Used 2008 BMW M6

This is the second car from BMW to carry the M6 name (the first was available in the U.S. in 1987-88) and the latest in a long line of BMW luxury performance coupes. Now available in coupe and convertible forms, the 2008 M6 comes equipped with a 5.0-liter DOHC 40-valve V10 engine and can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in about 4.5 seconds. Produced in limited quantity at BMW’s Dingolfing, Germany factory, this four-seat sports coupe is built to deliver optimal performance with luxurious comfort.

This is a seriously fast, high-performance sports coupe with capabilities that will prove to be far beyond the skill levels of almost all its owners and drivers, and it should, therefore, be treated with respect. That said, it is actually easy to drive within reasonable limits, feels grounded and secure, responds with finesse and corners with only minimal body roll. The SMG automatic transmission seems to shift gears quite a bit and can seem busy at times. We liked the paddle shifter controls, as they were easy to operate and contributed to smooth shifting. The enthusiast will have a terrific time, but if you are in the novice stage of performance driving a car of this capability is not the sort of thing on which to try to develop your skills, as it is seriously powerful, seriously fast and — it goes without saying — will be seriously expensive if you have to fix it.

The cabin of the M6 is equipped with eye-catching sweeps of rich woods (Walnut Madeira or a lighter Olive Ash), soft Merino leather and sporty chrome touches. There are several well thought-out details, including titanium finish on the shift paddles, door handles and iDrive controller, manual thigh-support adjustment, heated 16-way power seats (including four-way lumbar and backrest support) and a headliner outfitted in a rich coal-colored material. Ambient lighting with illuminated door handles, storage bins and front footwells adds to the luxury quotient. Notable appointments include the lockable glove compartment with a rechargeable take-out flashlight and a tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel. Two seats in the back and a large trunk that accepts two sets of golf clubs offer versatility and function.

The lines of this dynamic coupe are graced with boldly sculpted side sills and rocker panels, a carbon-fiber roof and streamlined exterior windows shaped for efficient aerodynamics and reduced wind noise. Although the M6 offers enormous performance levels, it is not overly aggressive looking. The exterior has soft dips and subtle touches, like M logos on the turn-signal indicators and side gills, satin-chrome side-window trim and illuminated door handles. Distinctive features include 19-inch alloy wheels with Z-rated performance tires, a front bumper/spoiler/air-intake ensemble, a matching rear bumper/spoiler/diffuser treatment and four round stainless-steel exhaust tips.

Driving School
Included with every new M6 is a course in advanced driving techniques at the BMW performance Center in Spartenburg, South Carolina. We recommend it highly.

Seating for Four
This is a serious sports coupe with luxury comfort levels and room for four if you need it.

The M6 is equipped with a 5.0-liter DOHC 40-valve V10 engine, seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) or six-speed manual transmission, iDrive system with navigation function and Dynamic Stability Control, which includes all-speed traction control. The M6 Convertible features a power retractable soft top with glass rear window. Other features include illuminated door handles, Park Distance Control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a choice of standard or metallic paint, Adaptive Xenon headlights with dynamic auto leveling, a start and stop button, Bluetooth connectivity and automatic climate control. On the safety side there’s a dual-stage front-impact restraint system, a head protection system and front seat side-impact airbags.

The well-equipped M6 has a short list of options including a Head-up Display in color, full Merino leather upholstery with Alcantara headliner (Coupe), carbon-fiber black interior trim, soft-close doors, keyless start and entry, High Beam Assistant, heated steering wheel, premium audio upgrade, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and high-definition HD radio.

The 5.0-liter DOHC 40-valve V10 engine with BMW’s Double-VANOS variable valve timing is fitted with a seven-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) with Drivelogic, 11 shift programs and launch control. A six-speed manual transmission is a no-cost option.

5.0-liter V10
500 horsepower @ 7750 rpm
383 lb.-ft. of torque @ 6100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/17