I use to have a M6, my wife loved the way it drove with the SMG transmission. She wants a Mercedes now, down to CLS63, CL63 & CLK63 Black Series. The only thing she doesn't like about the Black Series is now its the old body. Which would you recommend as a daily driver to be similar in transmission with the M6? Any other recommendations? Thanks.

 

I moved to the M6 from the SL55.

If you love SMG you'll probably need to get into an MCT car ala 2010 E63 or SL63. Being used to eye blink speed shifts with SMG the 7speed auto in the CLK BS was a bit disappointing for me. It's not on your list but the SL63 is a very good car if you can do without backseats.

All the AMG's you mention are great daily drivers, best thing to do is go drive them and see how they suit you and your wife.

 

I own a CLS63 and have owned 2 M6's....Theyre such different vehicles with the Bimmer being the much more sporting drive...The auto trans in the CLS63 is not as engaging as the bimmer and its not supposed to be...Theyre like night and day different imo...I rarely use the paddle shifters in the CLS but always used them in the M6...Love how the CL63 looks and dont like the CLK63 BS or otherwise...Good luck...

Lou

 

Lou thanks for the response. How do you compare the power and enjoyability between the CLS and M?

 

I just turned in my SMG M6 after 2 years and bought an '07 SL55. So far, I don't miss the SMG at all. I liked it when doing fun driving, but as a daily driver I really got tired of it. I never used the auto mode because of the hesitation in the lower gears and lack of responsiveness. I drove an M3 with DCT, and it was a little better. Of course, I liked the quickness of SMG when playing, but I wouldn't go back to it. I was on the fence between manual and SMG with the M6, and probably should have opted for manual since my background is mostly with turbo Porsches, so shifting isn't an issue. The F1 transmission in the Ferrari is, in my opnion, the best of anything, but I haven't tried Lambo's E-gear.

 

Well, here goes.....The M6 was more enjoyable (for me at least) driving wise....It doesnt have a usable back seat obviously, but I dont need it...Speed wise its about the same as the CLS63 and I had a CLS55 which felt srtonger than both the M6 and CLS63 on the highway...The exterior of the CLS looks much better and richer to me and it def gets more looks if thats important to u...The interior of the CLS is nicer although I much prefer the i-drive to the set-up in the CLS..All in all, the M6 is just more sporty all around in feel, driving and character...I dont know if that helped....Im currently trying to sell my CLS63 for an M6 convertible since I live in San Diego now...But its bitter sweet bc I do truly love the CLS

Lou

 

The CLK63 Black is not really every day car. The suspension is very stiff. Other 63's would be more daily drivers.

 

I might agree with you if I lived in Chicago. I use it as a dd in Dallas and love it.

To the OP, I wanted to buy an M6 smg a couple of years ago but couldn't take the smg in traffic. It just lurched too much.
However, when it was time to perform, the smg was fantastic.

Different strokes ...

 

I just went through this. I was contemplating the M6 and the CL63. I ended up with a CL63 and have been thrilled with the car. The performance is awesome for a car that weighs 3,000,000 lbs. I have to say that the paddles are extremely fun when the car is in "Manual" mode. I also happen to like how the car doesn't scream, "look at me", but has a great presence. The interior of the CL63 is on a much higher level then that of the M6. The M6, however, will be more nimble and feel much sportier as others have already said. Finally, the price difference between a M6 and CL63 is drastic and if you don't mind spending a little extra, I believe it is worth it.

Now, I believe all of this to be the same with the CLS63, which is around the same price as the M6. I would prefer a CLS63 over an M6 as well. I think it is practical, fast, and sporty enough. Obviously, the M6 will still feel much sportier but it won't have the luxury-feel the CLS has. Four doors just seem more practical, for a wife especially (shopping, grocery shopping, lunch with friends, etc).

Power between the 63 engine and the M6 engine are very similar. Both are extremely powerful (518 in the 63 and 500 in the M6) but it will certainly feel like the M6 is faster, which it might be by a bit, when driving since it is sportier.

Hope this helps. Good luck with the decision. Either car would be great.

 

make sure shes ok with a ton of torque in wet weather if thats an issue. ALL of the amgs are a mess in the wet if you're not particularly with it...even my black. Thats why I love it though...haha. My m5 on the other hand was a god in the wet and dry (i had an e60) and was simply an incredible handler. I wouldnt recommend the bs for your wifes application, so Ill say that I enjoyed the handling of the bmws far more than any other amg. All said, I think you would be best served by a cls 63 or new 2010 e63 that has the limited slip diff installed (the 030 package)

 

Any difference in the reliability and maintenance cost between the AMG and M?

 

im going to say that if the smg unit in the m is solid, they are both taken care of by warrantee pretty well.

 

Sechsgang,

Thanks very much - I am still trying to decide between the BMW M series, SL AMG or just plain SL600. The SL 600 is SO REFINED compared with the M and AMG - but still a rocketship...

 

you can score a 08 sl600 for what seems like nothing (compared to the cost of it last year) if you can find one...hot car...

 

Thanks, sechsgang, what do you consider "nothing" - $80s?