I’ve heard negative comments about BMW SMG transmissions. How is the SMG in the 2006 BMW M6 different?
Previous BMW SMG transmissions were modified manual gearboxes, but this new SMG in the M5 and M6 was engineered from the ground up as a true sequential manual. It’s got seven forward gears, its layout enhances durability, and Drivelogic programming makes every attempt to meet the needs of a wide variety of drivers. In practical driving, the new SMG is quicker and crisper, but still lacks the smoothness of Audi’s Direct Shift Gearbox.

The 2006 BMW M6 costs $100,000. Is this some kind of joke?
Think about this: A Cadillac XLR-V costs about the same amount of coin. Still think the price tag on the Bimmer is laughable? Given the performance, the technology, and the brand cachet of the blue-and-white propeller badge, the M6 almost looks like a bargain.

You gush about this car. How much was the check BMW wrote you guys?
Think this over for a sec. We left home to catch our flight at 6 a.m. on Mother’s Day, a Sunday for you dopes who forgot to call Mommy because you were glued to ESPN. We flew all the way across the country on two different airplanes – to Milwaukee of all places. Then we sat in a car with other none-too-fresh automotive journalists for an hour’s drive to The American Club in Kohler, a nice place but no Four Seasons, and where the young woman at check-in asked for a credit card for “incidentals” to keep us from raiding the mini-bar. Then, we spent Monday driving across farm land in the rain for several hours, and braved rain squalls and a chilly wind at the famous Road America race track. Next morning, our shuttle to Milwaukee departed at 4:15 a.m, and we traveled on two more airplanes squished into coach seats back to Los Angeles. What about this experience says “payoff” to you? The 2006 BMW M6 is a terrific piece of machinery. If you’re partial to Mercedes AMG products, get over it.

Test Vehicle: 2006 BMW M6
Price of Test Vehicle: $106,690 (including $675 destination charge and $3,000 gas guzzler tax)
Engine Size and Type: 5.0-liter V-10
Engine Horsepower: 500 horsepower at 7,750 rpm
Engine Torque: 383 lb.-ft. at 6,100 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG)
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,909
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 12/18 mpg
Observed Fuel Economy: 11.9 mpg
Length: 191.8 inches
Width: 73.0 inches
Wheelbase: 109.5 inches
Height: 54.0 inches
Leg room (front/rear): 42.0/30.1 inches
Head room (front/rear): 37.6/35.6 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Four
Max. Cargo Volume: 13.0 cu.-ft.
Competitors: Jaguar XKR, Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz CL600, Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG, Porsche 911 Carrera S/4S, Porsche 911 Turbo

Photos courtesy of BMW