 (with a break from 1990 to 2004).

Introduced in the coupe body style, the M6 was also built in convertible and fastback sedan ('Gran Coupe') body styles for later generations. An M6 model was built for each of the first three generations of the 6 Series.[1] Production of the M6 ended in 2019 and it was replaced by the BMW M8 (F91/F92/F93) in 2019.[2]

E24 M635CSi/M6 (1983–1989)

Body Style:2-door coupé
BMW M635CSi / M6 (E24)
Production:1983–1989
Wheelbase:2620NaN
Length:4755NaN
Width:1725NaN
Height:1354NaN
Transmission:5-speed manual
Layout:Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Designer:Paul Bracq

The M6 lineage began in 1983 with the M635CSi model of the E24 6 Series range, which was powered by the M88/3 DOHC straight-six engine (which was a modified version of the engine used in the BMW M1 supercar). In most countries, the model was badged the M635CSi, however the equivalent model in North America and Japan was simply badged in "M6".[3]

The European-specification M635CSi used the M88/3 engine (without a catalytic converter), which generated 2100NaN0 at 6,500 rpm and 3400NaN0 at 4,500 rpm.[4] The M6 version, sold in North America and Japan, used the S38B35 engine (with catalytic converter), which generated 260PS and 3300NaN0 at the same engine speeds.[5] The catalyzed engine was also used in European and other market cars beginning in the summer of 1987, with identical specifications to the federalized engine. The sole transmission for all models was a 5-speed Getrag 280 manual transmission.[6] [7]

Other changes included BBS RS wheels, a rear lip spoiler, a larger front air dam, larger front brakes and revised suspension with a 101NaN1 lower ride height.[8]

The E24 series became a "world car" for the 1988 and 1989 model years, sporting the same bumpers and aerodynamic treatments as its high-performance counterparts across all markets.

According to BMW, the car can accelerate from 0- in 5.8 and 6.8 seconds for the European and North American versions respectively. The curb weights of the 1987 models are 15150NaN0 for the M635 CSi and 16190NaN0 for the M6.[9] [10] A top speed of 255km/h[11] made the European M635CSi the second fastest BMW automobile ever built next to the M1. The quarter mile time for the M635 CSi has been recorded at 14.5 seconds while 100mi/h is achieved in 15 seconds.

A total of 5,855 cars were produced.[12] Of these, 1,677 cars were imported to North America.[13] Due to the elongated front and rear bumpers, the length of the U.S. models is 193.8inches.

Production of the E24 M635CSi/M6 ended in 1989.

E63/64 M6 (2005–2011)

BMW M6 (E63/E64)
Production:2005–2011
Engine:5.0 L S85 petrol V10
Wheelbase:109.5inches
Length:191.8inches
Width:73inches
Height:54.2inches
Layout:Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Designer:Adrian van Hooydonk

Following a hiatus in M6 production for 16 years, the M6 version of the E63/E64 6 Series was introduced in 2005. The M6 uses the same BMW S85 V10 engine and SMG-III automated manual gearbox as the E60 M5.

The M6 was produced as both a coupé (E63 model code) and a convertible (E64 model code). The exterior styling was overseen by Karl Elmitt.[14]

The M6 had two modes for engine power: a "P400" mode in which the engine has a rated power output of 2940NaN0 and a "P500" mode in which the engine has a rated power output of 3730NaN0.[15] Manufacturer claimed performance included a 0–100abbr=onNaNabbr=on acceleration time of 4.6 seconds.[16] The top speed was electronically limited to 2500NaN0 or 3050NaN0 if the optional M-driver's package is fitted.[17] [18]

The coupe version weighs 3935abbr=on0abbr=on,[19] and the convertible version weighs 4420abbr=on0abbr=on.[20] Weight reduction measures include a (coupe-only) carbon fibre roof (a first for regular production model last used on E46 M3 CSL),[21] thermoplastic quarter panels, aluminium doors, aluminium bonnet (hood) and a thermo-fibre plastic boot (trunk) lid.[22]

From 2007 a 6-speed manual gearbox was offered in North America, only 701 examples were produced with a manual gearbox (323 Coupes and 378 Convertibles).[23]

Production of the M6 ended in 2011, with sales over the five-year run totalling 9,087 for the coupe and 5,065 for the convertible.[24]

Competition Package

From 2009 a Competition Package is offered including front and rear suspension dropped by 12mm and 10mm respectively using wider rims mounting Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. ABS, stability control and M Differential settings have been optimised to improve cornering. From outside the Competition Package is recognised because of its new bonnet with ‘precision lines’ as well as because of the redesigned wheels. [25]

Competition Special Edition

In 2009 and simultaneously presented with the Competition Package, a special edition of only 100 units was announced. All of the 100 units receive the name BMW M6 Competition and include the Competition Package, plus a special matte painting for the exterior named 'Frozen Gray Metalic'. The interior uses a special trim of Merino leather in either light gray two-tone finish with contrasting stitching or black. All cars included custom floor mats with ‘M6 Competition’ labelling.[26]

F06/F12/F13 M6 (2012–2019)

BMW M6 (F06/F12/F13)
Production:2012–2019
Wheelbase:112.2inches
Length:192.8inches
Width:75.56inches
Height:53.9inches
Engine:4.4 L S63 twin-turbo petrol V8
Model Years:2013–2019
Layout:Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Designer:Nader Faghihzadeh

The new model is based on the F12/F13/F06 6 Series, and shares its 7-speed dual clutch ("M-DCT") transmission and BMW S63 twin-turbo V8 engine with the F10 M5.

The official performance figures state the acceleration time from NaNmph in 4.2 seconds for the coupe and Gran Coupé, and 4.3 seconds for the convertible.[27] [28] The top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, or 3050NaN0 with the optional M-driver's package. The differential is an electronically actuated ("Active M") limited slip differential.[29] The curb weight for the coupe is 4070lb.[30] The curb weight of the convertible is 4531lb,[31] and the curb weight of the Gran Coupé is 4299lb.[32]

The front of the car has a newly designed M kidney grille with an “M6” badge – a homage to the first generation of the M6.[33] The lead exterior designer of the F12/F13/F06 6 Series was Nader Faghihzadeh.[34] [35]

M Performance Parts can be fitted to all M6 models. These include black kidney grilles, a sport exhaust system that reduces weight, a carbon fibre diffuser, a carbon fibre spoiler, a carbon fibre sport steering wheel and a carbon fibre gear selector.

Competition Package

With the 2014 Competition Package, the M6 comes with a sportier exhaust system with black tips, stiffer springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, steering is more direct than the base M6, the twin-turbocharged V8 engine utilised in the M6 is updated and is rated at 4230NaN0 and 6800NaN0 of torque. This results in a 0 to 1000NaN0 acceleration time of 3.9 seconds for the coupe and Gran Coupe versions.[36]

In 2016, the Competition Pack engine was upgraded to 4410NaN0 and 7000NaN0 of torque, resulting in a 0 to 1000NaN0 acceleration time of 3.8 seconds for the coupe and Gran Coupe versions.[37]

Motorsport

M6 GT3

Around the start of 2015, BMW Motorsport began developing a replacement for the successful BMW Z4 GT3 which already had been in action since 2010, where they selected the M6 as the base model. Throughout the year, the factory engineered the M6 to match FIA GT3 specifications. Emphasis was placed on safety with BMW Motorsport producing an "FIA-approved safety cell in accordance with the very latest safety standards". Unlike the Z4 GT3, which used an engine derived from the BMW M3, the engine of the M6 GT3 was virtually unchanged from that of the production model of the M6 (and the BMW M5). The engine only faced some modifications for use in motorsport. In May 2015, at Dingolfing, BMW works driver Jörg Müller drove the M6 GT3 on its first roll-out to contribute a milestone to its development, and later the M6 GT3 was revealed near the end of the year.

The M6 GT3 showed its success on its debut year in 2016 when Rowe Racing clinched overall victory at the 2016 Spa 24 Hours with BMW works drivers Philipp Eng, Maxime Martin, and Alexander Sims at the wheel. The car also saw success in championships around the world, with wins in the VLN, Italian GT Championship, and Super GT Championship.

M6 GTLM

The BMW M6 GTLM is the racing version of the M6 created to participate in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and intended to replace the BMW Z4 GTE. The cars are entered by BMW Team RLL, debuting in 2016, with no wins in its debut season. The car would earn four class wins during the 2017 season before being replaced by the BMW M8 GTE for 2018.

See also

References

Footnotes

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The new BMW M6. Coupe and Convertible . Press.bmwgroup.com . 2012-03-24.
  2. Web site: WORLD PREMIERE: The First Ever BMW M8 Coupe . www.bmwblog.com . 31 October 2019 . en . 4 June 2019.
  3. Web site: 1985 BMW M635CSi . www.bringatrailer.com . 7 October 2019.
  4. Web site: BMW E24 M6. 27 March 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170809150557/http://www.fast-classics.com/cars/bmw-e24-m6-2-for-sale/. 9 August 2017.
  5. Web site: 1987 BMW M6: Mmmm, good. . Ceppos . Rich . Car and Driver . Hearst Magazines . 1987-07-01 . live. https://web.archive.org/web/20130115175907/http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/1987-bmw-m6-road-test-review-give-us-the-m6-anyway-page-3 . 2013-01-15 .
  6. Web site: 6' E24 M635CSi Manual Transmission . www.realoem.com . 7 November 2019.
  7. Web site: BMW M635CSi - still a lengend . www.bmw-m.com . 7 November 2019 . en-PM.
  8. Web site: 1985 BMW M635 CSi E24 - road test . www.drive-my.com . 7 October 2019 . en-gb.
  9. Web site: Detailed specs review of 1987 BMW M 635 CSi catalyst offered since mid-year 1987 for Europe . www.automobile-catalog.com . 1 December 2019.
  10. Web site: Detailed specs review of 1987 BMW M6 offered since mid-year 1986 for North America U.S. . www.automobile-catalog.com . 1 December 2019.
  11. Book: AR87 . Automobil Revue 1987 . Büschi . Hans-Ulrich . Hallwag AG . Berne, Switzerland . de, fr . 195 . 82 . 5 March 1987 . 3-444-00458-3 .
  12. Web site: BMW M635CSi - still a lengend . www.bmw-m.com . 7 October 2019 . en-PM.
  13. Web site: BMW M Registry - FAQ E24 M635CSi + M6 . bmwmregistry.com.
  14. Web site: Karl Elmitt, BMW . Automotive News Europe . 13 July 2019 . en . 29 May 2006.
  15. Auto Bild . BMW M6 fordert Ferrari 575M F1: Hirn oder Herz . BMW M6 challenges Ferrari 575M F1: Brain or heart . de . Axel Springer Auto Verlag GmbH . Horn . Jan . 2005-06-16 . 2013-01-15 . live. https://web.archive.org/web/20120126063055/http://www.autobild.de/artikel/bmw-m6-fordert-ferrari-575m-f1-50836.html . 2012-01-26 .
  16. Web site: BMW M6 Coupé BMW M6 Cabrio. bmw-grouparchiv.de. 13 July 2019.
  17. Web site: Grünweg . Tom . BMW M6 Cabrio: Ran ans Guthaben . Spiegel Online . 13 July 2019 . 29 September 2006.
  18. Web site: 250 reicht vielen nicht . sueddeutsche.de . 13 July 2019 . de . 2010.
  19. Web site: BMW M6 (2008) review . CAR Magazine . 31 December 2008 . en.
  20. Web site: BMW M6 Convertible (2006) review . CAR Magazine . 25 September 2006 . en.
  21. Web site: 2007 BMW M6 - First Drive - Motor Trend.
  22. Web site: Looking For Plastic Body Panels. adandp.media. 30 August 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170830194654/http://www.adandp.media/articles/looking-for-plastic-body-panels. 30 August 2017.
  23. Web site: BMW M Registry - FAQ E63 + E64 M6 . bmwmregistry.com . 6 August 2019.
  24. Web site: Current generation BMW M6 coupe and convertible production ends . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220116102004/https://www.motor1.com/news/23600/current-generation-bmw-m6-coupe-and-convertible-production-ends/ . 2022-01-16.
  25. Web site: BMW M6 Competition Pack . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231128130202/https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/m6/first-drives/bmw-m6-competition-pack . 2023-11-28.
  26. Web site: Bmw unveils limited edition M6 Competition . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230605123538/https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1034956_bmw-unveils-limited-edition-m6-competition . 2023-06-05.
  27. Web site: Introducing The All-New 3rd Generation BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible. . www.press.bmwgroup.com . 8 November 2019.
  28. Web site: Introducing the All-New BMW M6 Gran Coupe . www.press.bmwgroup.com . 8 November 2019.
  29. Web site: BMW M6 Coupe : Active M Differential . www.bmw.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20140929050922/http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/mseries/m6coupe/2012/showroom/dynamics/active_differential_lock.html#t=l . 29 September 2014 . dead.
  30. Web site: BMW M6 Coupe (2012) review . CAR Magazine . 14 November 2012 . en.
  31. Web site: BMW M6 Convertible (2016) review . CAR Magazine . 20 July 2016 . en.
  32. Web site: BMW M6 Gran Coupe (2013) review . CAR Magazine . 19 April 2013 . en.
  33. Web site: M badge on kidney grille . Bmwblog.com . 2012-02-12 . live. https://web.archive.org/web/20120212034541/http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/02/11/world-premiere-2013-bmw-m6-coupe/ . 2012-02-12 .
  34. Web site: Exclusive: Interview with Nader Faghihzadeh - BMW 6 Series Coupe Exterior Designer . www.bmwblog.com . 8 November 2019 . en . 27 October 2010.
  35. Web site: Designer of Gran Coupe Brings Flow to BMW 6 Series . www.nytimes.com . 8 November 2019 . 6 April 2012.
  36. Web site: Leading the field: The Competition Package for the BMW M5, BMW M6 Coupe, BMW M6 Convertible and BMW M6 Gran Coupe.. www.press.bmwgroup.com. en. 2018-09-04.
  37. Web site: More potent Competition Package for BMW M6 Coupe, BMW M6 Gran Coupe and BMW M6 Convertible. . live . 2018-09-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221118122831/https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0217204EN/more-potent-competition-package-for-bmw-m6-coupe-bmw-m6-gran-coupe-and-bmw-m6-convertible?language=en . 2022-11-18.