BMW 6 Series

Name: 2004 BMW 6 Series
Brand: BMW

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The 6 Series revives a tradition of a big BMW coupe, the last of which ended with the demise of the 8 Series in the mid-1990s. Unlike the original 630csi coupe, which was an independent car, the new 6 Series shares a platform with the recently redesigned midsize 5 Series. The standard engine is the smooth and punchy 4.4-liter V8 that's also found in the 545i and 745i sedans. Thus the designation of 645Ci. A convertible version will follow. The steering system is designed to be quick at low speeds and become linear as speed increases.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2004 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

BMW 6 Series

vs. Similar Cars

Acura TL

Lexus ES

Volvo V70/XC70

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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2004 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2004 BMW 6 Series

$5,650 - $5,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Acura RL

$4,250

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Acura TL

$4,025 - $4,250

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Audi A6

$3,225 - $4,550

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 BMW 5 Series

$4,200 - $4,675

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Cadillac CTS

$3,075 - $9,175

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Infiniti M

$4,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Jaguar S-Type

$3,200 - $5,050

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Jaguar X-Type

$3,125 - $3,600

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Lexus ES

$5,300

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Lexus GS

$5,350 - $5,600

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Lincoln LS

$3,550 - $3,625

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$3,975 - $8,350

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Volvo S80

$3,025 - $4,400

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Volvo V70/XC70

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

convertible

coupe

2 front, 2 rear

Rear

4.4-liter V8 (325 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed sequential
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2012-2019

2012 Redesign Year

A redesign for 2012 brought the four-door Grand Coupe, along with power from a 3.0-liter, turbo six-cylinder or a 4.4-liter V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The V8 delivers ferocious acceleration and an invigorating exhaust note. Handling is much sharper than the 5 Series, making this more of a driver's car than its predecessor. The M version is even more performance oriented. The manual transmission is unusual for this class. AWD is available. 2019 was the final year for the big 6 Series.

2004-2010

2004 Redesign Year

The 6 Series coupe and convertible share a platform with the 5 Series. The V8 engine is smooth and punchy and the car's handling is agile. However, the ride can be choppy at low speeds. Although a luxurious and relaxing cruiser with a powerful drivetrain and sporty reflexes, the 650i is hampered by the cumbersome iDrive system. Many simple functions, including radio, climate, navigation and vehicle settings, require multiple inputs and pull the driver's attention away from the road for too long. Voice commands are also available, but they take time to learn. Fortunately, there are dedicated buttons for temperature settings and radio volume. Still though, the rear seat is adequate for small adults on short trips and the 6 Series BMW has a relatively useful trunk.