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BMW 6-Series

291 messages,  Last post on Sep 14, 2010 at 6:05 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 6 Series, Coupe, Convertible

Messages Page 13 of 30

#117 of 291 My 645Ci Coupe has arrived!! by garry

Jun 18, 2004 (5:44 am)

I took delivery of my Stratus Grey/Black 645 2 weeks ago. Early impressions - overall body finish? 9.5/10 (almost Lexus-like, near perfect mica-metallic paintwork and panel shutlines, after 3 hand washes I cannot fault the interior or exterior fit and finish). I am 53 years old and fly a Baron B58, are not an academic and can't cope when there's a problem with my computor and like to keep things simple (Simon). I, so far, have no problem with this latest version of iDrive. After 2 weeks of driving a couple of hours a day at best, I can glide through the system as required, even on the go. What is all the fuss about?? The car has a sensational exhaust note, engine 1st class although the fly-by-wire accelerator pedal takes some getting used to - very sensitive when moving off. Active steering, dynamic drive, in fact all the BMW engineering and mechanical options (standard on all Australin spec. cars) seem to work in perfect harmony with each other. The ZF 6 speed auto works seamlessly. The ultra-low profile run-flat tyres on the optional 19" alloys seem a little harsh to me but this is a sports coupe and I'll have to get used to that I guess.
Overall handling - 9/10, soooooo direct and precise. Very masculine stance on the road, wide track, wheel/tyre combination that fill the guards, sensible ride height. Magic optional Logic 7 sound system. In-car phone system is taking some time to master! I like the individual body styling and, surprisingly, the roadside and carpark remarks have been VERY positive. It is a very recognisable vehicle - you don't confuse it with anything else! This car is definately a 2+2. I am 6'3" and no one is going to sit behind me while I'm comfortable!
Huge trunk - 2 sets of clubs with buggys, no problem, beautifull.
So far I'm VERY impressed - and hope I stay that way. Cost in Australia, fully optioned, is still quite expensive - AUS$223,000. A CL500 will set you back AUS$295,000 although in my opinion these cars do not compete, in fact, I don't know what the 645 really competes with.
I invite any questions as I feel I can give some genuine honest answers, if you want them.
Some of my previous cars - all new - Renault 16TS, Nissan Skyline, Volvo 760, BMW 535i, 300E with full AMG conversion 124 series Merc, Lexus LS400, S300 140 series Merc, 3 Range Rovers, 2 Porsche 911 C4's.
My wife drives a '98 BMW 528i, 23 y.o. son a 2003 model Holden Commodore SS Ute with your beautifull 5.7 Chevvy Gen 3 V8/6 speed manual and 20 y.o. daughter a s/hand '96 BMW 316i Compact. I also have a 2004 Holden Maloo R8 ute (285kw Gen 3/6 speed man. built by Holden Special Vehicles as a hack vehicle. And, no, I don't have shares in BMW AG or G.M. Holden!!
Oh, Mr Edmunds, can I have a little Aussie flag beside my name too please??!!
Love your website - takes my mind off business things - very theraputic!!

#118 of 291 Re: My 645Ci Coupe has arrived!! [garry #117] by 6fanatic

Jun 19, 2004 (6:46 am)

Replying to: garry (Jun 18, 2004 5:44 am)
Garry, I just took delivery of my 645ci two weeks ago also and my opinions mirror yours. I found the iDrive easy to use, I also don't understand all the fuss (after all, if you are smart enough to make the money to buy this car your probably smart enough to operate it . It handles like it is on rails, love the active steering. I also agree that the ride is somewhat harsh but as you say, this is a sports car. The ride does have to do with he run flat ultra low profile tires and the sport suspension. I applaud BMW for not making this car a shopping mall poser.
 
I also have exactly the same feeling with throttle response. A little hard to modulate the power band from stop at low end RPM's (I received a call from the BMW engineering department wanting my impressions of the car and I reported this) they said they had not heard that observation before and I thought it was just me.
 
About the impression this car makes:
 
First off, I live in Orange County, California. There is a lot of people with money here and a lot of nice cars on the road. EVERY time I have taken this car out on the road heads turn big time! I am approached in parking lots, valets freak, cars parallel me on the freeway then orbit my car to get a look at all angles. You are absolutly correct NO mistaking this car.
 
I am not embarrased to say I bought this car for a few primary reasons: performance, status and to stand out in the crowd. This car has exceeded my expectations in all these areas. Very satisfied!

#119 of 291 Re: My 645Ci Coupe has arrived!! [garry #117] & 6fanatic by pvh3

Jun 22, 2004 (10:15 am)

Hey guys and/or gals, I must agree with you on both the iDrive system and the 1st gear. I think the reason so many people are anti-iDrive is because when it was first introduced on the redesigned 7-series, it was a mess. It was improved for the 5-series redesign and I believe that's the version we have in the 645. I have had an itty-bitty problem though. Whenever I have a CD playing from the CD changer, when I return to the car after shutting the enigine down, the iDrive display shows the wrong CD number even though the correct CD is still playing, e.g., cut the car off playing #5, the display shows #6 when I return.
 
As for 1st gear, I have the SMG tranny and starting from a dead stop almost killed me a couple of times. I find the throttle response in 1st gear very erratic. I wrote to my friend Warren Brown, the automotive editor of the Washington Post, and he said he had the same problem with the test car he drove. He described it as being "1st gear interolerant" so he always started off in 2nd gear.
 
With all that said I absolutely love, love, love this car. My last two cars were an MB E500 and an MB SL500. I don't think I'll be looking back!

#120 of 291 Re: My 645Ci Coupe has arrived!! [pvh3 #119] by rnf

Jun 22, 2004 (1:27 pm)

Replying to: pvh3 (Jun 22, 2004 10:15 am)
I've had my 645Ci Coupe for five weeks. Fantastic performance. I've adjusted to the accelerator, but still find the ride a bit too harsh on our city streets. Highway driving is great.
 
I have the same problem with the CD changer as Gary. I pointed this out to the dealer. He says it's a software problem that BMW is working on. My major complaint is no satelite radio and no bluetooth phone. Does anyone know when those will be available?
 
The only repair that I've had to deal with is loss of battery charge. Seems the alarm system was draining the battery. The temporary fix was to unplug the alarm system until a replacement module could be shipped from Germany. It finally arrived last week, and the defective module is being replaced today.

#121 of 291 Bluetooth by texbmw

Jun 24, 2004 (8:13 am)

Has anyone asked the dealer about installing the Bluetooth module? I have a 2003 540i, a model which is not even supposed to be Bluetooth compatible. I had the dealer install the BMW Bluetooth module and it works flawlessly. It mounted in the armrest and operates through the steering wheel controls. It seems that some dealers are unaware that this is a possibility unless BMWNA informs them so.

#122 of 291 Re: My 645Ci Coupe has arrived!! [pvh3 #119] by schow

Jul 05, 2004 (10:26 am)

Replying to: pvh3 (Jun 22, 2004 10:15 am)
Hello. New to forum.
Have had 645 since May, with SMG/sport package and premium sound.
Car is fantastic! Opinion mirrors the forum.
As far as the SMG goes, 1st gear there is a lull at around 1700 rpm. Becomes very noticeable on hard throttling. Had the dealer service manager take a ride with me. He had very little (none) experience with the SMG shifter, but believes that it is a clutch fade that I'm feeling. Been starting from 2nd gear many times.
The "automatic" mode for the SMG is not very good. Too abrupt, lurches. Much rather control manually.
Also, the CD changer does not display the accurate disc when the car is turned off and restarted. I figured it's a software problem, doesn't bother me that much.

#123 of 291 pvh3 by sphinx99

Jul 05, 2004 (5:15 pm)

You know Warren Brown? Wow - tha man is perhaps my favorite auto reviewer!

#124 of 291 trunk lid design by mjollnir

Jul 12, 2004 (2:53 am)

I like the trunk design. The rear view gives the car a look of substance and it was blended in very well. This is of course subjective. Functionally, the deck design was engineered to provide stability at high speed. Audi had to redsign their TT with a spoiler because of complaints the rear end got light at high speed.
Remember driving 120+mph is normal in Germany if you have the car that can do it. The 645ci is limited electronically to 150. BMW wisely chose to integrate the spoiler while providing welcome trunk space - much preferable to a small trunk with a spoiler tacked on.

#125 of 291 Interior choices by ajrose

Jul 14, 2004 (6:07 am)

I just read Edmunds' follow up review of the 6 convertible and noticed that the interior was a bone colored leather. I have not seen this option at any dealer or in any brochure. I remember someone saying any BMW color is available, however my dealer seems to disagree stating that German engineers know what combinations look good.
 
I am getting close to taking the plunge but have not decided on a color scheme yet. I will not get a black interior and I do not like the maroon.

#126 of 291 Re: Interior choices [ajrose] by mjollnir

Jul 15, 2004 (1:27 am)

Replying to: ajrose (Jul 14, 2004 6:07 am)
Check out the bmwusa website. A creme beige leather interior is offered. The site allows you to view different combinations. Some combos are not allowed i.e. light birch trim with the red leather.

Messages Page 13 of 30

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