BMW M6 GT3

The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the 6 Series marketed under the BMW M sub-brand from 1983 to 2019 (with a hiatus 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. Production of the M6 ended in 2019 and it was replaced by the BMW M8 (F91/F92/F93) in 2019.

E24 M635CSi/M6 (1983–1989)

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".

The European-specification M635CSi used the M88/3 engine (without a catalytic converter), which generated at 6,500 rpm and at 4,500 rpm. The M6 version, sold in North America and Japan, used the S38B35 engine (with catalytic converter), which generated and at the same engine speeds. 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.

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

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 in 5.8 and 6.8 seconds for the European and North American versions respectively. The curb weights of the 1987 models are for the M635 CSi and for the M6. A top speed of 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 is achieved in 15 seconds.

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

Production of the E24 M635CSi/M6 ended in 1989.

E63/64 M6 (2005–2011)

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.

The M6 had two modes for engine power: a "P400" mode in which the engine has a rated power output of and a "P500" mode in which the engine has a rated power output of . Manufacturer claimed performance included a 0– acceleration time of 4.6 seconds. The top speed was electronically limited to or if the optional M-driver's package is fitted.

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

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).

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.

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.

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 Metallic'. 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.

F06/F12/F13 M6 (2012–2019)

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 in 4.2 seconds for the coupe and Gran Coupé, and 4.3 seconds for the convertible. The top speed is electronically limited to , or with the optional M-driver's package. The differential is an electronically actuated ("Active M") limited slip differential. The curb weight for the coupe is . The curb weight of the convertible is , and the curb weight of the Gran Coupé is .

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. The lead exterior designer of the F12/F13/F06 6 Series was Nader Faghihzadeh.

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 and of torque. This results in a 0 to acceleration time of 3.9 seconds for the coupe and Gran Coupe versions.

In 2016, the Competition Pack engine was upgraded to and of torque, resulting in a 0 to acceleration time of 3.8 seconds for the coupe and Gran Coupe versions.

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 24 Hours of Spa 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

* BMW M5
* BMW 6 Series
* BMW M8

References

Footnotes

{{BMW M cars

M6
1980s cars
2000s cars
2010s cars
Cars introduced in 1983
Cars discontinued in 2019
Grand tourers