The BMW E63/E64 is the second generation of the BMW 6 Series range of grand tourers, and was sold from 2003 to 2010. The body styles of the range are:
- 2-door coupé (E63 model code)
- 2-door convertible (E64 model code)
The E63/E64 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.
The M6 model was released in 2005 in coupé and convertible body styles. It is powered by the S85 V10 engine, with most cars sold with a 7-speed automated manual transmission ("SMG III").
The E63/E64 was replaced by the F12/F13 6 Series in 2011.
Video BMW 6 Series (E63)
Development and launch
The exterior was designed by Adrian Van Hooydonk, based on the 1999 BMW Z9 concept car by Chris Bangle.
The controversial rear styling, first seen on the E65 7 Series, was nicknamed "Bangle Butt" by critics. BMW described the styling philosophy as "flame surfacing", where concave and convex shapes meet to create sharp edges.
To reduce weight, the doors and bonnet are made of aluminium, and the boot and front wings are made of carbon-reinforced plastic. The M6 coupé also gets a carbon fibre roof, to reduce weight and for a lower centre of gravity.
Maps BMW 6 Series (E63)
Body styles
Coupé (E63)
Coupé models were unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto show, and released in mid-year 2003.
Convertible (E64)
Convertible models were unveiled at the 2004 Detroit auto show, and released in mid 2004.
Convertible models featured a non-conventional convertible top design with side fins and an integrated wind deflector that can be raised or lowered at any time. A similar design was used on the Audi R8 Spyder and the McLaren 650S Spider.
Equipment
Features available included adaptive headlights, parking sensors (Park Distance Control), voice control, variable rate steering (Active Steering), active anti-roll bars (Active Roll Stabilisation), radar cruise control (Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go), head-up display, lane departure warning, night vision, keyless entry and starting (Comfort Access), heated steering wheel, universal remote control, and soft-close doors.
Transmissions
Unlike the E60 5 Series, all-wheel drive (xDrive) was not offered on models.
The available transmissions are:
- 6-speed ZF S6-37 manual (630Ci / 630i)
- 6-speed ZF S6-53 manual (645Ci / 650i)
- 6-speed ZF 6HP19 automatic (630Ci / 630i)
- 6-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic (635d / 645Ci / 650i)
- 7-speed SMG III (M6)
Models
Straight-six models are distinguished by circular tailpipes, while V8 models have oval tailpipes. Top speed for all models is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
Petrol engines
Diesel engines
M6 version
The M6 version was initially introduced as a coupé at the 2005 Geneva International Motor Show, and later in convertible form at the British International Motor Show in 2006.
It is powered by the 5.0 litre naturally aspirated S85 V10, producing 373 kW (500 bhp) at 7750 rpm and 520 N?m (384 lb?ft) at 6100 rpm. Most cars were sold with a 7-speed automated manual transmission ("SMG III"), however a 6-speed manual was also available in some markets.
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 Heads Up Display. The car also has quad exhaust-pipes and larger, more aerodynamic air intakes.
9,087 coupés and 5,065 convertibles were built; amounting to 14,152 total E63/E64 M6's produced.
Model year changes
2005
- 650i model replaces 645Ci
- M6 model introduced
2008 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.
- 630i engine upgraded from N52 to N53 in countries with low sulfur fuel.
- Exterior design changes including headlights, tail-lights, bumpers, and an added third brakelight on coupé models.
- Interior design changes including updated climate controls, and new electronic gear lever with the ability to change gears manually via steering wheel paddles.
- Edition Sport trim introduced featuring a stiffer anti-roll system and an updated exhaust system for 650i models.
2009
- Models started to feature the updated iDrive CIC system.
Safety
Models feature BMW's Advanced Safety System, where the car will decide the most effective deployment of the airbags in a crash. Safety equipment includes active anti-roll bars, dynamic stability control, front knee airbags (in accordance to US regulation), BMW roadside assistance, and an SOS emergency system. Convertible models also feature an automatic rollover protection system, where roll-bars behind the rear seats are automatically deployed in a rollover. From 2008, active head restraints became a standard feature on all seat options, reducing the risk of neck injuries in a rear-end collision.
There are no EuroNCAP crash safety ratings for the BMW E63/E64 6 Series.
Production volumes
The E63/E64 was produced at the Leipzig BMW plant.
The following are production figures for the E63/E64, excluding M6 models:
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
0 Comments