BMW 6-Series - Should I Buy It?
At the risk of getting the Gods upset--is it ridiculous to consider getting the 6 or even the SL etc in "automatic" transmission?
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Also, how has reliability been? I know some people with nightmares with the first year of the 7 series.
Thank you for any input.
I highly suggest taking a drive for yourself. You won't be disappointed!
I think you need to check your definition of "smaller sportier cars". Here's what some weights will buy you:
2,820 lbs - Honda S2000
2,965 lbs - Boxster S
3,200 lbs - Corvette
3,318 lbs - 911S Cabriolet
3,759 lbs - Jaguar XK
3,781 lbs - M3 Convertible
3,803 lbs - 550i
4,012 lbs - M5
4,210 lbs - 1996 Isuzu Trooper
4,277 lbs - 650i Convertible
4,280 lbs - SL55
4,480 lbs - 750i
When I was shopping last fall, I test drove the 645i 6-speed. I ended up with a 911S Cab, because I wanted a sports car that could hold my kids in the back. I gave up some of the nimble handling of the 300+lb lighter Boxster S for this privaledge. The 645i is a very nice car, but there is absolutely no way it can honestly be described as a "smaller sportier car". Granted, if anyone can make a convertible that weighs more than an Isuzu Trooper handle well, it's BMW. But even BMW can't defy the laws of physics. The 500 lb lighter 5 passenger 550i 6-speed is a lot more "tossable".
I strongly suggest you test drive the cars you are considering and figure out if you want a relatively lightweight, nimble sports car, or a 2+ ton GT. If you decide on the latter, the new BMW 650i is one of the very best choices out there. But in no way should it be confused with the former.
The back seats of the 650i Cab are at least functional. I've seen larger teens and shorter adults in the back driving down the highway, so I know it can be done. Not sure how comfortable it is, but it can be done.
If you want something smaller, there are a lot of options. I personally like the idea of a larger convertible that can handle more than 2 passengers on occasion in relative comfort and have a trunk capable of handling a fair amount of cargo. The 650i Cab can do that it would seem.
You really need to determine to what extent you are going to use it. Will it be a touring car and require luggage space? Will you carry more than 2 passengers? Do you want it whisper quiet inside? Soft tops are noiser than hard top convertibles (SLK, Vette with removable panels), Lexus SC430, etc).
-Paul
My point to the previous poster was that the 650i weighs nearly 1,000 lbs. more than a 911 and 1,300+ lbs more than a Boxster. As a matter of fact, it is the heaviest BMW car other than the 7 series, and the 750i only outweighs it by 200 lbs.
As a highway tourer, it would be well worth considering. A nimble sports car it is not.
Does anyone know if the new M3 convertible will be hard or soft top? Would they make 2 different 3 series drop top bodies?
My sister-in-law's husband would agree. He is considering a 650ic and currently drives a Hummer H2.
I thought the 645i I drove felt very heavy. But I previously owned a Honda S2000 and was primarily interested in a true sports car.
So it really is important that you test drive it yourself and don't pay too much attention to reviews and the opinions of others - including me.
That said, you should thoroughly test drive both the 6-speed and automatic if you have not already done so. I recently test drove the new M5 with it's 7-speed SMG and it seems that I am not the only one that came away dissapointed. There is no chance BMW will get the keys to my current 2003 M5 until the 6-speed manual version of the M5 is available.
FWIW, I also drove the 650i 6speed and am dissapointed in the direction BMW took with the 6 series. My car actually feels more nimble, and it's a full 5 passenger 4 door sedan. I thought Mercedes opened the door for a sportier GT when the ran the SL up to 4,100+ lbs, but no, BMW just followed suit. I'm breaking my loyalty to jump over to a Porsche 911S, which doesn't give up much to the BMW in rear seat room but is nearly a half ton lighter and a true sports car. Now if you were contemplating that in a automatic, I'd be scolding you.
If the 650i works for you, get an automatic and the hell with what others think. Just don't wear dark socks and sneakers or a pocket protector when you drive it.
http://www.car-catalog.com/sports_cars/bmw_m6.htm
Hope it helps to you.
Look also at the new Mercedez Maybach and S class, also Hyundai, Honda Legend.
- Cold Weather Package
- Premium Sound
- Sport Package
- Comfort Access
- Heads Up Display
- 12,000 Miles/Year
- 36 Months
$2,800 (Complete Drive-Off)
$1,260/month