cobradav
07-13-2007, 06:25 AM
This was a 2006 press release by BMW. I cannot be sure if it was AG or NA. It was in my archives and I thought I'd post it here. I may have done some slight parenthetical edits but cannot remember which ones if any I did.
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Since “6” falls between “5” and “7,” the 6er has some relation to the 5 and 7 Series. Yet it is anything but a mere re-bodying of either of these sedans:
Compared to the 5 Series, the 6 rides on a wheelbase 4.3 in. shorter, yet is almost as long (0.4” shorter overall) thanks to the 6’s long-hood, cabin-back proportions. Compared to the 750i, the 6 Series wheelbase is 8.3 in. shorter, reflecting the contrast between the 7’s large, commodious sedan format and the 6’s more intimate, sporting Coupe/Convertible character.
A notably wider by 0.7” rear track and lower height by 3.6” visually express the 6 Series’ sporty handling attributes.
No sheet metal is shared with either the 5 or 7 Series.
BMW’s most extensive use of weight-saving body materials in regular-production models results in impressive weight efficiency (about 85 pounds lighter with similar equipment).
Though all three Series (5,6 & 7) use the Valvetronic V-8 engine, the 650i Coupe achieves the best acceleration because it is the lightest of the V-8 models and has a lower (higher numerically) rear gear ratio in each tranny configuration .
Like the 550i but not the 7 Series, both 650i models are available with all three BMW transmission types: manual, STEPTRONIC automatic and Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG). All are 6-speeds.
Whereas the 5 and 7 Series Sedans are full 5-seaters, the 650i models are 2+2s,
Thanks in part to standard run-flat tires, the 650i Coupe provides almost as much trunk space as the 550i Sedan; the Convertible trunk, with its variable softtop storage compartment, is also relatively spacious for a car with a folding top.
Key distinctions between the 6 and 5 Series front suspension (650i Coupe/Convertible vs. 550i Sedan) include:
Stronger self-centering feel in steering
Lower ride height
Firmer springs and shock absorbers compared to standard 550i calibration, not quite as firm as 550i sport calibration; the 6 Series offers just one calibration, and it is sporty.
Like the 5 and 7 Series, the 6 employs BMW’s most premium rear suspension system, a multi-link layout called Integral Link. This system controls rear-wheel angles very precisely, minimizing unwanted effects under load changes (such as lifting off the gas while cornering, and hard acceleration or braking) – and achieves a remarkably comfortable ride.
Here too, aluminum is extensively employed. Because supple reaction of the suspension to bumps is especially critical for road adhesion at the powered rear wheels, the benefits are even more important here than at the front.
Key distinctions between the 6 and 5 Series rear suspension (650i Coupe/Convertible vs. 550i Sedan) include:
Wider rear track, 62.7 vs. 62.3 in.
Greater negative camber, 2 vs. 1.5 degrees
Lower roll center
Lower ride height
---
Since “6” falls between “5” and “7,” the 6er has some relation to the 5 and 7 Series. Yet it is anything but a mere re-bodying of either of these sedans:
Compared to the 5 Series, the 6 rides on a wheelbase 4.3 in. shorter, yet is almost as long (0.4” shorter overall) thanks to the 6’s long-hood, cabin-back proportions. Compared to the 750i, the 6 Series wheelbase is 8.3 in. shorter, reflecting the contrast between the 7’s large, commodious sedan format and the 6’s more intimate, sporting Coupe/Convertible character.
A notably wider by 0.7” rear track and lower height by 3.6” visually express the 6 Series’ sporty handling attributes.
No sheet metal is shared with either the 5 or 7 Series.
BMW’s most extensive use of weight-saving body materials in regular-production models results in impressive weight efficiency (about 85 pounds lighter with similar equipment).
Though all three Series (5,6 & 7) use the Valvetronic V-8 engine, the 650i Coupe achieves the best acceleration because it is the lightest of the V-8 models and has a lower (higher numerically) rear gear ratio in each tranny configuration .
Like the 550i but not the 7 Series, both 650i models are available with all three BMW transmission types: manual, STEPTRONIC automatic and Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG). All are 6-speeds.
Whereas the 5 and 7 Series Sedans are full 5-seaters, the 650i models are 2+2s,
Thanks in part to standard run-flat tires, the 650i Coupe provides almost as much trunk space as the 550i Sedan; the Convertible trunk, with its variable softtop storage compartment, is also relatively spacious for a car with a folding top.
Key distinctions between the 6 and 5 Series front suspension (650i Coupe/Convertible vs. 550i Sedan) include:
Stronger self-centering feel in steering
Lower ride height
Firmer springs and shock absorbers compared to standard 550i calibration, not quite as firm as 550i sport calibration; the 6 Series offers just one calibration, and it is sporty.
Like the 5 and 7 Series, the 6 employs BMW’s most premium rear suspension system, a multi-link layout called Integral Link. This system controls rear-wheel angles very precisely, minimizing unwanted effects under load changes (such as lifting off the gas while cornering, and hard acceleration or braking) – and achieves a remarkably comfortable ride.
Here too, aluminum is extensively employed. Because supple reaction of the suspension to bumps is especially critical for road adhesion at the powered rear wheels, the benefits are even more important here than at the front.
Key distinctions between the 6 and 5 Series rear suspension (650i Coupe/Convertible vs. 550i Sedan) include:
Wider rear track, 62.7 vs. 62.3 in.
Greater negative camber, 2 vs. 1.5 degrees
Lower roll center
Lower ride height