Manufacturer BMW Assembly Dingolfing, Germany Predecessor BMW E9 | Production 1976–1989
2003–present Layout FR layout | |
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Class Grand tourer (S)
Mid-size luxury car (F) | ||
The BMW 6 Series is a series of luxury grand tourers produced by the German automaker BMW.
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The first was the E24, being derived from the first generation 7 Series, the BMW E23. The E24 was launched in 1976 to replace the 3.0CS & 3.0CSi (E9). In 2003, 14 years after production ceased, BMW released the all new E63/E64, which was available as a coupé and convertible, based on the chassis of the E60 5 Series sedan. Models were the 645Ci (later replaced with the 650i) and the 630i, while the highest performance model is the BMW M6. The third generation F12 and F13 6 series was released in 2011 for the 2012 model year, sharing a platform and some engines with the 7 Series (F01) and 5 Series (F10), and introducing a four-door coupé (fastback sedan) style, known as Gran Coupé.
The BMW 8 series is sometimes regarded as the spiritual successor to the E24 6 Series, being also available as a "CSi", however it had a substantially higher price point and performance than the preceding 6 Series.
E24 (1976–1989)
The original 6 Series was launched in August 1976 as 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. This car had a 3210 cc engine with 197 PS (145 kW). In 1978 BMW 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. The early cars were offered with a 5-speed 'dog-leg' Getrag gearbox. A four-speed automatic transmission became a more common option. The series underwent a significant change with the mid-1982 model, this included a 'normal' pattern 5-speed manual, or the more usual four-speed auto. A luxury version, known as the L6 arrived in the USA in 1987 with leather headliner and trim and other accoutrements. It was available only as an automatic.
In 1984 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, with a top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph). The M6 also had improved suspension, brakes, and a close-ratio manual transmission.
E63/E64 (2003–2010)
The second-generation 6 Series (E63) was produced from 2003-2010, filling the hole in the lineup left since the end of the 8 Series' production. It is based on the underpinnings of the E60 5 Series. Compared to the 5 Series saloon/touring, the 6 Series coupe/cabriolet has more emphasis on performance as opposed to practicality and it is priced close to the flagship 7 Series saloon.
Car & Driver magazine commented that it "virtually defined the “Bangle Butt,” perhaps the industry's most obnoxious posterior."
F12/F13 (2011–present)
The third generation BMW F12 (Convertible) and F13 (Coupé) was released as a 2012 model at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show and New York Auto Show.
The engine range consists of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. The folding top is still cloth (compared to the E93 3 Series convertible, which is equipped with a metal roof). The 640i and the 650i are available with all-wheel drive.
F06 Gran Coupe
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (F06) was unveiled in 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It is a four-door saloon to provide a rival to the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS. Initially shown as the Gran Coupe Concept in 2010, which was based on the 2007 CS Concept, the Gran Coupe is available in 640i, 640d and 650i models.