M3 vs M6 Reliability

[chi_singh207]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to join the BMW M family, and was looking at both the 2016-17 M6 and 2017-18 M3 ZCP.

Both are similar in price ($50-60k), and would have 40-50k miles. One major factor for me is reliability. From what I've read, the S55 seems to be more reliable than the S63tu.

I plan on keeping the car for a while and would love to get more thoughts and opinions on this.

[rmanm4]

S55 is more reliable if you are planning to keep the car long term. Also the S55 platform is a bit easier to work on with a lot more DIY online. If you are planning to take it to a INDY shop with a mechanic you trust, then drive both and see what you like.

[khoa@x-ph.com]

M3 and M6 are both great cars. I will assume those cars are not CPO since you said they have 40k to 50k miles. Did you look at the service history and test drive those? Reliability does not mean anything if you are buying an abused used car.

[NickyC]

Doesn’t the M6 have the dreaded rod bearings to worry about?

[chi_singh207]

Originally Posted by khoa@x-ph.com

M3 and M6 are both great cars. I will assume those cars are not CPO since you said they have 40k to 50k miles. Did you look at the service history and test drive those? Reliability does not mean anything if you are buying an abused used car.

Originally Posted by khoa@x-ph.com

M3 and M6 are both great cars. I will assume those cars are not CPO since you said they have 40k to 50k miles. Did you look at the service history and test drive those? Reliability does not mean anything if you are buying an abused used car.

I test drove both. Each have their pros and cons. The service history is something I will look into. I am also looking at getting the extended warranty form BMW.

[bsmf8x]

Originally Posted by rmanm4

S55 is more reliable if you are planning to keep the car long term. Also the S55 platform is a bit easier to work on with a lot more DIY online. If you are planning to take it to a INDY shop with a mechanic you trust, then drive both and see what you like.

This

[N1rve]

M3 is easier to work on than an M6 according to my mechanic, told me everything is packed tightly inside and is difficult to work on.

[maddmatth]

Maintenance on the M3 should also be easier on your bank account.

The M6 is a bigger, heavier, more complex car that has more expensive consumables (bigger brakes, more spark plugs, extra weight that'll wear tyres and suspension faster ect).

Not that the M3 is cheap, but as far as luxury sports cars go it's pretty good.

[Jims M3]

I had an M6 Gran Coupe and now have an F80 M3. In my mind it isn't even close I love the M3. The M6 is really heavy and doesn't disguise it's weight very well. The hood is also extremely long it is a weird car to drive. The M6 has a slightly better interior but for me the size was the part that was hard to get over.

M3 is way more lively and shrinks around you. It also has about as much interior room if not more.

[horsepower_and_hounds]

Originally Posted by NickyC

Doesn’t the M6 have the dreaded rod bearings to worry about?

Not every car is affected by this issue..... mostly came up in supercharged cars then peeps started taking a close look at it..... wait sounds like the SCH

Originally Posted by N1rve

M3 is easier to work on than an M6 according to my mechanic, told me everything is packed tightly inside and is difficult to work on.

This is true, it is more complex, packed tighter and a V8

Originally Posted by Jims M3

I had an M6 Gran Coupe and now have an F80 M3. In my mind it isn't even close I love the M3. The M6 is really heavy and doesn't disguise it's weight very well. The hood is also extremely long it is a weird car to drive. The M6 has a slightly better interior but for me the size was the part that was hard to get over.

M3 is way more lively and shrinks around you. It also has about as much interior room if not more.

It is a fat pig but goes fast comfortably.... how it was designed. It is long, wide, comfy and fast. Pure sex in a car. But not for everyone. People here are comparing it to the M3.... you can't they are very diofferent cars. Closer in comparison to the M5... oh there is another fatty

The M6 is in a different league and why it is not as wide spread in the modding world is cuz it costs more as an entry so less of that type of followers buy into it. The mod market is larger for the F8x chassis hands down

[Jonzny]

S63 in the M6 is garbage. Bends rods constantly, even unmodified examples.