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TO THE POINT
What’s New? M-power engine, M-massaged transmission, M-specific brakes, M-tweaked suspension, M-badged trim, and acceleration to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Selling Points: Acceleration, braking, handling, steering, styling
Deal Breakers: Visibility, uncomfortable interior, tiny trunk
Our Advice: Buy the 2006 BMW M Coupe because you love to drive, not because you love being seen in it.
MEET THE COMPETITION
Chevrolet Corvette
Porsche Cayman S
RELATED LINKS
2006 BMW M Coupe Photo Gallery
2006 BMW M Roadster
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FAQs and Specs
The 2006 BMW M Coupe's primary competitors include the Chevrolet Corvette, Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6, Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500, Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG, Nissan 350Z, and Porsche Cayman S.
What does the 2006 BMW M Coupe compete against?
The 2006 BMW M Coupe competes against a range of sports cars making between 300 and 500 horsepower and priced from the low $30,000 range to the $70,000 range. Those vehicles include the Chevrolet Corvette, Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6, Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500, Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG, Nissan 350Z, and Porsche Cayman S. Why select the 2006 BMW M Coupe over any of these competitors?
Thanks to its unique design, you won’t see yourself coming and going in the 2006 BMW M Coupe – even in places like Miami Beach and Beverly Hills. So there’s exclusivity for starters. Then there’s the driving experience, which like every BMW ever loved by an enthusiast, puts you in direct contact with the road, the mechanicals, and the thrill of going fast in a competent machine. In this crowd, only the Porsche Cayman S can deliver equal amounts of well-rounded excitement. Finally, BMW gives you free maintenance for the duration of the warranty. What are the deal breakers when it comes to the 2006 BMW M Coupe?
Outward visibility is not good, and the shape of the 2006 BMW M Coupe’s rear window makes it hard to see if a police car is creeping up on you. The interior is tight and confining, and the seats are stiff and narrow, so long-distance driving is not recommended. Not that you could go far anyway, since the trunk is rather small despite the convenience of the hatchback. SPECIFICATIONS:
Test Vehicle: 2006 BMW M Coupe
Price of Test Vehicle: $57,595 (including $695 destination charge and $1,000 gas guzzler tax)
Engine Size and Type: 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine with variable valve timing
Engine Horsepower: 330 at 7,900 rpm
Engine Torque: 262 lb.-ft. at 4,900 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,230
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 16/24 mpg
Observed Fuel Economy: 16.4 mpg
Length: 161.9 inches
Width: 70.1 inches
Wheelbase: 98.3 inches
Height: 50.7 inches
Leg room: 42.0 inches
Head room: 37.3 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Two
Competitors: Chevrolet Corvette, Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6, Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500, Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG, Nissan 350Z, Porsche Cayman S Photos courtesy of BMW
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About Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.
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