Thinking of buying a 2006 M6!

Dvdman · 09-20-2023, 09:46 AM

It's been a while since I have posted. I am on my second BMW (X5) and seriously thinking of going to look at 2006 M6 (77K miles) today. I have always wanted this car. It sounds great and looks incredible. My kids are both at college and I have room in the garage to use this M6 as a weekend car. I hear all the bearing and vanos issues, but I think I might take the risk if I can get it under $17K. Please let me know if you think it's more of a headache than owning my dream car. Now is the time I can do so. Wife isnt thrilled about getting an old car, but she doesn't understand the M6 V10. I don't mind dumping some $ in it to make it perfect, but always worry about getting that lemon. If they let me take it to inspect it, can a mechanic do a thorough inspection to spot any major issues? Any advice appreciated!

Chihuahua · 09-20-2023, 01:10 PM

Fantastic car as long as you know what you're getting into. How familiar are you with the S85s Achilles heels? High pressure VANOS pump, throttle actuators, and at 77k it's time to start thinking about rod bearings. I think anything S85 powered could potentially be worth money in a few years as long as you have a good example, it's the only V10 BMW ever put in a road car and it'll never, EVER happen again. Sure, you can have a mechanic look at it but none of those aforementioned common S85 failure points will show up with a visual inspection. Being an '06 I'll assume it hasn't been manual converted, so the SMG pump is another common failure point. How DIY handy are you?

pshep138 · 09-20-2023, 01:14 PM

If you're going in to it knowing you're going to have to spend some money to bulletproof it, I think you'll be fine. Make a friend at a good indie European repair shop and read up on all of the data on S85s out there and you'll be good.

My dealership traded for one several months ago, it was an '06 with 32k miles. I looked at buying it for myself as a fun project car and potential long-term hold and flip opportunity (we owned it for something like $16,000), but the driver's side VANOS pump was howling so loudly you could hear it with the hood closed, so I decided to pass on it since I'd just bought my M4 and didn't need ANOTHER BMW to sink money into.

Dvdman · 09-20-2023, 02:23 PM

I am not very handy but I have a good BMW Mechanic that I trust. I am prepared to put $ into it. I am just worried about getting a car with a hidden lemon problem. I will get it inspected. I am looking to have fun with it. I can get it for about $15k, so that gives me room to put money into it. The Carfax looks very clean if that means anything.

Dvdman · 09-20-2023, 04:49 PM

So....I finally test drove a 2006 M6. Wow! Unbelievable. It had the EISENMANN EXHAUST and sounded perfect. It wasn't a smooth shift when driving. It was a little jerky in automatic, but it was mixed in with all that power. Maybe I am not used to it. It didn't disappoint. Is it supposed to be that way? I am getting it checked out by a mechanic tomorrow.

MJBO · 09-20-2023, 05:12 PM

I’m surprised you don’t know that the SMG cars are a bit of a jerky mess at low speeds

I keep my eye on E60 M5s, when I have the space I’d love to get one. Especially with the goal of a manual swap.

CSBM5 · 09-21-2023, 04:59 AM

Spend some time on the M5board and really get to know and understand the intricacies of the platform. There were some important updates to the S85 through time. For example, S85 cars built through Dec 2006 build date had only one oil pan drain plug, and therefore left 2.5L (85 ounces) of oil in the front part of the pan at each change. So unless this car has been retrofitted with the newer oil pan or has a modified original pan, it's lived its life that way which given the rod bearing situation surely isn't desirable.

Similar situation with the VANOS drive gear receiving larger teeth and the solenoids being improved in that Jan 2007 and onward built S85s. Highly desirable update.

Here's one link with some details on S85 improvements where the poster divides it into series 1, 2, 3; initial, Jan2007 and on, Mar2008 and on.

Dvdman · 09-21-2023, 07:59 AM

The 2006 M6 I'm looking at is listed for $15K. I was anticipating things to be replaced. if the rod bearings need to be replaced, I'm in to the car for about $20K. I'm sure there there will be many other issues. I am going to get it inspected today or tomorrow, but I don't think they can really inspect the rod bearings, can they? If I end up having to put in another $10K (hopefully not) would it be a good deal for a M6 that has no issues?

Chihuahua · 09-21-2023, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dvdman

The 2006 M6 I'm looking at is listed for $15K. I was anticipating things to be replaced. if the rod bearings need to be replaced, I'm in to the car for about $20K. I'm sure there there will be many other issues. I am going to get it inspected today or tomorrow, but I don't think they can really inspect the rod bearings, can they? If I end up having to put in another $10K (hopefully not) would it be a good deal for a M6 that has no issues?

Nope, no way to really visually inspect those. Setting aside $10K is a smart idea. I looked into an E60 M5 before I bought the car I have now. The trottle actuators didn't scare me, my biggest concern with the S85 is the high pressure VANOS pump. My opinion on all of these V10 powered BMWs is that if you can get a good example and maintain it they're some of the coolest BMWs available and it won't surprise me to see values start to rise. Manual E60 M5s are going for quite a bit of money already. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

Rafichicago · 09-22-2023, 10:12 AM

I would honestly avoid 06 and try to get into 08 or later. With a little time and effort it’s worth getting LCI with oil pan updates. Rod bearings are less of an issue than in M3s and those engines don’t have problems with main bearings like s65 motors do. They’re not as often but they’re there and surprisingly in LCI s65 cars. Look up M539 restorations on YouTube. My long time friend has 2010 with manual. Phenomenal cars if you know what you’re getting into. He has low milage one and didn’t do bearings yet. Only thing he had problem with was leaky oil cooler.anyway with those cars you will spend your many regardless. It’s up to you to decide if you should do it when purchasing or later when fixing it up. Some Parts are not exactly inexpensive and exclusive for that platform. Good luck with your search.

pbonsalb · 09-22-2023, 10:57 AM

I think an M6 with S85 would be fun. I had an M3 with S65 for 10 years. I agree with getting a later model if possible. And either be able to DIY or have a good independent BMW specialist and be willing to spend thousands. I did rod bearings on my M3 as preventative maintenance at 60k when my warranty ran out. I understand the S85 has the same RB issues with potentially fatal cold sequences.

Redd · 09-22-2023, 08:14 PM

S6x M5/M6 are amazing cars. I hang out with a big group of S85 owners and they are so much fun. These guys thrash them every weekend with zero issues. AFAIK, the only main issue are the rod bearings. 2007+ fixed the VANOS pump issue so definitely get 2007 or newer.

Throttle actuators etc just replace when u get errors. SMG is not as smooth as DCT but you can make it smoother by lifting during upshifts. Many M5 owners tell me they like their SMG so it can't be that bad. But that S85 is one cracker of an engine. When I'm chasing my friend's M5 with straight pipes, I can't even hear my own straight piped M3. It's just nuts. Lol

Dvdman · 09-23-2023, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redd

S6x M5/M6 are amazing cars. I hang out with a big group of S85 owners and they are so much fun. These guys thrash them every weekend with zero issues. AFAIK, the only main issue are the rod bearings. 2007+ fixed the VANOS pump issue so definitely get 2007 or newer.

Throttle actuators etc just replace when u get errors. SMG is not as smooth as DCT but you can make it smoother by lifting during upshifts. Many M5 owners tell me they like their SMG so it can't be that bad. But that S85 is one cracker of an engine. When I'm chasing my friend's M5 with straight pipes, I can't even hear my own straight piped M3. It's just nuts. Lol

Good to know. I see a bunch of 2006s. Ill keep an eye out for 2007.

chassis · 09-23-2023, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dvdman

I am just worried about getting a car with a hidden lemon problem.

What people are saying on this thread, is that the S85 is the (un)hidden lemon problem.

There is nothing more expensive than a cheap high end German car. This thread has all of the written on it. By way of comparison, I wouldn't touch a $15k 17 year old M275 V12 Mercedes with any length pole. Probably wouldn't touch a $15k 17 year old M156 6.2L Mercedes with a 10 foot pole. Same for a $15k 18 year old M96 or M97 engined 911. Just don't do it.

You sound like you are on a budget, and this is not the car for what appears to be your situation. If you were an intermediate or advanced DIY, this would be a different story. But you say you are not. Red lights flashing all over the place on this.

Redd · 09-23-2023, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chassis

You sound like you are on a budget, and this is not the car for what appears to be your situation. If you were an intermediate or advanced DIY, this would be a different story. But you say you are not. Red lights flashing all over the place on this.

This I agree. No M car is a good idea if you're on a tight budget....

CSBM5 · 09-25-2023, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dvdman

Good to know. I see a bunch of 2006s. Ill keep an eye out for 2007.

Read the link I posted above about the S85 evolution. Just a "2007" model isn't good enough to get away from the initial small vanos gear and the one drain plug oil pan that leaves over 2qts in the pan during oil changes along with a few other things. For that you need a production date of Jan 2007 or onward which is smack in the middle of the USA "2007" model year production. Note: March 2007 production started the "2008" model year for the M5 in the USA, and it had a long run to end of July 2008. I assume that is similar for the M6. Just an FYI.

Bingham · 09-25-2023, 05:05 PM

That’s the appeal of this car…it wants to lure you in. It’s sexy sinister looking. And when it’s right- it’s a once in a generation car/engine…as an earlier post suggested- there will never be another one like it.

I owned an 07 w/ MT. It shifts like you would expect a BMW to…not bad it’s just not direct/crisp. IMO lack of torque at the low/mid end lets this car down…beyond 90-100 mph in higher revs it is utterly ridiculous. Not sure when/where youre going to do that regularly outside of track conditions.

But really, every time a dong went off it in the cabin- it would induce a “what’s broken now” panic attack. Just not a fun experience…engine is fragile af. VANOS codes and cylinder misfire errors were weekly at one point. Also loves to eat rear wheels…throttle position may vary tire life.

You have a spare pot of gold…well, hell yes. IMO, this engine will break you- even if you have an assertive budget.

Good luck with your decision. Making me want to find one now…dam u e60.

B.

mjr24 · 09-26-2023, 02:33 AM

I also had a LCI M6 convertible back when it was new….sounded amazing in a tunnel. Didn’t enjoy the 10 MPG.

Dvdman · 09-26-2023, 10:19 AM

I found a 2007 with 42K miles on it. I am making plans to look at it. It is in another state unfortunately.

PixelVogue · 09-26-2023, 04:13 PM

LCI model would be the one to have. Warm it up properly before giving it a blast. Just a very slight lift off the throttle (like a manual gearbox) when changing up or down and it is pretty smooth.
Keep a slush fund because you will need it, regular oil changes.
Buy shares in Shell and enjoy

Dvdman · 09-27-2023, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PixelVogue

LCI model would be the one to have. Warm it up properly before giving it a blast. Just a very slight lift off the throttle (like a manual gearbox) when changing up or down and it is pretty smooth.
Keep a slush fund because you will need it, regular oil changes.
Buy shares in Shell and enjoy

That's what I hear. I plan to use it as a weekend car. I have an X5. I am putting a lift in the garage. Kids are all in college now and I thought it might be time to get something for myself that I have always wanted. Hopefully, the car inspection checks out. I appreciate all the advice.

Chriswhips · 10-01-2023, 12:08 AM

Can be a love or hate situation. I've also thought about purchasing a 2005 M5 with the V10 but I've heard complete nightmares from pervious owners.
Rod bearings, vanos , smg components or even just the trans in general go
bad because of the age of the vehicle and it's just not reliable.
If you able to find one that has a manual transmission from factory,
you will eliminate half of the problems with the car.
Very expensive to own due to maintenance and the common problems you have to worry about.
If you are willing to put in another 5-10k to just get it running properly, it would be a fun buy.

09-20-2023, 09:46 AM	#1
Dvdman Major 168 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: 2022 X5 and 2007 M6 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (2)	Thinking of buying a 2006 M6! It's been a while since I have posted. I am on my second BMW (X5) and seriously thinking of going to look at 2006 M6 (77K miles) today. I have always wanted this car. It sounds great and looks incredible. My kids are both at college and I have room in the garage to use this M6 as a weekend car. I hear all the bearing and vanos issues, but I think I might take the risk if I can get it under $17K. Please let me know if you think it's more of a headache than owning my dream car. Now is the time I can do so. Wife isnt thrilled about getting an old car, but she doesn't understand the M6 V10. I don't mind dumping some $ in it to make it perfect, but always worry about getting that lemon. If they let me take it to inspect it, can a mechanic do a thorough inspection to spot any major issues? Any advice appreciated!
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09-20-2023, 01:10 PM	#2
Chihuahua Brigadier General 4077 Rep 3,204 Posts Drives: E30 329iS, E65 Alpina B7 Join Date: May 2012 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	Fantastic car as long as you know what you're getting into. How familiar are you with the S85s Achilles heels? High pressure VANOS pump, throttle actuators, and at 77k it's time to start thinking about rod bearings. I think anything S85 powered could potentially be worth money in a few years as long as you have a good example, it's the only V10 BMW ever put in a road car and it'll never, EVER happen again. Sure, you can have a mechanic look at it but none of those aforementioned common S85 failure points will show up with a visual inspection. Being an '06 I'll assume it hasn't been manual converted, so the SMG pump is another common failure point. How DIY handy are you?
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09-20-2023, 01:14 PM	#3
pshep138 Private First Class 179 Rep 112 Posts Drives: 2020 M4 Competition Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Omaha iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M4 ZCP [10.00] 2015 Audi S4 [5.00]	If you're going in to it knowing you're going to have to spend some money to bulletproof it, I think you'll be fine. Make a friend at a good indie European repair shop and read up on all of the data on S85s out there and you'll be good. My dealership traded for one several months ago, it was an '06 with 32k miles. I looked at buying it for myself as a fun project car and potential long-term hold and flip opportunity (we owned it for something like $16,000), but the driver's side VANOS pump was howling so loudly you could hear it with the hood closed, so I decided to pass on it since I'd just bought my M4 and didn't need ANOTHER BMW to sink money into.
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09-20-2023, 02:23 PM	#4
Dvdman Major 168 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: 2022 X5 and 2007 M6 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (2)	I am not very handy but I have a good BMW Mechanic that I trust. I am prepared to put $ into it. I am just worried about getting a car with a hidden lemon problem. I will get it inspected. I am looking to have fun with it. I can get it for about $15k, so that gives me room to put money into it. The Carfax looks very clean if that means anything.
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09-20-2023, 04:49 PM	#5
Dvdman Major 168 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: 2022 X5 and 2007 M6 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (2)	So....I finally test drove a 2006 M6. Wow! Unbelievable. It had the EISENMANN EXHAUST and sounded perfect. It wasn't a smooth shift when driving. It was a little jerky in automatic, but it was mixed in with all that power. Maybe I am not used to it. It didn't disappoint. Is it supposed to be that way? I am getting it checked out by a mechanic tomorrow.
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09-20-2023, 05:12 PM	#6
MJBO Major 2616 Rep 1,459 Posts Drives: 2023 G81 M3 Touring Join Date: May 2012 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 23 BMW M3 Touring [0.00] 22 Toyota LC 300 [0.00]	I’m surprised you don’t know that the SMG cars are a bit of a jerky mess at low speeds I keep my eye on E60 M5s, when I have the space I’d love to get one. Especially with the goal of a manual swap.
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09-21-2023, 04:59 AM	#7
CSBM5 Brigadier General 2723 Rep 3,337 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Comp, 2011 M3, etc Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Greenville, SC iTrader: (2)	Spend some time on the M5board and really get to know and understand the intricacies of the platform. There were some important updates to the S85 through time. For example, S85 cars built through Dec 2006 build date had only one oil pan drain plug, and therefore left 2.5L (85 ounces) of oil in the front part of the pan at each change. So unless this car has been retrofitted with the newer oil pan or has a modified original pan, it's lived its life that way which given the rod bearing situation surely isn't desirable. Similar situation with the VANOS drive gear receiving larger teeth and the solenoids being improved in that Jan 2007 and onward built S85s. Highly desirable update. Here's one link with some details on S85 improvements where the poster divides it into series 1, 2, 3; initial, Jan2007 and on, Mar2008 and on. __________________ Current Stable: 2024 G20 M340i Melbourne Red/Cognac 2019 F87 M2 Competition 6MT, LBB, slicktop, exec pkg 2007 E91 328i Silver, slushbox, Eibach fr/E93 M3 rear sway bars, ARC-8
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09-21-2023, 07:59 AM	#8
Dvdman Major 168 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: 2022 X5 and 2007 M6 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (2)	The 2006 M6 I'm looking at is listed for $15K. I was anticipating things to be replaced. if the rod bearings need to be replaced, I'm in to the car for about $20K. I'm sure there there will be many other issues. I am going to get it inspected today or tomorrow, but I don't think they can really inspect the rod bearings, can they? If I end up having to put in another $10K (hopefully not) would it be a good deal for a M6 that has no issues? Last edited by Dvdman; 09-21-2023 at 08:34 AM..
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09-22-2023, 10:12 AM	#10
Rafichicago Lieutenant 699 Rep 598 Posts Drives: 2018 M5 2009 E63AMG Wagon Join Date: May 2022 Location: Chicago IL iTrader: (0)	I would honestly avoid 06 and try to get into 08 or later. With a little time and effort it’s worth getting LCI with oil pan updates. Rod bearings are less of an issue than in M3s and those engines don’t have problems with main bearings like s65 motors do. They’re not as often but they’re there and surprisingly in LCI s65 cars. Look up M539 restorations on YouTube. My long time friend has 2010 with manual. Phenomenal cars if you know what you’re getting into. He has low milage one and didn’t do bearings yet. Only thing he had problem with was leaky oil cooler.anyway with those cars you will spend your many regardless. It’s up to you to decide if you should do it when purchasing or later when fixing it up. Some Parts are not exactly inexpensive and exclusive for that platform. Good luck with your search.
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09-22-2023, 10:57 AM	#11
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5234 Rep 10,616 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	I think an M6 with S85 would be fun. I had an M3 with S65 for 10 years. I agree with getting a later model if possible. And either be able to DIY or have a good independent BMW specialist and be willing to spend thousands. I did rod bearings on my M3 as preventative maintenance at 60k when my warranty ran out. I understand the S85 has the same RB issues with potentially fatal cold sequences.
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09-22-2023, 08:14 PM	#12
Redd Brigadier General 3900 Rep 4,165 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW E92 M3 Dakar Edition Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Malaysia iTrader: (0)	S6x M5/M6 are amazing cars. I hang out with a big group of S85 owners and they are so much fun. These guys thrash them every weekend with zero issues. AFAIK, the only main issue are the rod bearings. 2007+ fixed the VANOS pump issue so definitely get 2007 or newer. Throttle actuators etc just replace when u get errors. SMG is not as smooth as DCT but you can make it smoother by lifting during upshifts. Many M5 owners tell me they like their SMG so it can't be that bad. But that S85 is one cracker of an engine. When I'm chasing my friend's M5 with straight pipes, I can't even hear my own straight piped M3. It's just nuts. Lol
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09-25-2023, 05:05 PM	#17
Bingham Private 276 Rep 79 Posts Drives: 19 M2C LBB AA midpipe Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (0)	That’s the appeal of this car…it wants to lure you in. It’s sexy sinister looking. And when it’s right- it’s a once in a generation car/engine…as an earlier post suggested- there will never be another one like it. I owned an 07 w/ MT. It shifts like you would expect a BMW to…not bad it’s just not direct/crisp. IMO lack of torque at the low/mid end lets this car down…beyond 90-100 mph in higher revs it is utterly ridiculous. Not sure when/where youre going to do that regularly outside of track conditions. But really, every time a dong went off it in the cabin- it would induce a “what’s broken now” panic attack. Just not a fun experience…engine is fragile af. VANOS codes and cylinder misfire errors were weekly at one point. Also loves to eat rear wheels…throttle position may vary tire life. You have a spare pot of gold…well, hell yes. IMO, this engine will break you- even if you have an assertive budget. Good luck with your decision. Making me want to find one now…dam u e60. B.
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09-26-2023, 02:33 AM	#18
mjr24 Colonel 1652 Rep 2,402 Posts Drives: M8 Comp GC, X7, AMG GT53 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	I also had a LCI M6 convertible back when it was new….sounded amazing in a tunnel. Didn’t enjoy the 10 MPG. __________________ 2022 M8 Comp GC, 2021 AMG GT53, 2022 X5M Competition, 2021 X7 40i, 2019 M5, 2018 M550I, 2017 Audi Q7, 2014 M6 GC, 2013 Mercedes CLS550, 2011 750LI, 2008 M6 Cabrio, 2008 Porsche Cayenne S, 2004 Mercedes SL55 AMG, 2003 Mercedes SL500, 2000 Mercedes CL500, 1993 Lexus SC400, 1989 525i, 1985 318i
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09-26-2023, 10:19 AM	#19
Dvdman Major 168 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: 2022 X5 and 2007 M6 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (2)	I found a 2007 with 42K miles on it. I am making plans to look at it. It is in another state unfortunately. Last edited by Dvdman; 09-26-2023 at 10:38 AM..
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09-26-2023, 04:13 PM	#20
PixelVogue Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 261 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	LCI model would be the one to have. Warm it up properly before giving it a blast. Just a very slight lift off the throttle (like a manual gearbox) when changing up or down and it is pretty smooth. Keep a slush fund because you will need it, regular oil changes. Buy shares in Shell and enjoy
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10-01-2023, 12:08 AM	#22
Chriswhips Registered 3 Rep 3 Posts Drives: Bmw 340i Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Us iTrader: (0)	Can be a love or hate situation. I've also thought about purchasing a 2005 M5 with the V10 but I've heard complete nightmares from pervious owners. Rod bearings, vanos , smg components or even just the trans in general go bad because of the age of the vehicle and it's just not reliable. If you able to find one that has a manual transmission from factory, you will eliminate half of the problems with the car. Very expensive to own due to maintenance and the common problems you have to worry about. If you are willing to put in another 5-10k to just get it running properly, it would be a fun buy.
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