2011 Bmw 650 Review
BMW 6-Series Convertible F12 (2011-on): review, problems and specs
The second-generation BMW 6-series comes to take strong on the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Jaguar XK Convertible or Mercedes-Benz SL. It has been lowered and widened over the first generation and carries enough features to be on par with those mentioned above.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Strong Points
- Well soundproofed cabin
- Impressive boot space
- Fuel-efficient diesel engine
Recommended Versions
- 640d
- 650i
Cons
Weak Points
- The rear seats are not suitable for adults
Stay Away From
- 640i
Attention
Known Problems & Recalls
- Problematic VANOS unit bolts for 2012 640i
Car Details
- Drive
- Interior
- Budget
- Specs
Powertrain
The 6-Series Convertible carries over the engine line-up from the Coupé version. The entry-level is the 640i (a 315 hp three-liter petrol inline-six), one of the two petrols available. The other one is 650i – a proper 4.4-liter turbocharged V8, with no less than 442 hp and 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds.
As for diesels, 640d is the only way: a 3.0-liter twin-turbo unit with 308 hp available for cruising in style and economical. And with zero to sixty in 5.5 seconds, it is not slow neither. Unfortunately, America doesn't get one of these.
Depending on the market, every version can come with the all-wheel-drive xDrive system. Also, gets from the start the eight-speed automatic 'box.
Handling
The torsion rigidity is 50% higher over the previous generation – granting a good ride regardless you demand it sporty or comfortable. With the Driving Experience Control system, you can set the car responsiveness (from ECO PRO to Comfort and Sport) depending what you desire.
The car feels compact despite its size and features a vibration-free structure, assuring a proper ride even on the nastiest B-roads. There is an optional Integral Active Steering, the steering rear axle making tight turns even tighter on challenging secondary tarmacs.
Safety
Although it hasn't been through crash-tests from IIHS or Euro NCAP, you can bet the Bavarian pure GT is a safe place to be in case everything goes south.
The standard safety equipment is comprehensive, with all-round airbags and electronic active safety aids that hide under DSC and DTC acronyms.
Comfort
For a soft-top convertible, the 6-Series Cabrio manages to impressively reduce the engine, wind or tire noise to a minimum – a strong feature for a car of its nature.
As in the case of the Coupé, the Convertible gets leather-covered seats with electric controls, along with front-and-rear parking sensors, for your ride and maneuvering comfort.
Regarding the comfort, the back seats might be fun when the rooftop is folded but are not to be heeded when planning longer trips. So the 2+2 arrangement is more like a nomenclature artifice, don't take it for granted.
Quality
The quietness of the cabin is associated with poshy materials and glossy finishes. There's a sense of quality and refinement wherever you're looking inside, with leather-covered seats and dash, and piano black finish.
Optionally, you can go for Individual Merino or Nappa Exclusive leather while the black ornaments can be upgraded to poplar wood or aluminum.
Practicality
One convertible's soft-top has the upper hand in its class thanks to its compactness, and the 6-Series has made the best of this: the roof needs only 50 liters of space in the trunk, so there are no less than 300 liters left for luggage, an impressive figure among its rivals.
The cabin's storage spaces are also sufficient for daily carry-on.
Infotainment
The iDrive's 10.2" display comes as standard on the 6-Series Convertible, along with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, BMW Teleservices, Condition Based Service, and a HiFi surround system and Professional sat-nav.
Optionally, you can add DAB tuner, ConnectedDrive services, a TV function and Harman/Kardon (or even Bang & Olufsen) audio.
Efficiency
We guess it won't be a surprise to anybody, but the 640d is nothing less than a gem of an engine. It scores as high as 42 mpg (or 50.4 mpg in the UK) or as low as 5.6 l/100 km if you're from Europe – all of this while delivering a high amount of torque and power.
The gas units had also been upgraded (fuel efficiency-wise): the 640i scores 30.5 mpg in combined cycle while the monstrous V8-powered 650i does 26 mpg in ideal conditions.
Equipment
Expect a high-grade of equipment from the 6-Series Convertible: 18-inch alloys, eight-speed auto 'box, electrically adjustable seats, leather-bathed cabin, Professional sat nav, Xenon headlights and some more.
You can also choose from the following equipment packages: Competition, M Sport, Design Pure Excellence, Design Pure Experience or BMW Individual – although they may vary from market to market.
Acquisition
If you plan on buying new, keep in mind that only the lucky nature of yourself will get you one of those with a discount. It's not a car for the majority, so the prices keep up strongly, even when it comes to re-selling: after the first year/10,000 miles, its initial price will drop only a quarter.
Click on a model to learn more about it.
Source: https://drivemag.com/car-review/bmw-6-series-convertible-f12-2011-on-review-problems-and-specs
