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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  Go for it - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By steen - January 30 - 4:19 pm

  This is one incredible car! Great styling is obvious, but its only the beginning! Beauty is well beyond skin deep... this baby is tons of fun!

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  Love my Bimmer - But Im a hands-on owner - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Ken Allewelt - January 26 - 9:21 am

  Unless you have deep (very deep) pockets, or are comfortable doing routine maintenance on a high-tech vehicle, the 645ci probably isnt your best choice unless youre able to purchase an extended warranty. I drove a 1984 633csi for about 20 years -- thoroughly loved the car. When work required more travel, I upgraded to the 2004 645ci. I was able to pick one up a 2-owner with 85,000 miles for right around $13K. Financed through the credit union and added a $3,200 3-yr/36K bumper to bumper warranty; total price $16.5K or so. (warranty paid for itself the first trip to the shop when the transmission started leaking -- $5,300 expense; I had to pay a $100 deductible). The Bimmer is a FANTASTIC touring car on the road and fun to drive around town... Has plenty of power and a beautiful and unmistakable design.

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  What Fun - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Jim - January 10 - 9:57 am

  This is a super vehicle.We just purchased the car and have absolutely loved driving it.The power, braking, steering of this car are awesome. Its like riding a high tech roller coaster, smooth and on a rail.The iDrive is cool. It IS very easy to use once you navigate thru it a few times. We got this car w/out the sport package and were told it did not come w/run flat tires.This was not the case, as tires marked with the letters RSC circled are run flats. (No spare tires in this vehicle.) Also, the convertible has more head room in the rear seat than the coupe. I am 6 and 210 & I can sit straight up w/some leg room. Coupe I have to tilt my head.Trunk has more room w/top down,then any other in its class.

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  Im Lovin It - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Retired - January 4 - 4:11 am

  Have owned this car for a month. It is the first convertible Ive owned, and I am in love with it. The handling is superb and the looks are fantastic. I get compliments on the car every day.

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  Awesome! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By SF - January 3 - 9:19 am

  Talk about a fun car to drive! I dont get very excited about driving cars, but when I got behind the wheel in a test drive, I immediately knew there was no other. Now that I have the car, I dont want to stop driving it.

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  Return of the 6 - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Spo1343 - December 29 - 10:56 pm

  The looks eventually grew on me and a test drive had me in love with this car. There is nothing like it on the road and its closest competitor, the CLK500 cant keep up. The M6 with 500bhp will be a higher degree of perfection. Everything about this car shouts fun, style and triple digit speeds.

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  The BMW 6-SERIES - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By ADRIEN - November 28 - 10:52 am

  I am loving this car more and more every day. The sound system is amazing, the handling at high speed on corners and curves is the perfect adrenaline rush, and yet the ultimate in safety. The leather seats conform to your body and contrary to the editors remarks, this car is very sexy and its lines grab all the attention on the road. Even from those "elite"...not mercedes benz owners ( since the editor is so bias to those old-man vehicles). thank you. The next thing for me will be the M6.

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  Love this car! - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By LisaGCS - November 12 - 12:09 pm

  Everything about this car is beautiful. The lines on the inside and outside were artfully designed. Even the door lights were done in a light blue that are more like mood lights than glarish dome lights. It definitely attracts attention because of its looks, but it keeps my attention, because it is fun. The convertible top lets the sun in easily, and the press of the gas pedal lets my troubles blow away in the wind.

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  A great car - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Truk - October 30 - 2:00 am

  If you like to drive youll love to drive this car. Ive owned five convertibles, my last being an SL500, and none of them comes close to the "ultimate" driving experience. I can wait to get it out wesr with no speed limits! It is very comfortable to ride in, which my wife really appreciates. A great automobile.

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  Outstanding 645Ci - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Kennekb - October 24 - 2:00 am

  The 645 is the marriage of a sports car and luxury touring coupe. The result is a car that can be justified as a family as well as a personal performance car. Interior is roomy enough for a family of four. Handling is what sold me on the car as well as the build quality and solid feel going down the road. I couldnt justify the convertible having owned Mercedes and Lexus hardtop convertibles. The coupe is outselling the convertible models according to dealers. Great car.