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2008 BMW 6-Series Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 BMW 6-Series Review:
5.
6.
BMW 6-Series Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 BMW 6-Series Review
Only minor trim changes distinguish the 2008 BMW 6-Series, which comes in 650i and M6 models, each available in coupe or convertible form. Both body styles seat four. Convertibles have a power soft top and a heated glass rear window that can act as a top-down wind deflector or be lowered for top-up ventilation. The 650i models have a 360-hp V8 and offer a choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The M6s have a 500-horsepower V10. It's available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automated manual transmission. The 7-speed is a manual transmission that has no clutch pedal. Gear changes take place via the floorshifter or steering-wheel paddles, and it can be set to shift like an automatic. All models have ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization designed to counter body lean. Also standard is BMW's Dynamic Drive Control that adjusts suspension, throttle, and SMT/automatic-transmission settings for sportier response. BMW's Active Steering, designed to quicken low-speed steering response, is standard on M6s, available on 650s. M6s also include a driver-adjustable suspension, uprated brakes, and larger wheels. Front side airbags and front knee airbags are standard; coupes add curtain side airbags. All models come with navigation system, steering-linked headlights, and BMW's iDrive controller for climate, audio, and navigation functions.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
News
No major near-term changes loom for this BMW, but the 6-Series could be the basis for a rumored "four-door coupe" to answer the Mercedes-Benz CLS. German sources insist this car is on the docket as a 2009 model, perhaps as a new "8-Series," and computer-generated images based on insider tips show what appears to be a "6-Series sedan." BMW is also said to be prepping a lightweight, higher-performance M6 CLS coupe with some 50 extra horsepower and a lower, firmer suspension, but that, too, is only talk for the moment.
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2008 BMW 6-Series Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Instruments/controls |
| Steering/handling | Fuel economy (M6) |
| Transmission performance (automated manual) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The 650s have superb power and response for most any situation. Potent M6s are race-car rapid. Regular manual transmission has just OK shift/clutch action. The automated manual is often harsh and inconsistent in any shift mode. The smooth, alert automatic is thus the best choice for 650s, with the traditional manual the best for the M6.
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 8.3 |
The 650s have superb power and response for most any situation. Potent M6s are race-car rapid. Regular manual transmission has just OK shift/clutch action. The automated manual is often harsh and inconsistent in any shift mode. The smooth, alert automatic is thus the best choice for 650s, with the traditional manual the best for the M6.
Fuel Economy
Test manual-transmission V8 coupes averaged 17.7-19.9 mpg. Test M6 coupe averaged just 13.3 mpg. All 6-Series require premium-grade gas.
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
Test manual-transmission V8 coupes averaged 17.7-19.9 mpg. Test M6 coupe averaged just 13.3 mpg. All 6-Series require premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
A firm suspension and stiff 18-inch run-flat tires make 650s jiggly and thumpy vs. many class rivals. Ride is borderline harsh in M6s due to 19-inch tires and less-compliant suspensions; 650s with the Sport Package also get 19s, so try before you buy.
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 4.4 |
A firm suspension and stiff 18-inch run-flat tires make 650s jiggly and thumpy vs. many class rivals. Ride is borderline harsh in M6s due to 19-inch tires and less-compliant suspensions; 650s with the Sport Package also get 19s, so try before you buy.
Steering/Handling/Braking
These cars are too large and heavy to be sports-car agile--even the handling-biased M6s--but they're balanced and assured on highways and byways. Active Steering sharpens low-speed moves, but some testers find it intrusive. Active Roll Stabilization quells most body lean in fast turns. Braking is strong, stable, and straight.
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 8.8 |
These cars are too large and heavy to be sports-car agile--even the handling-biased M6s--but they're balanced and assured on highways and byways. Active Steering sharpens low-speed moves, but some testers find it intrusive. Active Roll Stabilization quells most body lean in fast turns. Braking is strong, stable, and straight.
Quietness
Engines are audible but pleasing at high rpm; M6s are noisier than 650s in normal cruising, but acceptable. Fat tires generate expected rough-surface drone, but it's not irksome. Wind rush is modest in coupes. Convertibles have a bit more despite well-insulated tops, but there's little top-down wind buffeting even with all windows lowered.
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 4.2 |
Engines are audible but pleasing at high rpm; M6s are noisier than 650s in normal cruising, but acceptable. Fat tires generate expected rough-surface drone, but it's not irksome. Wind rush is modest in coupes. Convertibles have a bit more despite well-insulated tops, but there's little top-down wind buffeting even with all windows lowered.
Controls
The dashboard has only basic audio and climate controls; drivers otherwise grapple with iDrive's many menus and settings--a real distraction--and M6s add suspension and engine-power adjustments. Available head-up display is useful.
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.6 |
The dashboard has only basic audio and climate controls; drivers otherwise grapple with iDrive's many menus and settings--a real distraction--and M6s add suspension and engine-power adjustments. Available head-up display is useful.
Details
Elegant cabins match lofty pricing with top-notch materials and assembly. Structures are impressively stout, with minimal body flex on convertibles. However, all the high-tech electronics give us cause for concern; on one test coupe, pressing the keyfob's trunk-release switch regularly set off the alarm system.
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.1 |
Elegant cabins match lofty pricing with top-notch materials and assembly. Structures are impressively stout, with minimal body flex on convertibles. However, all the high-tech electronics give us cause for concern; on one test coupe, pressing the keyfob's trunk-release switch regularly set off the alarm system.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
A wide console imparts a cozy cabin feel, but there's good headroom and legroom for all but the very tall on firm, supportive seats. M6 seats' heavy side bolsters can impede entry and exit. There are myriad adjustments to tailor the driving position, though finding the right settings take time. Long doors are a parking-lot nuisance. Aft visibility is tricky in coupes, restricted top-up in convertibles.
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.8 |
A wide console imparts a cozy cabin feel, but there's good headroom and legroom for all but the very tall on firm, supportive seats. M6 seats' heavy side bolsters can impede entry and exit. There are myriad adjustments to tailor the driving position, though finding the right settings take time. Long doors are a parking-lot nuisance. Aft visibility is tricky in coupes, restricted top-up in convertibles.
Room/Comfort (rear)
There's seating for two, and the seats are comfortable--for the very small people who can fit; there's scant headroom and virtually no legroom. Entry and exit is the typical 2-door squeeze. The front seats slowly power forward to try and help.
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | .6 |
There's seating for two, and the seats are comfortable--for the very small people who can fit; there's scant headroom and virtually no legroom. Entry and exit is the typical 2-door squeeze. The front seats slowly power forward to try and help.
Cargo Room
Trunk volume is par for the class, coupe or convertible. Covered hinges gobble some space. Interior storage is poor: just one cupholder front and rear, and the front one is an afterthought console clip-on.
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.5 |
Trunk volume is par for the class, coupe or convertible. Covered hinges gobble some space. Interior storage is poor: just one cupholder front and rear, and the front one is an afterthought console clip-on.
Value within Class
The 6-Series suffers from the usual coupe/convertible compromises, daunting prices, a ride that seems firmer than necessary, and BMW's confounding iDrive control. Still, any model is a luxurious driving treat: swift, supremely capable, and very refined. If you want an M6, avoid the aggravating automated manual transmission.
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 5.3 |
The 6-Series suffers from the usual coupe/convertible compromises, daunting prices, a ride that seems firmer than necessary, and BMW's confounding iDrive control. Still, any model is a luxurious driving treat: swift, supremely capable, and very refined. If you want an M6, avoid the aggravating automated manual transmission.
Total Score
| 650i coupe w/Sport Pkg., manual | 650i convertible, automatic | M6 coupe, automated manual | Class Average |
| 61 | 58 | 54 | 56.6 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 40 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 64 |
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2008 BMW 6-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 650i 2-door coupe | $75,600 | $69,550 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| 650i 2-door convertible | $82,700 | $76,085 | $775 |
|
|
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| M6 2-door coupe | $99,300 | $91,355 | $775 |
|
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| M6 2-door convertible | $105,100 | $96,690 | $775 |
Price note: 650i convertible w/std. 6-speed manual transmission adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax. M6 w/std. 7-speed automated-manual transmission adds $3000 Gas-Guzzler Tax. M6 w/6-speed manual transmission adds $3700 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
650i
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, side head-protection airbags (coupe), rollover-protection system (convertible), front knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, front-seat active head restraints, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunk release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, 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 w/voice recognition, traffic information, BMW Assist system, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, heated door locks, rear defogger, power convertible top (convertible), automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights w/washers, Active Roll Stabilization, 245/45R18 run-flat tires, alloy wheels.
M6 adds to 650i:
Powertrain
5.0-liter V10 engine, 7-speed automated-manual transmission, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated 14-way power front seats, ski sack, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, upgraded sound system, heated washer jets.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Active steering, driver-adjustable sport suspension, 255/40ZR19 front tires, 285/35ZR19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
650i
|
$2,100
|
$1,910
|
|
Front sport seats, Shadowline exterior trim, 245/40R19 front and 275/35R19 rear run-flat tires, unique alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Premium Sound Group
|
||
|
650i
|
$2,000
|
$1,820
|
|
6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system, iPod adapter.
|
||
|
Individual Composition
|
||
|
650i
|
$11,000
|
$9,300
|
|
Illuminated door sills, front storage net, unique interior and exterior trim, 19-inch alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
650i
|
$750
|
$685
|
|
Heated front seats and steering wheel, ski sack.
|
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|
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Powertrain |
||
|
6-speed manual transmission
|
||
|
M6
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
650i
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Night vision
|
||
|
650i
|
$2,200
|
$1,695
|
|
Lane departure warning
|
||
|
650i
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Adaptive cruise control
|
||
|
650i
|
$2,400
|
$2,135
|
|
Active steering
|
||
|
650i
|
$1,400
|
$1,230
|
|
Upgraded leather upholstery
|
||
|
650i
|
$2,400
|
$2,185
|
|
Extended leather upholstery
|
||
|
M6
|
$3,500
|
$3,185
|
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
650i
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
Heated steering wheel
|
||
|
M6
|
$200
|
$180
|
|
Carbon-fiber interior trim
|
||
|
M6
|
$300
|
$275
|
|
Wood interior trim
|
||
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650i, M6
|
$0
|
$0
|
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Upgraded sound system
|
||
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M6
|
$700
|
$635
|
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High-definition sound system
|
||
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650i, M6
|
$350
|
$315
|
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Satellite radio
|
||
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650i, M6
|
$595
|
$540
|
|
iPod adapter
|
||
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M6
|
$400
|
$365
|
|
Head-up instrument display
|
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650i, M6
|
$1,200
|
$1,010
|
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Keyless access and starting
|
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650i, M6
|
$1,000
|
$910
|
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Automatic door closer
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M6
|
$600
|
$545
|
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High beam assistant
|
||
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650i, M6
|
$250
|
$230
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Special paint
|
||
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650i
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$3,000
|
$2,750
|
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Requires Individual Composition.
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245/40WR19 front and 275/35WR19 rear run-flat tires
|
||
|
650i
|
$1,300
|
$1,185
|
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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
|
||
| 6-speed manual | 15/22 | 11/17 |
| 6-speed automatic | 15/23 | --/-- |
| 7-speed automated manual | --/-- | 11/17 |
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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 BMW 6-Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
BMW 6-Series Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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