Overview & Reviews

BMW has long offered fine driving cars for every luxury budget, but four-door models have generally been the company's bread and butter. The BMW 6 Series coupe and convertible are for those seeking two-door style in a high-end package that's a bit more extravagant than the norm. The current 6 Series follows in its predecessor's footsteps as a complement to BMW's 5 Series and 7 Series sedans, offering a similar range of six- and eight-cylinder power but adding a unique sense of exclusivity and style.

New or used, the 6 Series siblings rank among the more interesting luxury two-doors on the market. They have their faults, to be sure, and they also face stiff competition from several prestigious competitors. On the other hand, their technology is cutting-edge and their powertrains are superb. It's hard to go wrong with any 6 Series model that fits your budget.

Current BMW 6 Series
The current BMW 6 Series is offered as a coupe and a convertible. The convertible is notable for its clever soft-top roof design with a separately controlled rear window. You can lower that window with the roof up for added ventilation, or raise it as a wind deflector with the roof down.

The base 640i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with 315 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The 650i steps up to a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that cranks out a formidable 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard on all models, with "xDrive" all-wheel drive optional. And yes, that includes the convertibles -- so if you want a 445-hp drop top with AWD and a fabric roof, BMW will be more than happy to build you one.

Standard features on the 640i include adaptive xenon headlights, adaptive suspension dampers, six-way power heated front seats with lumbar adjustments, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and the iDrive electronics interface with a 10.2-inch display and navigation. The 650i adds larger wheels, an upgraded audio system and 16-way power front seats. In typical BMW fashion, the options list is generous and pricey, highlighted by side- and surround-view cameras, self-closing automatic doors, a leather-covered dashboard, adaptive cruise control, a night-vision camera and ceramic-trimmed knobs.

Despite its substantial size, the 6 Series is best for two passengers. The rear compartment is strictly for short trips unless you put a small child back there. However, those up front will be treated to first-class accommodations with very comfortable seats, top-notch materials and high-tech gizmos aplenty. Furthermore, the trunk is rather generous for a luxury sport coupe at 12.3 cubic feet. Even the convertible's trunk measures a decently sized 10.6 cubic feet with the top lowered. Retractable-hardtop convertibles typically hold much less than that with their roofs stowed away.

From behind the wheel, no one will mistake the 6 Series for a 4 Series. This burly grand tourer has few sporting pretensions, though it's far from clumsy and the steering is precise enough to make BMW's biggest two-door feel reasonably spry. Highway runs are where the 6 Series really excels, racking up hundreds of well-insulated, fatigue-free miles at a stretch with effortless passing power -- particularly from the otherworldly V8.

Used BMW 6 Series Models
The current, third-generation 6 Series debuted for 2012 with larger dimensions and more conservative styling than its rather avant-garde predecessor, as well as turbocharged power in place of that model's naturally aspirated engines. It's also the first 6 Series to offer all-wheel drive. The first-year 650i was marginally less powerful (400 hp and 450 lb-ft) and had a manual transmission option, while the 640i models weren't eligible for all-wheel drive until 2014. Changes have otherwise been minimal.

The previous, second-generation BMW 6 Series was produced from 2004-'10 in coupe and convertible body styles. Originally, this 6 Series came equipped with a 4.4-liter V8 rated at 325 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque and was known as the 645Ci. For 2006, the name changed to 650i (minus the "C") and its engine was updated to a 4.8-liter V8 that produced 360 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. The 645Ci and 650i drive quite similarly -- the smaller V8 shares the 4.8-liter's athletic character but has a slightly less vigorous power delivery. If you find a well-kept 645Ci on the used market, you won't find it lacking from a performance standpoint.

Prior to 2008, the second-generation 6 Series offered three six-speed transmissions: a traditional manual, a traditional automatic and BMW's SMG, which used an electronically controlled clutch to provide both the responsiveness of a manual and the forget-about-it friendliness of an automatic. The SMG may sound tempting, but we'd steer clear, as its herky-jerky performance can make everyday driving a literal pain in the neck. Most 6 Series from this era were equipped with the traditional automatic, but it didn't become standard until 2010. The manual became an option at that point.

Shoppers should note that beyond the powertrain changes, in-car electronics were also upgraded over the years. Early models feature older versions of BMW's iDrive system, which was still in its nascent stages and quite frustrating to use. Gradual improvements were made, but it wasn't until 2010 that the system became fully worthwhile.

In reviews of the second-generation BMW 6 Series, we found that the ride was supple and quiet, the brakes were powerful, and despite nearly 2 tons of weight, handling limits remained high thanks to sophisticated tuning and a well-balanced chassis. Adding the Sport package firmed up the ride and increased cornering grip via a set of 19-inch wheels and tires, while the variable-ratio active steering quickened low-speed turning response.

As with any luxury touring coupe or convertible, the specific mission of this BMW 6 Series was to cover lots of road in a hurry while making its occupants look and feel great -- the front ones, anyway. Unfortunately, the 6 Series offered little of the rear seat space found in its contemporary 5 Series sedan counterpart despite similar midsize dimensions. Also, neither the 650i coupe nor the convertible were considered fashion leaders at the time, though their relative rarity today may make their unconventional lines more appealing.

Not counting the BMW 8 Series of 1990s vintage, the precursor to the modern 6 Series models is the first-generation 6 Series coupe produced from 1977-'89. All models used an inline six-cylinder engine ranging from 3.2 to 3.5 liters, tuned to varying degrees of power. Even the most potent version could only accelerate to 60 mph in the low 6-second range and grip the road in the upper 0.70g range -- modest by modern standards -- while the car's semi-trailing arm rear suspension never did the best job of keeping the car planted to the road. Still, it was an engaging car to drive in its day, and for that reason the original BMW 6 Series coupe retains an important place in BMW history.

User Reviews:

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  Close to Perfect - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By DrChrisHall - April 9 - 5:48 am

  I bought this car because I wanted to know what it was like to drive on the autobahns of Germany at speeds they were intended for, and the 650i lets me do that. I havent had to pull over to the right lane for anyone yet. The acceleration, whether starting from a stop or at 100 mph, pulls you into the back of your seat. Merging and passing is effortless. The car grips the road at top speed (157 mph), around corners, or even on wet surfaces. It makes you feel almost too safe..... I used to be a Mercedes guy, but I have definitely switched. This car drives so nicely and smoothly, has such a simple elegance inside, and turns heads because of its awesome exterior. I am 100% satisfied!

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  What a rush - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By jrsatty - April 4 - 12:42 pm

  From the moment I got in, it was and is an experience I look forward to every time I use the car. My only two complaints are 1) the seatbelt is uncomfortable (what one isnt) 2) A slight hesitation off the line. Otherwise an exhilarating and awesome experience.

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  Overall Excellent - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By michael - April 1 - 3:13 pm

  As cars come and go -- and for me there have been many -- this one ranks at the top with my Porsche. Far surpasses the Mercedes CLK430 that it replaced.

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  Incredible Machine - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By clip645 - March 28 - 10:01 pm

  I had read all of the review and was a bit reluctant, until I drove this vehicle. For a vehicle of this size, it handles and corners amazingly well. Performance is outstanding! 0- 30 is strong however, 30-100 is absolutely incredible and leaves most everyting in the dust. To top it off the ride is compliant, the seats are the most comfortable I have ever encountered, the logic 7 sound system is amazing - even at super legal speeds with the top down. The much maligned I Drive in now very intuitive - once you read the manual just once. This is the best car I have ever owned or driven! It you are looking for a great convertible - at any price - this is it!

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  BMW Engineering at its finest - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Cameron - March 13 - 8:48 pm

  Over the years Ive had quite a few cars. I test drove the 650 and was instantly sold. The performance is stellar, the handling amazing. This car does everything right. The people that complain about the iDrive, havent used it or taken the time to learn. I had it down within a couple of days and appreciate the simplicity. BMW has won me over, I dont know what took me so long!

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  Dream Machine - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By RinManhattanBeach - March 3 - 12:34 pm

  Without a doubt, the BMW 650i is the hottest car Ive ever driven. You just have to be careful about your speed because as you step on it, you cant feel anything shift... it literally glides from gear to gear like no other car Ive driven. I see tickets in my future and Im not talking about the ones for a show. I had concerns about the iDrive, but I found it pretty intuitive to use and Im getting more comfy with the voice commands. All in all, the car is a beautifully tuned machine. The front end of the car is a lot prettier in view than the back end. But then the "not so pretty" back end gives the car a hint of less pretentiousnes with a really big trunk.

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  The feel good factor is priced in! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By voldiver - March 1 - 9:49 pm

  The 645 is truly "sport" luxury. Not nimble and quick but muscular and responsive. The extra horses of the 650 should help. The iDrive is not difficult...if you cant figure it out you most likely cant afford the car anyway!

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Concorde99 - February 27 - 7:50 pm

  In January, I traded a 1996 Porsche 911 C4 Cabriolet for the BMW 650 C Convertible. This was the first vehicle that had the WOW factor for me since the Porsche. BMW does a much better job with both interior and exterior finish than BMW, has a better warranty, better service, and now has built a coupe that handles as well as the Porsche. The upgraded sound system blows you away and the car is teaching me how to use voice commands. Im learning. Steering is responsive, acceleration is as good as the 96 Porsche, it is more comfortable than the BMW X-5 I own and I cant find anything BMW has left out. GREAT AUTOMOBILE!! If you can afford own, buy it.

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  Porsche 911 Carrera meets practicality! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By puffysheep - February 11 - 12:40 am

  I would choose BMWs over Mercedes and other equivalent cars. Having said that only cars I would drool over this one are BMW M5 and M6. I got this car with full option and everything ranging from parking distance control to cold weather packages, all very useful. If you hear people complaining about the BMW iDrive system, dont believe them. Unless you are very old- fashioned and dont know how to use a computer, you wont have a problem with the iDrive function. This car has a surprisingly big trunk and back seats are plenty for people under six feet tall. This car drives like a Porsche 911 but it can also be driven like a luxury sedan so its lot more practical for everyday use.

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  Best Luxury Sport Convertible - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Jack B - January 30 - 11:10 pm

  This by far is the best vehicle I have driven, and the best looking. I have had the Nissan 300z turbo and test drove the new Mercedes CLS and the SL 500, there is no comparison the performance and luxury you get with the 650I. The iDrive was confusing until I took about two hours to learn it while parked in my driveway and now it is easy. The voice commands also eliminates a lot of manual functions that comes with the iDrive.