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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  645 ci has no equal in the market - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By Bimmerfile - March 21 - 5:48 pm

  SMG makes the car hard to drive smoothly. Active steering feels awkward and unnatural. Otherwise the car is a terrific driver. I can live with the iDrive. I think there is a little dodge stratus in the back. It makes the car look cheap honestly. I never quite got used to the awful trunk. The car seems confused on whether to ape porsche or dodge.The front is unique, not really attractive but not particularly ugly either. Saddle up behind the seat, and the outside wont matter any more.

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  midwest owner - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By zin - February 11 - 10:19 pm

  My experience with the vehicle has not been good because the dealership has not had trained staff for one. Secondly there are on board computer problems since delivery which have not been fixed. The paint finish is an issue in which small scratches have appeared in the clear coat. The design seems susceptible to front end/hood damage from road stones. Bluetooth sometimes fails with cell phone.

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  I-drive systems / - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Billie Johnson - February 9 - 10:23 pm

  The 645 cic is a fun car to drive. It handles with excellence and attracts the "nice car" symbol with the thumbs up everywhere I go. What I am disappointed with is the malfunction of the I drive system (resetting itself or freezing). My roll bar protection for some reason has deactivated itself. I made an appointment on January 3rd to take my car in and unfortunately the next available date is the 20th of February. Very disappointing for a 90k car.

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  BMW - Bummer - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By M. Locascio - February 7 - 11:55 am

  You already know you have overdone it with the electronics. I have 1800 miles on this car and it has been in to the dealership 3 times already. I cant wait for the lease to expire so I can buy a Porsche. Thank god I leased this car and do not own it. Get the idea Im frustrated? All the problems have been computer related.

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  640i review - 2015 BMW 6-Series
  By Wayne S - December 30 - 4:38 am

  Need to put better tires. Have had blowouts on 3 of the 4 tires and only10000 miles.Still tires are the issue!! Performance is the best for the money. Good overall value

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  Great idea poor implementation - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Camner - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This is an exquisite car in form and powertrain but it is frstratingly poor in terms of enjoyment and ride quality. The throttle is too long in regular driving but too responsive while in sport mode. The iDrive is the single most foolhardy idea that BMW has ever incorperated. It distracts the drver, cannot be used during travel, and detracts from the driving experience, leaving you frustrated and unfulfilled. The driver is very isolated from the road again leaving me unhappy and frustrated with the car. I personally regret my purchase of this particular automobile and hope that BMW corrects the problems with this car before it ruins thier previously infallible comapny.

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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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  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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  fun - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By siasconset - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Nice car was purchased as college gradutation gift. Looked at Lexus SC430 but liked larger size of BMW. Beautiful design as well as fit and finish. Must be seen in person and drive to be appreciated.

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  645ci... - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By SChow - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I waited a year for this car. Overall, the vehicle is unbelievable! I get an adrenaline rush every time at a stoplight.