BMW 6 Series (E63)

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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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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").<ref name=":1" />

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The controversial rear styling, first seen on the E65 7 Series, was nicknamed "Bangle Butt" by critics.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> BMW described the styling philosophy as "flame surfacing", where concave and convex shapes meet to create sharp edges.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

To reduce weight, the doors and bonnet are made of aluminium,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the boot and front wings are made of carbon-reinforced plastic. The kerb weight is Template:Convert.Template:Citation needed

Body styles

Coupé (E63)

Coupé models were unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and introduced on the market in middle of the 2003 model year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Convertible (E64)

Convertible models were unveiled at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, and released in mid 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Convertible models featured a non-conventional convertible top design with side fins<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and an integrated wind deflector that can be raised or lowered at any time. Template:Clear

Engines

Top speed for all models is electronically limited to Template:Convert.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

Petrol

Model Years Engine Power Torque
630Ci 2003–2007 3.0 L N52
inline-6
Template:Convert
at 6,600 rpm
Template:Convert
at 2,500–4,000 rpm
630i 2007–2010 3.0 L N53
inline-6Template:Efn
Template:Convert
at 6,700 rpm
Template:Convert
at 2,750–3,000 rpm
3.0 L N52
inline-6Template:Efn
Template:Convert
at 6,600 rpm
Template:Convert
at 2,500–4,000 rpm
645Ci 2003–2005 4.4 L N62
V8
Template:Convert
at 6,100 rpm
Template:Convert
at 3,600 rpm
650i 2005–2010 4.8 L N62
V8
Template:Convert
at 6,300 rpm
Template:Convert
at 3,400 rpm
M6 2005–2010 5.0 L S85
V10
Template:Convert
at 7,750 rpm
Template:Convert
at 6,100 rpm

Diesel

Model Years Engine Power Torque
635dTemplate:Efn 2007–2010 3.0 L M57
inline-6 turbo
Template:Convert
at 4,400 rpm
Template:Convert
at 1,750–2,250 rpm

Drivetrain

The available transmissions are:<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:Clear

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

Equipment

Interior (pre-facelift)

Features available included adaptive headlights,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> parking sensors (Park Distance Control), voice control,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> variable rate steering (Active Steering),<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> active anti-roll bars (Active Roll Stabilisation), radar cruise control (Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go), head-up display,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> lane departure warning, night vision,<ref name="caranddriver 650i">Template:Cite web</ref> keyless entry and starting (Comfort Access),<ref name="caranddriver 650i"/> heated steering wheel, universal remote control, and soft-close doors. Template:Clear right

M6 model

Template:Main

M6 coupé

The M6 version was initially introduced as a coupé at the 2005 Geneva International Motor Show,<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref> and later in convertible form at the British International Motor Show in 2006.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The M6 is powered by the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated S85 V10 shared with the E60 M5, generating Template:Convert at 7,750 rpm<ref name="E60 M5 Specs">Template:Cite web</ref> and Template:Convert at 6,100 rpm.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The M6 coupé has a carbon fibre roof in order to reduce weight and for a lower centre of gravity.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Yearly changes

2006

  • 650i model replaces the 645Ci<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • M6 model introduced<ref name=":2" />

2007 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • 630i engine upgraded from the N52 to the N53 in countries with low sulphur fuel.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Exterior design changes including headlights,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> tail-lights, bumpers, and the third brake light on coupé models was relocated to the trunk lid.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Interior design changes including updated climate controls, and new electronic gear lever with the ability to change gears manually via steering wheel paddles.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Edition Sport trim introduced featuring a stiffer anti-roll system and an updated exhaust system for 650i models.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

2009

Safety

Models feature BMW's Advanced Safety System, enabling the car to decide the most effective deployment of the airbags in a crash.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> Convertible models also feature an automatic rollover protection system, where roll-bars behind the rear seats are automatically deployed in a rollover.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> From 2008, active head restraints became a standard feature on all seat options, reducing the risk of neck injuries in a rear-end collision.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

Production volumes

The E63/E64 was produced at the Dingolfing BMW plant.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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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Footnotes

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