BMW M6
| BMW M6 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW M GmBH |
| Production |
1983–1989 2005–2010 2012–2018 |
| Assembly | Dingolfing, Germany |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Grand tourer/Executive car |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Related |
BMW 6 Series BMW M5 |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | BMW M8 |
The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the 6 Series coupe/convertible, designed and developed by the motorsport division of BMW. The BMW M6 was based on the subsequent generations of the 6 series.[1]
E24 M635CSi/M6 (1983–1989)
| First generation (E24) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1983–1989 |
| Assembly | Dingolfing, West Germany |
| Designer | Paul Bracq |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupé |
| Platform | BMW E24 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
3.5 L M88/3 I6 (M635CSi) 3.5 L S38B35 I6 (M6)[2] |
| Power output |
286 hp (290 PS; 213 kW)(M635CSi) 256 hp (260 PS; 191 kW) (M6)[2] |
| Transmission | 5-speed Getrag manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,620 mm (103 in) |
| Length |
4,755 mm (187.2 in) US: 4,923 mm (193.8 in) (with bumpers) |
| Width | 1,725 mm (67.9 in) |
| Height | 1,354 mm (53.3 in) |
| Curb weight |
1,500 kg (3,307 lb) (M635CSi) 1,619 kg (3,569 lb) (M6) |
In 1983 BMW took the M88/3 Straight-six engine, a modified version of the M88/1 from the BMW M1 and put it in the E24 chassis of the BMW 6 Series, thus creating the M635CSi (dubbed simply "M6" in North America and Japan).
The first generation M6 was critically acclaimed throughout its lifespan for its elegant, aggressive "shark-nose" styling, its luxury equipment and its performance. A top speed of 158 mph (254 km/h)[3] made the European M635CSi the second fastest BMW ever built next to the M1. However, Rug Cunningham, of Cunningham BMW, ran a bone stock 1987 U.S. M6 in the La Carrera Classic Race in Mexico in 1989 and recorded an indicated top speed of 176 mph (283 km/h).
The vehicle can be distinguished from other E24 models by "///M" badges on the front grille and rear decklid ("///M6" on the North American version), body color side-view mirrors, BBS RS wheels, rear lip spoiler, larger front air dam, larger front brakes and a 10mm lowered ride height.
The North America and Japan M6 was fitted with the catalyzed S38B35 engine, producing 256 hp (191 kW) and 243 lb⋅ft (329 N⋅m) of torque, whereas the European M635CSi received the non-catalyzed M88/3 engine, producing 286 PS (282 bhp; 210 kW) @ 6500 rpm and 340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft) @ 4500 rpm of torque. A total of 538 catalyzed M635CSi models were sold in Europe between 1988 and 1989.
The E24 series became a "world car" for the 1988 and 1989 model years, sporting the same bumpers and aerodynamic treatments across all markets.
According to BMW, the car will achieve 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 5.8 and 6.8 seconds for the European and North American versions respectively. However, Car and Driver Magazine tested a North American U.S. M6 in July 1987 and actually achieved a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 6.1 seconds.[4] Also in 1987, Road and Track touted the U.S. M6 as being one of the 10 fastest cars in America.[5]
The quarter mile time for the M635CSi has been recorded at 14.5 seconds while 100 mph (161 km/h) is achieved in 15 seconds. Production of the E24 M635CSi/M6 ended in 1989.
E63/64 M6 (2005–2010)
| Second generation (E63/E64) | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Production | 2005 – July 2010 |
| Model years | 2006–2010 |
| Assembly | Dingolfing, Germany |
| Designer |
Karl John Elmitt Adrian van Hooydonk |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style |
2-door convertible 2-door coupé |
| Platform | BMW E63/E64 |
| Related | BMW M5 (E60) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 5.0 L BMW S85 Odd firing V10 |
| Power output | 507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp) |
| 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) |
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The BMW M6 concept made its debut at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It was based on the BMW E63/E64 6 Series, introduced in 2004. The M6 shared the same uneven firing 5.0 L V10 S85 engine and SMG III gearbox with the E60 M5 that produces 373 kW (507 PS; 500 bhp) @ 7,750 rpm and 520 N⋅m (384 lb⋅ft) of torque @ 6,100 rpm.
Manufacturer claimed performance included a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 4.4 seconds. Road & Track (Feb 2006) measured the 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time at 4.1 seconds. The top speed was limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). De limited top speed amounted to 205 mph (330 km/h) with the optional M-driver's package.[6]
The M6 has the same 'power button' as the M5 which toggles the choice of "P400"or "P500" engine power modes. 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 bhp) (P500) to be engaged if it is configured so via the iDrive settings.[6] The M6 weighs 1,710 kg (3,770 lb) courtesy of a carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof panel as well as thermoplastic front wings, aluminium doors and bonnet and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (sheet moulding compound) boot lid.[7]
The carbon fibre and other light materials are used in places like the bumpers and roof that are far from the centre 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 centre of mass height.
The M6 was offered as both a coupé and a cabriolet. Both the coupé and convertible could 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 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 US$137,000 760Li, with an MSRP of US$108,150 for the convertible and US$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.[8]
F06/F12/F13 M6 (2012–2018)
| Third generation (F06/F12/F13) | |
|---|---|
 BMW M6 (F06) Gran Coupé | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2012–2018 |
| Assembly | Dingolfing, Germany |
| Designer | Nader Faghihzadeh |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style |
2-door convertible (F13) 2-door coupé (F12) 4-door gran coupé (F06) |
| Platform | BMW F06/F12/F13 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.4 L BMW S63B44T0 twin-turbocharged V8 |
| Power output | 568 PS (418 kW; 560 hp) |
| 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 of the M6 were announced in February 2012, with the official reveal taking place at the Geneva Motor Show the following month.
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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-fibre 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 its predecessor. The M6 convertible is 50 kg (110 lb) heavier than the previous M6 Convertible.
The official claimed performance figures state the acceleration from 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) with the de-limited top speed being 189 mph (304 km/h) with the optional M-driver's package. The design language of the M6 was similar to the then M series cars. 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.[9]
Competition Package
With the 2014 Competition Package, the twin-turbocharged V8 engine utilised in the M6 is updated and produces 608 PS (447 kW; 600 hp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) of torque along with a 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) acceleration time of in 3.9 seconds (4.0 seconds for the Convertible).
Performance
| Model | Years | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | 0–200 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M6 F13[10] | 2012–2018 | 412 kW (553 hp; 560 PS) | 680 N⋅m (502 lb⋅ft) | 4.2 | 12.6 |
| BMW M6 F13 Competition Pack[11] |
2013–2015 | 423 kW (567 hp; 575 PS) | 680 N⋅m (502 lb⋅ft) | 3.9 | 12.4 |
| BMW M6 F13 Competition Pack[12] |
2015–2018 | 441 kW (591 hp; 600 PS) | 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) | 3.8 | 11.8 |
Motorsport
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.
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.
References
Notes
- ↑ "The new BMW M6. Coupe and Convertible". Press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
- 1 2 "BMW E24 M6". Archived from the original on 9 August 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
- ↑ Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (5 March 1987). Automobil Revue 1987 (in German and French). 82. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 195. ISBN 3-444-00458-3.
- ↑ "1987 BMW M6 – Archived Road Test Page 3". Car and Driver. 1987-07-01. Archived from the original on 2013-01-15. Retrieved 2012-05-26.
- ↑ "Ads – Cars – Bmw M6". ITechnoDev Extensions Demo. Archived from the original on 2014-03-08.
- 1 2 Horn, Jan (2005-06-16). "BMW M6 fordert Ferrari 575M F1: Hirn oder Herz" [BMW M6 challenges Ferrari 575M F1: Brain or heart]. Auto Bild (in German). Axel Springer Auto Verlag GmbH. Archived from the original on 2012-01-26. Retrieved 2013-01-15.
- ↑ "Looking For Plastic Body Panels". adandp.media. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
- ↑ "Current generation BMW M6 coupe and convertible production ends". Archived from the original on 2010-09-10.
- ↑ "M badge on kidney grille". Bmwblog.com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-12. Retrieved 2012-02-12.
- ↑ "The new BMW M6. Coupe and Convertible". www.press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 2018-09-04.
- ↑ "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. Retrieved 2018-09-04.
- ↑ "More potent Competition Package for BMW M6 Coupe, BMW M6 Gran Coupe and BMW M6 Convertible". www.press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 2018-09-04.
Bibliography
- Holmes, Mark (2007). Ultimate Convertibles: Roofless Beauty. London: Kandour. pp. 36–37. ISBN 978-1-905741-62-5.
- Kable, G (December 14, 2004). BMW unleashes M6 supercoupe. Autocar pp. 8–11.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to BMW M6. |
| Model | Based | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | ||
| M1 | Original | E26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1M | 1 Series | E82 1M | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M2 | 2 Series | F87 M2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M3 | 3 Series | E30 M3 | E36 M3 | E46 M3 | E90/92/93 M3 | F80 M3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M4 | 4 Series | F82/83 M4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M5 | 5 Series | E12 M535i | E28 M5 | E34 M5 | E39 M5 | E60/E61 M5 | F10 M5 | F90 M5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M6 | 6 Series | E24 M635CSi | E63/E64 M6 | F12/F13/F06 M6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M Roadster | Z3, Z4 | E36/7 M Roadster | E85 M Roadster | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M Coupe | Z3, Z4 | E36/8 M Coupe | E86 M Coupe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X5 M | X5 | E70 X5 M | F15 X5 M | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X6 M | X6 | E71 X6 M | F16 X6 M | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||