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2008 BMW 6-Series Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com's car enthusiasts and editors researched the latest reviews on the new 2008 BMW 6-Series to write this definitive review. Our car experts also drove the 2008 BMW 6-Series in the U.S., to be able to give you our opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in the class, and to help you decide if the 6-Series is the right car for you.

Likes:

  • Supercar acceleration in the M6
  • Convertible option
  • Snug and cozy cockpit for two

Dislikes:

  • Heavy, ponderous feel
  • Technology overload
  • Rear styling
  • Minuscule rear seats

Buying Tips:


The BMW 6-Series is popular in celebrity-dense markets like Los Angeles, so you'll stand a better chance of negotiating down the sticker price in a smaller market. The convertibles will likely have better resale value than the coupes, and the M6s will be the most collectible of all--so choose your (roughly) $100,000 investment wisely.

The 2008 BMW 6-Series is actually four cars: the 650i coupe and convertible, and the V-10-powered M6 coupe and convertible. They share a common profile, a 2+2 seating arrangement, and truly impressive performance, along with hefty 4,000-pound curb weights and a heavy feel at the controls.

The 650i gets its drive from a 360-horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8 mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed "automatic sports transmission" that offers paddle shifting and a choice of a Sport mode that speeds up gear changes and retunes the car's accelerator and steering for optimal response. With the manual, BMW says the 650i Coupe will accelerate to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the Convertible takes 0.3 second more. Both models are limited to 155 mph.

A high-performance M edition was added to the line for 2006. Like the M5 sedan, it is powered by a 500-horsepower V-10 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission; it can reach 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds.

For 2008, BMW reshaped the 6-Series' front and rear ends with new LED lights, bi-xenon dual round headlights. The decklid was reshaped with a new spoiler and LED taillights, too. The 6-Series still looks thick and squat, especially from the rear end. Inside it's a little better and reasonably comfortable for two (the rear seats are a mere suggestion), but the wood and leather trim almost gets lost in the BMW 6-Series' complex array of electronic controls. There's the iDrive that works audio, navigation, and climate control; six memory buttons in case you forget where you are in its programming; a lane-departure warning system; and a head-up display all competing for your attention. The convertible top is canvas, not a folding hardtop (which would likely add even more weight).

There's no denying the 6-Series' raw power and ultimate handling capability, but it teeters on the edge of techno overload. Electronic add-ons for the steering, braking, and suspension take away some of the feel that makes sportscars emotional purchases--and add heft and confusion to the car. A good diet, kicked off with a trip to the recycling bin for some of the electronics, would help the 6-Series regain some sportscar luster.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 BMW 6-Series, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Mercedes-Benz SL is a two-seat roadster that also has a bit of a weight problem, and technology invades every driving system--but it comes off as more composed than the 6-Series BMW and sports a folding hardtop. Jaguar's XKR is a blast to drive; it's the sexiest convertible in this group by far and one of the best-handling cars here, too. The Porsche 911 has teensy rear seats and a cold, technical feel, but stunning handling and straight-line performance, especially in Turbo form.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 BMW 6-Series is overwrought and overstocked with technology that distracts even from the M6’s heroic performance.

TheCarConnection.com's car enthusiasts and editors researched the latest reviews on the new 2008 BMW 6-Series to write this definitive review. Our car experts also drove the 2008 BMW 6-Series in the U.S., to be able to give you our opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in the class, and to help you decide if the 6-Series is the right car for you. Likes:Supercar acceleration in the M6Convertible optionSnug and cozy cockpit for twoDislikes:Heavy, ponderous feelTechnology overloadRear stylingMinuscule rear seatsBuying Tips: The BMW 6-Series is popular in celebrity-dense markets like Los Angeles, so you'll stand a better chance of negotiating down the sticker price in a smaller market. The convertibles will likely have better resale value than the coupes, and the M6s will be the most collectible of all--so choose your (roughly) $100,000 investment wisely. The 2008 BMW 6-Series is actually four cars: the 650i coupe and convertible, and the V-10-powered M6 coupe and convertible. They share a common profile, a 2+2 seating arrangement, and truly impressive performance, along with hefty 4,000-pound curb weights and a heavy feel at the controls. The 650i gets its drive from a 360-horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8 mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed "automatic sports transmission" that offers paddle shifting and a choice of a Sport mode that speeds up gear changes and retunes the car's accelerator and steering for optimal response. With the manual, BMW says the 650i Coupe will accelerate to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the Convertible takes 0.3 second more. Both models are limited to 155 mph. A high-performance M edition was added to the line for 2006. Like the M5 sedan, it is powered by a 500-horsepower V-10 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission; it can reach 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. For 2008, BMW reshaped the 6-Series' front and rear ends with new LED lights, bi-xenon dual round headlights. The decklid was reshaped with a new spoiler and LED taillights, too. The 6-Series still looks thick and squat, especially from the rear end. Inside it's a little better and reasonably comfortable for two (the rear seats are a mere suggestion), but the wood and leather trim almost gets lost in the BMW 6-Series' complex array of electronic controls. There's the iDrive that works audio, navigation, and climate control; six memory buttons in case you forget where you are in its programming; a lane-departure warning system; and a head-up display all competing for your attention. The convertible top is canvas, not a folding hardtop (which would likely add even more weight). There's no denying the 6-Series' raw power and ultimate handling capability, but it teeters on the edge of techno overload. Electronic add-ons for the steering, braking, and suspension take away some of the feel that makes sportscars emotional purchases--and add heft and confusion to the car. A good diet, kicked off with a trip to the recycling bin for some of the electronics, would help the 6-Series regain some sportscar luster. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 BMW 6-Series, also consider:Jaguar XKRMercedes-Benz SLPorsche 911Reason Why:The Mercedes-Benz SL is a two-seat roadster that also has a bit of a weight problem, and technology invades every driving system--but it comes off as more composed than the 6-Series BMW and sports a folding hardtop. Jaguar's XKR is a blast to drive; it's the sexiest convertible in this group by far and one of the best-handling cars here, too. The Porsche 911 has teensy rear seats and a cold, technical feel, but stunning handling and straight-line performance, especially in Turbo form. The Bottom Line:The 2008 BMW 6-Series is overwrought and overstocked with technology that distracts even from the M6’s heroic performance. TheCarConnection.com's car enthusiasts and editors researched the latest reviews on the new 2008 BMW 6-Series to write this definitive review. Our car experts also drove the 2008 BMW 6-Series in the U.S., to be able to give you our opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in the ...

Other Choices:

The Mercedes-Benz SL is a two-seat roadster that also has a bit of a weight problem, and technology invades every driving system--but it comes off as more composed than the 6-Series BMW and sports a folding hardtop. Jaguar's XKR is a blast to drive; it's the sexiest convertible in this group by far and one of the best-handling cars here, too. The Porsche 911 has teensy rear seats and a cold, technical feel, but stunning handling and straight-line performance, especially in Turbo form.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 BMW 6-Series

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 BMW 6-Series

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 BMW 6-Series near you

See the BMW 6-Series in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

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