BMW 6 Series (E63)

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BMW 6 Series (E63/E64)
2008 BMW 650i (E63 MY08) coupe (2015-07-16) 01.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer BMW
Production2003–2010
AssemblyGermany: Dingolfing
Designer Adrian van Hooydonk [1]
Body and chassis
Class Grand tourer (S)
Body style
Layout Rear-wheel drive
Related BMW 5 Series (E60)
Powertrain
Engine
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,780 mm (109.4 in)
Length4,820 mm (189.8 in)
Width1,855 mm (73.0 in)
Height1,374 mm (54.1 in)
Chronology
Predecessor BMW 6 Series (E24)
Successor BMW 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.

Contents

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

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

Coupé (E63)

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

Convertible (E64)

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

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

Petrol

ModelYearsEnginePowerTorque
630Ci2004–20073.0 L N52
inline-6
190 kW (255 hp)
at 6,600 rpm
300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500–4,000 rpm
630i2007–20103.0 L N53
inline-6 [lower-alpha 1]
200 kW (268 hp)
at 6,700 rpm
320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft)
at 2,750–3,000 rpm
3.0 L N52
inline-6 [lower-alpha 2]
190 kW (255 hp)
at 6,600 rpm
300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500–4,000 rpm
645Ci2004–20054.4 L N62
V8
245 kW (329 hp)
at 6,100 rpm
450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft)
at 3,600 rpm
650i2005–20104.8 L N62
V8
270 kW (362 hp)
at 6,300 rpm
490 N⋅m (361 lb⋅ft)
at 3,400 rpm
M62005–20105.0 L S85
V10
373 kW (500 hp)
at 7,750 rpm
520 N⋅m (384 lb⋅ft)
at 6,100 rpm

Diesel

ModelYearsEnginePowerTorque
635d [lower-alpha 3] 2007–20103.0 L M57
inline-6 turbo
210 kW (282 hp)
at 4,400 rpm
580 N⋅m (428 lb⋅ft)
at 1,750–2,250 rpm

Drivetrain

The available transmissions are: [4]

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

Equipment

Interior (pre-facelift) 2004 BMW 645Ci Sport - Flickr - The Car Spy (15).jpg
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

M6 coupe BMW M6 E63 - Flickr - Alexandre Prevot (23).jpg
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

2006

2007 facelift

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

2009

Safety

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

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

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

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Footnotes

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