2008 BMW 6 Series Review
2008 BMW 6 Series Review
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Used 6 Series for sale
Appraise This CarBMW 6 Series model years
BMW 6 Series types
- Coupe
- Convertible
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Seamless acceleration from refined V8, nimble handling that belies its proportions, smooth and quiet ride, elegantly crafted interior, ample trunk space in the coupe.
Cons
- Limited rear seat room, controversial styling, iDrive system still too complex for some.
What’s new
There are a few changes in store for the 2008 BMW 6 Series coupe and convertible. The previously optional SMG (sequential manual gearbox) transmission has been dropped in favor of a new sport-oriented automatic transmission. Other changes include freshened exterior styling, a new lane departure warning system, a USB adapter for an iPod or MP3 player, and a tweaked version of iDrive for improved user-friendliness.
Edmunds says
Though not the most exclusive choice for a luxury coupe or convertible, the 2008 BMW 650i more than makes up for it thanks to responsive performance, an exacting interior and a less-than-typical price.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 BMW 6 Series 650i 2dr Coupe (4.8L 8cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$297/mo for 6 Series 650i
6 Series 650i
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
For most people, purchasing a large luxury coupe or convertible is entirely an act of passion and indulgence, and right or wrong, outward appearance can make or break the deal. Compared to the sleek offerings from rival manufacturers Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar, well let's just say the 2008 BMW 6 Series has a great personality. If there is such a thing as a sleeper among the entries in the big-ticket touring class, this is it. Only when you've taken the time to become fully acquainted with its pure driving dynamics, innovative use of technology and lower price of entry does the 6 Series' true beauty become apparent.
In its fifth year of production, the rear-wheel-drive, four-passenger BMW 650i coupe is based on the same platform used for the 5 Series sedan. But BMW aims the 6 Series higher. It has but one engine available, a 4.8-liter V8. Not a single body panel is shared with the sedan, and the front and rear suspensions are likewise calibrated for the 650's lower ride height and sportier intentions. To keep its weight in check, aluminum is used extensively for the suspension, hood and doors. Thermoplastic front fenders and a composite deck lid do their high-tech best to keep the 6 Series feeling spry, though this is still essentially a 4,000-pound car.
BMW equips its 6 Series well in terms of equipment, and you'll find but a handful of features that are optional. Convertibles use a fully lined folding soft top rather than a retractable hardtop, but it's a sophisticated design capable of keeping interior noise to sedanlike levels. The glass rear window opens for ventilation when the roof is up, and can be raised to act as a wind buffer when the top is down. If you don't want to go the convertible route, the 6 Series coupe feels nearly as airy, thanks to its large glass roof section. The glass is too large to slide open, but you can tilt it up slightly for ventilation.
Among high-dollar touring coupes and convertibles, the 2008 BMW 6 Series is easily one of our top recommendations. However, for buyers chiefly interested in style and opulence, the sleeker Mercedes-Benz CL550 and Jaguar XK/XKR will prove more satisfying. The same goes for the highly regarded Mercedes SL550 roadster. For enthusiast types who care about the drive above all else, the smaller Porsche 911 is likely the better choice, as it easily outhandles this plus-size Bimmer coupe.
Yet these cars are all more expensive than the 6 Series. And while cost concerns are seldom of primary concern in this segment, when a car strikes that near-perfect compromise between coddling its passengers and thrilling its driver that the 2008 BMW 650i does, such a value proposition is hard to ignore.
Performance & mpg
Motivation for both the rear-wheel-drive 650i coupe and convertible is provided by a 4.8-liter V8 rated at 360 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. Shifting duties are carried out by either a six-speed manual or BMW's new six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching.
Safety
Standard equipment includes front seat-mounted airbags, front knee airbags, active front head restraints and full-length side curtain airbags (coupe only). Also standard are antilock disc brakes, stability control and a subscription to BMW Assist emergency telematics. Convertibles come with a rollover protection system. Optional safety features include a night vision system that uses a thermal imaging camera to spot potential obstacles in the road up to 1,000 feet ahead, and a new lane departure warning system.
Driving
For a vehicle so laden with technological comfort and safety features, the 6 Series maintains a remarkably direct and visceral driving experience. Although not as nimble as the smaller 3 Series coupe, the 2008 BMW 650i is a very capable performer when driven hard. The Active Roll Stabilization system keeps the big coupe flat around corners, and the lightweight suspension does its part to maintain traction and soak up the bumps without diluting the lines of communication. Regardless of transmission choice, you're sure to enjoy the 650i's 4.8-liter V8. Like every BMW engine we've ever experienced, this V8 is silken and anxious to rev. Although there's a nice surge of power toward the top of the tachometer, there's plenty of torque available at any rpm.
Interior
Although elegant, the 2008 BMW 6 Series cockpit has a somewhat austere feel compared to its competitors. Still, everything's set up perfectly for driving, with BMW's familiar orange-lit analog gauges dead ahead, a thick steering wheel grip and supportive seating. BMW's iDrive control system reduces button clutter to a minimum, making for a clean dash design but confusing operation of many controls, even with the addition of this year's "shortcut" buttons.
Thanks to its generous dimensions and a panoramic glass roof in the coupe, the 650i feels spacious for two, but four adults make for a tight fit. Both cars have an easy-entry feature to ease access into the backseat, but only the convertible's is power-operated. Trunk space measures 13 cubic feet in the coupe and a still healthy 12.4 in the 650i convertible (10.6 when the top is down), and both cars have a pass-through to accommodate longer items.
2008 BMW 6 Series models
Available in both coupe and convertible body styles, the 2008 BMW 650i comes with a healthy complement of standard features including 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 has a power soft top with a power retractable rear window.
Two distinct option packages are available: Sport, which brings 19-inch alloy wheels, enhanced exterior trim and sport seats to the table; and Cold Weather, with heated seats and steering wheel. Other options include active steering, adaptive cruise control, upgraded leather upholstery, a surround-sound audio system, HD and satellite radios, a head-up display and keyless ignition/entry.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#36 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the BMW 6 Series from 2008-2022.$835/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).2.08x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).20.4%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 BMW 6 Series.
5 star(79%)
4 star(13%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
39 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Fun everyday
jspeith, 03/09/2011
2007 BMW 6 Series 650i 2dr Convertible (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
I have put about 2000 miles on this car in a month.
This car begs to be driven hard. It does everything asked of it and more. The gurgle of the engine is the sweetest sound I've heard.
It has added a smile to my face everyday since I bought it. Pure fun.
The car is extremely comfortable for two, tolerable for four.
It is extremely smooth.
Handling is superb especially in sport mode.
It … corners like it's on rails.
The best display of power is between 60 and 100 mph.
I was a little hesitant to buy a car with such a haughty image in a fairly conservative Midwest town but after driving it I don't care what anyone thinks. This thing is heaven on wheels!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Adult Rollercoaster
AdamFisch, 03/26/2008
2008 BMW 6 Series 650i 2dr Coupe (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
Take 1 drive in this puppy, and you will realize why they call it the ultimate driving machine. By far the most fun I have had driving a car. Eats a lot of gas, the backseat is for looks not for passengers.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best Car I've Ever Owned
Chuck, 12/05/2006
2007 BMW 6 Series 650i 2dr Coupe (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
Although I've only had my 650i for a week or so, I am already impressed with the quality and feel of such a high performance, luxury coupe. It has plenty of power and very stable handling. My last car was an '05 Porsche Carrera. This BMW is much more luxurous and as much fun to drive without all of the bumps of a much stiffer suspension. Beautiful lines, classy interior, and the iDrive … isn't at all that hard to use once I spent some time with it. I'm very pleased with my choice.
4.75 out of 5 stars
You Won't Regret it!
Soldes, 03/19/2008
2008 BMW 6 Series 650i 2dr Convertible (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
Agonized many a times about spending this kind of $ for a car. After 1 week of driving it, this machine is worth every dollar, not only in its performance and peerless handling, but in the way it makes you feel when you are behind the wheel. Extreme luxury, awsome handle, superb sports performance, plus the WOW! factor; all in one package.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2008 BMW 6 Series, so we've included reviews for other years of the 6 Series since its last redesign.
2008 6 Series Highlights
Coupe
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $76,600 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $297/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 6 Series include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
Related Used 2008 BMW 6 Series info
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