BMW Service and Repair Redwood City - 2004-2011 BMW 6-SERIES - Bosch European Redwood City 650-368-3000

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

BMW launched a 6-Series coupe and companion convertible during the 2004 model year. This was the first 6-Series model since 1989. BMW competed against the Cadillac XLR, Lexus SC 430, and Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. Both rear-wheel-drive 6-Series versions used a 325-horsepower V8, with a choice of three six-speed transmissions: an automatic, a conventional manual, and BMW's sequential manual (SMT). The SMT was a clutch less manual transmission operated via console lever or steering-wheel paddles; it could be set to shift like an automatic when desired. ABS and traction/antiskid control were standard, as was BMW's Active Roll Stabilization to counteract body lean. Dynamic Drive Control firmed the suspension, quickened throttle response, and adjusted shift points on the automatic transmission and SMT. BMW's Active Steering option varied steering ratio and assist.

 Front torso side airbags and front knee airbags were standard; the coupe added front head-protecting tubular side airbags. Convertibles had a power soft top and a heated glass rear window that lowered for roof-up ventilation or raised to deflect top-down cabin drafts. Standard equipment included leather and metal interior trim, a navigation system, and steering-linked headlights. BMW's iDrive that used a console "joystick" to adjust major climate, audio, and navigation functions. Optional was adaptive cruise control, designed to maintain a set distance from traffic ahead. Other options included 19-inch wheels (versus standard 18s), and a head-up instrument display.

 

YEAR TO YEAR CHANGES

2005 BMW 6-Series: A longer list of standard features marked 2005 for BMW's 4-seat coupe and convertible. Newly standard were front and rear obstacle detection.

2006 BMW 6-Series: A more powerful, bigger V8 engine transformed the 645Ci model into a 650Ci. The new 360-horsepower 4.8-liter V8 replaced the 645's 325-hp 4.4-liter. During 2006, BMW launched a super-performing M6 coupe with a V10 engine that could switch between 400 and 500 horsepower at the touch of a button. A new seven-speed automatic transmission went into the M6 coupe.

2007 BMW 6-Series: For 2007, the M6s were available in convertible as well as coupe form.

2008 BMW 6-Series: Only minor trim changes distinguished the 2008 BMW 6-Series.

2009 BMW 6-Series: The 2009 BMW 6-Series was largely unchanged.

2010 BMW 6-Series: The 2009 BMW 6-Series was largely unchanged.

2011 BMW 6-Series: The 2011 BMW 6-Series has been discontinued pending a redesigned version due in calendar 2011 as a 2012 model.

ROAD-TEST EVALUATION

Plenty of ready power and impressive passing punch greet the 6-Series driver. BMW said the 6-Series could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds with the SMT or conventional manual transmission. A test convertible with automatic clocked 5.7 seconds. The SMT unit is harsh shifting and cantankerous around town, in stark contrast to the smooth and responsive automatic. Fuel economy is so-so. With the conventional manual transmission, a coupe averaged 17.5 mpg, convertibles 13.7 to 19.6 mpg. With automatic, test convertibles averaged 15.8 mpg, coupes 17.5. Premium-grade fuel is required. Unforgiving run-flat tires and a firm suspension make the 6-Series ride much stiffer than BMW's 5-Series sedans, and tauter than many coupe and convertible rivals.  

These coupes are always stable and never jarring, but some testers said the ride grew tiresome on rough-surface freeways. Well-balanced and agile, 6-Series is the benchmark for handling among coupes in this class. Active Steering sharpens low-speed maneuverability, but some testers found it intrusive and inconsistent. Active Roll Stabilization eliminates most body lean in fast turns. There's little perceived road holding gain with the Sport Package. Braking is strong, stable, and straight. Modest wind rush has been noticed in coupes. Convertible tops are well-insulated for marginally greater wind noise than in the coupe. Minimal top-down buffeting is scarcely different with the rear window deployed, though exhaust rumble is noticeable.

 

Plenty of tire noise is evident on rough roads. Both body styles are impressively solid in structure. Minimal body flex is evident on convertibles. Confounding iDrive adds delay and complication to most control functions; worse, it diverts driver attention. The control layout itself is simple and convenient. Elegant interior decor makes use of top-notch materials. The thick steering-wheel rim interferes with clear view of main instruments and turn-signal arrows. Pressing the keyfob's trunk release on one test coupe regularly set off the alarm system. All but the very tall get good head and leg room on firm, supportive front seats. Power adjustments and a tilt/telescope steering wheel help dial in driving position after some trial and error. Long doors are a parking lot inconvenience. The coupe's large sunroof does not slide open, merely tilting for more ventilation. Aft visibility is restricted in coupes, and worse in convertibles with the top up. Rear seats are comfortable, but leg room is very tight. Front seats power forward slowly, and entry/exit is a typical coupe chore. Trunk volume is par for the class--coupe or convertible. The lid powers up but not down. Hinges are covered to prevent crushing packages, but they gobble space. Interior storage is minimal. Single cupholders are installed, front and rear; the front is an odd clip-on device.

Value for the Money
BMW's 6-Series suffers all the typical coupe/convertible compromises, along with daunting new-car prices and a firmer-than-necessary ride. That said, any version is a joy to drive: surprisingly fast, supremely capable, and very sophisticated. Secondhand prices aren't likely to be moderate.

Our reliability study for this generation BMW 6-Series includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation BMW 6-Series .

TROUBLE SPOTS

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Check-engine light: Engine may run rough accompanied by check engine light due to failure of camshaft position sensors. (2005-06)

Check-engine light: The check engine light may illuminate accompanied by rattling sound from front of engine due to leak in oil line for variable valve timing system. (2004-07)

Convertible top: The convertible top may not lower because a sensor in the rear window may not be reporting that the window is down. (2004)

Coolant leak: Coolant may leak near the 4.4L engine timing cover due to a failed seal. (2004-09)

Dashboard lights: A "rollover protection fault" message may appear on the driver's information center due to a problem in wiring or connectors. (2005)

Electrical problem: The electronic steering lock warning light may illuminate and/or the vehicle will not start if battery was low when starting. (2006)

Electrical problem: Night vision display malfunctions due to wiring harness damage near headlights. (2006-07)

Electrical problem: The paddle shifters on the steering wheel may quit working due to loss of electrical signal often caused by loose connectors. (2004-07)

Electrical problem: The convertible top warning light is illuminated, indicating the top not fully open or closed, due to faulty sensor switch. (2005-06)

Headlights: Automatic headlights may not go off when exiting a tunnel or parking garage due to miscommunication between rain sensor and headlight module. (2005-06)

None: The universal garage door opener in the vehicle may not accept a code from a different (new transmitter or new owner) if the batteries in the transmitter are low. (2004-07)

None: The right side (cylinders 1-4) valve cover or oil filler cap on the 4.8L V8 may break in cold weather due to ice buildup in the vent hose or valve. (2004-06)

Poor transmission shift: The paddle shifters on the steering wheel may quit working due to loss of electrical signal often caused by loose connectors. (2004-07)

Tail/brake lights: The lens for the center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) may crack at the sides. (2005)

Valve cover leaks: The right side (cylinders 1-4) valve cover or oil filler cap on the 4.8L V8 may break in cold weather due to ice buildup in the vent hose or valve. (2004-06)

source http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2004-to-2011-bmw-6-series-6.htm