From F13 M6 to the F82 M4 - Why the M6 Costs $50k More

[F12M6MD]

Before I ordered (and since taken possession of my F82 M4), I had to make as extensive a list as possible to determine what your $50k actually gets you compared to the M4. For those of us thinking the M4 is a smaller M6, not quite. However, it is more so in the F82 than before. Here is my list...


M6 (what is different or improved over M4):

Powertrain/Transmission

560hp/500 ft/lbs (but weighs 650lbs more than M4...M4 3585lbs, M6 4243lbs)
Low end throttle response is sharper than M4; Less feeling of turbo lag
Power above 60 → 155 is insane
Exhaust is very quiet stock (in any mode) but is sheer bliss with a cat-back Meisterschaft. The M4 cold start is chainsaw-like and continues like that in slow speeds and low RPM’s. But getting on it, I actually like the interior throaty sound so far (will go aftermarket still).
Ride in comfort mode is improved
20” wheels are forged and very durable (no flaws after 24000 miles), wider tires
Although only like 11 inches longer than M4, it drives way bigger (M6 192.8 inches; M4 183.9 inches)
On center steering very responsive (M4 slight dead spot and feels rubber bandish on initiation of turn, but a lot quicker steering)

Comfort Features

Powered steering column
Comfort exit and entry (bolsters relax and steering raises on exit, and return when seated)
Soft close doors
You can lock car from button on trunk
The A/C is very powerful; there is an ALL button for Driver/Passenger temps
iDrive screen is way bigger (on ‘13 is not as high resolution as the M4 appears)
Center stack LCD screen displays a lot more information because a lot wider (can see time, temperature, gear, other variable, M modes, etc all at once)
Side view mirrors are wider, better view, fold in more fully (blind spot light is not as bright as on the M4 for some reason)

Seats

The best I’ve ever sat in (from a performance and comfort perspective)
20 way (even ridiculous powered movements like headrest)
Full leather is Merino but feels thicker
Perforated, Ventilated seats
Seat belt is part of seat and very easy to grab (M4 is quite the reach)

Audio

The B&O (1200W) in the M6 is just so much better in every measurable way over the Harmon Kardon. For $3700, you get what you pay for...wish this were an option on the M4.
Aluminum speaker grills look very nice (also illuminate at night)
Center channel pops up when on (but can creak while opening, had mine replaced and is quiet now)

Fit and Finish

Full Alcantera headliner
Carpeting throughout is a soft but thick material
The window glass is definitely thicker all around, adding to sound deadening. More road noise from tires than anything (M4 has noticeable wind noise on the freeway).
Full leather really means every surface is leather (even the back of the seats, bottom of doors). Most surfaces have a soft padded feeling to it (M4 full leather on dash is firm, but contrast stitching is very nice)

Storage

M6 trunk is wider (accommodates golf clubs easier)
Center console more useable, 4x more storage space, lockable; provides more armrest space
Cupholder has a tilted closeable lid

Cool Factor

Rear camera hidden in BMW emblem
Key has some aluminum elements, feels more durable, but same size as M4.
Door sill treadplate illuminates the lines and M6 logo (not illuminated in M4)


The LED lights (auto leveling, turning with steering wheel, I don’t know if the M4 has turning illumination at slow speeds, like in the M6) and Driver’s Assistance Package behave the same in both vehicles. You are able to permanently turn off frontal collision warning on the M6.

M6 Downside:

Bigger
Less fuel economy
Looks (subjective, in some angles)
Rear seats not useable for adults
Price difference

Believe me, I love both cars. I needed to create a list of the differences to help with my decision to change things up. Please add or subtract from the list as you please. At the end of the day, it’s always subjective. I'm still breaking in the M4 so a full opinion would be premature. But, damn, the M4 exhaust needs some serious work! I'm afraid it won't ever be as satisfying as my M6 with Meisterschaft exhaust. Oh well.

Mark

[SOM3]

Ok, thanks for this.

[minn19]

Umm, doesn't look the M4 was winning in your comparo. I agree with you in wishing there was an upgrade over the HK for Audio on the M3/4. I would pay for it.

[F12M6MD]

I was going to get the M4 regardless. I just wanted to document the differences before I let the M6 go and forgot all of the ins and outs. It was primarily a money saving choice for me this time around.

[cctm4me]

Originally Posted by SOM3

Ok, thanks for this.

will sleep better tonight for sure.

[solstice]

"but weighs 800lbs more than M4"

After this pretty much nothing else matters. The M6 sure is a pretty car though.

[gmd2003]

Originally Posted by solstice

"but weighs 800lbs more than M4"

After this pretty much nothing else matters. The M6 sure is a pretty car though.

A fully optioned M4 with DCT is 3560 + a M6 is 4240 , last time I did math that didn't equal 800 lbs . At any rate the handling difference does not feel like 680 lbs although the M4 is more tossable .

[onatuesday]

This should be in the VS. section.

For the most part, I don't dispute what you said and I like that you took the time to offer specific points where you think the M6 is better or rather like you said different.

However the M6 isn't worth $50k more. Maybe $25k but not $50k. At $130k as much as I love the m6 (and I do) cars like the Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8, 911, Masi GT, heck even the i8 etc are perceived as more high end or at least exotic and potentially one could argue more luxurious (though probably not in terms of tech). But if none of that matters the m6 is an extraordinary car just wish it were smaller.

[JS919]

M4 vs. M6 not even a comparison. They are so different in so many ways.

The M6 is a much higher quality product in every respect. I loved my M6, but I probably won't buy another one after the major hit I took in depreciation. I like buying new cars often and this is not one you want to sell after only 1 year.

The M4 is more fun to drive. That's about all I can give it over the M6.

[F12M6MD]

Yeah you guys are right. Not really even comparable. Different platforms, different goals. No M6 is going for MSRP, so price difference is not as big as it appears. However, in the resale market, the hit you take on the M6 is way bigger % wise than the M3/4 (I predict). I too get the new car bug every year but no car is perfect. The M4 will work for me just fine....for now.

[m5sdse63]

Good review. I read somewhere in one of the car mags that it called M4 as "the best M6 ever built". I guess referring to the handling and all, while retaining most of the luxuries of the M6.

[onatuesday]

OP do you feel that the M4 is somewhat lacking punch (torque) down low (below 3000-3500rpm) - though still adequate. The torque is definitely there in the mid range but I think the m6 feels more torquey down low for sure. I even feel like my B8 S4 felt more torquey down low. But I don't know if I'm crazy or something because everyone raves about how much torque this car has down low?

[BMV///M3]

Good list. I absolutely love the M6 Gran Coupe (you were referencing the 2 door here) but I always feel it's just on a higher platform of quality. You def pay for it though. The M6, both versions appeal to different sets of buyers I'd say.

[ES_TRADER]

Originally Posted by F12M6MD

Yeah you guys are right. Not really even comparable. Different platforms, different goals. No M6 is going for MSRP, so price difference is not as big as it appears. However, in the resale market, the hit you take on the M6 is way bigger % wise than the M3/4 (I predict). I too get the new car bug every year but no car is perfect. The M4 will work for me just fine....for now.

True, my dealer was willing to discount 20 grand off msrp if I took an m6 off the lot instead of ordering the m3. As tempting as it was, if I had to pay 110k for a car, I'd prefer to add another 20k and get a gt3. Far more exclusive and just awesome

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by trinim3

...However the M6 isn't worth $50k more. Maybe $25k but not $50k.

I don't understand how you ended up to $50K difference??!!
The base F13 M6 is 112K! The base F82 M4 is 64K! Adding the options/features that are standard in M6 such as Metallic color, DCT, 19" rims, Extended leather, HK, Adaptive M Suspension, Comfort access key, Retractable headlight washer, Rear view camera, Park distance control, Concierge service ,... you are right at 75K or 37K difference right? and still there are some options standard in M6 (base) and not available in M4 such as soft close doors, Powered steering column, 20way seats, Alcantara headliner, etc (you can refer to OP)... If you think M6 with these features plus extra 134 HP and 130 lb-ft of torque (according to Dinan measurement) still isn't worth 37K more, I have no argue and respect your opinion! To each their own, I know there are people in this forum that claim they will pick M4 over M6 even if M6 was cheaper…
Anyways both M4 and M6 are great cars, but different category

At $130k as much as I love the m6 (and I do) cars like the Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8, 911, Masi GT, heck even the i8 etc are perceived as more high end or at least exotic and potentially one could argue more luxurious (though probably not in terms of tech). But if none of that matters the m6 is an extraordinary car just wish it were smaller.

Apple to apple comparison (technical specification):
911 TTS base price is 180K
911 TT base price is 150K
Aston Martin Vantage V12 base price is over 180K
Audi R8 V10 base price is 150K
BMW i8 base price is 135K and it's Hybrid car! (and to me it's not comparable to any M car)
Maserati GT base price is 128K but 100 HP less than M6 if you don't mind!
If you were referring to Aston GT or R8 V8 or 911 S (with less than 450 HP), those must be compared to M4 and not M6!

As a side note, regardless of pricing, in case of finance/lease payment (since you concern ) you can always find a great deal of 20K or more off MSRP on M6 and not on those cars you mentioned. I bet it's not possible you lease one of those cars with less than $2000 payment (per month) unless you put huge down payment. Bottom line, with $1200-1500 per month, M6 is one of the best choices (IMO)... A friend of mine was looking for RS5 months ago. The best deal we found for a 90K RS5 was $1500 for 3 years/36K!

[F12M6MD]

Originally Posted by trinim3

OP do you feel that the M4 is somewhat lacking punch (torque) down low (below 3000-3500rpm) - though still adequate. The torque is definitely there in the mid range but I think the m6 feels more torquey down low for sure. I even feel like my B8 S4 felt more torquey down low. But I don't know if I'm crazy or something because everyone raves about how much torque this car has down low?

Yes. After driving the M6 for 2 years and the M4 for a week, I can definitely confirm the M4 lacks the <3000rpm punch that the M6 has.

[M3guy3]

i would rock a M6 anyday over a M3. looks great, much better interior, V8 engine, more rare etc...

for me it comes to down money. at 70k i am a buyer of a M3, at 110k I am not a buyer of a BMW anymore.

[onatuesday]

Originally Posted by M6-Coupe

I don't understand how you ended up to $50K difference??!!
The base F13 M6 is 112K! The base F82 M4 is 64K! Adding the options/features that are standard in M6 such as Metallic color, DCT, 19" rims, Extended leather, HK, Adaptive M Suspension, Comfort access key, Retractable headlight washer, Rear view camera, Park distance control, Concierge service ,... you are right at 75K or 37K difference right? and still there are some options standard in M6 (base) and not available in M4 such as soft close doors, Powered steering column, 20way seats, Alcantara headliner, etc (you can refer to OP)... If you think M6 with these features plus extra 134 HP and 130 lb-ft of torque (according to Dinan measurement) still isn't worth 37K more, I have no argue and respect your opinion! To each their own, I know there are people in this forum that claim they will pick M4 over M6 even if M6 was cheaper…
Anyways both M4 and M6 are great cars, but different category

I didn't come up with $50k...I'm referring to the $50k mentioned in the title of the thread. And even then I'm not talking about worth in terms of what someone is willing to pay, I'm talking about costs for BMW to produce. I have no problem with the price of the M6 and I think it's reasonably priced in the market but in terms of justifying the price based on the bill of materials of what makes a m6 costs more than a m4, I doubt there's anywhere close to $50k in difference or even $37k. That's mostly margin to BMW which is why they can afford to discount the cars so substantially. I only bring that up because we were comparing line items (and ignoring the non tangible factors in the price of a m6)

Apple to apple comparison (technical specification):
911 TTS base price is 180K
911 TT base price is 150K
Aston Martin Vantage V12 base price is over 180K
Audi R8 V10 base price is 150K
BMW i8 base price is 135K and it's Hybrid car! (and to me it's not comparable to any M car)
Maserati GT base price is 128K but 100 HP less than M6 if you don't mind!
If you were referring to Aston GT or R8 V8 or 911 S (with less than 450 HP), those must be compared to M4 and not M6!

You make a good point as I was indeed comparing the base cars (r8 v8, 911s) and that may not be that fear given the hp discrepancy (nvm buying slightly used). I guess to me, as long as a car is fast, I could really care less about paper stats and more about what it's like to drive. If HP/acceleration stats is all that matters then for that price buy a the new Z06. Also I'm not sure this is a competitor to the M6 or M4 but what about the jaguar ftype R which costs $105k and the upcoming MB GTS? Similar hp output as the m6? TBH I don't really look at a price and say something is worth this much or that...I look at it and say for that price what else I can get for the money?

I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though the m6 is immaculate and worth top dollar in most people's minds it's still just a BMW. People don't associate BMW with high end, exotic, rare, ultra luxury. It's more "luxury sport." Now whether or not that perception should matter at all in a purchasing decision that's another story.

And yes the RS5 lease is a joke. ~52% residual after 3 years? Yeah right. Would never lease that car.

[onatuesday]

Originally Posted by M6-Coupe

Apple to apple comparison (technical specification):

BMW i8 base price is 135K and it's Hybrid car! (and to me it's not comparable to any M car)

My next car will be the i8. I'm hoping to get one next year when the markups aren't as high as I want to be driving one of these before the M guys realize what a beast this car really is. I predict the i8 brand could become like the GTR brand. When the GTR first came out it was really inexpensive ($75k). Now it's over $100k, and I believe the i8 will move upwards in price as well as more people realize how great of a car it is.

0-60 in 3.8s, 1/4 in 12.4s? That's right on with the performance of the M4 and yeah it doesn't go around the track as fast, but it's no slouch either. And I'd rather have a dedicated track car anyways, what I want is a special car for the street and for $140k, I'd take a i8 over just about any other car at that price for the novelty factor alone. Not to mention, BMW has said they are going to make more powerful versions in the very near future. So yeah for me I could care less that it's a hybrid, but it's comparable to a M car in looks (IMO it's better), luxury (IMO it's better), and the performance is comparable if not necessarily better. It even sounds pretty decent too.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...i8_first_test/

[solstice]

So now you want an M3 to be in the power band from 0 - 3k rpm?? C'mon...
Buy a Tesla.

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by trinim3

....You make a good point as I was indeed comparing the base cars (r8 v8, 911s) and that may not be that fear given the hp discrepancy (nvm buying slightly used). I guess to me, as long as a car is fast, I could really care less about paper stats and more about what it's like to drive. Also I'm not sure this is a competitor to the M6 or M4 but what about the jaguar ftype R which costs $105k and the upcoming MB GTS? Similar hp output as the m6? TBH I don't really look at a price and say something is worth this much or that...I look at it and say for that price what else I can get for the money?

TBH, I was about to mention Jag F-Type as a true competitor of M6, but I didn't since you had not referred to that car
Jag could be the car that M6 owners can cross shop! I did test drive the Jag and it was amazing! It's a nimble car and so fast! Doesn't have that much traction issue since it has a dynamic differential with 500 times per second correction which is a lot! After test driving the Jag, I found two things that I am not happy with in addition of 2 seats! The first is ZF8 transmission which is fast but not as fast as M DCT and creepy. The second one is interior which is not as nice as M6! Overall it's a good car! So much confidence at cornering, but I enjoyed the test drive of F80 M3 MT more than Jag
I have no idea about MB GT since I have never seen the car in person, but based on the spec and look, it may be a real 911 competitor

I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though the m6 is immaculate and worth top dollar in most people's minds it's still just a BMW. People don't associate BMW with high end, exotic, rare, ultra luxury. It's more "luxury sport." Now whether or not that perception should matter at all in a purchasing decision that's another story.

I hear you and I agree that no one considers the BMW an exotic car which is most likely "luxury-sport" (as you said) DD car, but non of those cars are exotic /high end car as well or maybe just R8 V10+ spyder or 911 TTS are entry level but I really don't pay that much money (almost 200K loaded one) for those cars, instead I might pay the same money for a used 458 which is really an exotic car!

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by trinim3

My next car will be the i8. I'm hoping to get one next year when the markups aren't as high as I want to be driving one of these before the M guys realize what a beast this car really is. I predict the i8 brand could become like the GTR brand. When the GTR first came out it was really inexpensive ($75k). Now it's over $100k, and I believe the i8 will move upwards in price as well as more people realize how great of a car it is.

0-60 in 3.8s, 1/4 in 12.4s? That's right on with the performance of the M4 and yeah it doesn't go around the track as fast, but it's no slouch either. And I'd rather have a dedicated track car anyways, what I want is a special car for the street and for $140k, I'd take a i8 over just about any other car at that price for the novelty factor alone. Not to mention, BMW has said they are going to make more powerful versions in the very near future. So yeah for me I could care less that it's a hybrid, but it's comparable to a M car in looks (IMO it's better), luxury (IMO it's better), and the performance is comparable if not necessarily better. It even sounds pretty decent too.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...i8_first_test/

And I will be waiting for M8 with the same platform I guess