2008 BMW M6 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$99,300 to $105,100

Original MSRP

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5.0

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(37 reviews)
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With the M6, BMW has applied its vaunted "M" for "motorsports" tuning to an elegant grand touring coupe and convertible. For 2008 there are minor updates, like revised head- and taillights, along with active head restraints, some iDrive upgrades, and a few new options.

The M6 takes BMW's M tradition to new heights with an amazing 5.0-liter V10 that reviewers associate with the automaker's Formula 1 race experience. The high-performance electronics - directed by your right foot - control 40 valves that are managed by the variable Double VANOS camshaft system and direct ten individual throttle butterflies. All work seamlessly to produce 500 hp at 7,750 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque as the V10 wails to an 8,250-rpm redline.

The optional six-speed manual transmission hardly gets mentioned by reviewers, because they're all playing with the seven-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG). This transmission can operate "manually" (with no clutch pedal) or in automatic mode with either a console gear shifter or steering-wheel paddles. BMW's dreaded iDrive provides the driver with a variety of throttle and gear-shift settings: six sequential and five automatic. The "normal" engine mode produces 400 hp for "running around town." If you delve deeper into iDrive for "P500 Sport" mode, you hit the jackpot with the full 500 hp.

So what do two tons of M technology offer when you stomp on the gas pedal? BMW gives the 0-60 time as 4.5 seconds (4.6 for the convertible). In a 2006 test, Car and Driver saw that jump flash by in 4.1 seconds. Top speed is governed to 155 mph. BMW gives 11/17 mpg for both coupe and convertible. But can the M6 turn?

For the coupe, BMW engineers developed a carbon-fiber roof that is four times lighter than steel and lowers the car's center of gravity. Further weight reduction resulted in the coupe's better power-to-weight ratio than the M5 sedan's; the convertible is almost 500 lbs. heavier than the coupe. A generous application of aluminum can be found in the independent suspension. BMW's Electronic Damper Control (EDC) provides three suspension settings: Comfort (which makes the M6 a comfortable daily driver), Normal, and Sport. The shocks, springs, and anti-roll bars all undergo stiffer "M calibration." The M6 is also fitted with M Variable Differential Lock as part of the Dynamic Stability Control system to optimize traction and power for blasting out of corners. Steering and braking are BMW M-enhanced: great responsive steering feel and powerful, linear, fade-free braking.

Two years ago, Road and Track achieved 0.88g with the M6 coupe on their skidpad. BMW dialed in understeer to save road-going enthusiasts from excessive oversteer. The M6 is extremely stable at high speed. But there's also "M Dynamic Mode" (MDM) via iDrive, which allows access to various performance parameters (shifting, throttle, suspension, amount of stability intervention). Set these for all-out performance and, as Motor Trend put it, "the M6 goes ape."

Sitting inside the M6 is anything but jungle-like. iDrive clears the dash and console controls, leaving elegant wood trim. A power tilt, telescoping steering wheel and ultra-side-bolstered M sport seats (with power lumbar and backrest width adjustment) fit the driver perfectly and hold front occupants in securely for any manner of spirited driving. In the back, there are separated twin contoured seats. Seats, console, handbrake, door panels, and armrests are covered in Merino leather; options abound.

The M6 has a full complement of safety equipment: ABS disc brakes, stability and traction control, front and side impact airbags with side curtain airbags in the coupe, emergency braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, and adaptive brake lights are among the many standard features.

The M6 is a luxury gran turismo that can humble most sports cars.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2008 BMW M6

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by Deon Q
Nov 07, 2023
This is as close as you can get to a supercar without being one. Out of the factory it was probably 125k in Canada so bear in mind that that is the car you will be paying to maintain. Used automatics run 30-40k and the much desired stick shift goes around 50-60k but these figures are mileage and condition dependant. They arent that common so if this is what you want then you may have to keep a sharp eye out for a while till one comes along. This car was built to go fast and be driven. It is comfortable, quiet (except for the sound of the beautiful V10 500 bhp engine after 4000 rpm), handles its speed easily, and is a delight to drive. Throttle response is instant and it casually looks like money without being flashy. It takes some getting used to and my early feeling after only having had it for 2 months is that if its well maintained you wont have crazy expenses with it. My understanding is that BMW originally said you can change the oil every 15 000 kms. Maybe that was a selling feature but no engine likes that. A known fault on this car is the rocker bearings which apparently go by about 85 000 kms and then guys replace them with good aftermarket ones which are available. Two things expedite this problem: running the engine hard when its not warmed up to operating temperature, and not changing the oil often enough. Oil breaks down as its used and if you change this oil every 3000 kms with high quality race oil you will drastically prolong the life of the engine and its components. I have the automatic version and I use the paddles to shift while its cold so I dont let the rpms go above 2500-3000. Once its warm you can use the drive mode or paddles and your red line is 8250! It goes like a bat out of hell and I praise the HUD display which allows you to see your speed and gear at all times without taking your eyes off the road. This car features the first generation of the SMG transmission. It shifts like a manual very deliberately but I dont mind this feature at all. If you have some feeling for a car youll soon get used to it. Again these transmissions are known to be touchy but regular transmission services should take care of that. I was lucky enough to get a 2008 with only 78 000 kms on it that appears so far to have been very well maintained. I was out of the door for 40k and that included tax and a 4 year warranty. If youve got a bit of cash are ready for a fun car for summer that will keep pace or outpace most vehicles on the road I think this is a good place to start. Nov 07, 2023
by klynton j
Aug 23, 2023
Hvnt baught it yet but inlike it deffently its niceAug 23, 2023
by Cliff G
Nov 03, 2020
Performance and luxury! The newer models have the V8 vs V10 but have more horsepower/torque than earlier models thanks to the twin turbos. Fun car to drive...Nov 03, 2020

2008 BMW M6 Pricing

Original MSRP
$99,300 to $105,100
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
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YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: carbon · Door trim: carbon · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: hands-free multi-function remote with keyless ignition · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.62 · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Safety

Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist

Tires

Load Rating: 96 · Profile: 40 · Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance · Width: 255

Wheels

Width: 9.5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: carbon · Door trim: carbon · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power rear seat · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.62 · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker

Safety

Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium leather

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist

Tires

Load Rating: 96 · Profile: 40 · Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance · Width: 255

Wheels

Width: 9.5

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

See all trims (2)