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2006 BMW 6-Series Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 BMW 6-Series Review:
2006 BMW 6-Series Review
These four-seat coupes and convertibles get more power and a high-performance coupe model for 2006. A 360-hp V8 replaces a 325-hp V8 as the standard engine. The 650Ci coupe and convertible offer a choice of three 6-speed transmissions: an automatic; a conventional manual; and BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox, which is a sequential manual transmission (SMT). New for '06 is the M6, a coupe with a 500-hp V10 and a 7-speed SMT.
The convertible has a power soft top and a heated glass rear window that lowers for roof-up ventilation or raises to deflect top-down cabin drafts. Every 6-Series comes with ABS, traction/antiskid control, and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization designed to counteract body lean. Also standard is BMW's Dynamic Drive Control that adjusts suspension, throttle, and shift points on the automatic transmission and SMT for sportier response. BMW's Active Steering system quickens low-speed steering reactions and is standard on M6, optional on 650Ci. The M6 also adds a limited-slip differential, uprated brakes, and 19-inch tires in place of run-flat 18s. Front torso side airbags and front knee airbags are standard; the coupe adds front head-protecting tubular side airbags. Standard on all are a navigation system, steering-linked headlights, and BMW's iDrive that uses a console "joystick" to adjust major climate, audio, and navigation functions.
The convertible has a power soft top and a heated glass rear window that lowers for roof-up ventilation or raises to deflect top-down cabin drafts. Every 6-Series comes with ABS, traction/antiskid control, and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization designed to counteract body lean. Also standard is BMW's Dynamic Drive Control that adjusts suspension, throttle, and shift points on the automatic transmission and SMT for sportier response. BMW's Active Steering system quickens low-speed steering reactions and is standard on M6, optional on 650Ci. The M6 also adds a limited-slip differential, uprated brakes, and 19-inch tires in place of run-flat 18s. Front torso side airbags and front knee airbags are standard; the coupe adds front head-protecting tubular side airbags. Standard on all are a navigation system, steering-linked headlights, and BMW's iDrive that uses a console "joystick" to adjust major climate, audio, and navigation functions.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and 4-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buy is Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Our Best Buy is Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
News
BMW confirms a high-power M6 cabriolet as a 2007 addition. Like the M6 coupe, it will offer a conventional 6-speed manual transmission as well as BMW's SMG "automanual" gearbox. Speaking of which, both M6s should eventually get a new twin-clutch SMG that promises to be smoother and more responsive than the current single-clutch design.
BMW has a new 300-bhp twin-turbo 3.0-liter 6-cyl engine that could mean lower-priced "635" models in the next year or two. This is strictly our hunch, but would make sense even in the high-dollar league, now that gasoline is so much more expensive. At the other extreme, BMW is said to be preparing a lightweight higher-performance M6 CSL with some 50 extra horsepower and a lower, firmer suspension. U.S. sale is unclear, but we wouldn't rule it out.
BMW has a new 300-bhp twin-turbo 3.0-liter 6-cyl engine that could mean lower-priced "635" models in the next year or two. This is strictly our hunch, but would make sense even in the high-dollar league, now that gasoline is so much more expensive. At the other extreme, BMW is said to be preparing a lightweight higher-performance M6 CSL with some 50 extra horsepower and a lower, firmer suspension. U.S. sale is unclear, but we wouldn't rule it out.
2006 BMW 6-Series Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Instruments/controls |
| Steering/handling | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Superb power, response from any speed. Manual transmission has slightly vague engagement points. SMT bred for racetrack-type work, is harsh shifting, cantankerous around town. Automatic smooth, responsive. Test manual-transmission coupe chugged at low speed until engine warmed. No opportunity to test M6.
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.2 |
Superb power, response from any speed. Manual transmission has slightly vague engagement points. SMT bred for racetrack-type work, is harsh shifting, cantankerous around town. Automatic smooth, responsive. Test manual-transmission coupe chugged at low speed until engine warmed. No opportunity to test M6.
Fuel Economy
Test manual-transmission coupes averaged 17.7-19.9 mpg. No opportunity to measure with other models. Premium-grade fuel required.
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Test manual-transmission coupes averaged 17.7-19.9 mpg. No opportunity to measure with other models. Premium-grade fuel required.
Ride Quality
Firm suspension, unforgiving run-flat tires make 6-Series ride much stiffer than BMW's 5-Series sedans, and tauter than most rival coupes', too. Still, always stable, never jarring.
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.3 |
Firm suspension, unforgiving run-flat tires make 6-Series ride much stiffer than BMW's 5-Series sedans, and tauter than most rival coupes', too. Still, always stable, never jarring.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Well-balanced, agile--the benchmark for handling among coupes in this 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.
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 |
Well-balanced, agile--the benchmark for handling among coupes in this 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
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.
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 4.1 |
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
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.
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6.3 |
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)
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.
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.7 |
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)
Seats comfortable, but leg room very tight. Front seats power forward slowly, and entry/exit a typical coupe chore.
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | .7 |
Seats comfortable, but leg room very tight. Front seats power forward slowly, and entry/exit a typical coupe chore.
Cargo Room
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.
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 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
The 6-Series suffers all the typical coupe/convertible compromises, along with daunting prices, a firmer than necessary ride, and BMW's confounding iDrive control system. That said, any version is a treat to drive: surprisingly fast, supremely capable, and very sophisticated.
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
The 6-Series suffers all the typical coupe/convertible compromises, along with daunting prices, a firmer than necessary ride, and BMW's confounding iDrive control system. That said, any version is a treat to drive: surprisingly fast, supremely capable, and very sophisticated.
Total Score
| Coupe w/Sport Pkg., man. | Coupe w/Sport Pkg., SMT | Conv, man. | Conv, auto. | Class Average |
| 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 48.5 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 58 |
2006 BMW 6-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/26/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 650Ci 2-door coupe | $71,800 | $65,520 | $695 |
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| 650Ci 2-door convertible | $78,800 | $71,890 | $695 |
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| M6 2-door coupe | $96,100 | $87,630 | $695 |
Price note: 650Ci coupe w/6-speed sequential manual transmission or standard 6-speed manual transmission adds $1000 Gas-Guzzler Tax. 650Ci convertible w/6-speed sequential manual transmission or standard 6-speed manual transmission adds $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax. M6 adds $3000 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
650Ci
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front side head-protecting airbags (coupe), rollover-protection system (convertible), front knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, Active Roll Stabilization, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), heated and automatic day/night power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof (coupe), retractable rear window (convertible), navigation system, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, heated door locks, rear defogger, power convertible top (convertible), automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights w/washers, 245/45R18 run-flat tires, alloy wheels.
M6 adds to 650Ci:
Powertrain
5.0-liter V10 engine, 7-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT), limited-slip differential.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Active steering, heated front seats, trunk pass-through, wood interior trim, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Adjustable suspension, 255/40ZR19 front tires, 285/35ZR19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Sport Pkg.
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650Ci
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$1,800
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$1,640
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Front sport seats, Shadowline exterior trim, 245/40WR19 front and 275/35WR19 rear run-flat tires, unique alloy wheels.
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Premium Sound Pkg.
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650Ci
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$1,800
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$1,640
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Upgraded sound system, glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer.
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Cold Weather Pkg.
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650Ci
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$750
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$685
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Heated front seats and steering wheel, ski sack.
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Powertrain |
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6-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT)
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650Ci
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$0
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$0
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Requires Sport Pkg.
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6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
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650Ci
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$0
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$0
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Adaptive cruise control
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650Ci
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$2,200
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$2,000
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Active steering
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650Ci
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$1,250
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$1,140
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Full leather upholstery
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M6
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$3,500
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$3,185
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Heated front seats
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650Ci
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$500
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$455
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Comfort access to rear seats
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M6
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$1,000
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$910
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Wood interior trim
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650Ci
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$0
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$0
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Special wood interior trim
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M6
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$0
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$0
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Carbon-fibre interior trim
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M6
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$300
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$275
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High-definition radio
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650Ci, M6
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$500
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$455
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Satellite radio
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650Ci, M6
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$595
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$540
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Head-up instrument display
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650Ci, M6
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$1,000
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$910
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2006 BMW 6-Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | BMW 6-Series 2-door coupe | BMW 6-Series 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 109.4 | 109.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.2 | 190.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.0 | 73.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.1 | 54.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3781 | 4178 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.0 | 12.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.3 | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 | 42.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.5 | 36.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 28.8 | 28.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | dohc V10 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.8 /293 | 5.0 /305 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 360 @ 6300 | 500 @ 7750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 360 @ 3400 | 383 @ 6100 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 15/23 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | 17/25 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automated manual | 16/22 | --/-- |
| 7-speed automated manual | --/-- | 12/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | BMW 6-Series 2-door coupe | BMW 6-Series 2-door convertible |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Black Merino Leather, Comfort Access, Head-up Display, High Definition Radio, Satellite Radio Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 14.16 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Ed Piotrowski Skip the sequential transmission and wait for BMW to offer the M6 with a proper manual. Once that happens, this high-performance grand tourer can take its rightful place among the great elite sports cars. Tom Appel Like Kim Delaney in a hazmat suit, the goodness of this BMW is utterly squelched, here by the confounding sequential-manual transmission. Once rolling, the crazy V10 spins like a prairie skirt at an Edie Brickell concert, but driven in traffic the car lurches and sputters like a Lean Burn-era LeBaron with a fouled plug. As cool as this car is in concept, it fails in daily driving. A Mercedes-Benz CLS63 should tap the wallet for the same six-figures, and likely be a much more refined around towner. |
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Also in the 2006 BMW 6-Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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