2006 BMW 6 Series (USA)

Press Release

Now with More Power and New Refinements

For 2006, the 6 Series features a new, more powerful engine; new standard equipment and options; and significant technical and aesthetic refinements.

The models are the newly powered and named 650i Coupe, at $72,495 including destination charge; and the 650i Convertible at $79,495. (Gas Guzzler taxes apply to some versions.) Each is powered by a new 4.8-liter, 360-hp Valvetronic V-8 that is also winning hearts and minds in the '06 750i/Li and 550i models.

2006 BMW 6 Series - Product Highlights

What's new for 2006

• 4.8-liter V-8 engine, up from 4.4; 360 hp vs. previous 325, 360 lb-ft. torque vs. 330

• Active Steering now available as stand-alone option; no longer in Sport Package

• Dynamic Stability Control with expanded range of functions (DSC8+)

• New standard 18-in. wheels, Double Spoke design, W-rated performance tires, differentiated front/rear wheel and tire sizes

• New metallic colors: Monaco Blue replaces Mystic Blue, Barbera Red replaces Chiaretto Red

• New interior contrast color: Black replaces former Basalt Gray with all color schemes

• Start/Stop button

• iDrive controller newly shaped, has leather insert

• New options: High Definition Radio, Night Vision, Comfort Access

Performance & efficiency

• Both models powered by new 4.8-liter V-8 engine with -

• BMW's patented Valvetronic system of variable intake-valve lift

• Double VANOS variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing

• Dual exhaust system with sporty sound characteristics

• Aluminum block and cylinder heads

• 360 hp/360 lb-ft. torque

• Liquid-cooled alternator, fully encapsulated for quietness

• Choice of three 6-speed transmissions: manual, Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) and STEPTRONIC automatic

• EPA estimated MPG, city/highway:

  • 650i Coupe: 15/23 (manual transmission), 16/22 (SMG) or 17/25 (automatic)

  • 650i Convertible: 14/22 (manual transmission), 15/21 (SMG) or 17/25

• Standard Dynamic Driving Control offers Normal and Sport settings for -

  • Engine response to accelerator

  • Shift characteristics of Sequential Manual Gearbox

  • Shift characteristics of STEPTRONIC automatic transmission

Handling, ride & braking

• Aluminum suspension system, basic technology shared with 5 and 7 Series but specific dimensions, kinematics and calibration:

  • Front - double-pivot strut-type

  • Rear - Integral Link (multi-link system with 4 links per side)

• Active Roll Stabilization is standard; results in amazingly flat cornering

• Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive variable power-assisted steering, standard

• Active Steering is optional; varies steering ratio according to speed and other driving conditions

• Optimum front/rear weight distribution (no more than 2.6% variation from 50% front / 50% rear for both models and all variations)

• Generously dimensioned 4-wheel disc brakes with innovative, weight-saving aluminum/cast-iron discs

• Run-flat tires standard on all versions:

  • Standard - 18-in. wheels with W-rated performance tires, differentiated front/rear wheel and tire sizes

  • Sport Package - 19-in. wheels with W-rated performance tires, differentiated front/rear wheel and tire sizes

• Dynamic Driving Control offers Normal and Sport settings for standard steering system

• State-of-the-art Dynamic Stability Control system for traction control and stability enhancement

Exterior design & function

• Low, sleek and unique; no exterior panels shared with any other BMW Series

• Long-hood/short-deck proportions with 2+2 cabin

• High trunklid for aerodynamics and trunk space

• Extensive underbody fairing also promotes efficient aerodynamics

• Excellent aerodynamics: coefficient of aerodynamic drag (C_D) 0.30 for Coupe, 0.32 for Convertible

• Convertible softtop is unusually sleek and elegant; includes "fins" that project rearward of vertical, electrically retractable rear window

Structural & exterior technology

Both models:

• Aluminum front-end structure; main structure aft of windshield is steel

• Aluminum hood and doors

• Thermoplastic front side panels (fenders)

• Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) trunklid

• Xenon Adaptive headlights "steer" around curves and corners to enhance driver's night vision

• Adaptive Brake Lights emit more illumination under hard braking

Convertible:

• Extensive lower-body structural reinforcements

• Ultra-strong windshield frame

• Automatic Rollover Protection System

Ergonomics, luxury & convenience

• BMW's advanced Control Center concept combines traditional, sporty analog main instrumentation with iDrive monitor and controller for extensive displays and functions

• iDrive system includes Communication, Entertainment, Climate, Navigation and i-menu sections; incorporates latest enhancements to user-friendliness, graphic design of menus and displays, and GPS Navigation functions; includes TeleService functions for communicating vehicle service needs to BMW center and establishing communication between vehicle user and BMW center

• Voice Command system provides voice control of phone, audio and climate functions (Bluetooth cellphone interface is standard)

• Comprehensive, effective automatic climate control with left/right temperature control, humidity control, bi-directional solar sensor, automatic recirculation, Heat at Rest, active-charcoal microfilter ventilation and many other features

• Standard 8-speaker audio system includes 2 subwoofers, positioned for optimum effect in cavities at bases of B-pillars (Coupe) or rear side panels (Convertible)

• Optional Logic7 audio system (Premium Sound Package) includes upgraded componentry and audio power, 13 speakers (Coupe) or 11 speakers (Convertible), Digital Sound Processing, Surround Sound simulation and other features; 6-disc CD changer also included in Package

• Standard leather upholstery and Pearl-gloss Ruthenium interior trim

• Standard power front seats have 12-way (Coupe) or 14-way (Convertible) power adjustment, including 4-way lumbar support

• Convertible front seats have seat-integrated safety belts for optimum belt fit without upper B-pillar, ease of rear-seat entry/exit

• Unique moonroof design: power-tilting Panorama Moonroof, standard on Coupe

• Convertible softtop has extensive esthetic and functional features:

  • Fully automatic operation, quiet and fast

  • Full interior lining conceals mechanism, enhances quietness and weather protection

  • Polyurethane inner surface of outer material further enhances quietness, reduces vibration of softtop from wind and high speeds

• Unusually large trunk: EPA cargo capacity 13.0 cu ft. (Coupe), 12.4 cu ft. (Convertible with adjustable softtop storage compartment in "up" position, 10.6 cu ft. (Convertible with storage compartment in "down" position)

Safety & security

• Unique version of BMW's pioneering front Head Protection System, combining inflatable tubular element with stabilizing "sail" spanning between it and roof (Coupe)

• Front safety belts include automatic tensioners and force limiters; belts of Convertible fully integrated with seats

• Dual-threshold deployment of belt tensioners and front-impact airbags

• 2-stage front-impact Smart Airbags

• Front-seat side-impact airbags

• Automatic Rollover Protection System; deploys two rollbars behind rear seats when possibility of a rollover is detected

• Battery Safety Terminal

• Intelligent Safety and Information System (ISIS) for deployment of various safety systems

• BMW Assist Safety Plan and in-vehicle telematics system, providing automatic collision notification, SOS button and enhanced Roadside Assistance; requires annual fee after first year of ownership; Convenience Plan (Concierge and Customer Relations services) optional

Factory options

Available option Packages for both models:

• Sport Package

• Cold Weather Package

• Premium Sound Package

Available stand-alone options:

• 6-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) at no extra cost

• 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, also at no extra cost

• Active Cruise Control

• Active Steering

• (New) Comfort Access

• Head-up Display

• (New) Night Vision

• (New) High Definition Radio

• Sirius Satellite Radio

• Heated front seats

• Dark or Light Birch wood interior trim(no extra cost)

BMW Center-installed accessories (partial listing)

• Wind deflector (Convertible)

• 6-disc CD changer

• Aluminum pedals and footrest