BMW 630I For Sale

Home NEWS NEW CAR reviews DVD+Blu-ray reviews CD reviews VIDEOS WIN TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE BOOKS Contact MotorBar MotorBar — Online since 2000 Copyright © 2000-2010 MotorBar.com & MotorBar.co.uk All rights reserved “The 630i Convertible pushes all the right buttons — both as a sports car and as a grand tourer” BMW'S JAUNTY-LOOKING 6 Series convertible is most definitely not a car for the faint-hearted. Another head-turner — if you drive one, you'll be on the receiving end of more than your fair share of attention. The 6 Series offers a choice of two body styles — Coupé or Convertible — and two powerplants. Tested here is the latest addition to the range, the 630i Convertible, which boasts BMW's newest 3.0-litre straight six. To get behind the wheel of a 630i Coupé will cost you £45,255 but we would definitely spend £50,655 and go for the Convertible. The more brutal 4.4-litre V8-powered 645Ci models will set you back £50,455 and £55,905 for the Coupé and Convertible respectively. In creating the 6 Series convertible, BMW has dismissed the fashion for folding metal roofs as too heavy, too expensive and, most importantly, they steal too much luggage space from the boot. So, instead, they've chosen to use a fabric construction and cleverly designed it so that, top up, the Convertible mirrors the bodywork of the Coupé. BMW has even managed to incorporate their trademark Hofmeister kink into the unique twin fin-structure soft-top. BMW's distinctive 'flame-surface' body styling works especially well on the two-door 6 Series. From the front, the 3.0-litre is discernible from the 4.4-litre V8 by nothing more than a dechromed grille. From the rear, circular — rather than oval — tail pipes identify that it is powered by a straight six. They do, however, share the same roguish snout and distinctive swept back twin headlights, the same arresting curve in the A-pillar and the same powerful visual drama. At MotorBar we are lucky enough to drive many highly-desirable cars but only once, when we were testing an Aston Martin Volante, has another car parked alongside me in an otherwise almost deserted car park and its attractive blonde driver climbed out smiling warmly to tell me: "I hope you don't mind, but I parked next to you so I could have a look at your fabulous car..." Well, it happened again. The new 6 Series is, without a doubt, one of the most covetable convertibles around. Desirable to own? No question about that. And even more desirable to drive. Once seated inside the driver-orientated cockpit you will appreciate the excellent build quality that both looks and feels expensive. The first impression is of the generous amount of space in a cabin that looks as if it will withstand years of use. You sit low in comfortable and supportive sports seats that wrap around you. Powered adjustment is of the every-which-way variety. More impressive is that the headrest and seatbelt are integral to the seat so when you fold the front seat back for rear access there's no loose belt to get in the way. Multi-stage heated seats reach every part of your back. The dark burnished metal trim look superb. And the 6-CD stacked has been thoughtfully fitted into the very back of the glovebox in order to maximise general storage space. Visibility, with the roof up or down, is good enough to place the 630 accurately — even without the wonderfully informative graphic of the car (and the potential hazards around it) that appears on the super-wide 8.8-inch colour screen the moment the parking sensors are activated. The multi-function steering wheel adjusts electrically for reach and rake, and you should have little trouble finding the ideal driving position. To hand, just behind the gear lever, is the iDrive rotary control for wide-ranging operation of the navigation, climate, audio and telephone systems. Straight ahead through the top arc of the classically-simple styled and tactile three-spoke wheel are two clear dials with matt silver bezels and white-on-black graphics. To the left, a 160mph speedometer and on the right, a rev-counter red-lined at 7,000rpm. Inset into the lower sector of each instrument are gauges for fuel and temperature. Between the major dials are small individual displays for secondary information such as date, time, exterior temperature, trip, range and average mpg. Beyond, your view continues down the long bonnet, almost to the very end. The level of standard equipment is everything one should expect from a £50,000+ luxury sports convertible. Automatic dual-zone air conditioning, auto dimming rear view mirror, electric seats with driver memory, leather upholstery, a tyre puncture warning system, CD player with a 10-speaker sound system, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, heated windscreen washer jets, metallic paint, 17-inch alloy wheels, rain sensing wipers, Park distance Control and a fully automatic electro-hydraulic soft-top all come as standard. Highlights of the comprehensive options list are radar cruise control, adaptive cornering headlights, keyless locking, 'massaging' active seats and voice-activated controls — a button on the steering wheel allows voice commands to operate 80 per cent of the functions usually selected via the iDrive controller. Also available is a Head-Up instrument display that, in addition to navigation directions, can project up to 300 different warning messages on the windscreen. Comfort for the driver and passenger is generous and although it's not as roomy in the back, there's still ample space for the 630 to qualify as a four-seater. Travelling in the back is pleasant — made better top up by good views out to the side and front although, like most 2+2s, larger adults will be happiest on shortish journeys. The boot can, however, swallow two sets of golf clubs even with the roof folded away. A stylish touch is the boot badge, which doubles as an attractive release handle. Pull it and you'll find a class-leading 350 litres of luggage space with the roof up. Drop the roof and there's still an impressive 300 litres. Safety can be pretty much taken for granted. The 630i comes well equipped as standard with a battery of clever passive and active safety aids. Key areas such as the A-pillar are made from strengthened steel alloy. Four airbags come as standard and the front airbags are 'intelligent', offering dual stage deployment. To reduce the potential for an accident, BMW has fitted its advanced Dynamic Stability Control plus Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) which monitors pitch, roll and wheel slip to keep the car composed on the road. The DTC function permits the driver a degree of slip for a sportier driving style. This also allows the ability on a loose or slippery surface to maintain revs to enable you to pull away. In addition to ABS there's also Dynamic Brake control and Electronic Brake force Distribution for intelligently applying maximum braking force during an emergency situation. Finally, in the event of a serious incident, passengers are protected by two pop-up roll over bars. BMW don't only make 'the ultimate driving machine'. They also make some brilliant engines. The 630i's 3.0-litre straight six powerplant is the world's lightest six-cylinder petrol engine. Weighing just 121kgs, it epitomises how BMW has pushed back the boundaries of six-cylinder petrol engine performance. This engine marks the first time both BMW's innovative Vanos camshaft control system and Valvetronic variable valve timing technologies have been fitted to a six-cylinder engine. The result is exciting: 258bhp and peak torque of 221lb ft delivered to the rear wheels in a flat curve starting at 2,500rpm and being maintained up to 4,000rpm, with 199lb ft of that being available from a barely idling speed of 1,500rpm. All of which is enough for 85mph in 6th gear where it is allowable at an unstressed 3,000rpm — and still a further 4,000 in hand before the red line! Pressing the Sport mode button very noticeably sharpens up throttle response. Pull away and the 86bhp-per-litre inline six immediately feels right. crisply responsive, it is keen to rev and not short of punch in any of the six well-spaced ratios. And it sounds good, too, emitting a tuneful straight-six howl as the needle sweeps unerringly round to 7,000 revs. Tipping the scales at 1,485kg only makes the 630i's zero to 62mph time of 6.5 seconds the more impressive. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. The 630i benefits dynamically from its lighter powerplant — the V8 under the bonnet of its big brother, the 645, is 130kgs heavier. The weight reduction over the 630i's front axle makes for a more involving and sharper driving experience, with crisper turn-in and a more 'nimble' feel at the helm. The 630i's 'light' front end is not just the result of the magnesium and aluminium alloy engine. With the exception of a handful of parts subjected to high loads, the double joint spring-strut front axle is made entirely from aluminium. In fact, an all-aluminium Sports suspension package is fitted as standard. The speed-proportional Servotronic rack and pinion steering is more than up to the job, providing very good feedback through the steering wheel. It doesn't take many miles to appreciate the 630i's talented chassis. With a 50:50 weight distribution, its well-judged balance between entertaining handling and a comfortable grand touring ride brings the word 'lithe' immediately to mind. Our test car was fitted with the optional Dynamic Drive electronically controlled anti roll-bar system, which works brilliantly. Consisting of two active anti-roll bars, a hydraulically-operated swivel motor and an intelligent electronic control unit, Dynamic Drive counteracts the natural lean of a car in a corner by converting the hydraulic pressure generated into a torsional stabilising force than can absorb 80 per cent of body roll at up to 0.6g of lateral acceleration. Secondary benefits include 15 per cent less steering input during heavy cornering and ironed-out road imperfections. For example — unlike a car with solid anti-roll bar — the juddering effect of a pothole is not transmitted to the opposing wheel, thus preventing the car from becoming unsettled. Dynamic Drive helps enormously to make the '6' a genuine enthusiast's machine. Over demanding A and B roads it regularly surprises with the speeds at which it can be safely driven. Make full use of the slick manual 'box to exploit the strong low and mid-range urge and the 630i comes alive, eager to change direction and responsive to both hand and foot. 245/50 run-flat Bridgestone tyres are fitted as standard and their grip can't be faulted. As you would expect, the brakes are efficiently progressive, with the power to haul you down reassuringly and without any drama whenever and as often as you need them. Fabric roof open or closed, the 630i convertible serves up top drawer cruising quality. The only sounds with the roof down are welcome ones and it's a great excuse to enjoy the sound of the snarly straight six working. The '6' is a large convertible yet we never felt even a hint of scuttle-shake during the two weeks we were driving it over a variety of roads, even over rough surfaces. The 6 Series enjoys immense structural integrity and there's no refinement penalty for going topless. The all-electric, multi-layered fabric hood really is a beautifully executed piece of work with no visible framework. Top raised, it's so good you could be travelling in the coupé. A clever and very useful feature is the vertical glass rear screen. Controlled by a single switch, it glides up and down whether the top is open or closed. With the roof in place, it adds the further enhancement of a truly pillarless coupé. And with the roof neatly folded out of sight — a gentle, one-finger task — it can be raised to act as a neat, almost invisible, windbreak. Another useful facility is the option of operating it at up to 20mph — a handy face-saver if the traffic lights turn green halfway through raising or lowering the roof. If you're travelling two-up, there's an additional and larger framed mesh wind deflector that slots into place behind the front seats to prevent draughts and turbulence. Installed, it covers the rear seats but flips down flat if not required. Visibility is not affected, so it can be left in place with the top up as a discreet privacy partition. With the larger wind blocker in place we were surprised by a sudden and quite heavy shower on the motorway — and drove through it at the legal limit without feeling a drop of water touch us. Anybody spending £50K on a car today will not be worried about fuel consumption. However, just for the record, over the course of our hard-driven, 666-mile test we averaged 25.7mpg and can see no reason why drivers shouldn't match or even better BMW's official combined cycle figure of 29.4mpg. Also well worth mentioning is Service Inclusive, BMW's five years' or 60,000 miles maintenance-free ownership package that costs £1,250 as a one-off charge. In conjunction with BMW's comprehensive three-year, unlimited mileage warranty, the package covers all oil services, replacement air filters, air-conditioning micro filters, spark plugs, brake fluid, front and rear discs and pads, clutch (if worn) and wiper blades. Service Inclusive can also be passed on to second and third owners and represents a significant aid to residual value. We were fortunate to spend a delightful two weeks driving the 630i Convertible. We liked it a lot. Not only does it provide its driver with a lot of fun on challenging and twisting routes but it will just as effortlessly traverse a country in a day. Whichever style you choose, as the sun goes down you'll find yourself feeling refreshed and eager for more of the same. The more you drive the BMW 630 Convertible, the more attached to it you'll become. BMW 630i Convertible | £50,655 Maximum speed: 155mph | 0-62mph: 6.5 seconds Overall test MPG: 25.7mpg | Power: 258bhp | Torque: 221lb ft Visit BMW's website ---------------------------------------------------------- BMW 630i Convertible || HOMEROAD TESTSBMWBMW 630I BMWDriven: BMW 1 Series M CoupéDriven: BMW M3 GTSDriven: BMW 535i SEDriven: The New BMW 5-SeriesDriven: BMW 760LiBMW Z4The new BMW M3BMW Z4 M CoupéBMW 335i CoupéBMW Z4M RoadsterBMW M6Hartge H1BMW M3 CSBMW 130i M SportBMW M5BMW 330iBMW 645CiBMW 630iBMW 535dHamann Las Vegas WingsHartge Z50BMW Z4Alpina B3 3.3BMW M3 Tuesday 1st March 2005 BMW 630INick Hall checks out the smaller-engined of BMW's luxury coupés Less is more is a phrase that has been commandeered by two-bit snake oil salesman trying to shift a cruddy product on the unsuspecting public, government officials about to screw us out of yet another civil liberty or evangelists trying to part us from our life savings. Just sometimes, though, it really is true and the BMW 630i is one such case. At £45,255 it’s £5,200 cheaper than the range-topping V8 645Ci, which is a substantial amount of cash, and this smaller engine is no afterthought. It’s an all-new unit with a number of tricks that combine to make this the lightest six-cylinder production petrol engine in the world. High-tech items like a composite aluminium and magnesium crankcase, which is apparently 43 per cent lighter than a traditional cast iron unit, together with a magnesium cylinder head cover and an exhaust manifold that is 2mm thick, compared to 12mm, contributed to the weight savings on the old 3-litre engine and the new powerplant tips the scales at 121kg. This all means the 630i weighs in at 1485kg, 130kg less than the 645Ci. And BMW has backed this up with front suspension constructed almost entirely from aluminium to further reduce the pounds on the front end. The range topping V8 is a great car, but it’s a point-and-squirt machine, you need to go in slow and wait for the car to get out of a corner before putting the hammer down to keep that extra weight from dragging the car wide. If you don’t, the electronics take over anyway assuming you don’t have the skills to keep it out of the hedge and pillage the power as you head for the apex. The 645Ci is so technologically advanced that it has developed the will to live, and demands that you take care of it in the twisty bits. The end result is a slightly dull driving experience, it’s fast but in no way exhilarating as there’s too much happening between the input in the cockpit and the action at the wheels. Now the 630i isn’t a radically different car, and has all the same computerised gubbins, but that little less weight on the front end has transformed its ability to cut into corners and changed the entire attitude of the car. This machine carries momentum into each bend more comfortably and, as the front end doesn’t start to slip until it’s pushed much harder, the electronics stay out of things and let the driver maintain control. There are two levels of traction control, nanny state and Dynamic Traction Control, which permits a little slip before the car’s Deep Blue-style computer kicks in, applies the brakes to individual wheels and limits the power. Truth is, though, the slavish devotion to equal weight distribution that has long been a BMW trademark, together with a myriad of body roll-resisting innovations, means that the car is easily controlled with everything turned off. Be ready with the slightest twist of opposite lock and this machine dances round bends, while the V8 lags behind like a bodybuilder in a marathon. With 258bhp on tap, it could be a little disappointing in a straight line, but it really isn’t. BMW has reworked its technology to give 200lb-ft of torque from 1,500rpm and have raised the three-litre's rev limit to 7,000rpm, to give it enough oomph to keep things entertaining. Peak torque remains at 221lb-ft and that comes at 6,600rpm, but some people will always enjoy wringing the last few revs if only for the fun of it. The 630i hits 60mph in 6.5s in manual format and the Steptronic automatic is just 0.2s behind it. The engine is so free revving and involving that you’ll want the freedom of the manual box, though, or at the very least the SMG that we didn’t get to try on this test. Whichever option you take will have more than enough performance for the public road and few of the hacks on our test run emerged without a slightly surprised smile and a nod of the head that suggested the performance of BMW’s latest 3-litre unit had surpassed all expectations. It doesn’t feel laboured, even when joining the motorway and powering up to illegal speeds, despite having to lug a substantial load and BMW’s combination of VANOS and Valvetronic for the first time can take much of the credit here. There are obvious advantages with the reduced engine capacity, too, as the combined fuel consumption of this model is 31.4mpg. With a tank of petrol costing just less than a studio flat in the Midlands, it’s a serious consideration these days and that five extra miles per gallon will make a big difference to the cost of motoring. Carbon dioxide emissions are significantly less, too, so buying this car will mean the taxman loses out. The noise is still sensational: the engineers have clearly spent time tuning the acoustics to ape the larger engine as closely as possible as the 630i is fitted with round exhaust exit pipes compared to big brother’s oval units. These, a de-chromed front grille, star-pattern alloys and of course the badge are the only styling differences between this car and the V8. And the interior is identical. BMW’s clutter free cockpit reinforces its reputation as a driver’s car first and foremost when compared to the lavish environment of, say, the equivalent Mercedes. But that’s no bad thing, everything is where it should be and there’s little to distract the driver – apart from that iDrive abortion. Yes it’s clever, but it’s also confusing and about as intuitive as flatpack furniture. It should be a matter of personal preference, but hardly anybody that’s used this system truly likes it and most have simply learnt to deal with it. Still, if that’s the only real criticism then you can take it as read you’re in the presence of something rather special. And that exterior styling appears to have grown on the world. Chris Bangle was held up as the anti-Christ when his cars were revealed to the world, but this was largely due to love for the old car and the general reluctance to accept change. Now they’ve been around for a while, not so many people are slating these cars and the 6-series isn’t ugly. It’s perhaps stuck between the GT and saloon, but in fact it’s only slightly longer than a 911 and the upcoming M6 should sit firmly in the supercar category. I tested the Coupé and Cabriolet, which comes with a £5,400 premium attached and lacks the style of the hard-top, on the winding roads of Southern Spain, while Formula One cars screamed round the nearby test track at Jerez de la Frontera. And while there will be no poor analogies and comparisons on that front from me, there was absolutely no doubt that the three-litre feels more of a sportscar than its more powerful sibling. Stripping two cylinders has created a more cohesive package and this is the pick of the 6-series range. If you want to drive on motorways and only motorways, or want to show the neighbours just how well you’re doing, then you might still want to buy the 645. If you’re a real Pistonheader, though, and actually enjoy the art of driving, stick the extra £5k back into your pocket and get a lot more for a little less. Author: Nick Hall18 comments on this storyLatest comment by Benito Cellini Term & Conditions Hosted by Carrenza Copyright © 1998-2010 PistonHeads.com ® Speed Matters ® || Model range overview Build your BMW Request a brochure Request a demonstrator Current offers BMW Assist Company car tax EfficientDynamics in Action BMW Technology Guide Specialist Sales Contact Corporate Sales Chauffeur Programme Experience JOY Model range overview Build your BMW Compare BMW models BMW EfficientDynamics Contact Corporate Sales Find a dealer Request a brochure Request a demonstrator Subscribe to Corporate News 3-door 5-door Coupé Convertible Saloon Touring New Coupé New Convertible The BMW 320d ED New Saloon New Touring Gran Turismo Coupé Convertible New Convertible Saloon X1 New X3 New X5 X6 Z4 1 Series M Coupé M3 Saloon M3 Coupé M3 Convertible M6 Coupé M6 Convertible X5 M X6 M Facts and figures > Prices and specification Car comparator Service packages Bluetooth BMW Assist service Company car tax Image gallery Current offers BMW EfficientDynamics Build your 6 Series Request a brochure Request a demonstrator Contact BMW Corporate Sales Motability Motability Car Scheme Choose your BMW Find a dealer Motability Prices and specification 630i Sport Standard equipment Technical specification 6 Series offers Engine Catalytic converter Cylinder-specific knock control Digital Motor Electronics (DME) Double - VANOS EU4 emissions management High-precision direct injection Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with common-rail technology Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with high precision direct injection Two stage intake system (DISA) Transmission Sports automatic transmission Wheels and chassis 19" light alloy Star-spoke style 249 Double-joint spring-strut front axle, aluminium Integral rear axle, aluminium Servotronic power steering Sport suspension Safety and technology Airbags - front and side, driver and front passenger Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with remote control and engine immobiliser Brake drying Brake Energy Regeneration (iGR) Brake fade compensation Brake Force Display Brake lights with LED technology Brake pre-tensioning Check control warning system Condition Based Servicing (CBS) Crash sensor activating central locking release, hazard warning lights, fuel cut-off and interior lighting Cruise Control with brake function Deformation zones front and rear, that can absorb impacts of up to 9.5 mph, bumpers absorb impacts up to 2.5mph without damage Dynamic Stability Control (DSC+), comprising: Anti-lock Braking system (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) First Aid kit and warning triangle Foglights front and rear Fuel filter cap, linked to central locking GRAV - Complete front-end, bonnet and doors in lightweight aluminium Head restraints - front, anti-whiplash Headlight wash Hill-start assistant Impact-dependent Airbag System (ID Airbags), driver and front passenger M anti-roll stabilisation system On-Board Diagnosis (OBD) Optimum Shift Indicator (SPA) Park Distance Control (PDC), front and rear Passenger airbag deactivation, front Passenger seat occupany sensor, front Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation Rollover protection system Run-flat tyres with Tyre Puncture Warning System (TPWS) Seat belts - front, inertia reel with pyrotechnical belt latch tensioner, belt force limiter and belt restrainer Seat belts - rear, two with inertia reel Side impact protection Soft stop Valet parking key Wheel bolts, locking Windscreen washer jets - heated, black gloss Xenon headlights Seats Child seat ISOFIX attachments, rear Dakota leather upholstery Lumbar support for driver and front passenger Rear seat easy access system Seat heating, front Sport seats, front Exterior equipment All round anti-corrosion system with partial hot galvanising, phosphate treatment and cathodic dip paintwork, preservation of hollow cavities, underfloor protection Contoured bonnet Exhaust tailpipes - dark chrome Exterior mirrors - aspheric, heated, electric adjustment, body-coloured Exterior parts in body colour - bumpers, side sills, door handles, exterior mirror housing Exterior trim, High-gloss Shadowline Indicator lenses clear Kidney grille, chrome with black vertical slats Luggage compartment opening via remote key Metallic Paintwork Rear spoiler, precision moulded and integrated into lightweight bootlid Soft top, lined retractable heated glass rear windscreen, fully automatic Sport exhaust system Interior equipment Air conditioning, automatic with extended features Armrest - front, centre, with storage compartment and two stage height adjustment Battery in luggage compartment with jump start facility in engine bay Courtesy lights, front and rear with soft on/off dimming Cup holder, front Door sill finishers with BMW designation Electric windows - front and rear, with open/close fingertip contol, anti-trap facility and comfort closing function all round Extended lighting Floor mats, velour Gear lever finished in Peral Gloss Chrome Glove compartment, illuminated and lockable Headlining, Anthracite Interior trim, Brushed Aluminium M Sport leather steering wheel, three spoke Oil temperature display Rear-view mirror, automatically dimming Securing rings in luggage compartment, two Smoker's package (can be deleted) Start/Stop button Steering column with electric reach and rake adjustment Storage compartments in interior door panels Storage net in luggage compartment Storage net in passenger footwell (can be deleted) Storage nets on seat backrests Toolkit located in luggage compartment Windows - heat-insulated, green tinted all round Audio and communications Auxiliary input point for auxiliary playing devices (eg MP3 player) Bluetooth telephone preparation with telematics BMW ConnectedDrive - Assist BMW ConnectedDrive - Online BMW Professional radio with single CD player (with MP3 playback capability) Control display - 8.8" colour display screen iDrive Controller on centre console iDrive Controller with shortcut buttons Loudspeaker system - BMW Business Navigation System - BMW Professional Multimedia On-Board Computer (OBC) comprising: Fuel consumption and range, Journey computer, Outside temperature display, Speed limit function, Stop watch Personal Profile USB audio interface Voice Control 1st March 2010 .With over 20,000 unique combinations your own specification comes as standard. Put BMW to the test Overview Model: 630i Sport OTR Price: £65,230 P11d Price: £64,750 Fuel: Petrol BIK tax rating: 27% CO2 emissions (g/km): 198 (192) Combined fuel consumption (mpg): 34.0 (34.9) Power output (kW/hp/rpm): 200/272/6700 0-62mph (secs): 6.7 (7.0) Choose another model Print model details View technology guide Calculate company car tax Insurance Quote Home Request a brochure Request a demonstrator Contact Corporate Sales Website help Site map Motor Industry Codes of Practice Privacy Legal notice || BMW 630i - Coupe Reviews | Specifications | Links The BMW 630i Coupe is equipped with BMW's latest 6 cylinder, 24 valve engine. The new 272hp engine accelerates the 630i from 0-62 in 6.2 seconds manual, 6.4 seconds automatic. The BMW 630i averages over 35 mpg. The engine is a paired with a six speed manual transmission or an optional six speed automatic transmission with Steptronic. Priced around 49,300 EUR for the BMW 630i Coupe is BMW's entry level 6 Series. Optional Equipment for the BMW 630i Coupe includes 19" lightweight alloy rims, adaptive headlights, navigation and many other options. Currently the BMW 630i Coupe is only available in the UK. BMW630i.com a division of FFWV. Copyright 2007, All rights reserved. || Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Help Sign In New User? Sign Up Yahoo! Search Web Search Yahoo! Cars Search Yahoo! Cars Photos Search Yahoo! Cars New & Used if(window.yzq_d==null)window.yzq_d=new Object(); window.yzq_d['8W4tHU3uvJU-']='&U=13l0kqkl9%2fN%3d8W4tHU3uvJU-%2fC%3d200127901.202032472.203307128.200000042%2fD%3dN%2fB%3d201139883%2fV%3d1'; HomeBuy New & UsedNewsReviewsFeaturesPhotosVideoMotor ShowsParis Motor Show 2010British Motor Shows 2010Geneva Motor Show 2010Detroit Auto Show 2010LA Auto Show 2009Tokyo Motor Show 2009Frankfurt Motor Show 2009GreenFirst DrivesGeneral ReviewsTwin TestsLong TermWomen´s ReviewsVan ReviewsActualité automobile sur Yahoo! Auto - news, nouveautés if(window.yzq_d==null)window.yzq_d=new Object(); window.yzq_d['924tHU3uvJU-']='&U=12as20r8d%2fN%3d924tHU3uvJU-%2fC%3d-1%2fD%3dMH%2fB%3d-1%2fV%3d0'; Show more Photos Related Content » BMW 6 Series Edition Sport : SIX SHARP» BMW 6 Series Convertible : OPEN SEASON ON SIX» BMW 6 Series Range : THE GOOD SIX GUIDE Photos : Bmw 6 Series BMW 630i : THE LIGHT FANTASTIC Expert Rating: BMW's entry-level 6 Series might just be the pick of the range. Andy Enright reportsTo some `the world's lightest six cylinder engine' will figure in their buying decisions about as prominently as `the world's most durable suspension turrets' or `the most aerodynamic cup holder in automotive history'. It just doesn't seem that significant, especially in a car as luxuriously stuffed as BMW's 630i. But hang on a minute. With less weight hanging out over the nose, there are all sorts of handling benefits. This is BMW, remember, alleged purveyors of `The Ultimate Driving Machine'.The 630i Coupe and Convertible feature a 3.0-litre Valvetronic engine with technology that does away with conventional throttle butterflies in favour of a complex electrically-powered valve lifting system. Constructed from an aluminium and magnesium composite, this engine sits tucked well back in the car's cavernous engine bay and gives the 630i excellent weight distribution. Less weight also equates to better performance, more agile handling and lower fuel consumption and emissions. BMW also offers a sports package on all 6-series coupes and convertables that improves the driving dynamics and adds a sportier feel to the car. Despite the modest cubic capacity, this engine punches well above its weight, knocking out 272bhp. On the road this translates into a surprising amount of heft. The sprint to 60mph from rest will disappear in around six and a half seconds. Specify the optional automatic gearboxes and you'll add a couple of tenths to these sprint figures. All versions run into BMW's self-imposed electronic limiter at 155mph with plenty to spare yet thanks to a recent programme of what BMW call `EfficientDynamics', the 630i can still manage a combined fuel economy figure of 35.8mpg in Coupe form and 34.0mpg if you go for the drop top. The 630i is tricky to distinguish from its 635d 3.0 diesel or 650i petrol V8 siblings. Drive one over a set of scales and the 130kg weight saving over the petrol V8 would become apparent but otherwise you'd have to rely on the buyer not having ticked the `badge delete' box on the order form. Prices start at £49,300 for the Coupe and £54,945 for the Convertible and there's a choice of standard or Sport models in each case."Star quality is a tricky thing to define but the 6 Series just has it"This is the facelifted 6-Series but you'd really have to eyeball one parked alongside the original car to pinpoint the changes. For the record, the headlamps have the LED technology that is so popular amongst the premium marques at the moment. It takes the form of a thin row of lights above the main projectors. More obvious is the redesigned front valance that accommodates differently shaped air intakes and at the back the bumper has been tweaked it increase the impression of width. Other than that, the grille is fractionally larger and the rear light clusters have been tweaked. Time was when entry-level BMWs didn't come with too many buttons to press, owners being confronted with a dazzling array of plastic switch blanks to remind them of their place in the hierarchy. Fortunately these days have long gone and the 630i features a whole host of standard equipment. Leather trim makes the team sheet as do a whole host of standard safety features such as Dynamic Stability Contol, Dynamic Traction Control and Dynamic Brake Control. If, at this stage, you feel your 630i is lacking its full quota of dynamism, you can even opt for Dynamic Drive. Active Steering is also offered. Dynamic Driving Control is a function very similar to the `Sport' mode on M3 and M5 models. Press a button on the centre console and this sharpens up throttle reaction as well as generating a little more feel from the steering system. When allied to the SMG or Steptronic gearboxes, DDC also shifts gears at higher revs, switching ratios in just 150 milliseconds. Whichever system you choose, you'll be amazed at the sheer grip generated by the roadroller Bridgestone Potenza tyres. That said, the 6 Series feels just that little bit too big to be a truly effective cross-country tool. On sweeping A-roads, we've always found 6 Series models to be magnificent and the 630i should prove to be no different. According to BMW's figures, third gear is capable of reaching over 100mph and the engine's gutsy 332lb/ft of torque should make it almost unnecessary to resort to stirring the box. An option many customers will choose is BMW's Dynamic Drive. This automatically builds up counter forces on the car's anti-roll bars and as such, virtually eliminates any body roll when cornering. After trying a car with Dynamic Drive and another without it, it's an option worth pursuing if you plan to enjoy serious lateral g-forces. Another interesting option BMW offer is Active Steering, a system that debuted to mixed reaction on the latest 5 Series. This dramatically varies the steering ratio according to speed. At low speeds, you'll often need little more than a quarter of a turn on the wheel to effect a 90-degree turn. It's easy to be caught out when decelerating from a motorway into the tight car park of a service area by Active Steering but it's probably something to which you'll grow accustomed. Customer take-up of the option on 5 Series models has outstripped BMW's most optimistic estimates. There's also Adaptive Headlights which turn through corners, a Head-up Display which projects vital information onto a section of the windscreen and Active Cruise Control that uses radar to maintain a safe distance to the vehicle in front. Even with none of these options selected, the 6 Series is still a very nice place to do business. Core driving functions are located in or around the steering wheel and a simplified version of the iDrive system offers a still enormous amount of driver control with just a few nudges, taps and twists of the serrated metal mouse. The dashboard design is otherwise rather low key, the analogue dials being rather disappointingly small. Still, it's tough to be overly critical of what is one of the strongest models in BMW's entire line up. The 630i can make the rest of the 6 Series range look a bit overblown. Although this could prove a headache for BMW, it's great news for us.Facts At A Glance CAR: BMW 630i range PRICE: £49,795 - £57,695 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 19 CO2 EMISSIONS: 188-198g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 6.9s / 155mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [Coupe] (combined) 35.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: twin front and side airbags, DTC traction control, DSC stability control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height mm 4820/1855/1373 Build Comfort Depreciation Economy Equipment Handling Insurance Performance Styling Value Tuesday August 19 Send by Messenger Email this article Print ADVERTISEMENT if(window.yzq_d==null)window.yzq_d=new Object(); window.yzq_d['8m4tHU3uvJU-']='&U=13opj8lfg%2fN%3d8m4tHU3uvJU-%2fC%3d200127573.202028669.203299357.200493719%2fD%3dLREC%2fB%3d201134202%2fV%3d1'; Car Videos Paris Motor Show See the world's newest carsbefore they hit the road. 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