Competition Pack makes the M6 feel uncannily like any other M6

What is it?

This is the BMW M6 Competition. The last thing we thought the standard M6 needed was a harder edge, but here we are.

BMW’s Competition Pack drops the front and rear suspension by 12mm and 10mm respectively, and adds different Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres on wider rims. It also modifies the ABS, stability control and M Differential settings to suit – ostensibly aimed at improving cornering.

From the outside you can spot BMW M6 Competition cars by the fact they have a new bonnet with ‘precision lines’ along with redesigned wheels.

What’s it like?

If I’m honest, I couldn’t tell the difference. I’m sure there is one but it’s subtle. The BMW M6 Competition still does what it always did: goes very fast, makes a dieselly noise at low revs and a proper scream at high ones. It forever dissuades you from changing gear because of a sluggardly 7-speed robotised manual that feels old-hat next to the M3's twin-clutch unit.

As for the improved cornering, it was a bit damp when we tried it, so I can’t tell you about maximum g. But I can tell you the BMW M6 Competition still understeers if you don't add much power, and oversteers easily if you do.

Otherwise, the ride is fine and the cabin still has a daft removable cupholder, but the latest generation of iDrive is very good.

Should I buy one?

Possibly. It might be a touch out of kilter with the current market, but the BMW M6 Competition remains a very pleasant car. At its core, the endearing mix of V10 engine, rear-drive and limited-slip differential remains intact.

At just over £2000, the Competition Pack maybe a little expensive, but the BMW M6 always will be.

Matt Prior

Matt Prior
Title: Editor-at-large

Matt is Autocar’s lead features writer and presenter, is the main face of Autocar’s YouTube channel, presents the My Week In Cars podcast and has written his weekly column, Tester’s Notes, since 2013.

Matt is an automotive engineer who has been writing and talking about cars since 1997. He joined Autocar in 2005 as deputy road test editor, prior to which he was road test editor and world rally editor for Channel 4’s automotive website, 4Car. 

Into all things engineering and automotive from any era, Matt is as comfortable regularly contributing to sibling titles Move Electric and Classic & Sports Car as he is writing for Autocar. He has a racing licence, and some malfunctioning classic cars and motorbikes. 

Join the debate

Comments
8
Add a comment…
michael_maguire 4 July 2009

Re: BMW M6 Competition Pack

Thank You Nancy

Hope your dinner is over by now?

Nancy1122 4 July 2009

Re: BMW M6 Competition Pack

@michael it's spotit.co.uk

================================================================

@drivenfromtherearplease Wanted to know - what you meant by "I do not wish to spot your balls thanks. Kick them maybe...." ???

The bias shown by a British for a British car comp is natural and this happens all over the world and in all walks of life.

In these tough times when national pride is next to zero and it takes some patriotic flavor in order to create some good news, so be it. What is wrong with you? I am saying very nicely, that what made you call it a spam? Hope you change your mind later. :)..

Good Night... :)
================================================================

michael_maguire 4 July 2009

Re: BMW M6 Competition Pack

Hey Nancy are you there??? It says address not found!!! Can you provide the url please?