2004 BMW 6-Series Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2004 BMW 6-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2004 BMW 6-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 BMW 6-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 BMW 6-Series help you decide if a 2004 BMW 6-Series is right for you.

2004 BMW 6-Series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Instruments/controls

Steering/handling	Fuel economy

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man.	Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	Conv, man.	Conv, auto.	Class Average
8	7	8	8	7.7

Plenty of ready power, impressive passing punch. BMW says 5.5 sec 0-60 mph with SMT or conventional manual transmission. Test convertible with automatic clocked 5.7 sec. SMT is harsh-shifting, cantankerous around town. Automatic smooth, responsive.

Fuel Economy

Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man.	Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	Conv, man.	Conv, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.7

No opportunity to measure with SMT. With conventional manual transmission, test coupe averaged 17.5 mpg, convertibles 13.7-19.6. With automatic, test convertibles averaged 15.8 mpg, coupe 17.5. Premium-grade fuel required.

Ride Quality

Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man.	Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	Conv, man.	Conv, auto.	Class Average
5	5	6	6	4

Firm suspension and unforgiving run-flat tires make 6-Series ride much stiffer than BMW's luxury sedans, and tauter than many premium coupe and convertible rivals. Always stable, never jarring, but some testers say ride grew tiresome on rough-surface freeways.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man.	Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	Conv, man.	Conv, auto.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	8.4

Well-balanced, agile--the benchmark for handling in luxury-coupe class. Active Steering sharpens low-speed maneuverability, but some testers find it intrusive, inconsistent. Active Roll Stabilization eliminates most body lean in fast turns. Braking strong, stable, straight. Little perceived roadholding gain with Sport Package.

Quietness

Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man.	Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	Conv, man.	Conv, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	4

Modest wind rush in coupe. Convertible top well-insulated for marginally greater wind noise than in coupe. Minimal top-down buffeting; scarcely different with rear window deployed, though exhaust rumble noticeable. Plenty of tire noise on rough roads in both body styles. Impressively solid structure. Minimal body flex evident on convertible.

Controls

Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man.	Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	Conv, man.	Conv, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	5.8

Thick steering-wheel rim interferes with clear view of main instruments, turn-signal arrows. Confounding iDrive adds delay and complication to most functions; worse, it diverts driver attention. Control layout itself simple, convenient. No opportunity to evaluate optional head-up display. Elegant interior decor, top-notch materials. Pressing the keyfob's trunk release on one test coupe regularly set off the alarm system.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man.	Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	Conv, man.	Conv, auto.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	5.4

Good head, leg room for all but the very tall. Firm, supportive seats. Power adjustments and tilt/telescope steering wheel help dial in driving position after some trial and error. Long doors a parking-lot inconvenience. Coupe's large sunroof doesn't slide open, merely tilting for more ventilation. Aft visibility restricted on coupe, worse in convertible with top up.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man.	Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	Conv, man.	Conv, auto.	Class Average
2	2	2	2	.6

Seats comfortable, but leg room very tight. Front seats power forward slowly, and entry/exit a typical coupe chore.

Cargo Room

Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man.	Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	Conv, man.	Conv, auto.	Class Average
3	3	2	2	2.2

Trunk volume par for the class--coupe or convertible. Lid powers up but not down. Hinges covered to prevent crushing packages, but gobble space. Interior storage minimal. Single cupholders front and rear; front is odd clip-on device.

Value within Class

Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man.	Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	Conv, man.	Conv, auto.	Class Average
5	4	4	4	4.6

The 6-Series suffers all the typical coupe/convertible compromises, along with daunting prices and a firmer-than-necessary ride. That said, any version is a joy to drive: surprisingly fast, supremely capable, and very sophisticated.

Total Score