MCARMARKET

BMW E63 M6

The V10 in a carbon-roofed coupe: the same extraordinary engine as the E60 M5, wrapped in Bangle-era bodywork that has aged into something striking.

BMW E63 M6 — 2006–2010

The E63 M6 is the coupe sibling of the E60 M5, sharing the S85 V10, the SMG III gearbox and most of the running gear. It adds a carbon fibre roof, a lower centre of gravity and a shape that divided opinion in 2006 and looks increasingly good now.

As with the M5, a small number of North American cars received the six-speed manual, and those are the most desirable. The convertible E64 is heavier and softer but offers the V10 soundtrack with the roof down, which is its own argument.

Ownership costs are identical to the E60 M5's: high, predictable, and manageable only with the right maintenance discipline.

Year by year

  • 2006–2007

    Launch with SMG III. Carbon fibre roof on the coupe; E64 convertible arrives in 2007.

  • 2008–2009

    Six-speed manual offered in North America. Interior and iDrive updates through the run.

  • 2010 — final year

    Last V10 M6 built. Competition Package available in some markets with revised suspension and steering.

The good and the bad

Positives

  • +V10 soundtrack in a lower, lighter body than the M5
  • +Carbon fibre roof as standard on the coupe
  • +Manual option makes North American cars special
  • +Genuine grand touring comfort with supercar noise
  • +Values are low relative to how special the car is

Negatives

  • −Rod bearings, throttle actuators and SMG pump all expensive
  • −Convertible carries significant extra weight
  • −Fuel and consumable costs are severe
  • −iDrive and interior electronics of the era feel dated
  • −Neglected cars are financial traps

Known faults and what they cost

  • Rod bearing wear$4,000–$7,000

    Same S85 service item as the E60 M5; approximately every 60k miles.

  • Throttle actuators$2,500–$4,500

    Both banks; rebuild services are the practical route.

  • SMG III pump$2,000–$4,000

    Common failure; preventive replacement is widespread.

  • Convertible roof mechanism (E64)$1,500–$4,000

    Hydraulics and microswitches fail with age and disuse.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist

  • 01Rod bearing documentation with mileage and parts
  • 02Full scan for throttle actuator, VANOS and misfire codes
  • 03SMG pump condition and clutch wear values via diagnostics
  • 04On E64, cycle the roof repeatedly through its full operation
  • 05Check the carbon roof for lacquer damage on coupes
  • 06Verify the manual gearbox is factory-fitted if claimed

Modifications for longevity

  • Rod bearings every 60k miles

    The single most important S85 maintenance item.

  • Oil at 5k intervals

    Correct specification oil, changed often.

  • Throttle actuator rebuild

    Preventive work on both banks.

  • SMG pump replacement

    Preventive replacement avoids being stranded.

  • Cooling overhaul

    Full system refresh every 8 years.

Modifications for performance

  1. 01Sort it first

    Deferred maintenance costs more than any modification returns.

  2. 02Exhaust and tune

    530 hp and one of the best noises available at any price.

  3. 03Manual conversion

    Improves usability and desirability on SMG cars.

  4. 04Suspension refresh

    Fresh bushings and dampers restore the composure the car had when new.

What they are worth

E63 M6 coupes remain among the cheapest ways into a V10, which attracts exactly the wrong kind of owner. Documentation is everything.

Manual coupes command a large premium and are appreciating. Convertibles trail the market but offer the same drivetrain for less money.

Owner discussion

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