Name: BMW 6 Series Review
Item: BMW 6 Series
Author: Gumtree.com

A stylish coupe with the usual three-door, four-seat configuration, the BMW 6 Series was first launched in 1976 and ran until 1988 before disappearing from the Bavarian pantheon for a 16-year hiatus. It reemerged in 2004, was replaced in 2011 and the latest model landed in 2018. We focus on the 2011-2018 6 Series here, which hits the sweet spot as a good-value used buy. Large petrol and diesel power-plants are available and it will make an excellent cruiser, whichever you go for.

Already convinced? View the BMW 6 Series model page to learn more.

What we think about the BMW 6 Series

If you’re looking for a quality, prestige coupe, the BMW 6 Series should definitely be on your list.

Pros

Strong engines

Stylish exterior, quality interior

Economical diesel

Cons

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V8 engine costly

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Not as sporty as it looks

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Limited rear legroom

A big choice when shopping for your 2011-2018 BMW 6 Series is the engine. The 3.0-litre diesel (640d) has plenty of grunt plus respectable fuel economy. The 640i is a 3.0-litre petrol option but, if fuel-efficiency is less of a concern, go for the powerful 4.4-litre V8 of the 650i.

Driving performance of the Bmw 6 Series

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

If you view the 6 Series as a Grand Tourer, you won’t be disappointed. The ride is comfortable, especially on the SE and Sport trims if you’re happy to forego the M-Sport’s 19″ alloys and sportier suspension. Handling and steering are good for a car of this size, too – though it feels more sedate than some may wish for. Adding to the GT appeal is the smooth 8-speed auto box, which is good news considering there’s no manual option.

Safety and reliability of the Bmw 6 Series

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

Due to low production numbers, the 6 Series wasn’t safety tested by Euro NCAP but exceptions of a solid rating would have been high. There were plenty of safety features and tech on offer, and the full five-star ratings of the 5 Series in 2010 and 2017 bode well.

Reliability-wise, BMW’s reputation should give you peace of mind. Electrical issues are the most likely cause for concern so be sure to check everything is working and no lights are illuminated.

Under the bonnet of the Bmw 6 Series

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

The good news is that whichever engine choice you go for, you’ll have plenty of power and a top speed of 155 mph. The base petrol unit is a 3.0-litre engine, confusingly named the 640i. With 320 bhp, it will do the 0-62 mph dash in just 5.3 seconds. The 640d is the sole diesel option and will reach 62 mph in the same time, but with better fuel economy. If you want a little more pep, the 650i’s 4.4-litre V8 has a 0-62 mph of just 4.6 seconds and sounds glorious getting there.

What you'll find in the Bmw 6 Series

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The BMW 6 Series is an attractive coupe and has stood the test of time well – a used example in good condition can still turn heads; pop on a private plate and really have the neighbours guessing. The 6 Series isn’t a small car, though, so think about garage space (or, indeed, slinging it round country roads). Its size also makes for extra comfort on long journeys. The M-Sport trims are undeniably the best-looking but there’s a price to pay on ride comfort.

Comfort and interiors in the Bmw 6 Series

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

It’s a coupe so being practical isn’t its best quality. Low-slung, with two doors and just four seats, it may not be the best family car but, with a 460-litre boot, it’s still a workable option if you’ve been won over by the looks and drivability. Rear leg-room is best-suited to kids but getting car seats in and out won’t be easy. It’s supremely comfortable for two, though, and the interior feels luxurious and high-quality.

What features you'll find in the Bmw 6 Series

Our Features Rating8 / 10

Climate control, cruise control and a 10.2-inch screen powering the BMW i-Drive infotainment system are among the many standard items of equipment you’re guaranteed. You can add sat-nav and Bluetooth connectivity to that list too. Plus, if you’re buying a post-2016, the infotainment screen is high-res and gets DAB radio as well. There were a host of options when new so you may be able to find one with a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control or a Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen stereo.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Bmw 6 Series

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

Unsurprisingly, the best fuel economy comes from the 640d diesel’s average 52.3 mpg. That’s over 15 mpg more than the 37.2 mpg of the 640i petrol engine. For those covering shorter distances, the slightly lower 32.1 mpg average of the 650i may be tempting, given it puts that 4.4-litre V8 at your command. Road tax will be a consideration on pre-2017 models as costs were dependent on emissions and the 650i throws out 206 g/km of CO2. That drops to 179 g/km for the 640i and just 145 g/km for the 640d diesel.

Running costs of the Bmw 6 Series

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

The fuel economy and road tax bill of the diesel 6 Series make for surprisingly low running costs but the same can’t be said of the petrol variants. That said, these aren’t in sports car territory.

Insurance will be costly whichever engine you choose, as all come in at group 50. Servicing costs will be in line with those for German prestige brands (so not cheap) but there are plenty of specialists away from the main dealers.

Our verdict of the Bmw 6 Series

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

At its best, the BMW 6 Series can blend practicality, comfort, luxury and good value. It offers a good range of standard features and plenty of power.

BMW 6 Series Review