BMW 6 Series (E63)

The exterior was designed by Adrian van Hooydonk, based on the 1999 BMW Z9 concept car designed by the then BMW Design Chief Chris Bangle.[5]

The controversial rear styling, first seen on the E65 7 Series, was nicknamed "Bangle Butt" by critics.[6] BMW described the styling philosophy as "flame surfacing", where concave and convex shapes meet to create sharp edges.[7][8]

To reduce weight, the doors and bonnet are made of aluminium,[9] and the boot and front wings are made of carbon-reinforced plastic. The kerb weight is 1,490–1,930 kg (3,280–4,250 lb).

• 
  Coupé (E63)
• 
  Convertible (E64)

Top speed for all models is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).[15]

The available transmissions are:[4]

• 6-speed ZF S6-37 manual (630Ci / 630i)
• 6-speed ZF S6-53 manual (645Ci / 650i / M6)
• 6-speed ZF 6HP19 automatic (630Ci / 630i)
• 6-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic (635d / 645Ci / 650i)
• 6-speed ZF 6HP28 automatic (635d LCI / 650i LCI)
• 6-speed SMG (630i / 645Ci / 650i)[16][17]
• 7-speed SMG III (M6)[18]

Unlike the related E60 5 Series, the E63/E64 was not available with all-wheel drive (xDrive).

Interior (pre-facelift)

Features available included adaptive headlights,[19] parking sensors (Park Distance Control), voice control,[20] variable rate steering (Active Steering),[21] active anti-roll bars (Active Roll Stabilisation), radar cruise control (Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go), head-up display,[22] lane departure warning, night vision,[23] keyless entry and starting (Comfort Access),[23] heated steering wheel, universal remote control, and soft-close doors.

M6 coupé

The M6 version was initially introduced as a coupé at the 2005 Geneva International Motor Show,[24] and later in convertible form at the British International Motor Show in 2006.[25]

The M6 is powered by the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated S85 V10 shared with the E60 M5, generating 373 kW (500 hp) at 7,750 rpm[26] and 520 N⋅m (384 lb⋅ft) at 6,100 rpm.[27] The majority of the cars were produced with a 7-speed automated manual transmission ("SMG III"), however a 6-speed manual transmission was also available in the United States.[28]

The M6 coupé has a carbon fibre roof in order to reduce weight and for a lower centre of gravity.[29][30] Additional features included: sports seats, larger front and rear brakes, an M-performance instrument cluster, a carbon-fibre roof (coupé only), and an optional M head-up Display.[31] The car also has quad exhaust-pipes and larger, more aerodynamic air intakes.

A total of 9,087 coupés and 5,065 convertibles were built; amounting to 14,152 cars.[32]

Models feature BMW's Advanced Safety System, enabling the car to decide the most effective deployment of the airbags in a crash.[42] Safety equipment includes active anti-roll bars, dynamic stability control, front knee airbags (in accordance with US regulation), BMW roadside assistance, and an SOS emergency system.[43] Convertible models also feature an automatic rollover protection system, where roll-bars behind the rear seats are automatically deployed in a rollover.[44] From 2008, active head restraints became a standard feature on all seat options, reducing the risk of neck injuries in a rear-end collision.[43][45]

The E63/E64 was produced at the Dingolfing BMW plant.[46]

The following are production figures for the E63/E64, excluding M6 models: