Used 2009 BMW M6

As the hottest-performing member of BMW’s current lineup, the 2009 M6 picks up where the regular 6 Series leaves off, adding more power, edgier styling details and enhanced handling capabilities to an already impressive baseline mix. Combining a Formula One-inspired 500-horsepower V10 engine, M-spec chassis tuning and distinctive interior appointments with a choice of Coupe or Convertible configurations, this stunning 2+2 from BMW’s legendary Motorsport division offers buyers with a six-figure budget an ultimate grand touring experience. Key rivals for potential owners to ponder include the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Jaguar XKR, Maserati GranTurismo S, and Porsche 911 Turbo, although in this rarefied automotive atmosphere, everything from a Corvette ZO6 or Nissan GT-R to AMG versions of the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class and SL-Class also could end up on an individual’s short list.

An ultimate example of the Ultimate Driving Machine, the 2009 BMW M6 matches strength with strength starting with its comfortable, well-isolated cabin that has all key controls positioned within easy reach. Factor in the ability to vary power, ride compliance and handling response at the touch of its magic "M" button, and this Teutonic thoroughbred feels confident, quick and predictable under any circumstances – although the experience is tempered somewhat by its slightly heavy steering and 3,909-4,398-pound curb weight. The Convertible’s suspension is a bit softer than the Coupe’s, but both offer a more aggressive "M Dynamic" setting on their already rather liberal Dynamic Slip Control, which hard-liners can deactivate completely. Admittedly thirsty when pressed, the M6’s torque-rich V10 still provides the perfect exclamation point for this exhilarating high-performance statement.

The well-appointed cabin in both 2009 BMW M6 variants has an appropriately premium look highlighted by yards of supple Merino leather, Alcantara, and Walnut or Olive Ash wood. Other differentiators include "M" logos in the headrests of their 14-way power/heated sport buckets and M-style red indicator needles for the gauges. Opting for the SMG automated transmission adds titanium-finished shifter paddles, a metallic visual effect used as an accent motif on all versions. While the M6’s rear buckettes are suitable for only the tiniest travelers, the Coupe’s trunk can hold 13.0 cubic-feet of cargo. That dips to 11.0 cubic-feet in the Convertible with the top up and closer to nine with it dropped.

The aggressively styled bodywork of the regular 6 Series gets tastefully amped up for M6 duty by adding a more functional air dam, front fender gills, M-style mirrors, prominent rocker sills plus a unique decklid treatment. Rounding out the look is a lift-diminishing rear diffuser flanked by two pairs of chrome-tipped tailpipes. Both M6 models also share unique lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels that mount Z-rated 255/40 ultra-performance tires up front and 285/35 rubber in the rear. While the power soft top design on the M6 Convertible is unchanged from the regular 650i model, the M6 Coupe swaps the standard steel panel with moonroof for a lightweight carbon-fiber insert.

The M Button
By pressing the "M" button on the steering wheel, the M6’s programmable computerized control system can change everything from engine output and shift mapping of the SMG transmission to the Dynamic Stability Control and suspension stiffness – and flip from standard to MView info readouts on the optional Heads-Up Display.

Carbon Fiber Roof Panel
A carbon-fiber roof insert in the Coupe that’s 75 percent lighter than the steel panel-with-sunroof used on the normal 650i model not only looks cool but helps lower the M6’s center of gravity by half an inch to improve its handling.

Beyond its 500-horsepower V10, choice of seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox or six-speed manual transmission and M-spec programmable/adjustable suspension/stability systems, the 2009 BMW M6 in either configuration brings a massive array of comfort/convenience features. Heading the list are a voice activated navigation system with iDrive, dual-zone auto climate control, LOGIC7 Surround Sound premium audio package with Bluetooth and USB, Park Distance Control, bi-xenon Adaptive Headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. The Convertible adds a tri-layer power top with retractable back glass and pop-up roll hoops while both M6s boast massive anti-lock disc brakes and front/front-side/side curtain airbags. Also included is a one-day "M" performance-driving school in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

As would be expected, the M6’s extras roster is modest. Topping the list is an expanded Merino leather treatment that includes nearly all touch surfaces, carbon-fiber dash/console inserts, a Heads-Up display, soft-close doors, keyless start and entry, auto-dipping High Beam Assistant, a heated steering wheel and HD premium radio with SIRIUS Satellite Radio and iPod/USB inputs.

One of the crown jewels of BMW’s storied M division, the M6’s 5.0-liter V10 toggles between 400 or 500 horsepower at the touch of a button and makes 383 pound-feet of peak torque. Free-revving and energetic to its lofty 8,250-rpm redline, this all-aluminum motivator features 10 individual throttle butterflies, variable timing on both intake and exhaust valves, a race-inspired wet/dry sump lubrication system and an electronic control package developed for BMW’s Formula One program. Backed by either the seven-speed automated/programmable Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) or six-speed conventional manual transmission, it can send the Coupe streaking from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and gets the heavier Convertible to that benchmark in only 4.6 ticks. On the downside, sustained hard flogging will push its average fuel economy down into single-digit land.

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