2008 BMW 6-Series Features Review

July 22, 2008

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

A car that you can drive fast and far
MyRide.com

There are myriad adjustments to tailor the driving position
ConsumerGuide

iDrive system still too complex for some
Edmunds

The 2008 BMW 6-Series has a little something for everyone, according to TheCarConnection.com's experts. The features lineup makes the BMW 6-Series a car anyone with a love for gizmos can appreciate.

This 2008 BMW series is available in both coupe and convertible body styles, says Edmunds. Standard features on the BMW 6-Series include "18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, leather upholstery, 12-way power front seats with driver memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker CD audio system with iPod integration and a regular auxiliary audio jack." The convertible top is canvas, not a folding hardtop (which would likely add even more weight to the hefty 6-Series). A navigation system is also standard, as are power features.

On top of this, Edmunds adds, there are two option packages for this 2008 BMW: the Sport package, which includes "19-inch alloy wheels, enhanced exterior trim and sport seats," and the Cold Weather package, which includes "heated seats and steering wheel."

Stand-alone options for the BMW 6-Series include different leather trim, HD and satellite radio, Active Steering, adaptive cruise control, BMW’s head-up display, and keyless ignition/entry.

And of course, there is the iDrive. The iDrive works audio, navigation, and climate controls; 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. MyRide.com professes a love/hate relationship with the controls for the iDrive on the 2008 BMW 6-Series. With the radio dials directly below the climate controls, it's hard to manage them while on the road. "In addition to the minimalist stereo controls on the center of the dashboard," MyRide.com pleads of BMW, "consider adding a tuning knob and a row of radio station preset buttons." ConsumerGuide says, "drivers otherwise grapple with iDrive's many menus and settings--a real distraction." Only Edmunds shows some love for the iDrive on the BMW 6-Series, though not wholeheartedly. It is better than previous versions but still difficult to operate. There are some cool features, however, such as "voice command." You can also unlock the door "by just touching the door handle."

Conclusion

The features of the 2008 BMW 6-Series can make any car fanatic smile with delight—with the exception of iDrive.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:A car that you can drive fast and farMyRide.comThere are myriad adjustments to tailor the driving positionConsumerGuideiDrive system still too complex for someEdmunds The 2008 BMW 6-Series has a little something for everyone, according to TheCarConnection.com's experts. The features lineup makes the BMW 6-Series a car anyone with a love for gizmos can appreciate. This 2008 BMW series is available in both coupe and convertible body styles, says Edmunds. Standard features on the BMW 6-Series include "18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, leather upholstery, 12-way power front seats with driver memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker CD audio system with iPod integration and a regular auxiliary audio jack." The convertible top is canvas, not a folding hardtop (which would likely add even more weight to the hefty 6-Series). A navigation system is also standard, as are power features. On top of this, Edmunds adds, there are two option packages for this 2008 BMW: the Sport package, which includes "19-inch alloy wheels, enhanced exterior trim and sport seats," and the Cold Weather package, which includes "heated seats and steering wheel." Stand-alone options for the BMW 6-Series include different leather trim, HD and satellite radio, Active Steering, adaptive cruise control, BMW’s head-up display, and keyless ignition/entry. And of course, there is the iDrive. The iDrive works audio, navigation, and climate controls; 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. MyRide.com professes a love/hate relationship with the controls for the iDrive on the 2008 BMW 6-Series. With the radio dials directly below the climate controls, it's hard to manage them while on the road. "In addition to the minimalist stereo controls on the center of the dashboard," MyRide.com pleads of BMW, "consider adding a tuning knob and a row of radio station preset buttons." ConsumerGuide says, "drivers otherwise grapple with iDrive's many menus and settings--a real distraction." Only Edmunds shows some love for the iDrive on the BMW 6-Series, though not wholeheartedly. It is better than previous versions but still difficult to operate. There are some cool features, however, such as "voice command." You can also unlock the door "by just touching the door handle." ConclusionThe features of the 2008 BMW 6-Series can make any car fanatic smile with delight—with the exception of iDrive.  2008 BMW 6-SERIES STYLING | [7 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "Elegant cabins match lofty pricing" Road & Track: "deeply cut side sills" MyRide.com: "Flawed Exterior Styling" Car and Driver: "It's the same news as with the 5-Series " The 2008 BMW 6-Series is actually four cars: ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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

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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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