BMW M6 history: from the E24 to the F13 Gran Coupé
The BMW M6 has always been the grand touring M car. Its history from the E24 M635CSi to the V10 E63, the twin-turbo F13 and Gran Coupé, the M6 GT3 and how the M8 took over.
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The BMW M6 has always been the grand touring member of the M family. Where the M3 is a sports car for every day and the M5 a fast saloon, the M6 combined M performance with the elegance of a large coupé.
Over three generations, the M6 used a straight-six derived from the M1, a Formula 1 inspired V10 and a twin-turbo V8. It also became a successful GT3 race car before the M8 took its place. Here is the complete history of the BMW M6.
The first M coupé: E24 M635CSi
The story began with the E24 6 Series, one of the most elegant BMW coupés ever made. In 1983, BMW Motorsport fitted it with the straight-six engine derived from the M1 supercar, creating the M635CSi.
The engine had four valves per cylinder and produced around 286 hp in European form. Combined with a sharper chassis and bigger brakes, it made the M635CSi one of the fastest four-seat cars of its time. In North America, the car was sold as the M6, with an engine adapted to local emissions rules.
Our article on the BMW M1 explains the origins of this engine.
Second generation: the V10 E63 BMW M6
After a long break, the name returned in 2005 with the E63 BMW M6 coupé, followed by the E64 convertible. It shared its drivetrain with the E60 M5:
- A 5.0-litre V10 engine with 507 hp and a rev limit above 8,000 rpm, inspired by BMW's Formula 1 experience.
- A seven-speed SMG III gearbox with very fast gear changes.
- A carbon fibre roof on the coupé, which lowered the centre of gravity.
- Lightweight body panels made from plastic and aluminium.
The sound of the V10 made the E63 M6 a legend. It was more of a grand tourer than the M5, with a lower roof and more dramatic design. Our articles on the S85 rod bearings and SMG III explain two topics that matter to owners today.
Third generation: F12, F13 and F06
The third generation arrived in 2012 as the F13 coupé and F12 convertible, followed by the F06 Gran Coupé with four doors. Like the F10 M5, it used a twin-turbo V8:
- A 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 560 hp, later increased with the Competition package.
- A seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch gearbox.
- An Active M Differential for traction and agility.
- Optional carbon ceramic brakes.
The M6 Gran Coupé was particularly admired for its sleek four-door design. The turbo engine gave the car enormous torque and real-world speed. Our F10 M5 buying guide covers the engine and gearbox points that also apply to this M6.
The BMW M6 on track: M6 GT3
In 2016, BMW introduced the M6 GT3, a race car based on the F13 coupé and built for customer teams in GT racing around the world. It used a version of the twin-turbo V8 and a long, stable body that suited fast circuits.
The M6 GT3 achieved several important victories, including the 24 Hours of Spa in 2016. It also raced at the Nürburgring 24 Hours and in many GT championships. Our article on BMW and the Nürburgring explains why that race is so important for BMW.
From M6 to M8
When BMW introduced the new 8 Series in 2018, it took over the role of the 6 Series coupé and convertible. The M6 was succeeded by the M8, available as a coupé, convertible and Gran Coupé.
The M8 continued the idea of the M6: a fast, luxurious and powerful grand tourer. Our article on the BMW M8 history explains its story, from the secret E31 prototype to the F92 coupé.
Which BMW M6 to choose
Each generation offers a different experience:
- E24 M635CSi: a true classic, elegant and increasingly valuable. Bodywork condition and documented engine maintenance are key.
- E63 / E64 M6: the V10 sound and character are unforgettable, but maintenance, especially rod bearings, throttle actuators and SMG, must be carefully documented.
- F12 / F13 / F06 M6: the most usable and fastest, with modern comfort and strong performance. Running costs are high, and turbo V8 maintenance is critical.
Our guide to BMW M car running costs helps you understand the budget needed for each one.
Buying tips
Whatever generation you choose:
- Check the service history and confirm major preventive work with invoices.
- Have a specialist inspect the car, including a diagnostic scan for stored faults.
- Inspect the convertible roof on the E64 and F12 for leaks and correct operation.
- Check the brakes and tyres, which are expensive on heavy, powerful cars.
- Confirm the version with the VIN and production data.
Our complete checklist for buying a used BMW M car takes you through every step.
The legacy of the M6
The M6 may not be as famous as the M3 or M5, but it holds a special place in M history. It showed that BMW M could create elegant grand tourers with real performance and character.
Today, every generation has a loyal following. The E24 is a respected classic, the E63 a modern classic thanks to its V10 and the F-generation cars offer remarkable performance for their price on the used market.
BMW M6 generations at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| First generation | E24 M635CSi, from 1983, straight-six |
| Second generation | E63 coupé and E64 convertible, from 2005, V10 |
| Third generation | F13, F12 and F06 Gran Coupé, from 2012, twin-turbo V8 |
| E63 engine | 5.0-litre V10, 507 hp |
| F13 engine | 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, 560 hp and more |
| Race car | M6 GT3, from 2016 |
| Successor | BMW M8 |
Frequently asked questions
How many generations of BMW M6 are there?
Three: the E24 M635CSi, the E63 and E64 M6 with the V10, and the F12, F13 and F06 M6 with a twin-turbo V8.
What engine does the E63 M6 have?
A 5.0-litre V10 with 507 hp, shared with the E60 M5.
What replaced the BMW M6?
The BMW M8, introduced with the new 8 Series, took over the role of the M6.
Is the BMW M6 Gran Coupé an M car?
Yes. The F06 M6 Gran Coupé is a full M car with the same twin-turbo V8 as the coupé.
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