BMW 6 Series

The first members of the 6-Series coupe family were the 630CS and 633 CSi. Like the 3.0CS and CSi that preceded them, the new coupes featured bodies by Karmann and were very easy on the eyes. Eventually, body production was taken over by the parent company, but by then the stylish shape of the coupes had been well defined. All versions of the first 6 Series were built on a platform similar to that of the 5 Series and powered by variants of the BMW inline six engine.


The first offerings of the series offered modest performance with a 176-horsepower 3 litre providing the muscle. One of the last, the M6, was a lot more entertaining with 256 ponies on tap and a performance-tuned suspension that helped ensure the power could be put to good use. In 1989 the first 6 series was discontinued, and the new 8 Series became the sole offering in a coupe configuration.By the mid-1970s, BMW’s 3.0CS and CSi coupes were losing their appeal. For one thing, the low roof made it difficult for larger customers to enter the car. Some BMW managers wanted to retain the 3.0-coupe platform with design changes that would solve the access problem. However, BMW’s executive VP of sales insisted on a new car. That VP was Bob Lutz, the same Bob Lutz who is today making headlines in GM’s recovery efforts. Fortunately for BMW lovers, Lutz got his way, and the new coupe was approved.

Since the 3.0 coupes of the early seventies were among the most attractive automobiles of their day, it’s not surprising that their offspring, the 6 Series coupes that premiered in 1976, were lookers as well. However, unlike some other BMW series, the 6 Series coupes came in two generations, separated by a wide gulf. But while the two 6-Series versions may be separated in time, they have much in common. Both met the handling, power and luxury standards that are expected of BMWs, and both have helped build the brand’s sporting personality in a way that sedans can’t quite muster.

In 2003 the second version of the 6 Series saw the light of day at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Gone were the backward rake of the nose and the squared off lines. In their place was a gracefully rounded shape with nary a squared-off corner to be found. Once again, the coupe’s platform was based on the 5 Series, and, once again, it was greeted with enthusiasm by fans of the marque. The enthusiastic reception was understandable since the 645Ci premiered with a potent 325 horsepower 4.5 litre V8. A more modest 630Ci, with a 258 horsepower six, followed shortly thereafter. Another M6, with a strapping 507-pony powerplant, came along in 2005

Today’s 650i is available as both coupe and convertible, and it’s a driver’s car in the best tradition of the brand. With an equipment list that includes 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, a 360-horsepower V-8, and a sport-package suspension, the automobile offers everything the most enthusiastic road warrior could want.