It’s easy to understand why something like a BMW 6 Series might appeal. There comes a time when the kids have grown up and flown the nest, or perhaps you don’t feel the need for a four-door sedan such as the BMW 5 Series anymore. While you could opt to go down the sports car route if you’re not bothered about space, unlike BMW’s ‘6,’ they can be pretty harsh on the road due to their performance-focused suspension setups and relative lack of refinement.
Base Trim Engine
4.8L V8 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
360 hp
Base Trim Torque
360 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm
Fuel Economy
15/23 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
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Should comfort and refinement be important to you, but you also want to travel with haste, then a V8-powered GT car could be the perfect option. Therefore, BMW’s 6 Series could be just the ticket, seeing as it’s the two-door GT version of the popular 5 Series. The first modern version of the vehicle is now a bargain on the used market, and it provides a hell of an experience for the money.
The 6 Series Was Developed To Carry BMW Into The More-Affordable GT Ranks
2004 – 2007 BMW 6 Series Coupe exteriorBMW
The story of the E63 6 Series begins in 1976, when the original was brought to market. It acted as a sporty but comfortable GT-style car, but at a fraction of the price of models produced by the likes of Aston Martin. Despite proving successful, BMW elected to move upmarket, and it discontinued the 6 Series in favor of the E31 8 Series. The 8 Series was available with a range of engines, including a large V12, though its heightened price tag put customers off, despite the high level of luxury it afforded.
Poor sales led BMW to axe it in 1999, and it subsequently elected to cast its gaze towards the more affordable side of the GT arena once more. The 6 Series nameplate was thus resurrected, and the new car debuted in 2004.
The 6 Series Proved A More Fruitful Endeavor Than The 8 Series
2004 – 2007 BMW 6 Series Coupe exteriorBMW
The new E63 6 Series was similar to its forerunner in that it shared many bits with the contemporary 5 Series sedan, though it differed as it was built on the same platform as the larger model, whereas the first 6 Series used its own underpinnings. The 6 Series’ chassis is a little shorter than that of the 5 Series to help make it feel a little more agile, as well as give it a sportier aesthetic. It was offered in the US between 2004 and 2010, and could be had with two different engine options. While its Adrian Van Hooydonk-styled two-door silhouette wasn’t to everyone’s taste, the 6 Series looked more upmarket than its 5 Series cousin, and its plush cabin illustrated its focus as a relaxing but pacey GT car.
It was unleashed as the 645i in coupe and convertible form with a 4.4-liter version of the N62 V8 under the hood, though this was discontinued in favor of the 650i for the 2006 model year. This allowed BMW to equip the car with an enlarged 4.8-liter version of the naturally aspirated N62, which brought some extra grunt along for the ride. The 6 Series was awarded a facelift for the 2008 MY, which saw it receive some minor styling tweaks inside and out. You could now also select gears manually with the automatic versions with steering wheel-mounted paddles, which wasn’t possible with earlier cars.
Discussion
Discussion: What are the best used V8 cars to buy and what should I look out for?
Since we live in the good old US of A, there are plenty of used V8 car options on the market. Of course, you could consider the Dodge Charger/Challenger, Ford Mustang, or Chevy Camaro, but there are some more unique options too if you’re willing to look for them. There’s the Chevy SS, the Pontiac GTO, or even something like the Chevy Impala SS of a certain vintage. What would you recommend to a friend who’s looking for a V8?
Used E63 6 Series’ Are Seriously Cheap In 2026
2008-2010 BMW 6 Series Convertible Front Angle ViewBMW
Being a luxury-focused GT car, the 6 Series wasn’t exactly cheap when it was new. It retailed in 2008 for $76,600 without options, but it’s worth nowhere near that these days. The older and less powerful 645 is unsurprisingly the cheaper of the two, with clean specimens on decent mileage flooding the market for less than $10,000. If you’re prepared to extend your budget to around the $15k mark, you’ll have a pick of several machines with well under 50,000 miles on the clock. These cars are also presented in stunning condition, making them excellent examples of vehicles that are much cheaper than they look. Just perfect for those who like to show off to their neighbors.
However, on the CarBuzz Marketplace, we see that the majority of examples for sale right now are higher mileage, and therefore cheaper. These cars were built as mile-munching GTs, so tracking down a less-leggy example could require a bit more patience, in addition to deeper pockets. Our Price Trends tool demonstrates that most post-facelift examples are currently selling south of $15,000.
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2004-2010 BMW 6 Series
Engine
4.4-4.8L NA V8
Transmission
6-Speed Auto, 6-Speed Manual, 6-Speed SMG Auto
Power
325–360 hp
Torque
330–360 lb-ft
0-60 mph
5.3–6.0 seconds
Used Value
$5,000–25,000
While more expensive, 650ci’s aren’t exactly bank-breaking either. Cars with under 100k miles on the odometer are on the market for under $10k, while $20,000 will easily get you a lower-mileage and more cherished example.
Be Wary Of Heightened Maintenance Costs
2008-2010 BMW 6 Series E63 NA N62 V8 EngineBMW
As is typical with large-engined luxury cars such as the 6 Series, you’ll have to bear in mind that just because their value has depreciated, it doesn’t mean the cost of maintaining them has too. While the bulk of the 6 Series is pretty solid and decently cheap to repair, its N62 engine can be troublesome for your wallet. Both the 4.4 and 4.8-liter engines suffer from the same weaknesses, with the main one being costly oil leaks.
While the parts themselves are relatively cheap to replace, actually getting the job done is where the dollars stack up. The rubber seal used with the engine’s generator bracket has a tendency to harden over time and begin leaking oil, and getting to it means a bill of at least $700. A faulty coolant cross tube, which shows itself as a coolant leak from underneath the vehicle, is also an expensive job, since you have to have the engine removed from the car and dismantled to access it. Should you find the car smoking excessively, expect that the valve stem seals need replacing. Accessing them without taking off the cylinder heads requires special tools, which causes the cost to shoot up.
When combined with the lack of fuel efficiency and the heightened servicing costs of a large V8, you’ll find yourself considerably lighter financially. Lucky it’s cheap then, right?
The E63 6 Series Works Well As A Long Distance Cruiser
2008-2010 BMW 6 Series CockpitBMW
Despite coming with a large V8, which produces 325 horsepower in its 4.4-liter form and 360 hp in 4.8-liter configuration, the 6 Series’ talents lie in providing a relaxing driving experience. The V8 is ultra smooth and offers instantly accessible torque to get up to speed, while its independent suspension is tuned to offer a supple ride, but with enough compliance to offer excellent feedback while taking on twisty mountain roads.
Three different transmissions were available throughout the E63s life, with the most recommended being the six-speed automatic or manual options. You could also have a six-speed SMG unit commonly found in M cars, though this one can be pretty pricey to maintain, as well as more jerky than the other gearbox choices. All channeled the V8s might to the rear axle. These elements work alongside electrically-operated leather chairs and an automatic climate control system to ensure that you arrive at your destination feeling ready for the next adventure. Get an earful of that V8, and you’ll be wanting the next one to start immediately.
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The M6 Combines The 6 Series’ Body With A Rabid Supercar
2008 – 2010 BMW M6 – front 3/4 angleBMW
While the standard 645/650 ci variants took care of the luxury side of the market, BMW’s M Division was roped in to turn the vehicle into a proper performance proposition. The exquisite 5.0-liter S85 V10 was borrowed from the E60 M5 and placed beneath the hood of the 6 Series to create the M6, with the 507 hp weapon able to sprint to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Alongside the extra grunt, the wizards at the M Division also stripped out some crucial pounds by making the roof from carbon fiber, as well as the rear quarter panels from thermoplastic.
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2005-2010 BMW M6
Engine
5.0L NA V10
Transmission
6-Speed Manual, 7-Speed SMG Auto
Power
507 hp
Torque
383 lb-ft
0-60 mph
4.6 seconds
Used Value
$12,000–60,000
The M6 was also bundled with stiffer suspension options to help make the most of that wailing V10, as well as an M-developed limited-slip differential that kept the rear wheels working in harmony. Larger cross-drilled brake rotors were also incorporated into the design to ensure it stopped like a track racer, while its more aggressive styling touches showed onlookers that this was no ordinary 6 Series. They’re pretty cheap on the used market too, though opting for one demands even more caution than if you went for its V8-powered sibling. Perhaps splashing the cash on a standard 6 Series isn’t such a crazy idea after all.
Sources: BMW.
