As a side thought, since you are looking at 2010 is reliability an issue and even a part of the equation? It will be much newer and under full warranty, probably you will also have the CPO extended warranty if you follow your previous choice. So you would really have no worries. I guess you could fore-go the CPO if you get manual and save some money, but going no warranty is always a scary thought, even with a manual!
Stick with the SMG. If you get a CPO car then most of the trouble will be covered with the execption of the clutch which wont be covered in the 6 speed anyhow. You can outshift the SMG and the downshifts with the throttle blips are amazing, especially with the Tubi exhaust. And the CPO will cover most of the issues anyways so you dont have to worry so much.
If you want a true manual car then go to a M3 coupe. The larger GT cars are better suited for the SMG. JMO!!
I always shop for CPO cars because I know how expensive these cars are to repair and maintain post warranty.
My previous E39 M5 was CPO and ahd a manual transmission. I had zero issues with my M5.
My 2006 as I mentioned is also CPO and that is the reason again I am selling because CPO is about to expire.
I really like SMG and everyone is right - I really dont have anything to worry about as CPO is 6 years or 100K miles and everything is covered except for clutch and flywheel and other normal wear and tear items. So most likely I will go SMG again.
I just wanted to hear what kind of issues members here have experienced with manual transmission on an M6.
My only concern is the hassle of the car breaking down leaving me stranded on the road.
When I had the SMG issue, I was left stranded on the road waiting for a flat bed for almost 2 hours, and that happened twice.
These situation is when you start hating BMW for building cars that are not very reliable.
I just hope BMW is doing its best improving its reliability record because nothing is more frustrating than car breaking down in the middle of the road somewhere and we sit and wait for a couple of hours waiting for a flat bed to show up. Worse part is - its embarrassing.....
Evolve ECU Tune, Tubi Rumore exhaust, BBS RGR rims; Polk Audio Tweeters, 5500K Osram Cool Blue HID,Valentine 1 Radar Detector; Laser Interceptor Laser Jammer; All LED interior lights, LED footwell lights, LED trunk lights, Ultimate Cup Holders, 3rd brake light LED flasher, ash tray delete; LED license plate lights; RPI Ram Air Scoops + Block off plates; BMC Air Filters.......
When I had the SMG issue, I was left stranded on the road waiting for a flat bed for almost 2 hours, and that happened twice.
These situation is when you start hating BMW for building cars that are not very reliable.
I just hope BMW is doing its best improving its reliability record because nothing is more frustrating than car breaking down in the middle of the road somewhere and we sit and wait for a couple of hours waiting for a flat bed to show up. Worse part is - its embarrassing.....
This is a great point, back when I was in college and saw someone with his 6 figure car dead on the side of the road it was easy to feel satisfaction. It makes the have-not's feel better to see the have's with their stuff broken. My perspective is different now. But you have the satisfaction of still having a nicer car, even if it is not working at that moment.
This is the reason that I even though I stuck with run-flats (liked the fact that my Wife does not have to worry about being stuck on the side of the road waiting for roadside) I bought a spare tire kit. I only load it up when we take road trips, don't want to be in the boonies and have to wait hours for a tow truck! Around town the run-flats have saved her a couple of times.
I have made good use of my CPO also, probably around $5,000 in various repairs (dynamic drive block, steering wheel angle sensor, mechatronic tranny sleeve thing, top unlock error, failed windshield washer pump). It is a good thing, although I do associate you with that beautiful color M6 so it would be weird seeing it changed to Blue...
Ya gotta figure that BMW made minor SMG tweaks each year targeting reliability on the hardware side and driveability in the software. It would seem to be logical business sense to limit repairs and complaints. If you do go SMG, you'll certainly be able to tell us if they tweaked it over its run in the M6. The V10 is ridiculous fun with a 6-speed, and a bit better controlled (civil) in day-to-day traffic I'd say.
I have an 08 6 speed (had it for 2-3 months so by no means an expert).
I did not choose the SMG for 4 reasons
1) I consider it financial suicide to own one unless you are seriously rich. The main reason why the M6 depreciates like it does and most aftermarket companies will not warranty it has to be SMG related troubles (I dont have proof). The technology was a cutting edge research project when it was launched in 06, and its reliability is atrocious. I dont know about BMW fans, but I personally feel this kind of reliability is ridiculous. Every week there is an SMG failure post, all the Bimmer shops I called before I bought my car told me to stay away from the SMG, even BMW of Seattle seemed understanding when I joked about SMG failures. They need to recall that (pardon my language) POS.
2) I consider the time wasted in fixing it unacceptable.
3) If you are buying a sports car, IMHO a stick is such a key part of that experience I feel people who drive autos (despite their acceleration advantages) will always miss out. There is a certain oldschool pleasure in driving a FE, NA, RWD 6 speed. After all, the bullet train is a ton faster, doesn’t mean I want to ride it everyday!
4) As an engineer, I always prefer the system that is the simplest. All things equal it will be more reliable. Since I like to baby, own and enjoy my cars for a very long time, this is important to me. SMG is not simple.
That said, I do see the value of a well sorted out dual clutch tranny, but the SMG is not one of them and regardless, I will always seek out the stick.
Mods: Dinan Exhaust, 9500IX Detector, Calipers with M Badge, M Custom Mats, Front plate delete, Tint, CF license plate holder, Custom Plates, CF Front splitter, Blinder M27 Extreme with custom mounting, Custom Clear Bra Kit with full hood, A-pillars, doors etc
Next Near Term Customizations
12 F 15 R mm H&R Spacers
Delete Charcoal Filters
Long Term Wish List
RPI Scoops, RPI Filters, RPI Block Off Plates
Tune
Headers (Undecided)
Gone but not forgotten
- Audi TT 225 Quattro 6 Speed, Revo Stage 2, Borla Turbo Back, Custom Mats, Stage 2 Brakes with stainless steel braided lines, ceramic pads, Silicone Intake Hose, DV, Aluminum Billet Shift Knob, Custom Plates, Pioneer Bluetooth Audio
Memorable cars I've driven
| 2011 Audi S4: Best handling, grip, comfort balance in real world roads | 2011 Dodge Challenge R/T: Personification of muscle car, awesome comfy highway/boulevard cruiser with looks to match, great burnouts | 2012 Camaro SS: Gets stares everywhere, pulls like a locomotive | E36 M3: Best M3 made, bar none. Most nimble car I've driven | 2008 Evo X: Bionically connected to your brain | 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage: The exhaust note is pure music | 2012 Boss 302 Mustang: Raw, loud, V8 Vantage for the redneck |Buddies tuned 580 HP/550torque E55AMG: Spins the wheels at 60mph!
The only negative of a MT is that the gearing is not quite where it should be. But I am sure that can be fixed with a 3.91 diff.
On the other hand, I think I can use the SMG very well (most of the time). And that allows me to shift gears without the jerks and bangs. And when I am in ttraffic, I am really glad I don't have to push another pedal.
Still, I will not be the one driving that car everyday. So Dan should choose what he thinks he will like best.
My best wishes and prayers for you and yours.
Hasan
hmm, all I have as a tag option is a THANK YOU and LIKE for the post of your car on the flatbed. I really wanted to tag it with a Hate or Dislike for seeing it being towed.
On a positive you at least were using the tow companies gas.
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