BMW 6 Series

BMW 6 Series

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	1976–1989 2003-present
Predecessor	BMW E9 (CS, CSi, CSL)
Class	Grand tourer
Layout	FR layout

First generation

Production	1976–1989
Predecessor	BMW E9 (CS, CSi, CSL)
Body style(s)	2-door coupe
Platform	BMW E24
Engine(s)	3.4L 208 hp 3.0L 185 hp I6
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	103.5 in (2629 mm)
Length	193.8 in (4923 mm)
Width	67.9 in (1725 mm)
Height	53.7 in (1364 mm)
Fuel capacity	16.6 US gal.

Second generation

Production	2003–present
Assembly	Dingolfing, Germany
Body style(s)	2-door convertible 2-door coupé
Platform	BMW E64
Engine(s)	3.0 L (2996 cc) I6 3.0 L Diesel (2993 cc) I6 4.8 L (4799 cc) V8 (N62)
Transmission(s)	6-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase	109.4 in (2779 mm)
Length	190.2 in (4831 mm)
Width	1855 mm (73 in)
Height	1373 mm (54.1 in) 2004-06 Coupe: 54.0 in (1372 mm)
Curb weight	1690 kg (3725.8 lb)
Fuel capacity	70.0 litres

BMW 6 Series refers to two generations of automobile from BMW, both being based on their contemporary 5 Series sedans. The first was the E24, launched in 1976 to replace the 3.0CS & 3.0CSi (E9). In 2003, BMW released the all new E63/E64 which was available as a coupé and convertible. Models were the 645ci (later replaced with the 650i) and the 630i. The highest performance 6 series is the BMW M6.

E24 6 Series (1977–1989)

The original 6 Series was the successor to the E9 coupés, namely the 2800CS, 3.0CS and 3.0CSi. The new E24 chassis was safer than that of the E9, meeting new United States federal crash and rollover standards. The original 6-Series was first launched in August 1976. This car had a 3210 cc engine with 197 PS (145 kW). In 1980 debuted the 635CSi, with a 3453 cc SOHC, 218 PS (160 kW) engine and a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph). The 635CSi could reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.4 seconds. A luxury version, known as the L6 arrived in 1987 with leather headliner and trim and other accoutrements.

In 1983 BMW took the M88/3, a modified version of the M88/1 from the BMW M1 and put it in the E24 chassis, creating the M635CSi, or M6. This had a DOHC 24-valve 3453 cc, 286 PS (210 kW) engine, taken from the BMW M1 with a top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph). The M6 reached 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The M6 also had improved suspension, brakes, and a close-ratio manual transmission.

E63/E64 6 Series (2003–present)

An all-new 6-Series (E63) was introduced in 2003, filling the hole in the lineup left since the end of the 8-Series' production. Based on the underpinnings of the E60, the new 6-Series was introduced with a 4.4 L 325 hp V8 engine for the 645Ci. In 2004, a more affordable inline six-cylinder engine was introduced in the 630i. This was soon followed by a convertible model (the E64), the first 6-Series with a removable top. Soon after its introduction, the 645Ci was replaced by the 650i, with a larger displacement (4.8 L) and 360 hp. The range-topping M6 arrived in late 2005, using the same V10 engine as the M5, with 507 PS (373 kW). In 2007 the 635d (Twin Turbo 3.0L Diesel) was introduced with 290 bhp and 430 lb ft which comprehensively outguns the 630i with the added bonus of 41mpg, the 635d Convertible (released shortly afterwards) was described by Autocar as "the best 6-series of the lot."