Holy Cash Cow! BMW Launches $457,000 M6 Gran Coupe in China for Year of the Horse

We don't know the intricate details of what taxes and other charges are applied to foreign cars in China, but listing a BMW M6 Gran Coupe for close to half-a-million dollars (2.77 million Yuan or $457,000 / €338,500, to be precise) means that, consumers are surely getting the proverbial shaft from the government, the Germans, or perhaps even both.

And before you utter the words "special edition" to explain the high price for each one of the six units of the M6 Gran Coupe with the "Previous Horse" moniker that were made to celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Horse, learn that the regular version is priced at 2,395,000 Yuan ($395,000 / €293,000).

That $62,000 premium goes to fit the M6 Gran Coupe Previous Horse Edition with…embroidered logos on the headrests, and we'd like to believe, some standardized options.

The same car in Germany costs €128,000 (US$173,000) with 18% tax included, while in the United States, the M6 Gran Coupe starts at $115,000 or €85,000 (excluding state taxes that vary).

I'm Bit by the Shark: 1989 BMW M6 Surfaces on eBay

The original BMW M6 (sold as the M635 CSi in Europe) was the range-topping model of the 6-Series E24. Built between 1983 and 1989, it’s one of the most iconic BMWs: the shark nose, perfect proportions and sweet straight-six engine make it one of the most desirable BMW models ever made.

Obviously, the E24 BMW M6 you want are from the last years of production, such as this 1989 BMW M6 on eBay. The seller says the car is in “overall very good condition” and the photos seem to support his statement.

The car is described as mechanically sound (check the video posted below to hear the engine) and rust free, with all chrome having a matt finish. The interior appears to be in pretty good condition as well, except for a tear in the left rear seat and a small crack on dash. The rest of the car’s original M cloth upholstery is said to be in great shape.

The engine is a 3.5-liter S38B35 six-cylinder unit developing 256 horsepower, 26 hp less than the Euro-spec model because of the catalytic converter. Still, it’s a fast car even for today’s standards, covering the 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint in around 6.8 seconds.

The engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, and the car features new cross drilled brake rotors with Pagid Ceramic brake pads, new H&R sport springs and Bilstein shock absorbers, 18-inch AC Schnitzer alloy wheels by OZ Racing and more.

The odometer reads 70,306 miles (113,146 km), so this BMW M6 should provide many years of joy to its future owner. Bidding last time we checked was at $17,900 (€13,250).