The BMW M6 (E63), produced from 2005 to 2007, represents BMW’s high-performance interpretation of the 6 Series coupe. Positioned as the flagship coupe within the BMW lineup, the M6 aimed to deliver a more focused and exhilarating driving experience than the standard 6 Series. It shared its underlying chassis and many components with the E60 M5 sedan, but with a more exclusive coupe body style and a slightly different tuning philosophy. The E63 generation M6 is particularly notable for its use of a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 engine, a powerplant rarely seen in production vehicles, and its controversial Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) transmission.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | M6 |
| Generation | M6 (E63) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.0 V10 (507 Hp) SMG |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 22.8 l/100 km (10.3 US mpg, 12.4 UK mpg, 4.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 14.8 l/100 km (15.9 US mpg, 19.1 UK mpg, 6.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 357 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph), Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.4 kg/Hp, 296.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm, 304.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 507 Hp @ 7750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 101.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 520 Nm @ 6100 rpm (383.53 lb.-ft. @ 6100 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 8250 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | S85B50A |
| Engine displacement | 4999 cm3 (305.06 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 10 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.2 mm (2.96 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, Double-VANOS |
| Engine oil capacity | 9.3 l (9.83 US qt | 8.18 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 15 l (15.85 US qt | 13.2 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1710 kg (3769.9 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 490 kg (1080.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 450 l (15.89 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4871 mm (191.77 in.) |
| Width | 1855 mm (73.03 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2043 mm (80.43 in.) |
| Height | 1372 mm (54.02 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2781 mm (109.49 in.) |
| Front track | 1567 mm (61.69 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1584 mm (62.36 in.) |
| Front overhang | 960 mm (37.8 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1130 mm (44.49 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.5 m (41.01 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission SMG |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 348×36 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 345×24 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 255/40 ZR19 Rear wheel tires: 285/35 ZR19 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 8.5J x 19 Rear wheel rims: 9.5J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the E63 M6 is the S85B50A 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine. Derived from the engine used in the E60 M5, the S85 is a technically sophisticated powerplant. It features individual throttle bodies for each cylinder, a high 12:1 compression ratio, and a double-VANOS variable valve timing system for both intake and exhaust valves. The engine produces 507 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 6,100 rpm. Fuel is delivered via multi-port fuel injection. The engine’s architecture is notable for its relatively short stroke, contributing to its high-revving nature and responsiveness. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle.
The M6 utilizes BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), a seven-speed automated manual transmission. SMG allows for both fully automatic operation and manual gear changes via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the gear selector. While intended to offer the benefits of both automatic and manual transmissions, the SMG was often criticized for its jerky low-speed behavior and relatively slow shift times compared to traditional automatic transmissions or dual-clutch systems.
Driving Characteristics
The 507-hp V10 engine delivers exhilarating performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 4.4 seconds, and the car is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph. The engine’s power delivery is linear and responsive, encouraging high-revving driving. However, the SMG transmission can detract from the driving experience, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. The gear ratios are geared towards performance, with shorter ratios in the lower gears for quick acceleration and longer ratios for high-speed cruising. Compared to the standard 6 Series, the M6 offers significantly sharper handling and a more engaging driving experience, thanks to its stiffer suspension and more responsive steering.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The M6 came generously equipped as standard. Interior features included leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated sport seats, a premium sound system, and automatic climate control. Common options included a head-up display, active steering, and various interior trim options. The M6’s interior design was largely shared with the standard 6 Series, but with unique M-specific badging and trim elements. Exterior features included aggressive aerodynamic styling, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust outlets.
Chassis & Braking
The M6 features a reinforced chassis and a sport-tuned suspension. The front suspension utilizes a spring strut design with a transverse stabilizer, while the rear suspension employs an independent multi-link setup, also with a stabilizer bar. Brakes are large ventilated discs at all four corners, providing ample stopping power. The M6 also includes ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and dynamic stability control (DSC) as standard safety features.
Market Reception & Comparison
The M6 was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its powerful engine and engaging driving dynamics. However, the SMG transmission was a common point of criticism. Compared to the standard 6 Series, the M6 offered a significant performance upgrade, but at a substantial price premium. Within the M lineup, the M6 was often compared to the E60 M5. While the M5 offered similar performance, the M6’s coupe body style and slightly different tuning appealed to a different type of buyer.
Legacy
The E63 M6 remains a desirable car for enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate its unique V10 engine. The SMG transmission can be a maintenance concern, and finding a well-maintained example is crucial. The car’s complex engine and transmission require specialized knowledge for servicing. Despite the potential maintenance challenges, the E63 M6 offers a compelling combination of performance, luxury, and exclusivity, making it a sought-after vehicle in the used car market.
