BMW 6 Series

Infobox Automobile
name = BMW 6 Series


manufacturer = BMW
production = 1976–1989
2003-present
predecessor = BMW E9 (CS, CSi, CSL)
class = Grand tourer
layout = FR layout Infobox Automobile generation
name = First generation


production = 1976–1989
predecessor = BMW E9 (CS, CSi, CSL)
platform = BMW E24
transmission = 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
engine = 3.4L 208 hp 3.0L 185 hp I6
fuel_capacity = 16.6 US gal.
wheelbase = auto in|103.5|0
length = auto in|193.8|0
width = auto in|67.9|0
height = auto in|53.7|0
body_style = 2-door coupe Infobox Automobile generation
name = Second generation


production = 2003–present
body_style = 2-door convertible
2-door coupé
platform = BMW E64
assembly = Dingolfing, Germany
length = auto in|190.2|0
wheelbase = auto in|109.4|0
width = 1855 mm (73 in)
height = 1373 mm (54.1 in)
2004-06 Coupe: auto in|54.0|0
weight = 1690 kg (3725.8 lb)
engine = 3.0 L (2996 cc) I6
3.0 L Diesel (2993 cc) I6
4.8 L (4799 cc) V8 (N62)
transmission = 6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
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."

* 2004-2005 645Ci - 4.4 L V8, 325 hp.
* 2004-2005 645Ci Convertible - 4.4 L V8, 325 hp.
* 2005- 630i- 3.0 L I6, 254 hp.
* 2006- 650i - 4.8 L V8, 360 hp.
* 2006- 650i Convertible - 4.8 L V8, 360 hp.
* 2007- M6 - 5.0 L V10, 507 hp.
* 2007- M6 Convertible - 5.0 L V10, 507 hp.
* 2007- 635d- 3.0 L Twin Turbo Diesel I6, 290 hp.
* 2007- 635d Convertible- 3.0 L Twin Turbo Diesel I6, 290 hp.
* 2008/9- 635i- 3.0 L Twin Turbo I6, 306 hp.

References

* Kable, G (14. December, 2004). BMW unleashes M6 supercoupe. "Autocar" pp. 8-11.

External links

* [http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/6series/overview.html BMW 6 Series webpage]
* [http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/BMW-6-Series-635d-Sport/228571 Autocar review of the 635d]