BMW 6 Series (E63)
| BMW 6 Series (E63) | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | 2003–2010 |
| Model years | 2004–2010 |
| Assembly |
Dingolfing, Germany 6th of October City, Egypt (BAG) |
| Designer |
Adrian Van Hooydonk [Exterior] David Carp [Interior] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Grand tourer (S) |
| Body style | 2-door coupé 2-door convertible |
| Platform | BMW 5 Series (E60) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
Petrol: 3.0 I6 4.4 V8 4.8 V8 5.0 V10 Diesel: 3.0 I6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed Steptronic 6-speed Manual 6-speed (SMG) 7-speed (SMG) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,780 mm (109.4 in) |
| Length | 4,820 mm (189.8 in) |
| Width | 1,855 mm (73.0 in) |
| Height | 1,374 mm (54.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,650–1,995 kg (3,638–4,398 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | BMW 6 Series (E24) |
| Successor | BMW 6 Series (F06/F12/F13) |
The BMW E63/E64 6 Series is the chassis designation for the second generation BMW 6 Series. The BMW E63/E64 replaced the BMW E24 6 Series 14 years after production had ended, whilst adding a convertible to the lineup. The BMW E63/E64 6 Series uses a shortened chassis from the BMW E60 5 Series (which formed the fifth generation BMW 5 Series), and shares similar functions including the BMW iDrive. The BMW E63/E64 6 Series' design was based on the BMW Z9 Concept, whose exterior was redesigned by Adrian Van Hooydonk, whilst David Carp designed the interior of the car. The BMW E63/E64 6 Series was introduced in autumn of 2003 in the Frankfurt Auto Show, and premiered in the North American Auto Show.
The development process of the BMW E63/E64 6 Series was documented in a three-part documentary by the Discovery Channel Canada Series named Birth of a Sports Car. The three episodes were organised from design, testing and production respectively.
630C/i and 635d models were not sold in America, and were only sold in Europe and other parts of the world, whilst all 645Ci and 650i models were available to all. Production started on 18 March 2004 and ended on July 31, 2010, being replaced by the 2011 BMW F06/F12/F13 6 Series, whilst adding a four-door coupe called the Gran Coupe to the lineup.
The BMW E63/E64 6 Series premiered in the North American Auto Show and was then introduced to the public in the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show. The 645Ci Coupe and Convertible models were the only available models in the lineup at the time of the release.
Early 6 Series models featured a 'C' before the 'i' in the model designation. This meant that early 6 Series models would be called 630Ci and 645Ci, instead of 630i and 645i (All 645Ci's had a C in their model designation). The 'C' was also visible in the model designation on the right hand side of the boot, but the 'C' was later dropped to keep in line with BMW's nomenclature.
Alongside the facelift in September 27, 2007, BMW introduced trims to the BMW E63/E64 6 Series lineup. Three trims were introduced and included SE, Sport and Edition Sport (which was introduced in 2008). The design of the BMW E63/E64 6 Series was approved and frozen in early-mid 2001. Pre-production problems included a slight noise from the glovebox, and certain parts that did not fit on the dashboard. The BMW E63/E64 6 Series came with a cupholder with a slot hanging out of the centre console to the passenger side and a compartment at the very back of the centre console (which was often criticised as being an afterthought). However, early 645Ci production models did not feature the cupholder, and also featured 19" star-spoke style 92 rims.
Introduced in January 2004, the 645Ci Coupe was the only available 6 Series model at the time, until March 2004 when the Convertible became available.
The 645Ci Convertible was green-lighted for production in March 2004, two months after the Coupe had already been ready. The delay was due to several problems, one of them being the rubber seal (where the convertible top gets stored) was allowing moisture. The coat of paint on the car also looked slightly cloudy.
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