BMW 6 Series (E63)

BMW 6 Series (E63/E64)
Overview
Manufacturer BMW
Production 2003 – 2010
Model years 2004 – 2010
Assembly
Designer Adrian van Hooydonk
Body and chassis
Class Grand tourer (S)
Body style
Layout Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Related BMW 5 Series (E60)
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,780 mm (109.4 in)
Length 4,820 mm (189.8 in)
Width 1,855 mm (73.0 in)
Height 1,374 mm (54.1 in)
Curb weight 1,490–1,930 kg (3,280–4,250 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor BMW 6 Series (E24)
Successor BMW 6 Series (F06/F12/F13)

The BMW E63/E64 is the second generation of the BMW 6 Series range of grand tourers, and was sold from 2003 to 2010. The body styles of the range are:

The E63/E64 uses a shortened version of the E60 5 Series chassis and subsequently shares many features. The car initially drew criticism, due to its controversial styling and complicated iDrive system.[1][2]

The M6 model was released in 2005 in coupé and convertible body styles. It is powered by the S85 V10 engine, with most cars sold with a 7-speed automated manual transmission ("SMG III").[3]

The E63/E64 was replaced by the F12/F13 6 Series in 2011.

Development and launch

The exterior was designed by Adrian Van Hooydonk, based on the 1999 BMW Z9 concept car by Chris Bangle.[4]

The controversial rear styling, first seen on the E65 7 Series, was nicknamed "Bangle Butt" by critics.[5] BMW described the styling philosophy as "flame surfacing", where concave and convex shapes meet to create sharp edges.[6][7]

To reduce weight, the doors and bonnet are made of aluminium,[8] and the boot and front wings are made of carbon-reinforced plastic. The M6 coupé also gets a carbon fibre roof, to reduce weight and for a lower centre of gravity.[9][10]

Body styles

Coupé (E63)

Coupé models were unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto show,[11][12] and released in mid-year 2003.[13]

Convertible (E64)

Convertible models were unveiled at the 2004 Detroit auto show, and released in mid 2004.[14]

Convertible models featured a non-conventional convertible top design with side fins[15] and an integrated wind deflector that can be raised or lowered at any time. A similar design was used on the Audi R8 Spyder and the McLaren 650S Spider.

Equipment

2005 645Ci interior

Features available included adaptive headlights,[16] parking sensors (Park Distance Control), voice control,[17] variable rate steering (Active Steering),[18] active anti-roll bars (Active Roll Stabilisation), radar cruise control (Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go), head-up display,[19] lane departure warning, night vision,[20] keyless entry and starting (Comfort Access),[20] heated steering wheel, universal remote control, and soft-close doors.

Transmissions

Unlike the E60 5 Series, all-wheel drive (xDrive) was not offered on models.

The available transmissions are:[3]

Models

Straight-six models are distinguished by circular tailpipes, while V8 models have oval tailpipes. Top speed for all models is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).[21]

Petrol engines

ModelYearsEnginePowerTorque0-100 km/hNotes
630Ci2005–2007N52B30
3.0 L I6
190 kW (255 bhp)
@ 6,600 rpm
300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft)
@ 2,500–4,000 rpm
6.7 s
630i2007–2010N53B30
3.0 L I6
200 kW (268 bhp)
@ 6,700 rpm
320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft)
@ 2,750–3,000 rpm
6.4 sOnly sold in countries
with low-sulfur fuel
N52B30
3.0 L I6
190 kW (255 bhp)
@ 6,600 rpm
300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft)
@ 2,500–4,000 rpm
6.7 sAll other countries
645Ci2004–2005N62B44
4.4 L V8
245 kW (329 bhp)
@ 6,100 rpm
450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft)
@ 3,600 rpm
5.8 s
650i2006–2010N62B48
4.8 L V8
270 kW (362 bhp)
@ 6,300 rpm
490 N⋅m (361 lb⋅ft)
@ 3,400 rpm
5.5 s
M62005–2010S85B50
5.0 L V10
373 kW (500 bhp)
@ 7,750 rpm
520 N⋅m (384 lb⋅ft)
@ 6,100 rpm
4.2 s

Diesel engines

ModelYearsEnginePowerTorque0-100 km/h Notes
635d2007–2010M57D30TU2
3.0 L I6 twin-turbo
210 kW (282 bhp)
@ 4,400 rpm
580 N⋅m (428 lb⋅ft)
@ 1,750–2,250 rpm
6.3 s Only sold in Europe

M6 version

2008 BMW M6 coupé

The M6 version was initially introduced as a coupé at the 2005 Geneva International Motor Show,[22] and later in convertible form at the British International Motor Show in 2006.[23]

It is powered by the 5.0 litre naturally aspirated S85 V10, producing 373 kW (500 bhp) at 7750 rpm[24] and 520 N⋅m (384 lb⋅ft) at 6100 rpm.[25] Most cars were sold with a 7-speed automated manual transmission ("SMG III"), however a 6-speed manual was also available in some markets.

Additional features included: sports seats, larger front and rear brakes, an M-performance instrument cluster, a carbon-fibre roof (coupé only), and an optional M Heads Up Display.[26] The car also has quad exhaust-pipes and larger, more aerodynamic air intakes.

9,087 coupés and 5,065 convertibles were built; amounting to 14,152 total E63/E64 M6's produced.[27]

Model year changes

Facelift 635d convertible

2005

  • 650i model replaces 645Ci
  • M6 model introduced[22]

2008 facelift

In September 2007, the facelift (LCI) was introduced for the 2008 model year. Major changes include:

  • 635d model introduced, powered by the M57 diesel engine.[28]
  • 630i engine upgraded from N52 to N53 in countries with low sulfur fuel.[29]
  • Exterior design changes including headlights,[30] tail-lights, bumpers, and an added third brakelight on coupé models.[31][32]
  • Interior design changes including updated climate controls, and new electronic gear lever with the ability to change gears manually via steering wheel paddles.[33]
  • Edition Sport trim introduced featuring a stiffer anti-roll system and an updated exhaust system for 650i models.[34]

2009

  • Models started to feature the updated iDrive CIC system.

Safety

Models feature BMW's Advanced Safety System, where the car will decide the most effective deployment of the airbags in a crash.[35] Safety equipment includes active anti-roll bars, dynamic stability control, front knee airbags (in accordance to US regulation), BMW roadside assistance, and an SOS emergency system.[36] Convertible models also feature an automatic rollover protection system, where roll-bars behind the rear seats are automatically deployed in a rollover. From 2008, active head restraints became a standard feature on all seat options, reducing the risk of neck injuries in a rear-end collision.[36][37]

There are no EuroNCAP crash safety ratings for the BMW E63/E64 6 Series.

Production volumes

The E63/E64 was produced at the Leipzig BMW plant.[38]

The following are production figures for the E63/E64, excluding M6 models:

YearTotalCoupéConvertible
200421,04012,3328,708
200523,34012,44710,893
200621,94711,94110,006
200719,6269,9679,659
200816,2998,3377,962
20098,6484,5014,147
20105,8483,0502,798
Total:116,74862,57554,173

References

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  2. "BMW 645Ci". Road & Track. 2012-11-06. Retrieved 2017-08-29.
  3. 1 2 "6'E63 model selection". realoem.com. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  4. "10 things you did not know about the BMW 6 Series". motorshowblog.com. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  5. "In pictures: Bangle's BMWs". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  6. "Hot Stuff: The Theme Is a Flame". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  7. "E60 BMW 5 Series Design – Ahead of its time?". bmwblog.com. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  8. "2004 BMW 5 Series Review". newcartestdrive.com. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  9. "2006 BMW M6". automobilemag.com. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
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  13. "BMW 6 Series Coupe (2003 - 2010) used car review". rac.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-06-13.
  14. "BMW 6 Series Convertible (E64) specs - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007". autoevolution.com. Retrieved 2018-06-13.
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  19. "AustralianCar.Reviews: #1 for Reviews and Used Car Valuations". australiancar.reviews. Retrieved 2018-02-18.
  20. 1 2 "2007 BMW 650i - Short Take Road Test". Car and Driver. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  21. "The new BMW 6 Series Coupé. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible". bmwgroup.com (Press release). Retrieved 2018-02-18.
  22. 1 2 "2005 Geneva Motor Show DEBUT: 2006 BMW M6 Photo Gallery". Motor Trend. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
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  25. Burns, John G. "The UnixNerd's Domain - BMW S85 V10 and S65 V8 Engines". unixnerd.demon.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-08-11.
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  27. "BMW M Registry - FAQ E63 + E64 M6". bmwmregistry.com. Retrieved 2018-02-18.
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  29. "BMW's N52 versus N53 - what are we missing?". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 2010-05-11. Retrieved 2018-02-18.
  30. "2008 BMW 6 Series". thecarconnection.com. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  31. "Das neue BMW 6er Coupé. Das neue BMW 6er Cabrio". bmwgroup.com (Press release) (in German). Retrieved 2017-02-20.
  32. "BMW 6er Facelift 2007: BMW 6er Coupé und Cabrio (E63N/E64N, 2007–2012)". 7-forum.com (in German). 2007-06-26. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
  33. "New BMW 6-Series Facelift Revealed". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 2007-06-28. Retrieved 2018-02-18.
  34. "BMW announces new Edition Sport for 6 Series". Autoblog. Retrieved 2018-02-18.
  35. "BMW Technology Guide : Advanced Safety Electronics (ASE)". bmw.com.kh. Interone Worldwide GmbH. Retrieved 2017-08-22.
  36. 1 2 "BMW 6 Series Coupe and Convertible". bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 2017-08-22.
  37. "2008 BMW 6 Series Convertible". bmwgroup.com (Press release). Retrieved 2017-08-22.
  38. "Werk Leipzig". bmw-grouparchiv.de (in German). Retrieved 7 June 2017.
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