BMW 6 Series E63

BMW 6 Series II E63 E64 cars replaced the E24 model on the assembly line. Just don’t confuse them with the Mercedes E63 AMG, the main competitor of the BMW M5. The first to be introduced was the coupe. The car in this body, with the index E63, the public saw in 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The convertible, E64, was shown by the concern to the general public in Detroit a year later. Following its policy, in 2007, the manufacturer updated the car, and until 2011 only restyled models were sold.

Appearance

Many experts and car enthusiasts liked the exterior of the BMW E60 E63, but there were some who found the front of the car a bit sad. The hood is long and there are small reliefs on it. The headlights are elegantly designed. They are narrow, and the lenses are placed inside. Between them there is a grille.

The bumper of BMW E63 is not massive, but thanks to its relief forms, it looks aggressive. On its sides there are fog lights of round shape, at the bottom there are air intakes, the purpose of which is to cool the front brakes. The aerodynamic properties of the BMW E63 are improved by the dodger.

The wheel arches also attract attention from the side. They are swollen and connected at the bottom by a notch. Under it there is a chrome line. Here in the BMW 6 series E63, a stamped line, deep and passing under the door handle, catches the eye. At the stern, it is worth noting the long relief luggage compartment lid with an additional brake light. Optics resembles the shape of a triangle. Reflectors are integrated into the massive bumper. Below the bumper there are exhaust system pipes. There can be two/four of them, depending on the vehicle configuration.

The BMW E63’s R18/R19 alloy wheels also add to the coupe’s appeal.

Let’s finish the short review of the car’s design with its dimensions. Regardless of whether it is a coupe or a convertible, the length of the car is 4.82 meters. German specialists have allocated 1.855 meters for width and 1.373 meters for height. The ground clearance of the car is 140 mm. The maximum/minimum weight of the car is 1.995/1.65 tons.

Interior

There are no claims to the interior of BMW E63. Everything here is harmonious and functional. Finishing materials and assembly are of high quality. Optimal temperature inside the car is provided by climate control. Passengers with the driver are protected by an active safety system. On the first row there are leather armchairs with heating and electric adjustment. In the back there is a sofa. There is enough space in both rows. This is a big plus of the BMW E63 coupe, because in such cars in the second row there is little space. This model is an exception.

The 379-millimeter diameter three-spoke handlebar is comfortable for a firm grip. The steering wheel is adjustable for reach/height. It has 6 buttons that allow you to control your phone, multimedia. Moreover, with the help of two of them other functions are programmed at the driver’s discretion. Let’s add here and paddles, allowing to switch speeds without taking your hand off the steering wheel. Behind the steering wheel is an instrument panel consisting of two analog gauges and an on-board computer between them. On the console is a small screen for the navigation/multimedia system. Under it are air deflectors with a red “emergency” button in the middle.

A little lower we see the climate control unit, consisting of 3 knobs and 6 buttons that switch operating modes. Even lower we can see slots for CD, under them – a small box to store small things. In the tunnel between the seats there is another similar box, a gear knob and a button that disables the stabilization system. To the left of the gearbox handle there is a handbrake, to the right there are multimedia control buttons, and further away there is an armrest.

As a rule, coupes do not have capacious trunks. But here too, the E63 is an exception: the boot space is 450 liters.

In short, the BMW 6 E63, judging by reviews, has a good, spacious and ergonomic interior.

Equipment

The coupe’s front headlights are adaptive. They receive information from the on-board computer about the angle of turn of the steering wheel and speed of the car and create lighting with an optimal angle. The aft optics is two-sectional. Therefore, having received a signal from the braking indicators, it indicates the braking force to the drivers of the cars behind.

A panoramic electric sunroof can be fitted to the roof. Additionally, the Coupé can be equipped with the following wheels:

• V-spoke R18 light alloys (“base” 650i model);
• R17 in the shape of a star;
• R18 with double spokes;
• R19.

They are equipped with Run-flat tires with innovative technology. The chassis will hold its shape even in the event of a puncture because the chassis sidewalls are reinforced. There are a number of other effective technologies. Notable among them:

• High Precision Injection;
• Braking energy recovery;
• Fuel injection system;
• Shift indicator light. This is possible with the MKT with the exception of the 635d model;
• Drivetrain improvements that provide reduced fuel consumption and toxic emissions without compromising vehicle performance.

Technical specifications

At BMW E63 review of technical characteristics let’s start with engines.

The models were equipped with four gasoline-powered units and one diesel-powered unit. Three engines were six-cylinder, while the two most powerful ones had 8 cylinders.

The BMW 630i E63 was equipped with the N52B30 engine until 2007, and then it was replaced by the N53B30. Both units had a volume of 3.0 liters, but the power of the first motor was lower, 258 “horses” against 272. With the help of N53B30 630i accelerated to a hundred in 6.4 seconds, developed a maximum of 250 km/h. and consumed AI-98 gasoline per 100 km within 7/13 liters on the highway / in the city.

The eight-cylinder, 333-horsepower, V-twin engine was installed in the BMW 645 Ci E63. The 4.4-liter motor is equipped with two systems, Valvetronic and Double-VANOS, so the car was provided with high performance and optimal dynamics. Note that in 2006. The 645Ci participated in the World Motorcycle World Cup, serving as a pace car (safety car).

The second V8, the most powerful, N62B48 (367 “horses”, 4.8 liters), was used in the BMW 650i E63. Acceleration to a hundred – 5 sec, top speed – 250 km/h, fuel consumption – 17/9 liters in the city / on the highway. This is a lot, but what can you do, you have to pay for the power of the car.  The diesel model, the 635d, came with a 286-horsepower three-liter M57TU2D30TOP unit. This engine BMW E63 with Common Rail system and 2-stage turbocharger. Acceleration to “one hundred” took 6.3 seconds, top speed – 250 km/h, fuel consumption 5.5/9 liters on the highway / in the city.

Now let’s break down the other features of the BMW E63.

The engines were combined with a 6-speed manual and a similar Steptronic automatic. In 2006-2008, the cars were equipped with another automatic transmission, SMG. Together with it, the steering wheel was equipped with paddles. Both suspensions are almost aluminum. This reduced the weight of the car, providing an even load between the axles of the car.

Electronics and security

To improve safety, the coupe is equipped with various systems. There are ABS (anti-lock brakes) and DBC/DSC (dynamic braking/stability control). The latter electronics is switched on in case of a critical situation and will start braking each wheel as needed.

Optimum stability is ensured by the Dynamic active suspension system. Body roll is minimized by stability stabilizers on both axles.

Active Steering will provide a more comfortable ride. The system will use an electric motor to change the wheel angles based on the speed of the car. At medium speeds, the steering ratio will be straight, but at low speeds (parking), two turns will be required, from stop to stop.

According to BMW E63 owners’ reviews, the electronic systems are great assistants for the driver.

Difference between restyling and prerestyling

In 2007, the BMW E63 was restyled. Differences from the pre-styling consisted in changed bumpers, different wheel rims. The trunk lid has changed a little. Illumination optics received another configuration: front and rear headlights of BMW E63 changed after restyling.

The cabin has a new multimedia complex, more comfortable seats were installed, the gearbox handle was changed instead of the CCC CIC. Specialists removed the existing ergonomic miscalculations. Restyling also touched the engines. The concern decided to abandon the gasoline unit with a volume of 4.4 liters, increasing the power of the three-liter unit up to 272 hp. A 286-horsepower three-liter turbodiesel unit joined the engine lineup. If it does not suit you or there are problems (for example, the engine starts and immediately stops), you can perform chip tuning of BMW E63.

In 2011. The E63 gave way on the assembly line to the third-generation 6-series cars, the F12 and F13. And the battle of BMW M5 vs Mercedes E63 continues to this day.

Generations and configurations

Generation 2 coupe – restyled

Coupe 2nd generation

09.2003 – 08.2007