Tools of All Kinds	Discount Travel	Save On Computers	Power Tools	Home, Auto & Payday Loans	Retire Young And Rich
Mosquito-Proof Your Yard	Tankless Water Heaters	Make your money work for you	Pc's And Laptops	Shopping For Men	Fly for Less $$

Back Country Journal
Presents:
BMW M6 Review (2008)

BMW 1 Series	BMW 3 Series	BMW 5 Series	BMW 6 Series	BMW 7 Series
BMW Z4	BMW X3	BMW X5	BMW X6	BMW M Series

THE M6 COUPE AND CONVERTIBLE:

The powerful and elegant M6 is updated for 2008

Woodcliff Lake , NJ – September 1, 2007… The M6 is fast becoming a modern legend.  With a 500-horsepower V10 engine powering this leather-lined performance-luxury two-door, little else is to be left desired when it comes to the M6’s incredible combination of excitement and style.   Aside from the handsome carbon-fiber-roofed M6 Coupe, the M6 Convertible also benefits from updates that the 2008 6 Series—the vehicle which these M vehicles are based on—received for the new model year. These revisions includes subtle styling enhancements, updated interior controls and details, revised exterior lighting, new standard and optional equipment and enhanced iDrive features for greater flexibility.

The M6 Coupe offers true supercar performance with a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds (SMG model tested) and a top speed that is electronically limited to155mph. The M6 Convertible accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, proving that open-air pleasures come at little sacrifice at BMW’s M division.

What’s new -

2008 model selection remains as:

•     M6 Coupe

•     M6 Convertible

•     Choice of 6-speed Manual or 7-speed SMG transmission

Exterior design & function-M6 Coupe and Convertible

•     Reconfigured headlight assemblies with new lenses, new LED markers and turn signals, “white area” increased

•     Taillights include new LED design

•     Reshaped trunklid with taller upswept profile along trailing edge with LED third brake light incorporated into the rear decklid (formerly in rear window)

•     Amber DOT front reflectors relocated to lower bumper, ahead of the wheel-wells

The 2008 M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible share styling cues that clearly identify it as the latest in the line from BMW M. The aggressive and functional front air dam, lightweight five-spoke 19-inch wheels and massive compound/cross-drilled brakes as well as the rear air diffuser and four round tailpipes make their presence known on the M6.   The M6 Coupe features a full carbon fiber roof panel that not only reduces vehicle weight and improves handling, but it also offers a visual statement about BMW’s commitment to performance.   Meanwhile, the M6 Convertible combines BMW M’s total performance philosophy and motorsports technology with the luxurious elegance and functionality of the BMW 6 Series with its 2+2 seating, generous trunk space and a multi-layered soft-top to provide the open-air driving enthusiast with one of the most unique experiences on the road.

Motorsports-inspired high-rpm concept

With a redline in excess of 8,000 rpm, BMW's 500 horsepower V10 engine delivers its power in a way that many observers likened to a turbine – smooth, effortless and seemingly limitless.  With its 5.0-liter capacity, this normally aspirated engine delivers 100 horsepower-per-liter, a power output that not that long ago was exclusively racecar territory.   The engine features double-VANOS variable valve timing for both the intake and exahsut camshafts, a motorsports-inspired wet-/dry-sump lubrication system to protect the engine from oil starvation during high-speed cornering, ten individual throttle butterflies for instant response and powerful engine management electronics developed for Formula 1 racing.

Innovative weight savings

The M6 Coupe builds on the intelligent weight saving innovations pioneered on the
6 Series Coupe and Convertible, such as an aluminum front structure, sheet-molded compound trunk lid and thermoplastic front fender liners.

Taking these concepts further, the M6 Coupe features one of the first carbon fiber roof panels on a production automobile.  As with many of BMW's weight saving innovations, the lightweight roof pays double dividends.   In addition to saving overall weight, it lowers the M6 Coupe's center of gravity, contributing to its agility.   The front and rear bumper supports are also made of carbon fiber.  The large front rear cross-drilled disc brakes are of a compound design with an aluminum center hub which reduces unsprung weight for greater handling responsiveness.

Unique style offered with many exterior and interior choices

The M6 Coupe features subtle functional design touches such as a unique front air dam designed to direct more airflow to the V10 engine and front brakes.  The rear air diffuser, flanked by four round tailpipes, is designed to reduce rear lift for greater stability at higher speeds.  Other styling touches include side gills in the front fenders, sculpted rocker panels, and M-style side view mirrors.   The palette of seven exterior colors includes four exclusive to BMW M: Silverstone II, Interlagos Blue, Sepang Bronze and Indianapolis Red.  The tailored interior is offered with eight upholstery choices, which include five full-leather options and a choice of three interior trim options. For 2008, new LED-equipped headlamps and taillights improve appearances and offer greater visibility at night. The rear decklid now features a more pronounced upswept lip that incorporates the third brakelight on the M6 Coupe.

A driver-tailored driving experience

The M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible both offer the ability to tailor the driving experience.  The driver can choose three engine programs – P400, P500 and P500 Sport.  In city traffic or while commuting, for example, the comfort-oriented P400 might be appropriate.  P400 is the default setting when the engine is first started and offers, as its name implies, 400 horsepower.   All the driver has to do to call up the full 500 horsepower is push the “Power” button to select P500.  The P500 Sport mode is also available for even more dynamic response.

The 2008 M6 comes with your choice of either a standard seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox with Drivelogic or a six- speed manual transmission at no additional cost.  The unique SMG not only enables the driver to take full advantage of the M6’s performance potential but offers maximum flexibility as well.  It offers the ability of shifting from either the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel or the console- mounted shift lever.  It also offers the flexibility, through Drivelogic, of 11 different shift modes - six for the manual function (S-mode) and five for the automated mode (D-mode).  Drivelogic allows the driver to tailor the shifting characteristics to the driving situation of the moment.

Variable M Differential Lock and DSC with M Dynamic mode

The variable, speed-sensing M Differential Lock gives the M6 outstanding traction in all driving conditions, especially when accelerating out of a corner.  Even in the most demanding situations, this intelligent differential provides a decisive edge in traction.  This is especially beneficial when accelerating with the drive wheels on surfaces of varying coefficients of friction.  Here the M Differential Lock immediately builds locking force with the increasing difference in speed between the drive wheels.  Power is then able to get to the drive wheel with greater traction.

The BMW M6 Convertible also features a special version of BMW's Dynamic Stability Control.  In addition to the normal DSC mode, there is the M Dynamic Mode.   M Dynamic Mode retains all the functionality of DSC but waits for a higher threshold of wheel slip before engaging.  As with all BMWs, the driver has the option of switching the system off completely.

Electronic Damper Control: freedom of choice

Electronic Damper Control (EDC) provides electronic adjustment of the shock absorbers according to the driver's wishes, driving style and road conditions.  Simply by pressing the MDrive button on the steering wheel, the driver is able to choose the characteristics of the suspension in three steps: Normal, Comfort and Sport.  Compared with the BMW M6 Coupe, shock absorber adjustment is somewhat more oriented to driving comfort, thus reflecting the nature of the Convertible design for style and refinement on the road.  On the other hand, in the Sport program, the suspension set-up and characteristics are almost the same as on the Coupe.  Within each mode, EDC continuously adjusts shock absorber firmness to actual conditions.

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system has also been tailored to include an M Dynamic mode for those occasions when the driver wishes to have a higher level of wheel slip without disengaging the system.  Of course, in true BMW fashion, DSC may be switched off completely when desired.

The steering wheel-mounted "M" button allows the driver to program a variety of settings in the M6 including:

·          Engine power: P400, P500 or P500 Sport

·          SMG Drivelogic: One of six Sequential or five Drive modes

·          Electronic Damping Control: Normal , Comfort or Sport

·          Dynamic Stability Control: Normal, M Dynamic mode or off completely

·          The Head-Up Display: Standard display or MView

Drivelogic puts the 11 SMG shift programs (six Sequential or five Drive modes) at the driver's fingertips.   Electronic Damping Control offers three levels of shock absorber firmness – Normal , Comfort and Sport.  Even the Dynamic Stability Control system offers a choice of standard and M Dynamic modes as well as the option of switching off the system.  These combine for a total of 279 different settings for SMG-equipped M6s.  Using iDrive, the driver can select a preferred setting configuration in the MDrive display.  Then with simple touch of the M button all the preferred settings are instantly engaged offering a custom- tailored driving experience.

Racing- inspired brakes

Reflecting the M6 Convertible's enormous performance potential, it comes equipped with large, 14.7-inch front and14.6- inch rear brakes that feature weight-optimized cross-drilled compound rotors. The rotors are then mounted to an aluminum hub through radial spokes for reduced unsprung weight and greater heat dissipation characteristics. These racing-developed brakes not only ensure outstanding stopping performance but also offer greater resistance to the effects of heat under extreme conditions.  BMW M GmbH’s test facilty show stopping distances of less than 118 feet from 62 mph and less than 460 feet from 124 mph.

Braking safety is aided further by BMW's Adaptive Brakelight technology.  Under hard braking, or whenever the ABS is engaged, the taillights illuminate in tandem with the brake lights and at the same intensity, giving following drivers a much bolder warning which helps them to react more quickly.

The M6 Convertible—bucking the open-top perception

Despite their undeniable good looks, convertibles have often had the reputation of not providing a stable enough platform for crisp, precise handling, especially when combined with a high-horsepower engine.  In fact, conventional automotive wisdom has long held that the more power a convertible has, the more its handling suffers.  That's because the very feature that was most appealing to open-air driving enthusiasts, the folding soft top, often sapped the chassis of the rigidity necessary for knife-edge driving dynamics.

BMW M engineers focused on this critical issue realizing full well that their credibility was on the line.  In what must be considered the ultimate validation of their efforts, the M6 Convertible can lap the 12-mile Nordschleife (North Loop) of Germany's legendary Nürburgring racetrack nearly as fast as the M6 Coupe.

Unique multi-layered, finned soft top provides a coupe profile

The M6 Convertible's soft top is made up of three layers.  A special noise and heat insulating layer of polyurethane foam is held between the weather- proof outer layer and the interior roof lining. Its unique fin-look gives the M6 Convertible the same dynamic profile as the M6 Coupe.  The C-pillar features the traditional BMW Hofmeister kink.

Although the roof covers a generous passenger compartment, it folds into compact dimensions.  The vertical rear window requires very little storage space and can be raised or lowered independently of the roof.  It can be lowered with the top up to provide additional ventilation and can be raised with the top down to act as a wind deflector.   The roof can be raised or lowered if the car is traveling up to 20 mph.  The top can be ordered in either black or gray cloth.

Standard and optional features suit such an exclusive automobile

Befitting the exclusive nature of the M6 Convertible, the list of standard features includes auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, On-board Navigation, Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Real Time Traffic Information and Bluetooth hands-free phone interface.

Also included is BMW Assist for four full years and enrollment in an exclusive one-day M driver training course at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC.  The standard Logic7 sound system with surround sound simulation may be enhanced with optional Sirius Satellite Radio and High Definition Radio.  Other options include the Head-up Display and BMW Comfort Access.  New options for 2008 include an iPod USB adapter for instant integration, a heated steering wheel and High Beam Assistant.

The newly optional High Beam Assitant automatically adjusts the M6’s headlights for ambient light and road conditions. It greatly improves nighttime visibility without distracting oncoming traffic and the constant need to switch between low and high beams.

A luxurious environment tailored to the driving enthusiast

The interior of the BMW M6 Convertible retains the luxurious look and feel of the 650i Convertible but has been enhanced with special touches that distinguish it as a BMW M product.

The exclusive seams on all the seats as well as the M logos on the headrests are immediately apparent, as are the shift paddles and shift lever unique to the Sequential Manual Gearbox.   The white-on-black instruments feature the traditional BMW M red indicator needles.

The optional Head-Up Display presents essential information directly in the driver's field of vision, including directional information from the standard on-board navigation system. It also offers the choice of a special M display that includes road speed, transmission gear and an engine speed graphic.

The interior is designed for easy access to the rear seats.  In addition to room for passengers the M6 Convertible provides plenty of storage for their luggage.  The flexible tray for the convertible top can be folded out of the way when the top is up to create additional luggage space.  There is room for one large plus one small hard-shell case. Alternatively there is room for two 46-inch golf bags with enough room left for a medium-sized hard-shell case.

The BMW M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible are available in standard BMW colors such as Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Silver Gray Metallic, Monaco Blue and Stratus Gray.  It is also offered in special M colors including Indianapolis Red, Interlagos Blue, Silverstone and Sepang Bronze.  Elegant Merino Leather upholstery is offered in a choice of three colors: Black, Silverstone and Sepang Bronze.  Full leather is available as an option in the three standard colors as well as Indianapolis Red and Portland Brown.

Merino Leather is made with a particularly mild tanning process that highlights its natural character and retains its open pores.  This keeps the surface area soft and supple and gives the interior an exclusive ambiance.  

The interior may be further accented with the choice of either of two wood trims or optional carbon fiber trim.

High- performance safety systems

The BMW M6 Convertible features state-of-the-art passenger protection systems, controlled by the Intelligent Safety and Information System (ISIS) that determines the intensity of a collision and activates the appropriate safety features quickly and precisely where they are needed.  The three-point seat belts on all four seats are equipped with belt force limiters.  The integrated restraint systems on the front seats feature belt latch tensioners, with two-stage front and side airbags to reduce the risk of injury.

Rollover protection is enhanced by a high-strength aluminum crossbar extending across almost the entire width of the car.  Much like a roll cage in a racecar, the crossbar also increases body stiffness to provide superior handling.  In the event of a rollover, the standard Rollover Protection System automatically deploys the rollbars within a fraction of a second. 

Benefiting from its rigid body structure, the BMW M6 Convertible meets the highest standards in passive safety.  The front structure is designed to give the car's occupants protection in a collision and the intelligent combination of high- and ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum and thermoplastics also enhances the car's safety qualities.  As an example, the two V-shaped extrusion-pressed aluminum bars in the doors significantly reduce the risk and extent of intrusion in a side collision.

The windshield frame is designed to support maximum loads.  Together with the high- strength steel A-pillars and the rollbars, stored in modules behind the rear headrests, it forms the basic structure to help provide a safe passenger compartment.  The front and rear bulkheads, seat supports and body panels are reinforced to provide protection where loads and forces flow into the body in a collision.

A Tire Pressure Monitor system and Active Head Restraints are standard equipment.

The M6 tradition

As their 1988 M6 predecessor did two decades ago, the 2008 BMW M6 Coupes and Convertibles combine the style of the BMW 6 Series with the best performance that the BMW M engineers have to offer.

BMW Ultimate Service ^TM:

providing owners with incredible value and peace of mind

BMW offers BMW Ultimate Service^TM , a suite of services that includes the BMW Maintenance Program (formerly called Full Maintenance), Roadside Assistance, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty and BMW Assist^TM with TeleService.

BMW Ultimate Service ^TM includes:

The BMW Maintenance Program is the only no-cost maintenance program in the industry that covers wear and tear items like brake pads and rotors for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.  BMW owners pay nothing for all scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items.

BMW Roadside Assistance is one of the industry’s most comprehensive plans available.   Not only is it no-charge for the first four years, but there is no mileage limit.  BMW drivers enjoy the assurance of on-the-road help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States , Canada and Puerto Rico.  This includes everything from flat tire changes, emergency gasoline and lock- out assistance, to towing, alternative transportation and even trip-interruption benefits.  This service also includes valuable trip routing advice.

BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty: All 2008 BMW passenger vehicles are covered by BMW’s excellent Limited Warranty, which includes:

•     New-vehicle warranty – 4-year/50,000-mile coverage of the vehicle. 

•     Rust-perforation warranty – 12-year/unlimited-mileage coverage.

BMW Assist^TM provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind.  The BMW Assist^TM Safety Plan is standard on all 5, 6, and 7 Series models, including M5 and M6, and is included in the Premium Package or available as a stand-alone option on all other models.  BMW is the only manufacturer that will offer this service for 4 years at no additional cost.  Most other manufacturers cover only the first year of service.

The in-vehicle equipment for BMW Assist ^TM  includes GPS technology and hands-free communication functions accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console.  Vehicle occupants may request emergency or other services simply by pressing a button; the BMW Assist^TM  system then transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW Assist^TM  Response Center.   A response specialist will then speak with the occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and requested.  A severe accident automatically activates the BMW Assist^TM  call as well.  The BMW Assist ^TM  Safety Plan also includes Remote Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the owner time and money.

TeleService 1 automatically notifies the BMW center when a vehicle will need service.  This feature allows the Service Advisor to proactively set up a customer appointment and have the needed parts ready. 

BMW Assist ^TM subscribers can also enroll in the BMW Assist ^TM Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves of many BMW Assist^TM Concierge services, from travel planning to dining reservations, shopping assistance and event tickets, as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information.  The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a new service that connects the driver in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged.  After pushing the SOS button, a BMW Assist^TM  response specialist will link the driver to his requested party for up to five minutes and for up to four events per year.

As before, the BMW Assist^TM system includes Bluetooth^® hands-free phone connectivity with hands-free phonebook access and dialing by name or number via the steering wheel controls.  Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth^® mobile phone.

Performance with a conscience

BMW strives to produce its motor vehicles and other products with the utmost attention to environmental compatibility and protection. Integrated into the design and development of BMW automobiles are such criteria as resource efficiency and emission control in production; environmentally responsible selection of materials; recyclability during production and within the vehicle; elimination of CFCs and hazardous materials in production; and continuing research into environmentally friendly automotive power sources.  Tangible results of these efforts include the recycling of bumper cladding into other vehicle components; water-based paint color coats and powder clear coats; near-future availability of hydrogen-powered models; and various design and engineering elements that help make BMWs easier to dismantle at the end of their service life.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.   BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwgroupna.com

www.bmwusa.com

www.bmwmotorradusa.com

www.miniusa.com

www.rolls- roycemotorcars.com