BMW 6 Series (F12)

(Redirected from BMW F12/F13)

The third generation of the BMW 6 Series consists of the BMW F12 (two-door convertible version), BMW F13 (two-door coupé version) BMW F06 (four-door "Gran Coupé" version) executive-sized grand tourers. The F12/F13/F06 generation was produced from 2011 to 2018 and is often collectively referred to as the F12.

BMW 6 Series
Overview
Model codeF12 (Convertible)
F13 (Coupé)
F06 (Gran Coupé)
Production
  • 2011–2018
AssemblyGermany: Dingolfing
DesignerNader Faghihzadeh[1]
Body and chassis
Class
Body style
Layout
PlatformBMW L6[2]
RelatedBMW 7 Series (F01)
BMW 5 Series (F10)
Powertrain
Engine
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • F12: 2,855 mm (112.4 in)
  • F13: 2,855 mm (112.4 in)
  • F06: 2,968 mm (116.9 in)
Length
  • F12: 4,894 mm (192.7 in)
  • F13: 4,894 mm (192.7 in)
  • F06: 5,007 mm (197.1 in)
Width1,894 mm (74.6 in)
Height1,365–1,392 mm (53.7–54.8 in)
Chronology
PredecessorBMW 6 Series (E63)
SuccessorBMW 8 Series (G15) (for body style and class),
BMW 6 Series (G32) (for 6 series nameplate)

The F12 shares a platform and many features with the F10 5 Series and F01 7 Series, with the two-door F12/13 models having a shorter wheelbase than the F10, while the four-door F06's wheelbase matches the F10's.

The M6 versions are powered by the S63 twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.[3][4] It is the first M6 model to use a turbocharged engine.

Production of the F12 generation ended, first with the Coupé in February 2017, then the convertible in February 2018, and finally Gran Coupé models which were discontinued in September 2018.[5] The successor to the F12, the BMW 8 Series (G15), began production in June 2018.[6] The 6 Series nameplate was re-used for the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo (G32) which is still executive-sized being based upon the contemporary 5 Series (G30) and has features of a four-door coupé like frameless doors and sloping rear roofline; however unlike the F06 Gran Coupé which is a sedan the G32 Gran Turismo is a 5-door liftback succeeding the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07).

Development and launch

edit

The new 6 Series was first shown as the "BMW Concept 6 Series" coupé concept car at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.[7][8] The exterior was designed by Nader Faghihzadeh,[9][10] and the interior by Christian Bauer.[11]

Unusually for BMW, the production version of the convertible was released before the coupé. The convertible version was officially introduced in January at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, while the coupé was introduced in April at the Shanghai Auto Show and New York Auto Show. The Gran Coupé was introduced at the 2012 New York Auto Show and the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Initial models included the 640i and 650i, while 640d and 650i xDrive models were later added to the lineup.[12] The kerb weight of the model range is 1,715–1,985 kg (3,781–4,376 lb).[citation needed]

Body styles

edit

Convertible (F12)

edit

The first convertible models were released in March 2011[13] and were produced until May 2018.[14]

Coupé (F13)

edit

The first coupé models were released in June 2011[15] and were produced until October 2017.[16]

Gran Coupé (F06)

edit

The F06 Gran Coupé is the four-door coupé variant of the 6 Series, and was launched in March 2012 at the Geneva International Motor Show.[17] The design of the Gran Coupé was inspired by the 2007 BMW CS Concept.[18][19][20]

The wheelbase of the Gran Coupé is 117 mm (4.6 in) longer than the F13 coupé,[21] and the same length as the BMW F10 5 Series. Compared with the F13 coupé, the body is 112 mm (4.4 in) longer, and 23 mm (0.9 in) taller.[22] The Gran Coupé has a 4+1 seating arrangement, meaning there are two full-size rear seats, and one smaller rear middle seat.[23] Compared to the F01 7 Series, the Gran Coupe has a larger trunk (16.2 cubic feet versus 14 cubic feet) less headroom in the back seats due to the sloping rear roof line.[24]

Production of the Gran Coupe models began in March 2012 and ended in September 2018.[25][26][27] Although production ended in the fall of 2018, the F06 Gran Coupe was available in the 2019 model year.

Engines

edit

Top speed for all models is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Petrol

edit
Model Years Engine Power Torque 0–100 km/h
(0–62 mph)
640i 2011–2019 3.0 L N55
inline-6 turbo
235 kW (315 hp)
at 5,800–6,000 rpm
450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft)
at 1,300–4,500 rpm
5.3 s
650i 2011–2013 4.4 L N63
V8 twin-turbo
300 kW (402 hp)
at 5,500–6,400 rpm
600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft)
at 1,750–4,500 rpm
4.7 s
2013–2019 4.4 L N63
V8 twin-turbo
331 kW (444 hp)
at 5,500–6,000 rpm
650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft)
at 2,000–4,500 rpm
4.3 s
M6 2012–2018 4.4 L S63
V8 twin-turbo
412 kW (553 hp)
at 6,000–7,000 rpm
680 N⋅m (502 lb⋅ft)
at 1,500–5,750 rpm
4 s

Diesel

edit
Model Years Engine Power Torque 0–100 km/h
(0–62 mph)
640d 2011–2018 3.0 L N57
inline-6 twin-turbo
230 kW (308 hp)
at 4,400 rpm
630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft)
at 1,500–2,500 rpm
5.4 s

Transmissions

edit

Most models were only available with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The M6 was available with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (called "M-DCT"), and a 6-speed manual transmission in the United States.[28]

The automatic transmissions consist of:[29][30]

The manual transmission option was a consists of:

  • 6-speed Getrag GS6-53BZ (650i / M6 models in US markets only)[31]

Equipment

edit
 
Interior (pre-facelift)

The F06/F12/F13 6 Series introduced selectable driving modes with ECO PRO, Comfort, and Sport, affecting the acceleration, transmission shift points, and climate control system.[32]

Convertible models feature sun reflective front seats, and Gran Coupé models feature 60:40 split-folding rear seats.[33] 6 Series models are also available with the M Sport package, featuring M exterior and interior styling, LED foglights, 19-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, and an Alcantara interior.[34] Additional options include automatic parking, a Bang & Olufsen surround sound speaker system, and all-wheel drive (xDrive).[35]

M Performance Parts can be fitted to all models. These include black grilles, carbon fibre mirrors, a sport exhaust system, M rims, sport pedals, a sport steering wheel and a carbon fibre gear selector.

M6 model

edit
 
F13 M6 coupé

The M6 version was produced in convertible (F12), coupé (F13) and four-door coupé (F06) body styles. It was launched in the coupé body style alongside the standard 6 Series Gran Coupé at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show,[36] and at the Auto Mobil International Leipzig in convertible form.[37]

It is powered by the S63 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8. In most countries, the only transmission offered was a Getrag 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (called "M-DCT"). In the United States, a 6-speed manual transmission was also available.[38]

Compared to the standard car, the M6 features M-styling, merino leather upholstery, an M-specific head-up display, and a carbon fibre roof.[39]

Alpina B6

edit
 
2014 Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo

The Alpina B6 Gran Coupé xDrive was launched in 2014 and is a high performance model based on the 650i.[40] It shares the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 found in the B5 BiTurbo rated at 397 kW (532 hp) and 730 N⋅m (538 lb⋅ft), with a top speed of 318 km/h (198 mph).[41] B6 models receive 20-inch alloy wheels, aerodynamic elements, and exclusive trim and paint options.[42] In 2015, the B6 was refreshed and received performance improvements of 59 kW (79 hp) and 70 N⋅m (52 lb⋅ft), and now had a top speed of 324 km/h (201 mph).[43]

The B6 was manufactured alongside the regular 6 Series in Dingolfing, and was then completed with remaining components at the Alpina factory in Buchloe, Bavaria.[44][45] Alpina independently sells the B6 in most countries. However, the B6 is sold by BMW in the United States and Canada alongside BMW's own M6; with the M6 being sportier and more responsive (due to its dual-clutch transmission, turbochargers, and lighter weight being rear-wheel drive only) while the B6 is geared more towards on-road driving rather than the racetrack. [46]

Yearly changes

edit

2012

edit

2013

edit
  • Launch control and engine coasting in ECO PRO mode introduced for models with the 8-speed automatic transmission.[50][51]
  • Intelligent Emergency Call with vehicle location and accident severity detection becomes a standard feature.[52]
  • 640d xDrive Gran Coupé and 640i xDrive models are introduced.[53]
  • Optional night vision system upgraded and features animal recognition.

2015 facelift

edit
2015 facelift (coupé)
2015 facelift (Gran Coupé)

At the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, BMW introduced the F06/F12/F13 facelift ("LCI") models:[54]

2016

edit
  • Models feature an updated iDrive system with a 10.2-inch touch-sensitive glass display.[61]

2017

edit
  • Production of Coupé models was discontinued in February.[62]
  • Models now available with iDrive 5 with Professional Navigation.[63]

2018

edit
  • Production of Convertible models was discontinued in February, while Gran Coupé models was discontinued in September.[citation needed]

2019

edit
  • Gran Coupé remained on sale for the 2019 model year with some standard features added, being sold alongside the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo (G32).[64] Both the Gran Coupé (final year of sale, as production ceased in 2018) and the Gran Turismo (which continued to be available outside the USA) were discontinued in the USA market after the 2019 model year.[65]

Production volumes

edit

The F12/F13/F06 6 Series was produced at the Dingolfing BMW plant.

The following are production figures for the F12/F13/F06:[66]

Year Total
2011 9,396[67]
2012 23,193[68]
2013 27,687[69]
2014 23,988[70]
2015 20,962[71]
2016 13,400[72]
2017 11,052[73]
Total: 129,678

Awards

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Patent Images". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  2. ^ "Editorial: BMW's Ultimate Gamble". 6 July 2010.
  3. ^ "RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog". realoem.com. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  4. ^ "BMW M6 Reviews: BMW M6 Price, Photos, and Specs". Car and Driver. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  5. ^ "Model selection - 6'F06 LCI - Gran Coupe - 640i - EUR - 09/2018". realoem.com. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  6. ^ "BMW 6 Series Nameplate Replaced by 8 Series Due to Customer Demand". BMW BLOG. 12 March 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  7. ^ "2010 Paris Motor Show: BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept World Debut". bmwblog.com. 30 September 2010. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
  8. ^ "2012 BMW Concept 6 Series Coupé officially revealed". 25 September 2010. Archived from the original on 25 September 2010. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  9. ^ Patton, Phil (6 April 2012). "Designer of Gran Coupe Brings Flow to BMW 6 Series". The New York Times. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  10. ^ "Exclusive Interview with BMW Designer Nader Faghihzadeh". autoevolution.com. 19 October 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  11. ^ "BMWBLOG Exclusive: Interview with Christian Bauer – BMW 6 Series Coupe Interior Designer". bmwblog.com. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  12. ^ "Inspired by a passion for aesthetics and dynamics: The new BMW 6 Series Coupe". press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  13. ^ "BMW to Launch New 2012 6-Series Convertible on 26 March, 2011". Carscoops. 5 November 2010. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
  14. ^ "Model selection - 6'F12 - Convertible - 640i - EUR - 05/2018". realoem.com. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  15. ^ "BMW 640i Coupé review". Autocar. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
  16. ^ "BMW 6er Coupé F13: Produktion wird Ende Oktober 2017 beendet". BimmerToday Deutschland (in German). 5 September 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  17. ^ Kurczewski, Nick (10 December 2011). "BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe: A Swept-Back Response to Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  18. ^ "BMW Concept Gran Coupé". caranddriver.com. 23 April 2010. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  19. ^ "Photo Comparison: BMW Gran Coupe vs. BMW CS Concept". bmwblog.com. 24 April 2010. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  20. ^ "2013 BMW 6-series Gran Coupé Spy Photos". caranddriver.com. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  21. ^ "Buyer's Dilemma: BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe or 740i short wheelbase?". bmwblog.com. 20 December 2011. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  22. ^ "First Look: 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe". automobilemagazine.com. 11 December 2011. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  23. ^ "2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe First Drive". motortrend.com. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  24. ^ "2014 BMW 650 Gran Coupe". cars.com. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  25. ^ "RealOEM.com - Select Your BMW Model". realoem.com. Retrieved 29 April 2019.
  26. ^ Lee, Kristen. "It's Kind of Weird That The BMW 6 Series Coupe Was Discontinued First". Jalopnik. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  27. ^ "The BMW 6 Series coupe is dead". Autoblog. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  28. ^ "Exchange 6 speed gearbox". realoem.com. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  29. ^ "RealOEM.com - Select Your BMW Model". realoem.com. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  30. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 August 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  31. ^ "6' F13 M6 Manual gearbox GS6-53BZ". realoem.com. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  32. ^ "BMW 6-series F12/F13 (2011-on)". Sunday Times Driving. 3 April 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  33. ^ "BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Review". Auto Express. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  34. ^ "BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe with M Sport Package". BMW BLOG. 13 December 2011. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  35. ^ "BMW 6-series Gran Coupé review". The Daily Telegraph. 20 May 2012. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  36. ^ "BMW at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show 2012". press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  37. ^ "BMW at the 21st Auto Mobil International Leipzig 2012". press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  38. ^ "23002284301 Exchange 6 speed gearbox". realoem.com. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  39. ^ "The new BMW M6. Coupe and Convertible". press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  40. ^ "2016 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe First Test Review – Motor Trend". Motor Trend. 26 February 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  41. ^ "Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe Available on the BMW USA Website". autoevolution. 8 April 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  42. ^ "2019 BMW ALPINA B6 Gran Coupe Review & Ratings". Edmunds. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  43. ^ Joseph, Noah. "BMW reveals updated 2016 Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe". Autoblog. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  44. ^ "BMW ALPINA B6". bmw.ca (in Canadian French). Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  45. ^ "ALPINA B6 Gran Coupe – BMW USA". bmwusa.com. Archived from the original on 24 June 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  46. ^ "2017 BMW M6 Gran Coupe vs. 2016 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe". 30 January 2017.
  47. ^ "2013 BMW 6-series Gran Coupe". caranddriver.com. 4 May 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
  48. ^ "2013 BMW 6 Series Convertible". autotrader.com. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
  49. ^ "Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info display and Speed Limit Device - Overview - BMW 3 Series". BMWManuals.org. Retrieved 27 August 2017 – via bavarianmw.com.
  50. ^ Nica, Gabriel (3 July 2013). "Launch Control Coming to Non-M BMW Cars This Month". autoevolution. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  51. ^ "BMW model upgrade measures taking effect from the summer of 2013". press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  52. ^ "BMW model update programme as from July". press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  53. ^ "BMW model update measures for spring 2013". press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  54. ^ "2016 BMW 6-series facelift debuts ahead of Detroit auto show". Autoweek. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  55. ^ "The new BMW 6 Series model range". press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  56. ^ "BMW 6 Series facelift arriving next month - motoring.com.au". motoring.com.au. 29 May 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  57. ^ "World Premiere: 2015 BMW 6 Series Facelift". bmwblog.com. 11 December 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
  58. ^ "Facelifted BMW 6 Series and M6 prices revealed". Autocar. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  59. ^ "6 Series Coupe LCI (F13) specs". autoevolution.com. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
  60. ^ "BMW 6-series and M6 get a (mild) facelift for 2015". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  61. ^ "BMW model update measures for spring 2016". press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  62. ^ Panait, Mircea (9 May 2017). "BMW Tacitly Stopped 6 Series Coupe Production". autoevolution. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  63. ^ "New Year Make Article". J.D. Power. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  64. ^ Sayles, Jasmine (30 June 2020). "2019 BMW 6-Series Review". Cars.USNews.com. Autodata, Inc. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  65. ^ "BMW chopping block: 3 Series GT, 6 Series GT dead and Gran Coupe joins them".
  66. ^ "BMW Group - Downloadcenter". bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  67. ^ "BMW Group Annual Report 2011, page 25" (PDF). Archived from the original on 6 April 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  68. ^ "BMW Group Annual Report 2012, page 25" (PDF). Archived from the original on 19 October 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  69. ^ "BMW Group Annual Report 2013, page 30" (PDF). Archived from the original on 16 February 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  70. ^ "BMW Group Annual Report 2014, page 30" (PDF). Archived from the original on 19 October 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  71. ^ "BMW Group Annual Report 2015, page 30" (PDF). Archived from the original on 23 December 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  72. ^ "BMW Group Annual Report 2016, page 43" (PDF). Archived from the original on 6 April 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  73. ^ "BMW Group Annual Report 2017, page 53" (PDF). Archived from the original on 6 April 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  74. ^ "Annual Report 2011" (PDF). BMW Group. 8 March 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 August 2012.
  75. ^ a b c d "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 August 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)