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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  Was this a Good Choice? - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By misniki - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I love that fact that you dont see one everyday. My problem is my car has been back for service 4 times 4 mths. 4x for the flat tire monitor. Its in the shop now and has been there for a week. My A/C comes on by itself, sometimes the window goes back down when you roll it up and the radio has frozen up three times. This car was not ready to be sold. I love the power and performance. Heads turn everywhere I go. If BMW can get the computer system under control, this would almost be the perfect car. Even though its a sports car, the convience package would be nice to have for the price. I cant wait for the M6.

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  If youre REALLY a car person...... - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By giants98 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  and money is no object, this is the car for you. The design and styling is something very special and the drive, handling and sound of the vehicle is unmatched. I heard all the comments on the I-drive and expected a lot worse-- its not a problem to work at all. Grab the Sport Package is it adds bigger wheels and very comfortable seats, plus some other driving goodies. For a fairly large car, it handles like a little sports car without sacrificing comfort. Its a very special and unique car for someone who does not have to ask "how much" when ordering one. Im thrilled with my silver convertible with a black top and cream beige interior. One of the best cars Ive ever owned.

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  Best Handling car ever owned - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By LMDMOM - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I had been a Mercedes CLK 320 owner..loved that car UNTIL I purchased the new 645ci Convertable. There is NO comparison. The BMW handles better,is more efficient,does what I ask it to do,responds beautifully.drives smothly. Have not yet driven in snow,but I am sure will be fine. The convertable mechanism is great,,absolutly nothing to do except press one button. top up/or down in seconds.Cannot extol virtues enough. will NEVER go back to Mercedes. BMW also much easier to do business wiht.

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  Bugs in the Computer - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Lkitty - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, drives like a dream. Brakes are wonderful. Car attrackes a big crowd. Unfortunitly, severe creaking with body twist and active steering gets floaty over 105mph. Back seat is just for groceries. Car has been in the shop for total of 15 days and 4 trips in first 2 months, all computer related. No radio, no phone service, navagation meltdown, iDrive meltdown. This car was just not ready to be sold to the market, they needed another year to work out the bugs.

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  Will drive this car for 10 years. - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By new645cicdriver - September 11 - 2:00 am

  What I think is best about this car is how well it operates in the two roles of luxury cruiser and sports car convertible. Overall it is exceptionally self assured and holds the road with tenancity. The low grumble from the v-8 sounds great. As a luxury car it compares to anything out there. But put the top down, select the sport setting on the transmission and you have a car that will give you all the excitment you want and remind you of what fun driving is. Additionally the aerodynamics are phenominal. At any speed up to 80 mph, with the top down and windows up the car is quiet and there is virtually no wind buffeting in the front seats.

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  Phenomenal - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By DBG - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing car. The i-drive is not as bad as some say, but it is a silly piece of show-off design. That is the ONLY quiblle about this car. It is astoundingly fast and handles equally well. It turns heads wherever you go, and the interior has all the comforts you could want. The best car Ive ever had.

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  my thoughts - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By mikevb - August 19 - 2:00 am

  awesome performance, BEAUTFUL with the top down,with onlt pretty up.

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  In for service - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By 4042 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Over 20 days in shop in 3 months. driver side door did not operate windows would not go down using key. Air bag light on.Every time in shop you loose your programs ie radio seats etc.$900 for phone and still does not work. Waiting for memo from Germany to make it work!!!

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  What a car - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By grasraucher.mxe - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Really the Ultimate not compareable with any american crab car like you do in your article! The car is worthy the price!

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  BMW 645 - Dream! - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Orbit - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have it this vehicle for about 45 days and have been extremely please with every feature. I was hesitant at first due to my experience with BMW service departments in the past, but the car out weighs those concerns. The car is fantastic - a car you can drive everyday!!! The lines and looks are fanstastic - top down is the only way to drive this. Many trips have already been done to Park City and Deer Valley.