Review: BMW E63 6-Series coupe (2004-10)

Review: BMW E63.I 6-Series coupe (2004-07)

Overview

Released in May 2004, the BMW E63 Mk.I (E63.I) 6-Series was a two-door coupe. Manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, the rear-wheel drive E63.I 6-Series range initially consisted of the 645ci. In October 2005, however, the 645ci was replaced by the 650i. Please note that the E63 M6 Coupe has been reviewed separately.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the E60 5-Series on which it was based, the E63 6-Series was 21 mm shorter (at 4820 mm), 9 mm wider (1855 mm), 95 mm lower (1373 mm) and had a 108 mm shorter wheelbase (2780 mm). Furthermore, the E63 6-Series had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower control arms and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Steering

The E63 6-Series was also fitted with Active Steering as standard, which varied the steering transmission ratio as a function of speed, becoming more direct at low speeds. Active Steering was also able to automatically correct oversteer by means of counter-steering, thereby supplementing the electronic stability control system.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the E63 6-Series Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, corner braking control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The 650i was fitted with BMW’ s more advanced stability control system (‘DSC+’), which included hill start assist, ‘Brake Standby’ (for reduced braking response times), a brake drying function, brake fade compensation and ‘Comfort Stop’ (which eased braking pressure when coming to rest).

Features

Standard features for the 645ci included 18-inch alloy wheels with runflat tyres, a ten speaker stereo with a six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation, leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats with driver’ s seat memory settings, voice recognition, cruise control, directional bi-xenon headlights, front and rear fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a power adjustable steering column (tilt and reach), a glass sunroof, electrochromatic and retracting door mirrors, TV tuner, car phone, tyre pressure monitoring, alarm and immobiliser.

The 650i was further equipped with a head-up display, Bluetooth connectivity, headlight washers, front door courtesy lights and footwell lights.

Review: BMW E63.II 6-Series coupe (2007-10)

Overview

Released in September 2007, the E63 Mk.II (E63.II) 6-Series coupe range introduced additional safety equipment and features. The 650i was also fitted with a new automatic transmission with gearshift paddles and a ‘Sport’ mode for quicker shifts (along with sharper throttle response and less power steering assistance). Visually, the E63.II 6-Series coupe could be identified by its wider air intake, daytime running lights, LED indicator lights and updated rear tail-lights.

Safety equipment

Compared to its E63.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the E63.II 6-series coupe was extended to include active front seat head restraints.

Features

Standard features were also extended to include BMW’ s ‘Comfort Access’ system with keyless entry and start, soft-close doors and a USB interface.

650i Sport

From November 2009, the 650i was solely available as a ‘Sport’ variant; these models introduced 19-inch alloy wheels, Brake Energy Regeneration and a new iDrive control system which included an 8.8-inch monitor, high-definition TV and 80GB hard drive. Inside, the 650i Sport featured an ‘M’ leather steering wheel, brushed aluminium highlights, anthracite-coloured roof liner and lighting package. Cosmetic changes also extended to a new bonnet with arrow-shaped character lines and dark chrome exhaust tips.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E63 6-Series