BMW's Best Kept Secret - Why The F13 M6 is a Performance BARGAIN 

Absolute peak of BMW design. All three sixes are outrageously beautiful cars IMHO, the Gran Coupé especially so.

The looks of these are underrated. Easily one of the best looking bmws ever imo.

I remember working at an independent used prestige car dealership a few years back and we had a Grand Coupe version of this, with an interior made from offcuts of David Dickinson. 3 guys came in and bought it outright in cash, and they took it immediately to get it remapped, hooned it around London until early hours of the morning, and blew the engine up that night, only to try and blame us for selling them a car with a dud engine

A friend of mine had one of these with a few modifications. It was north of 700bhp. Comfortably one of the fastest cars I've ever sat in.

The 4 door - Gran Coupe - version is even nicer and better looking to my eyes, not to mention more practical.

A wealthy guy from the village were I used to live got one of those and in the weeks after, parallel black stripes started to appear all over the village. Took me a couple years to figure out the connection.

Those S63 engines do me a big scare

It's not a bargain as long as you're the one who's got to maintain it.

The shots of you bouncing around in the seat and just peering over the steering wheel reminds me of Penfold in danger mouse😊

As usual a superb review, Thank you for making pretty much the most "real" car content out there.

In South Africa where I'm from both the M5 and M6 of this generation are one of the best bargin performance cars ever. There many, many examples of the M3/M4 that way cost more than the M6. This is one car I wish and will own one day.

As a F06 640D Gran Coupe owner, I fully agree with what you're saying here Jay! Great review. For those worried about running costs, definitely take a look at the diesel if outside of ULEZ... Cheaper tax, cheaper insurance, up to 50mpg on a run and can be remapped for some great gains (of course your mileage may vary). And if you want the kids in the back and a couple of cases in the boot, settle on the Gran Coupe... You will not get better value for money!

I LOVE this thing. specifically the coupe version. I don't see them that often at car shows but when I do I drool a little bit. It's understated yet elegant. It's also an insane performance car. Hopefully I'll get one some day.

What has concerned me for so long about these is the number that I see for sale saying "new engine fitted by BMW under warranty", what is going wrong with the engines?

Fantastic car. That Top Gear episode with the Gran Coupe made me fall in love with the performance of these cars.

I upgraded from a 2007 650i to a 2014 M6 (both manual) here in the U.S. It is an amazingly fast and practical grand-tourer with a stunning interior and great looks. The first owner spec:ed it with carbon ceramic brakes (not a Competition) so it stops and goes better than anything I have ever owned (including Porsches). The acceleration from 60 mph to autobahn speeds is inadvisable but intoxicating. Inexpensive Dinan tune to close to 700 HP. With fastidious maintenance, the car (and engine) have been completely trouble-free and I think the reputation comes from poorly maintained cars. ❤

I’ve been obsessed with the bangle 6 series and then the f13, all body styles since they came out. The 8 series is a worthy successor too in my opinion. I’ve always been more attracted to these super GTs than to similarly priced sports cars. Lovely video as always. I’ve paused several times just to admire it. I also didn’t understand the introduction of the gran coupes but they are gorgeous, the 4 and the 6, definitely not the 2 series gran coupe 😅

That M steering wheel is one of my all time favourites. FYI appreciate your wide ranging adjectives to describe how a car looks. Not all good looking cars are just pretty.

So pleased to hear what you have to say about the M6. I used to have an M6 GC, Which does benefit from the rear doors but I wouldn't say is massively roomier in the back. The b&o stereo is well worth the cost; one of the best car stereos I've ever heard. I bought it as a replacement for a lotus Elise due to a new baby. And I'm happy to say I shared a lot the same views as you. Though I would add that the gearbox is absolutely useless in eco mode. It was extraordinarily fast without too much drama... the closest to time travel I've ever experienced. I would also warn anyone in a similar situation that the running cost were ruinous! I have no idea how the owner is managing to get 28 MPG. I would average 22 on a run and 16 having fun. Consumables were very costly. Putting some PS4 Sports on it transformed the car. My gearbox developed an issue and BMW wanted 15k to fix. That said, I found a place in Wales that replaced it for £4.5. Overall including depreciation fuel and consumables. I spent 15-20K in 2 years. So let's hope James is pulling in some good tips at the restaurant. Despite the cost, I had some great times with the car, but I couldn't say I ever really fell in love with it. This is probably more due to my personal preferences: little and light vs big and brutish. When I started working fully remote I chopped it in for a Caterham and a cheap run around. Far happy with that.

Been waiting for a video like this for ages! M6 prices on autotrader have always seemed weirdly undervalued... Thanks for the content as always James!

I think the 4 door version looks even better. We had one like this coupe and one in silver at the dealership I worked at.

My boss in my first job had one of these, although it was the Gran Coupe. Probably one of the most gorgeous cars that I've seen (and heard!) in my life. I've never been a BMW guy but this thing really made me doubt

I bought one of the last F06 Gran Coupes brand new, pre-registered that the dealer couldn't get shot of in 2018: I paid just £38K for it. This for a car with a list price which was around £80k at the time with the options it had. Best value car I ever purchased.

i slowly find my self only interested in your content...... believe it or not it's so soothing and satisfying to watch . keeps me motivated and i feel like it's a realistic review of cars we can all aspire to drive it's a passion not just a car

Regardless of the maintenance worries these are beautiful cars in the right colour

Maybe it's you, but it's probably just me - I felt some of your videos a while back were a bit shouty, and unsubscribed, but after the Carver video, I've now binge watched half a dozen recent ones and really appreciate your honesty and enthusiasm - enjoyed every one of them. Commented on every one and subscribed. Hope you're doing well, thanks for the entertainment.

i had the pleasure of owning an m5 f10 14' with the facelift for about 2 years, schmiedmann full system up to the downpipes, was and still is the most amazing car ive ever driven. such a unique feeling when that turbo just catches you. its definitely a real drivers car no doubt about it.

I'm currently on my third BMW and the 6-series lives rent-free in my heart as it was my first car ever ('89 E24 635CSi). I then went on to an E38 which is arguably the best large sedan ever made, onto which I put enough miles in two years to go around the world three times. Now I have a sensible and economical FF30 328i which, once it serves out its remaining years as a livery service car, I intend to modify into a hooligan. That all being said, I've been looking in to which would be my next daily-driven BMW and have been really loving the aesthetics of the F13. Great video!

I have been sweating over a 650Ci F13 , the car is 21.000€ here in Romania and I am a small town lawyer. I have inquired into running costs and it would be 1800 euro a year property tax, 1000 euro a year insurence (and I am the highest class least risk), about 1 to 1,5k euro per year in petrol ( I live in an ultracentral part of town and would put 6 to 10 k miles a year on the car), service costs and the odd repair would be a 500 to 1000 euro budget a year and other bits and bobs that would be a couple hundred euro. I find it a huge expense even though I own my house rent free, no outstanding finance on my name, no mortgage and earning about 40 to 50k euro each year. I wish I could be bolder and riskier like James … but at this time having 5000 euro on hold each year to run a dream car is not viable…. And the roads here are rubbish. I love these videos and to be honest they give me hope of letting up and taking on a dash of self indulgence. Good on you James and I hope you keep at it for as long as you can!

James mentioned that you have to rev the engine out to get the best from it. This was mapped in deliberately by BMW in order to reward the driver for revving the engine. It was to try and give the engines power delivery a level of character in order to try and make it feel special like the V10 predicessor.

I've got a 2017 640 and I can't fault it. Looks amazing and drives how you want it to. Would love to try the M6. Keeping with the 640 though as I squeak when I walk.😂

Watching from Germany. E63 m6 owner

I haven't loved much from their design house lately, but the man's right, that's a damn good looking automobile. Always bringing the goods, Jay, we appreciate you.

Still hunting for a used M6 with newly replaced CC breaks. Hell finding any M model BMW around 50k miles with new breaks is a challenge.

I honestly love this generation M6..it’s absolutely gorgeous 🔥

I bought a gc last year and it has been one of the best cars I've owned. 🤩

"The ultimate driving machine." Until the warranty runs out!!!

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and one of the best looking BMWs ever. They nailed the design, and it looks spectacular in that San Marino Blue shade.

Thank you - enjoyed that

Great video, thanks for shedding light on this performance bargain.

James forgot to emphasize how violent these cars are... They really pull hard once you step on them. You'd easily land in your neighbours sitting room if you not well experienced.

I’ve legitimately only seen one of these on the road, the video title is pretty accurate. Also, are there any other exhaust manufacturers other than Akrapovič anymore?? Everybody has them it seems.

I own one of these and I've been eagerly waiting for a review from James

Thank you for telling more people about the 6 series, nobody knows about these cars, but maybe it should stay that way!

It'd rather have this generation of the BMW 6-Series than any maserati quattroporte or 4 series, very lucky owner gorgeous machine ! Great Video James

Your intro music is one of my favorites on RU-vid

I find your points about 6 series ownerships to perfectly match what I found here in Canada. 6s are unbeatable value for money, yet onlookers (mostly old men) notice and compliment the car. And insurance is hilariously cheap in relation to other cars my friends own (I too am a younger guy). The sound system, styling, features, build quality, and driving dynamics are all great. Upkeep is where you pay it back it seems, so in a way if nothing breaks, you save money and drive a sweet car (you win), if it does break, you pay what everyone else pays for a nice car... which is still not a bad proposition

As per some other commenters, M6 Gran Coupe edges the traditional coupe for me. Having had one for about 7 months now I believe it sacrifices a very small amount of straight line speed and dynamics for increased practicality and a more comfortable ride. Mines got the competition pack and I’d still describe it as pretty easy to live with in comfort mode.

I’m know it sips from the black pump. But I have a 640 Grand Coup, all the car you’ll ever need and it looks stunning in the car park or on the drive. Thinking that the M6CG is the next purchase especially as they are actually cheap to get into than the M6 coup

Canada is wonderfully priced as well....My 2004 645Ci conv was $12,000cdn and it has a SMG which I love....Best car I have ever had,,,,

Again James a great review, I have to agree the 6 series in any guise is a hidden BMW gem, having and currently owning an E63 the F13 6 series looks like a worthy replacement when I decide to change, but that will be a long way off as I love the V8 sound from m my 645’s N62 4.4 naturally aspirated V8

Brilliant video

Owned 2 f13 M6gc with competition package, now a M8 gc competition. The M6s were special cars, and more than fast enough.

this review needs more attention!!!

Regarding BMW prices, I feel like I often see a 1-series or a 3-series for the same if not more than a 5 or a 6, too. They really do stay at about the same price point. I feel like it's because of what these cars offer. Each of them are some of the best in their respective category.

I had two M6 Gran Coupes from new, a pre LCI 2014 car in Space grey, fantastic, so a year later when the LCI comp pack came out with 600bhp I got one of those in Singapore grey, Sakhir orange interior, speced it up with most of the tech you could option, such a wonderful car, daily, sports, family, surprisingly cheap to run, reliable, handled incredibly well for it's size. Sadly it was stolen at 3.5 years old, never to be seen again, miss the beast, if you are thinking of getting one they really are a brilliant platform, very well made. Later LCI M's had full leather to the dash and the later full active LED headlights.

Hands down my favourite front end on any BMW. Masterpiece. Im dying for the G87 M2 , but that is like Picasso beside this Mona Lisa

One of the most beautiful cars ever made, great interior too. The engine had some issues though. Inspired the 4 series.

I had the grand coupe version of this car like this.... its absolutely fantastic. It does it all. Perfect for the motorway

Its actually a great car, can do one lap around a track as fast as an M2/3/4 and is so much better on the road to live with everyday while having the 560/575/600hp V8 with the dual clutch and hydraulic steering. Absolutely brilliant.

I’ve got a 640i coupe..... absolutely love it. Still got my 630i with n52 engine. Absolutely solid cars and I won’t be selling either of them. I’ll be adding a 840i coupe when they hit under 30k..... not long to go now!

I have a late f82 cp, and thinking of changing to a g82? Do you think that's a good idea or should I consider this? I am reconsidering due to running costs and always go to bmw for service needs . Great review btw.

The convertible version of the M6 was and still is a stunning looking car

He must get some stunning tips from his patrons😮

I remember driving one of these when they were new and it felt pretty easy to stick into a hedge 🤣

Always been a fan of the F-chassis 6 as well as the M6. Much nicer than the bangle-butt model and I was considering on getting a 640d when I was 21 but ended up with the XF. Considered it again (as well as other cars) last year but felt the tech would show its age by now, so got the F-Type instead.

Literally my favorite car of all cars, more so the grandcoup my friend uncle had one. I hope there's some good condition low mileage ones left when i get out the airforce in 5 years 🥺

Watching from Canada

One of the most beautiful beemers. Would love to have this over a 5 series diesel but its just so fricking more expensive than his 5 series F10 brother.

Greetings from Trinidad (🇹🇹) Jay 👋🏼

Very good car James with very nice SILVER wheels!!

Ha! Went straight on autotrader looking at these after your 650 vid

Beautiful spec

Impressive content.

M6 massive looker. And a grower. And a Brute. As said. A lot right on the styling front. They do very well on trade site auctions at wholesale. Maybe it’s traders wanting a smoker

Love my 640d! And coming from a 630i... I'd love maybe an M6 next. I think Jay's spot on when it comes to the 4 series killing it. I love the 4 series BTW, and think they are better in some ways. But I also think the market has just moved on from big 2 door coupes, long ago. Someone in the comments asked if these are considered an old mans car? Yea I think they kinda are (the Jag XKR even more so), thats no bad thing though. They just aren't fashionable, anymore. I often photograph young folks cars, and my big 6ix carries all my photography gear. The big 6ix doesn't get so much as get a 2nd glance from the younger crowd.

The M6 is a motorway/Highway monster. It opens up at 100mph+ and you then realize how fast and composed it is. Driving 40mph through narrow, winding single lane English village roads doesn't do it justice for proper review.

It's bloody awesome until it goes bang.

From Hungary here you can’t find nice ones from 2013 up under 40k euros most I see for sale are above 50k after 2014

The prices you are talking about blow my mind. It's literally double the price here in Sweden.

@JayEmm - you should review this against the Merc S63 coupe (the 4L C217 not the 5.5L) if you're going to compare grand tourers (though, those aren't in the £20k bracket in all fairness)

Compared to the Chris Bangle 6-series, this M6 is a pure beauty. But, I would say it's "just" very nice, good looking, blend of class et sport. And, indeed, this is a very good car to drive. 8/10 Thx for all the info I could not even remember (if I ever knew all the details, ahem)

You are right. It's a handsome car. I like it

Love these - carbon black GC like the one Clarkson had in the Australian trip in Top Gear would be my choice

I just checked the prices here in the states and this gen M6 are going for $25k-50k. Shoot I had the M2 on my list for future purchases which would be around $40k. This might be a better deal to get more car for the same or even less money

Would really love to hear James' opinion on the normal 6 or M6 Gran Coupe...

Seems to be a few comments especially from owners on/of the 640d Grand Coupe! Looks like it's on my shortlist for next purchase (hopefully soon) How about a review of one of those James 🤔🤔🤔

These look great (and huge) in gran coupe format.

In my country the early examples go for around 35k

What is the potential bork factor in these? And how can you minimise the chance of future borkage when buying one?

TY 🙏🙏

Great narrating.

I do like these!

Here in Canada BMWs are priced as follows from cheapest to most expensive, 2. 3, 4, 5, 6 then 7 series. I have an M2 on order which is priced similar to an RS3, The RS3 is no longer sold in Canada so I'll be having my first Bimmer. Cheers.

Would love you to review the 8 series

Does the Competition version of this engine perform any better reliability-wise? Very tempted by one of these but I’ve heard horror stories about the S63 engine.

Great review, but now you have to do one on Mercedes E Coupe!

Wow, the sales difference and price difference is crazy. In the US it maters what model it is and trim. Though i will say E63 6 series have dropped like crazy in price. So have the used F12 w around 80k+ miles on them. I will say the price killing point on the bmw is related to what people repair costs are. Inown both and absolutely love them both!

one of these in australia is 120K AUD so around 60k gbp

I have an E63 650i and I have recently realised that when it comes to replacing it, I’m in a quandary because I like the lack of flash while still being rapid and relatively inexpensive to run, and the F-Gen 6-Series is difficult to ignore, because it is more of the same; good looking, has understated class but is still rapid.