BMW 6-series Convertible Road Tests & Reviews thread
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BMW 650i Convertible - Autocar.co.uk
Autocar Road Test
Dry Circuit:
- BMW 650i Convertible: 1min 17.6s
- Jaguar XK Convertible: 1min 17.2s
Wet Circuit:
- BMW 650i Convertible: 1min 17.4s
- Jaguar XK Convertible: 1min 17.2s
scans coming up later on....
Autocar Road Test
Dry Circuit:
- BMW 650i Convertible: 1min 17.6s
- Jaguar XK Convertible: 1min 17.2s
Wet Circuit:
- BMW 650i Convertible: 1min 17.4s
- Jaguar XK Convertible: 1min 17.2s
scans coming up later on....
Michael
Torque Titan
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bmer
Tire Trailblazer
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According to the above AutoCar review:
I'm sorry if I sound like a broken record but I just feel BMW made a catastrophic mistake by replacing their excellent hydraulic power steering system that was hailed as one of the best in the industry with this new electronic one.
I'm sorry if I sound like a broken record but I just feel BMW made a catastrophic mistake by replacing their excellent hydraulic power steering system that was hailed as one of the best in the industry with this new electronic one.
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You're quite right sadly.
I am reading things about Bimmers I have never read in my life, and it's making me a sad panda.
An uncommunicative driver's car....oh boy oh boy......
Btw, today I saw/sat inside a new 650i cabrio, and it's safe to say it's not even half as spectacular as the E63 was when I first saw it....even the interior is awkward and un-BMW like somehow....
Still I like it, but full LED headlights are a must. The bulb lights ruin the entire front.
Edit; btw, of course, the Jaguar wins from all others in a British test. Sooooo expected.
I am reading things about Bimmers I have never read in my life, and it's making me a sad panda.
An uncommunicative driver's car....oh boy oh boy......
Btw, today I saw/sat inside a new 650i cabrio, and it's safe to say it's not even half as spectacular as the E63 was when I first saw it....even the interior is awkward and un-BMW like somehow....
Still I like it, but full LED headlights are a must. The bulb lights ruin the entire front.
Edit; btw, of course, the Jaguar wins from all others in a British test. Sooooo expected.
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BMW is really at a crossroads not only in terms of design, but also the fundemntal execution of the driving experience. Magazines used to lavish praise for their impeccable steering, handling and competent ride.
I don't doubt BMW they will manage to sell well as the population ages and the products become increasinly comfort orientated. But they will contniue to lose their traditional customer base to Audi, who while not necessarily driving any better, is styling their products very much as the new cool.
It seems of late they're trying to be a more like a Mercedes, at a time when Mercedes is being Mercedes at it's best, if that makes any sense. So if they're targeting that market, they really do have their work cut out for them.
I don't doubt BMW they will manage to sell well as the population ages and the products become increasinly comfort orientated. But they will contniue to lose their traditional customer base to Audi, who while not necessarily driving any better, is styling their products very much as the new cool.
It seems of late they're trying to be a more like a Mercedes, at a time when Mercedes is being Mercedes at it's best, if that makes any sense. So if they're targeting that market, they really do have their work cut out for them.
D
Deleted member 1071
Guest
I cannot help but perceive the convertible roof as being a massive detriment to the new BMW 6 series. What is aesthetically so thoroughly pleasing in coupe form appears to lack substantially as a drop top. Perhaps its' the abundance of unsightly shut lines on the cars' rear or the odd flying buttress styled fabric roof. The coupe appears absolutely monolithic-hewn from a single block of metal. I trust that his effect will also be evident regarding the upcoming 6er GC.
I wouldn't be overly concerned regarding the recent criticism of BMWs' heavily filtered and synthetic driving characteristics. I am confident that these matters will be addressed in the form of a more connected suspension/steering specification-perhaps in the form of a modified M-Package. Many customers actually applaud the more comfort oriented standard BMW configuration. Sign of the times.
I wouldn't be overly concerned regarding the recent criticism of BMWs' heavily filtered and synthetic driving characteristics. I am confident that these matters will be addressed in the form of a more connected suspension/steering specification-perhaps in the form of a modified M-Package. Many customers actually applaud the more comfort oriented standard BMW configuration. Sign of the times.
Zafiro
Supreme Roadmaster
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BMW can fix the steering with a software. My 1er(-07) has a electrical servo and so does my mums 1er (-10) but my mum's steering is better and heavier than mine I must admit. So if BMW want to they fix the steering, they can do it with a software change.
Human
You. The Road. Nothing else.
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It seems the more choice - via - technology i.e. adaptive chassis is given by BMW as an option to assist in the drive and comfort and by the way you the driver feel on how you want to drive today (or pay) - the more criticism creeps in from the testers
Who knows, if OEM's give way to what testers prefer we could soon be back driving cars with Macpherson struts and Leaf springs, no DSC/ESP or ABS!
This begs the question is the advances in technology wrong then?
Who knows, if OEM's give way to what testers prefer we could soon be back driving cars with Macpherson struts and Leaf springs, no DSC/ESP or ABS!
This begs the question is the advances in technology wrong then?
Zafiro
Supreme Roadmaster
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When the first pressdrives with M3 E92 everyone complained at the steering.
A week ago I read a article in EVO or carmagazine about this issue. They said the steering is much better than it was in the beginning. So BMW obviously changed the steering over the years although BMW never said anything about it. Yes media/press has an impact and BMW can change the steering if they want to.
A week ago I read a article in EVO or carmagazine about this issue. They said the steering is much better than it was in the beginning. So BMW obviously changed the steering over the years although BMW never said anything about it. Yes media/press has an impact and BMW can change the steering if they want to.
EnI
Piston Pioneer
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Mind F12 / F13 is very different in character from E63 / E64.
This time 6er is more a car what the Z9 Concept communicated back then in 1999: a luxurious large GT coupe / cabrio.
BMW are still moving some models upmarket, making room for now models. Especially the 1er expansion & introduction of sub-1er demands for other models to move north.
And don't underestimate the role of i8. It's also a 2+2 coupe. And BMW want to communicate that EVs / hybrids can also be great sports cars. I'm sure i8 will delivered that message & promise. And therefore 6er has to be given a bit different character - the one customers wanted: more comfort, more luxury. Gosh, it's not a track car. When it comes to electric steering: it's a trend in the industry Yes, the feeling is different from mechanical steering, but people will have to used to it. Just like they used to other by-wire systems.
Yes, it's a different & completely new sensation, but it's a fact. Electric cars / hybrids are even more "disconnected" - especially for the people who drove the full-mechanical cars once. For the newcomers the "electro driving feeling" will be natural & obvious.
How many people do remember the sound from vinyls? Not many. For most of people digital sound is natural. Although perhaps not being as good as the analog one. Same case when it comes to eg. analog vs digital photography. For most people digital photo is standard, and would find analog photo too dark, too sharp, colors not vivid enough etc etc.
The sensations & preferences change with time.
Does it sound like an excuse? Perhaps. But's that a trend within industry. It's a fact. It's the future. Like it or not. That's just the way it is.
As said many times: people want all-round "vanilla" cars. The "strawberry" cars are now exotic, and therefore expensive. Either as special sports model, a sports package, or a special street-racing models etc.
This time 6er is more a car what the Z9 Concept communicated back then in 1999: a luxurious large GT coupe / cabrio.
BMW are still moving some models upmarket, making room for now models. Especially the 1er expansion & introduction of sub-1er demands for other models to move north.
And don't underestimate the role of i8. It's also a 2+2 coupe. And BMW want to communicate that EVs / hybrids can also be great sports cars. I'm sure i8 will delivered that message & promise. And therefore 6er has to be given a bit different character - the one customers wanted: more comfort, more luxury. Gosh, it's not a track car. When it comes to electric steering: it's a trend in the industry Yes, the feeling is different from mechanical steering, but people will have to used to it. Just like they used to other by-wire systems.
Yes, it's a different & completely new sensation, but it's a fact. Electric cars / hybrids are even more "disconnected" - especially for the people who drove the full-mechanical cars once. For the newcomers the "electro driving feeling" will be natural & obvious.
How many people do remember the sound from vinyls? Not many. For most of people digital sound is natural. Although perhaps not being as good as the analog one. Same case when it comes to eg. analog vs digital photography. For most people digital photo is standard, and would find analog photo too dark, too sharp, colors not vivid enough etc etc.
The sensations & preferences change with time.
Does it sound like an excuse? Perhaps. But's that a trend within industry. It's a fact. It's the future. Like it or not. That's just the way it is.
As said many times: people want all-round "vanilla" cars. The "strawberry" cars are now exotic, and therefore expensive. Either as special sports model, a sports package, or a special street-racing models etc.
SKY
Kraftwagen König
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I don´t know where´s the problem with the new BMWs. If someone purchases a new 6er, I´m 100% sure he won´t want it to drift around the corners, but to be pleasant to drive, strong, heavy.
This is a luxo GT, is someone wants an sports car, but a 911 or M3 GTS is you want to stay with BMW.
BMW 6 Series is now more than ever BMW´s CL.
This is a luxo GT, is someone wants an sports car, but a 911 or M3 GTS is you want to stay with BMW.
BMW 6 Series is now more than ever BMW´s CL.
bmer
Tire Trailblazer
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They can perhaps make it feel less artificial but in the end it won't ever fully match directness of the hydraulic system. Isn't it kind of sad that with this new system all they can do is make fixes to the software as there is no mechanical solution anymore?
Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think the M3 has this electronic steering system?
But we're talking steering feel not handling. 5-series/6-series always had excellent steering feel even though they weren't sportscars.
The reason why BMW now changed from hydraulic to electronic is fuel efficiency. They are ready to compromise steering feel for small gain in fuel economy.
Zafiro
Supreme Roadmaster
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Servotronic
Effortless agility when parking, light-footed responsiveness and stability at higher speeds: Servotronic adjusts the amount of steering assistance to suit the current speed, enhancing driver comfort by lowering the effort needed to turn the steering wheel.
The Servotronic control unit adjusts the amount of steering assistance to suit the speed of the vehicle. An electromagnetic valve accurately controls the amount of force applied by the steering hydraulics, enabling outstandingly precise steering that suits your current driving situation. Conventional power steering systems, by contrast, regulate the power steering in relation to the engine's RPM. The electromechanical steering system EPS uses an electric motor to achieve the same effect.
Thanks to Servotronic, driving along narrow streets or parking becomes easier as it requires minimum effort to turn the steering wheel. The power assist progressively decreases when the vehicle speeds up, ensuring greater stability, improved precision and smoother vehicle behaviour.
Seem to be a mix of electromechanical steering and steering hydraulics. Then there is M button to change suspension and steering. So, they can change the steering which I believe they have done after the first pressdrives.
Zafiro
Supreme Roadmaster
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But still changeable with a software
New M5 could very well come with servotronic since X5/X6M use it as well.Similar threads
BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, abbreviated as BMW is a German multinational
manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
The company was founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, which it produced
from 1917 to 1918 and again from 1933 to 1945.
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
