BMW 6 Series (E63)

BMW 6 Series
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Model codeE63 (Coupé)
E64 (Convertible)
Production2003–2010
AssemblyGermany: Dingolfing
DesignerAdrian van Hooydonk[1]
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer (S)
Body style
LayoutRear-wheel drive
RelatedBMW 5 Series (E60)
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,780 mm (109.4 in)
Length4,820 mm (189.8 in)
Width1,855 mm (73.0 in)
Height1,374 mm (54.1 in)
Chronology
PredecessorBMW 6 Series (E24) (nameplate)
SuccessorBMW 6 Series (F12)

The second generation of the BMW 6 Series consists of the BMW E63 (coupe version) and BMW E64 (convertible version) grand tourers. The E63/E64 generation was produced by BMW from 2003 to 2010 and is often collectively referred to as the E63.

The E63 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.[2][3]

The M6 model was introduced in 2005 in coupé and convertible body styles. It is powered by the S85 V10 engine shared with the E60 M5, and most M6s were produced with a 7-speed automated manual transmission ("SMG III").[4]

In March 2011, the BMW 6 Series (F06/F12/F13) began production as the successor to the E63.

Development and launch

[edit]

The exterior was designed by Adrian van Hooydonk, based on the 1999 BMW Z9 concept car designed by the then BMW Design Chief Chris Bangle.[5]

The controversial rear styling, first seen on the E65 7 Series, was nicknamed "Bangle Butt" by critics.[6] BMW described the styling philosophy as "flame surfacing", where concave and convex shapes meet to create sharp edges.[7][8]

To reduce weight, the doors and bonnet are made of aluminium,[9] and the boot and front wings are made of carbon-reinforced plastic. The kerb weight is 1,490–1,930 kg (3,280–4,250 lb).[citation needed]

Body styles

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  • Coupé (E63)
    Coupé (E63)
  • Convertible (E64)
    Convertible (E64)

Coupé (E63)

[edit]

Coupé models were unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show,[10][11] and introduced on the market in middle of the 2003 model year.[12]

Convertible (E64)

[edit]

Convertible models were unveiled at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, and released in mid 2004.[13]

Convertible models featured a non-conventional convertible top design with side fins[14] and an integrated wind deflector that can be raised or lowered at any time.

Engines

[edit]

Top speed for all models is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).[15]

Petrol

[edit]
Model Years Engine Power Torque
630Ci 2004–2007 3.0 L N52
inline-6		 190 kW (258 PS; 255 hp)
at 6,600 rpm		 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500–4,000 rpm
630i 2007–2010 3.0 L N53
inline-6[a]		 200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp)
at 6,700 rpm		 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft)
at 2,750–3,000 rpm
3.0 L N52
inline-6[b]		 190 kW (258 PS; 255 hp)
at 6,600 rpm		 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500–4,000 rpm
645Ci 2004–2005 4.4 L N62
V8		 245 kW (333 PS; 329 hp)
at 6,100 rpm		 450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft)
at 3,600 rpm
650i 2005–2010 4.8 L N62
V8		 270 kW (367 PS; 362 hp)
at 6,300 rpm		 490 N⋅m (361 lb⋅ft)
at 3,400 rpm
M6 2005–2010 5.0 L S85
V10		 373 kW (507 PS; 500 hp)
at 7,750 rpm		 520 N⋅m (384 lb⋅ft)
at 6,100 rpm

Diesel

[edit]
Model Years Engine Power Torque
635d[c] 2007–2010 3.0 L M57
inline-6 turbo		 210 kW (286 PS; 282 hp)
at 4,400 rpm		 580 N⋅m (428 lb⋅ft)
at 1,750–2,250 rpm

Drivetrain

[edit]

The available transmissions are:[4]

Unlike the related E60 5 Series, the E63/E64 was not available with all-wheel drive (xDrive).

Equipment

[edit]
Interior (pre-facelift)

Features available included adaptive headlights,[19] parking sensors (Park Distance Control), voice control,[20] variable rate steering (Active Steering),[21] active anti-roll bars (Active Roll Stabilisation), radar cruise control (Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go), head-up display,[22] lane departure warning, night vision,[23] keyless entry and starting (Comfort Access),[23] heated steering wheel, universal remote control, and soft-close doors.

M6 model

[edit]
Main article: BMW M6 (E63/E64)
M6 coupé

The M6 version was initially introduced as a coupé at the 2005 Geneva International Motor Show,[24] and later in convertible form at the British International Motor Show in 2006.[25]

The M6 is powered by the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated S85 V10 shared with the E60 M5, generating 373 kW (500 hp) at 7,750 rpm[26] and 520 N⋅m (384 lb⋅ft) at 6,100 rpm.[27] The majority of the cars were produced with a 7-speed automated manual transmission ("SMG III"), however a 6-speed manual transmission was also available in the United States.[28]

The M6 coupé has a carbon fibre roof in order to reduce weight and for a lower centre of gravity.[29][30] 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 head-up Display.[31] The car also has quad exhaust-pipes and larger, more aerodynamic air intakes.

A total of 9,087 coupés and 5,065 convertibles were built; amounting to 14,152 cars.[32]

Yearly changes

[edit]

2006

[edit]
  • 650i model replaces the 645Ci[33]
  • M6 model introduced[24]

2007 facelift

[edit]

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.[34]
  • 630i engine upgraded from the N52 to the N53 in countries with low sulphur fuel.[35]
  • Exterior design changes including headlights,[36] tail-lights, bumpers, and the third brake light on coupé models was relocated to the trunk lid.[37][38]
  • Interior design changes including updated climate controls, and new electronic gear lever with the ability to change gears manually via steering wheel paddles.[39]
  • Edition Sport trim introduced featuring a stiffer anti-roll system and an updated exhaust system for 650i models.[40]
  • Pre-facelift front
    Pre-facelift front
  • Pre-facelift rear
    Pre-facelift rear
  • Post-facelift front
    Post-facelift front
  • Post-facelift rear
    Post-facelift rear

2009

[edit]
  • iDrive upgraded to CIC version (previously CCC)[41]

Safety

[edit]

Models feature BMW's Advanced Safety System, enabling the car to decide the most effective deployment of the airbags in a crash.[42] Safety equipment includes active anti-roll bars, dynamic stability control, front knee airbags (in accordance with US regulation), BMW roadside assistance, and an SOS emergency system.[43] Convertible models also feature an automatic rollover protection system, where roll-bars behind the rear seats are automatically deployed in a rollover.[44] From 2008, active head restraints became a standard feature on all seat options, reducing the risk of neck injuries in a rear-end collision.[43][45]

Production volumes

[edit]

The E63/E64 was produced at the Dingolfing BMW plant.[46]

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

Year Total Coupé Convertible
2004 21,040 12,332 8,708
2005 23,340 12,447 10,893
2006 21,947 11,941 10,006
2007 19,626 9,967 9,659
2008 16,299 8,337 7,962
2009 8,648 4,501 4,147
2010 5,848 3,050 2,798
Total: 116,748 62,575 54,173

References

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  1. ^ "Patent Images". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  2. ^ "First Drive Review: BMW 645Ci". Car and Driver. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  3. ^ "BMW 645Ci". Road & Track. 6 November 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  4. ^ a b "6'E63 model selection". realoem.com. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  5. ^ "10 things you did not know about the BMW 6 Series". motorshowblog.com. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  6. ^ "In pictures: Bangle's BMWs". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  7. ^ Patton, Phil (17 November 2002). "Hot Stuff: The Theme Is a Flame". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  8. ^ "E60 BMW 5 Series Design – Ahead of its time?". bmwblog.com. 9 November 2014. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  9. ^ "2004 BMW 5 Series Review". newcartestdrive.com. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  10. ^ "2003 Frankfurt Motor Show – BMW 6 Series Photo Gallery". Motor Trend. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  11. ^ "BMW 6 Series Coupe (E63)". autoevolution.com. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  12. ^ "BMW 6 Series Coupe (2003 - 2010) used car review". rac.co.uk. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
  13. ^ "BMW 6 Series Convertible (E64) specs - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007". autoevolution.com. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
  14. ^ "BMW 6 Series Convertible (E64)". autoevolution.com. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  15. ^ "The new BMW 6 Series Coupé. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible". bmwgroup.com (Press release). Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  16. ^ "BMW 535d / BMW 630i". www.press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  17. ^ ST 813 M DCT Drivelogic. BMW AG. p. 7. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  18. ^ "23012283399 Exchange 7 speed sequential gearbox". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  19. ^ "BMW 645Ci - First Drive Review". www.caranddriver.com. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  20. ^ "Review: BMW E63 6 Series coupe". australiancar.reviews. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  21. ^ "BMW 645Ci Coupe Review - The Truth About Cars". The Truth About Cars. 25 March 2005. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  22. ^ "AustralianCar.Reviews: #1 for Reviews and Used Car Valuations". australiancar.reviews. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  23. ^ a b "2007 BMW 650i - Short Take Road Test". Car and Driver. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  24. ^ a b "2005 Geneva Motor Show DEBUT: 2006 BMW M6 Photo Gallery". Motor Trend. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  25. ^ "BMW M6 Cabriolet". ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  26. ^ "BMW M5 Sedan Engine and Chassis Technical Data". BMW AG. Archived from the original on 12 August 2008. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  27. ^ Burns, John G. "The UnixNerd's Domain - BMW S85 V10 and S65 V8 Engines". unixnerd.demon.co.uk. Archived from the original on 23 January 2016. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  28. ^ "23002283151 Exchange 6 speed gearbox". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  29. ^ "2006 BMW M6". automobilemag.com. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  30. ^ "2006 BMW M6 - Road Test". Car and Driver. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  31. ^ "FAQ E63 + E63 M6". bmwmregistry.com. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  32. ^ "BMW M Registry - FAQ E63 + E64 M6". bmwmregistry.com. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  33. ^ "Model selection: 6'E63 - Coupe - 650i". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  34. ^ "BMW 6-Series coupe". Auto Express. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  35. ^ "BMW's N52 versus N53 - what are we missing?". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 11 May 2010. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  36. ^ "2008 BMW 6 Series". thecarconnection.com. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  37. ^ "Das neue BMW 6er Coupé. Das neue BMW 6er Cabrio". bmwgroup.com (Press release) (in German). Retrieved 20 February 2017.
  38. ^ "BMW 6er Facelift 2007: BMW 6er Coupé und Cabrio (E63N/E64N, 2007–2012)". 7-forum.com (in German). 26 June 2007. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
  39. ^ "New BMW 6-Series Facelift Revealed". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 28 June 2007. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  40. ^ "BMW announces new Edition Sport for 6 Series". Autoblog. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  41. ^ "BPMSport CIC Retrofit". www.bpmsport.com. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  42. ^ "BMW Technology Guide : Advanced Safety Electronics (ASE)". bmw.com.kh. Interone Worldwide GmbH. Archived from the original on 16 June 2018. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  43. ^ a b "BMW 6 Series Coupe and Convertible". bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  44. ^ "Rollover protection controller and roll bar- E64, E93". www.newtis.info. Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  45. ^ "2008 BMW 6 Series Convertible". bmwgroup.com (Press release). Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  46. ^ "Das neue BMW 6er Coupé - Produktion" (in German). Retrieved 25 October 2018.

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ Only sold in countries with low-sulphur fuel
  2. ^ All other countries
  3. ^ Only sold in Europe
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