Loving to hate my mr M6

[khas187]

People,

I've been an M driver for about 10 years now and in my time I've owned two M3's and my current M6. I think M cars offer outstanding driver experiences and a great balance of road racing coupled with day to day flexibility. I have to say though I have to question reliability on these machines. Over the years I've had many gearbox changes, sensor fixes, split clutches and the list goes on and on. I have however stuck by them for I time and time again love it when the issues are put to the side and I am once again frusting through those country lanes listening to the engine and amazed by the handling levels. Time and time again i look at other potential suitors but never find the complete package so come back to the M badge to feed my thirst!

Today I had been invited to go and see the new M6 at good wood, uk race course. I take a friend, the weather is really warm, car polished and detailed, engine oil topped up and tyres checked. We begin our drive, the car is as usual immense in its execution of gear changes. Eating up mile after mile is not a problem, my friend comments on how great the car is. I lap it up and excitment fills my head. I swoop corners, change down from 4th to 2nd and listen to that engine roar. I'm in love with this damn car! I love it and can't wait to see the new M king at Goodwood to see what is next in the M CAR chapter, and possible replacement for mine perhaps next year?

My car has had its second gearbox and clutch issue fixed about 18 months ago and you can excuse me for being a little apprehensive but it crossed my mind the night before, a slight thought at the back of my head; would it let me down again and break down?

Two hours and 10 mins into the drive. An aggressive gear change later and klonck, the gearbox changes start to make funny sounds and delay by a second or two when changing. I slow down, take M mode off. I put the car in auto mode and slow down some more. My happy, heavenly feeling is once again filled with doubt, worry and dispare for I have a feeling the worst is happening. A slide to the left of the gearbox back into manual and my worst nightmare occurs - the red cog of death, a sign that appears time and time again now fills the screen. The car is stuck in 1st gear. It doesn't move I'm right on the crest of a round about and embarrassed, angry and pissed. I've paid so much money and once again been let down by the SMG gearbox and transmission set up on this car. I'm a little disolutioned by my M car experience as in times of amazing greatness comes disappointment. I am however addicted to the drug and forget the dissapointments as soon as the start button is pressed! This time however I'm close to giving up. I'm close to seeing what else is out there and paying close attention to AMG Jaguar XKR S OR AUDI offerings. The times this car amazes and gives joy far outweighs the anger and dissapointments but BMW need to hold thier hands up. They have built one of the best engines but at the same time one of the most problematic gearboxes.... I love the M6 but am quickly falling out of love with the M brand..

Some one convince me otherwise and help me see sense.

Once again left dissapointed in a paradigm of happiness. I didnt get to see the new version of the M6 and it's just as well as I would have had the sales guys sweating to get a sale after today's nightmare.

Kor

[irishbimmer]

Can't say i blame you for feeling so frustrated-there is nothing worse than what you just described. I'm wondering if it is your dealer or mechanic who is insufficiently skilled to keep the car running in top shape? It seems most improbable that you should be having all the difficulties.

I'm lucky-bought the last of the 2010's in June of 2011 brand new and have yet to have one stitch of trouble.

Sorry to hear about it,

Bill

[khas187]

Thanks Irish Bimmer. It's happened so many times now. This time it's at a different service centre fingers crossed they maybe able to fix it better than the other guys have done! Let's see

Kor

[Jackson1019]

Hate to hear this! What you have just described is my worst fear and I cannot even imagine how you felt. You would think a brand such as BMW can produce these cars where they have no issues but that is just not the case. I hope everything turns out good for you mate, keep us updated on your cars health.

[khas187]

Jackson - the problem is that I have lost my trust in the car. I no longer feel comfortable driving it hard as I worry it will break down or cause a breakdown on another day. It shouldn't be like this but I have come to the conclusion that those M cars are actually not that reliable. BMW made its name from reliability and the truth is a standard car will run forever but using that selling point on M cars has never been at the forefront of marketing fom BMW M. The SMG gearboxes are flawed. They are unreliable and no match for the Audi DSG or Porsche PDK pack. The good news is that the new M cars have upgraded boxes and have boxes similar to Audi. I am now seriously thinking of a 997 Turbo S which is well in price range for a couple of years old. My only concern is lack of tech and flexibility that's in the new M6.

Anyway I know it's covered under warranty and BMW service is usually pretty good when carrying out warranty claims. I now sit with sadness looking out the window at my 320d courtesy car to help give me a reality check on how others live! We are lucky to drive these beasts but you should never be scared to punch your foot down or change down again, not when you drive an M6 you've just pais 98k for!

[Jackson1019]

Originally Posted by khas187

Jackson - the problem is that I have lost my trust in the car. I no longer feel comfortable driving it hard as I worry it will break down or cause a breakdown on another day. It shouldn't be like this but I have come to the conclusion that those M cars are actually not that reliable. BMW made its name from reliability and the truth is a standard car will run forever but using that selling point on M cars has never been at the forefront of marketing fom BMW M. The SMG gearboxes are flawed. They are unreliable and no match for the Audi DSG or Porsche PDK pack. The good news is that the new M cars have upgraded boxes and have boxes similar to Audi. I am now seriously thinking of a 997 Turbo S which is well in price range for a couple of years old. My only concern is lack of tech and flexibility that's in the new M6.

Anyway I know it's covered under warranty and BMW service is usually pretty good when carrying out warranty claims. I now sit with sadness looking out the window at my 320d courtesy car to help give me a reality check on how others live! We are lucky to drive these beasts but you should never be scared to punch your foot down or change down again, not when you drive an M6 you've just pais 98k for!

I'm right there with you. No car that cost as much as our M6's should you feel worried, hesitant, or fear of breaking down in. We have to remember that these are specialty cars and not your average 335i. The 320d reality check is very true. My next car will probly be an Audi R8. I just think Audi has a lot more reliability than these M cars. That's just my opinion though.

[built240]

My old mechanic told me BMW has one of the worst transmissions he has ever seen. He has seen 1000's of auto tranny's go out at 50-60k miles in a simple 3series. I have no idea why BMW chooses not to correct this. Luckily my M6 is at 45k miles now and has not had any issues but its not fun to drive around in a car with the fear your gonna get locked up and blow the smg pump and clutch. And $5k to fix both is just absurd. I love my M6 and have not had any issues with it yet but if I had researched this more and saw how often they go out at such low miles I would have considered another option.

[USAF]

Sorry to hear that but before I bought my 07 I noticed that 90% of all issues with the M6 were related to the SMG. So, I got mine with the man-trans and have never had an issue. I'm surprised that so many people keep buying the M6 with the SMG when it's blatantly obvious the SMG is the reason for so many problems.

[khas187]

I agree, my car has only really gone in for issues with transmission. Had a new hydrolic arm fitted to the car for the box a while back then more recently a brand new box and clutch just 4k miles ago. Now there are issues again! You cant seem to enjoy the drive in these cars for that long! Amazing to drive when they are working.

I am awaiting a call from the dealership today with the results so will keep you guys posted on events.

Cheers,
Koray

[duhawks]

Hate to hear all that. The last 3 months I owned my M6 it spent more time in the shop than with me. BMW should have paid me the last 3 months!